Highlights of South Korea

10 Days from $5,590 USD / person

Heritage & Culture

Wine & Food

Ideal For

Heritage & Culture

Wine & Food

Itinerary Summary

Day

Place

Hotel Opts

1 – 4

Seoul
Highlights: Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village, National Folk Museum of Korea, Korean Cuisine, Street Food & Night Markets, K-Pop in Seoul

Mayplace Seoul Dongdaemun
Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel & Residences

4 – 6

Busan
Highlights: Vibrant Street Food , Markets, Festivals & Nightlife, Traditional Architecture & Buddhist Temples, Jjimjilbang Public Baths

Felix by STX Hotel & Suite
Park Hyatt Busan

6 – 9

Jeju Island
Highlights: Hallim Park, Ssangyonggul Cave & Geomun Oreum Crater, Jae-am Folk Village, Haenyeo Traditional Sea Divers, Adventure & Outdoors

Maison Glad Jeju
Grand Hyatt Jeju

9 – 10

Seoul
Highlights: Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village, National Folk Museum of Korea, Korean Cuisine, Street Food & Night Markets, K-Pop in Seoul

Rakkojae Seoul Bukchon
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae

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Itinerary Details

Day 1 – 4

3 Nights

Seoul

Seoul, the fast-paced capital of South Korea, has plenty to offer. From historic palaces and traditional architecture, to vibrant markets, busy malls and interesting restaurants there is so much to see and do. The city is home to five Joseon-era palaces of which the Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest. The walled complex, with nearly 300 buildings inside, has been meticulously restored offering a peek into a bygone era. There are a plethora of markets in Seoul such as Gwangjang Market, which sells clothes, traditional crafts and delicious local treats. Myeongdong and Gangnam are two areas where you can find iconic Korean beauty products and the latest in fashion. There are also quieter spots in the city such as the peaceful Seoul Forest and the neighborhood of Insadong with its quaint alleys filled with stores selling handcrafted artisanal products. For insight into the country’s long military history, visit the War Memorial of Korea. In the evening, the N Seoul Tower is the place to take in a stunning sunset before exploring the city’s buzzing nightlife. Plenty of day trips are possible from Seoul as well, including to the DMZ, which is 34 miles north of the city and is the area that separates North and South Korea.

Included activities

Personalized Seoul City Tour

Explore the many attractions in Seoul by public transport, using a Korean transportation card. Meet your guide at your hotel and head to Gwanghwamun Plaza. View the statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, before continuing to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Enjoy the changing of the guard ceremony and stroll between the 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. Located within the palace grounds, is the National Folk Museum of Korea that exhibits replicas of Korean folklife artifacts. Walk to Bukchon Hanok Village, traditionally a residential enclave of the nobility, showcasing around 900 heritage wooden structures, called hanok. Then, visit the UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung Palace, with its impressive throne room and a building that contains vintage cars used by King Sunjong. Stop at the Secret Garden, before making your way to the Insadong neighborhood. Spend time in this vibrant district filled with art galleries, boutiques, tearooms and restaurants to conclude your tour. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & public transport; All entry fees & T-Money Card for public transport is included; Changdeokgung Palace is closed on Mondays, Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays & Bukchon Hanok Village is closed on Sundays; Please bring your own refillable/reusable water bottle)

Group Seoul DMZ Tour

Visit the heavily guarded Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on this join-in tour. Early in the morning, you will be picked up by a shared vehicle and driven to the meeting point. Meet your local guide and travel to the DMZ, the historical buffer zone separating South and North Korea. Once you reach, see landmarks such as Freedom Bridge, a former railroad bridge set across the Imjin River. Your guide will tell you how this bridge was used by soldiers returning from North Korea. The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and Imjingak Park are also on the itinerary. At the DMZ Museum, view exhibits that chronicle the aftermath of the war and highlight the significance of the DMZ. From Dora Observatory, set atop Mount Dora, take in panoramic views of the DMZ and North Korean territory. Later, travel by bus back to Seoul and get dropped off at City Hall Station. Your guide will assist you in using public transport to get back to your hotel. (Duration: full day; Time: 0730 hrs; Shared activity & transfers (includes use of public transport); Entrance fees and T-money card for public transport included; DMZ is closed on Mondays & public holidays; Please carry your passport; Please bring your own refillable/reusable water bottle)

Hotel options

Mayplace Seoul Dongdaemun – Opt 1

Room Superior Double

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel & Residences – Opt 2

Room Superior Room

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Day 4 – 6

2 Nights

Busan

Busan is located along the seafront in southeast Korea, and is the second largest city in the country. Famous for its busy port, the metropolis is also a popular tourist destination because of its lively beaches including Haeundae and Songjeong. The areas around the beaches are lined with restaurants, bars, and street food stalls that come alive in the evening. There are also quieter beaches to visit such as the peaceful Dadaepo. The mountain of Geumjeongsan has a cable car that goes all the way up and hiking trails for the more adventurous. Another city highlight are the famous marketplaces. At Jagalchi market, explore narrow streets packed with stalls selling fish, octopus and cooked seafood. To learn more about Busan, visit the Gamcheon Culture Village, with its artwork covered lanes and stairways. Busan Tower, in Yongdusan Park, is a great spot to take in panoramic views of the city. For a taste of the local nightlife, head to the areas of Gwangalli and Seomyeon with its clubs, eateries and pubs.

Included activities

Personalized Busan City Tour with Songdo Cable Car Ride

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)

Hotel options

Felix by STX Hotel & Suite – Opt 1

Room Studio Deluxe

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Park Hyatt Busan – Opt 2

Room One King Bed

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Day 6 – 9

3 Nights

Jeju Island

Jeju Island is located south of the mainland, in the Korea Strait. This UNESCO-listed destination makes for an idyllic getaway, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It contains the Hallasan National Park, named after South Korea’s highest mountain that is also a shield volcano. On the summit sits the small Baengnokdam Crater Lake, where deer come to drink water. Immerse yourself in nature at Bijarim Forest, Saryeoni Forest Trail, and Jeolmul Recreational Forest. There is also the iconic Jeju Olle Trail that winds past prominent landmarks. In summer, beaches such as Hyeopjae Beach, Samyang Beach, and Iho Tewoo Beach, are also open to public for swimming and watersports. The island’s nightlife centers around the cities with their vibrant markets and eye-catching lights. In Jeju City, you will find Dongmun Traditional Market and Olle Market, packed with stalls of fresh produce, seafood, and household goods. Meanwhile, Cheonjiyeon Falls and Saeyeongyo Bridge in Seogwipo City come to life in the evening. Food is an essential part of the Jeju experience, and it is known for local specialties including grilled red tilefish, black pork and the delicious orange fruit called hallabong.

Included activities

Personalized Cave, Cliffs and Waterfalls Tour of Jeju

Explore the natural wonders of Jeju Island and discover the region’s tea culture during this tour. In the morning, meet your guide and travel by private vehicle to various attractions across the island. At scenic Hallim Park, take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and see numerous species of subtropical plants. You will also visit Ssangyonggul Cave, a designated national monument, known for its year-round cool temperatures. Inside, get a close look at the distinctive geological formations including lava tubes, stalactites and stalagmites. Next, visit Jae-am Folk Village, located within the park, to see the replicas of Jeju’s traditional thatched huts that are fast becoming extinct. Then head to O’sulloc Tea Museum, near the entrance to Seogwang Tea Garden. View the exhibits and check out varieties of tea. After, drive to Jusangjeollidae Seaside Cliff. This distinctive volcanic rock formation makes for a dramatic sight with the waves crashing against it. The last stop on your itinerary is Jeongbang Falls, counted among the top three waterfalls on the island. Watch the gushing water cascade into the sea from a height of about 75 feet before you drive back to the hotel. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees included; Please bring your own refillable/reusable water bottle)

Personalized Nature and Culture Tour of Jeju

Visit some of the natural wonders on Jeju Island and gain insight into local culture. In the morning, you will be driven in a private vehicle to Geomun Oreum, a volcanic crater. Once you reach, follow your guide to the Jeju World Natural Heritage Center to learn about the island’s geology. You could then choose from three trails, of varying levels of difficulty, to hike along a large lava tube network. The mile-long summit course will likely take you an hour to hike, while it requires a little over two hours to complete the 3.4 mi long crater course. You could also complete the full course of 6.2 mi in around three-and-a-half hours. After, visit Jeju Haenyeo Museum that is dedicated to the region’s fishing culture, especially the haenyeo. Haenyo are the women who free-dive into the sea without any equipment in order to catch seafood. View the exhibits in the museum and watch the divers in action. Your final stop is Seongsan Ilchulbong or Sunrise Peak, a tuff cone formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Hike up this unusual natural formation and take in the volcanic landscape and the coastline. Then, head back down and drive back to your hotel. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entrance fees included; Please bring your own refillable/reusable water bottle; Haenyo Museum closed on Mon; Haenyo demonstration is weather dependent)

Hotel options

Maison Glad Jeju – Opt 1

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Grand Hyatt Jeju – Opt 2

Room King Room City View

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Day 9 – 10

1 Night

Seoul

Seoul, the fast-paced capital of South Korea, has plenty to offer. From historic palaces and traditional architecture, to vibrant markets, busy malls and interesting restaurants there is so much to see and do. The city is home to five Joseon-era palaces of which the Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest. The walled complex, with nearly 300 buildings inside, has been meticulously restored offering a peek into a bygone era. There are a plethora of markets in Seoul such as Gwangjang Market, which sells clothes, traditional crafts and delicious local treats. Myeongdong and Gangnam are two areas where you can find iconic Korean beauty products and the latest in fashion. There are also quieter spots in the city such as the peaceful Seoul Forest and the neighborhood of Insadong with its quaint alleys filled with stores selling handcrafted artisanal products. For insight into the country’s long military history, visit the War Memorial of Korea. In the evening, the N Seoul Tower is the place to take in a stunning sunset before exploring the city’s buzzing nightlife. Plenty of day trips are possible from Seoul as well, including to the DMZ, which is 34 miles north of the city and is the area that separates North and South Korea.

Hotel options

Rakkojae Seoul Bukchon – Opt 1