Luxury Tour of South Korea: From Seoul to Busan

Discover South Korea’s capital, accompanied by a local guide. Drive to Gwanghwamun Plaza and view the statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Continue to Gyeongbokgung Palace and stroll between its tile-roofed buildings, which housed the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty. Proceed to the throne room that is lined with tiny guardian figurines and features golden dragons on the ceiling. Enjoy the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony and visit the National Folk Museum of Korea, which exhibits replicas of Korean folklife artifacts. After, make your way to Insadong, the country’s tourist hub. Walk across Insadong-gil and its side streets, filled with craft shops selling calligraphy ink, handmade paper, paints and brushes. Your next stop is Namsangol Hanok Village, located at the foot of Namsan Mountain. See historical hanok buildings, including an ancient theater and garden, and the Seoul Millennium Time Capsule Square. Finally, experience Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest marketplaces in the country. With more than 5,000 shops, an array of merchandise ranging from fresh produce and fabrics to household items can be found here. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; All entry fees are included; Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays & public holidays; Namsangol Hanok Village is closed on Mondays & public holidays; Please bring your own refillable/reusable water bottle)

Discover the walled city of Suwon, followed by a visit to Korean Folk Village. In the morning, a private vehicle will take you to the largest city in the Gyeonggi-do province, Suwon. Once you reach, visit the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress, built in the late 18th century by a Joseon king. Accompany your guide around the sprawling stone and brick complex comprising observation towers, command posts, and pavilions. Next, travel to Korean Folk Village, a living museum chronicling the country’s rich culture and heritage. Along the way, you will stop at a local restaurant where you can buy yourself lunch. At the village, walk around and see the restored traditional Korean houses, which have been relocated here from different parts of the country. Find out what life was like in the Joseon era as you check out a farming village, Confucian academy and various workshops. Watch seasonal folk music and dance performances, martial art demonstrations and maybe even a traditional wedding ceremony before it’s time to head back. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Travel time to activity: 1. 5 hrs each way; Entrance fees included; Please bring your own refillable/reusable water bottle)

Visit the landmarks of Busan and ride the Songdo Cable Car on this guided day tour. Your first stop is the UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea, which contains 2,300 graves of the United Nations Command casualties from the Korean War. Next, explore the labyrinthine Gukje Market, packed with items such as hanboks and toys, as well as street vendors selling local delicacies. Then, a short walk brings you to Jagalchi Fish Market. Korea’s largest seafood market brimming with dried, live and dead seafood. View sea creatures such as the eel-like hagfish, sea squirts and stingrays draped over colored baskets and tubs. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the Gamcheon Culture Village. Stroll through this picturesque village that features colorful houses, murals and sculptures created by professional artists. Next, ride the glass-bottom Songdo Cable Car across the ocean. Disembark and make your way to the Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge. Take in panoramic views and explore the area before heading back. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; All entry fees & Songdo Cable Car tickets are included; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Please bring your own refillable/reusable water bottle)

Discover colorful hillside enclaves, wander through artistic alleyways and along bustling beachside strips, on this day tour of Busan. Meet the guide at your hotel and head to the Haedong Yonggung Temple. This ancient Buddhist temple, which boasts a picturesque seaside location, belongs to the Goryeo Dynasty. Pass a row of 12 enormous stone sculptures of zodiac animals and a seven-story pagoda. Stop at the golden statue of the Bodhisattva of the Afterlife. Continue ascending Dalmaji Hill and go past galleries, boutiques and cafes. Once you reach the top, savor incredible views. After, drive back to the city. Visit Busan Makgeolli, a traditional brewery, known for its artisanal alcohol. Makgeolli is an unfiltered, milky-white spirit made using rice, wheat, yeast and water. See the entire preparation process, conducted by the master brewer. Learn about this classic liquor’s origins and sample the small-batch brewed spirit to round out a fascinating day. (Duration: full day; Time: 0930 hrs; Private activity & transfers; All entry fees are included; Meals included: no; Please bring your own refillable/reusable water bottle)