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South Korea's Hidden Treasures

13 Days from $8,690 USD / person

Heritage & Culture

Nature & Landscapes

South Korea’s Hidden Treasures
South Korea’s Hidden Treasures
South Korea’s Hidden Treasures
South Korea’s Hidden Treasures
South Korea’s Hidden Treasures
South Korea’s Hidden Treasures
South Korea’s Hidden Treasures
South Korea’s Hidden Treasures
South Korea’s Hidden Treasures

Ideal For

Heritage & Culture

Nature & Landscapes

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
Fraser Place Central Seoul
4 – 5
Andong
Highlights: Heritage & Culture, Buyongdae Cliff, Hahoe Folk Village & Mask Dance, Cherry Blossom Festival
Rakkojae Hahoe Hanok Hotel
Rakkojae Hahoe Hanok Hotel
5 – 7
Gyeongju
Highlights: Yangdong Folk Village, Gyeongju National Museum, Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Cheomseongdae Observatory
GG Hotel
Hilton Gyeongju
7 – 10
Busan
Highlights: Vibrant Street Food , Markets, Festivals & Nightlife, Traditional Architecture & Buddhist Temples, Jjimjilbang Public Baths
Felix by STX Hotel & Suite
Asti Hotel Busan
10 – 13
Jeju Island
Highlights: Hallim Park, Ssangyonggul Cave & Geomun Oreum Crater, Jae-am Folk Village, Haenyeo Traditional Sea Divers, Adventure & Outdoors
Mercure Ambassador Jeju
The Seaes Hotel & Resort
Your Vacation. Your Way.

This itinerary can be customized for you. Get in touch with our experts for your personalized vacation plan.

Itinerary Details

Day 1 – 4

International Arrival

Your English speaking guide will accompany you from Seoul airport to your hotel in a private vehicle

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
Fraser Place Central Seoul – Opt 2
Room Studio Twin
Meals Breakfast
Style International
Day 4 – 5

Private Transfer from Hotel to Station (please note: the chauffeur usually does not speak English).

Board your KTX from Seoul to Andong (Duration: 2hrs)

You will be transferred from the Andong train station to your hotel in a private vehicle (please note: the chauffeur usually does not speak English).

1 Night

Andong

Andong is the capital city of North Gyeongsang Province in South Korea. It is set on the banks of the Nakdong River and is known primarily for its open-air heritage museums and folk traditions. The Andong Folk Museum features exhibits of traditional ceremonies. The Hahoe Folk Village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has maintained the system of clan-based villages and showcases Joseon period-style architecture and valuable books. The Andong Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the blossoming of these beautiful flowers along the river in spring and includes food markets and artistic performances. The city also hosts the Andong Folk Festival in October every year, the highlight of which are the traditional Andong masks. Stroll across the Wolyung Gyo Bridge, the longest wooden bridge in Korea that is dedicated to the love story of a local couple. The Bongjeongsa Temple is set on the slopes of Mount Cheondung and contains the oldest wooden building among Korean temples. Nearby Buyongdae Cliff offers panoramic river views. While here, try Andong Soju, a specialty of the region that is made exclusively with natural ingredients. Salted mackerel is another popular local delicacy.

Included activities

Personalized Tour of Hahoe Folk Village with Mask Dance

Immerse yourself in South Korean culture during this guided excursion. Begin with a scenic drive to Buyongdae Cliff in the Taebaek Mountains, a range that straddles South and North Korea. From the summit, enjoy splendid views of Hahoe Village and Nakdonggang River, and learn about local art and architecture. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Hahoe Folk Village, tucked into a secluded rural valley. At this idyllic hamlet, visit the Hahoe Mask Museum, which displays a collection of more than 800 Korean and international masks. Stroll through the winding alleys lined with exquisite traditional homes, which once belonged to wealthy noble families of the Ryu clan. After, watch an enthralling Hahoe Mask Dance. It features eleven characters, with the masks representing their social position, occupation and economic status in the feudal society. After, head back to your hotel with a deeper understanding of Korean culture and history. (Duration: full day; Time: 1000 hrs; Private activity & transfers; All entry fees are included; Please bring your own refillable/reusable water bottle; This activity is only available as part of a multi-day tour package)

Hotel options

Rakkojae Hahoe Hanok Hotel – Opt 1
Room Gunnunbang
Meals Breakfast
Style Boutique
Rakkojae Hahoe Hanok Hotel – Opt 2
Room Byulche
Meals Breakfast
Style Boutique
Day 5 – 7

Your chauffeur will drive you from Andong (Hotel) to Gyeongju (Hotel) in a private vehicle. (Duration: 2hrs)

2 Nights

Gyeongju

Gyeongju is a coastal city located in the southeastern region of South Korea. Popularly known as the ‘museum without walls’ it served as the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla for over a thousand years. Today, Gyeongju is a thriving city where historical monuments rub shoulders with modern buildings. It is packed with UNESCO-listed heritage sites such as the beautiful Bulguksa Temple, the mountainside Seokguram Grotto, and Cheomseongdae. Most of these ancient cultural sites are situated well within the city limits. Donggung Palace, Wolji Pond and Daereungwon, a royal tomb complex, are easily accessible as well. Early spring is a good time to view the cherry blossoms in all their glory. For a peek into the city’s culinary scene and to sample local specialities, visit the vibrant Hwang Nidan Street. The trendy cafes and restaurants here are housed in traditional Hanok-style buildings, which make for some great photographs.

Included activities

Personalized Gyeongju Heritage Discovery Tour

Explore the historical and cultural attractions of Gyeongju. In the morning, meet your guide and drive across the city to visit the UNESCO-listed Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple. Located on Mount Tohamsan, this temple complex houses the chief shrine of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and its hermitage. Follow your guide around the wooden buildings and stone terraces dating back to the Silla era, and get a closer look at the exquisite carvings and statues. Later, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before traveling to Gyeongju National Museum. Once you reach, view the extensive collection of artifacts, relics, and treasures chronicling the reign of the Silla dynasty. Next, head to the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, also known as Tumuli Park, with its cluster of royal tombs. Stop at Cheonmachong Tomb, the only one open to the public, to see the wooden coffin resting in an underground chamber. Your last stop of the day is the historic Woljeonggyo Bridge, first built during the heyday of the Silla kingdom and reconstructed in 2018. Take a walk on this gateway that connects the royal palaces of Silla to the south. Wind up your tour at the manmade Wolji Pond that was once part of an ancient Korean palace complex. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees for Daereungwon Tomb Complex included; Please bring your own refillable/reusable water bottle)

Hotel options

GG Hotel – Opt 1
Room Standard Double Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Boutique
Hilton Gyeongju – Opt 2
Room Deluxe Room
Meals Breakfast
Style International
Day 7 – 10

Your chauffeur will drive you from Gyeongju (Hotel) to Busan (Hotel) in a private vehicle. (Duration: 1.5hrs)

3 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)

Personalized Busan City Tour with Coastal Trail Walk

Explore Busan by private vehicle, public transportation and on foot. Accompanied by your guide, drive to Haeundae Blueline Park – Mipo Station and board the Sky Capsule. As you glide along the elevated railroad, soak in the coastal scenery. Disembark at Cheongsapo, a seaside settlement. See the red and white twin lighthouses and discover attractive murals as you walk around the village. Stroll onto the Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk, with its glass-floored observatory, perched 65-feet above the ocean. Return to Cheongsapo Station and ride the environmentally friendly Haeundae Beach Train to Mipo Station. Continue to Dongbaekseom Island, or Island of Camellias, near the south end of Haeundae Beach. Tour the elevated waterfront area, stopping by the statue of the mermaid, ‘Princess Hwangok’ and Dongbaek Lighthouse. Take in gorgeous views of Busan’s rugged coastline before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. After, hike to the Seokbulsa Temple, a mountainside Buddhist shrine known for its relief carvings. Finally, head to Haeundae District, the city’s main tourist hub where your guide will leave you. Feel free to explore the vibrant area filled with beach clubs, street performers, craft beer bars and late night shopping before returning to your hotel. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; All entry fees are included; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Please bring your own refillable/reusable water bottle; Max 4 ppl per sky capsule)

Hotel options

Felix by STX Hotel & Suite – Opt 1
Room Studio Deluxe
Meals Breakfast
Style International
Asti Hotel Busan – Opt 2
Room Standard Ocean View
Meals Breakfast
Style International
Day 10 – 13

You will be transferred from your hotel to Busan airport in a private vehicle

Board your flight from Busan (Gimhae) to Jeju island (Duration: 1 hrs)

You will be transferred from Jeju Island Airport to your hotel in a private vehicle

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 Jeju Volcano Adventure

Discover the volcanic landscape of Jeju Island and learn about the local culinary scene during this day tour. In the morning, you will be driven in a private vehicle to Geomun Oreum, a volcanic crater. Once you reach, accompany your guide to the Jeju World Natural Heritage Center to gain insight into the island’s geology. After, choose from three trails of varying levels of difficulty, to hike along a large lava tube network. The summit course is approximately a mile long and will likely take you an hour to hike. The crater course extends for about 3.4 mi and requires a little over two hours to complete. You could also complete the full course of 6.2 mi in around three-and-a-half hours. Once you complete your hike, head to the 4.3 Peace Park that commemorates the Jeju Uprising and its aftermath. The multi-story Memorial Hall has exhibits chronicling this historical event. Finally, visit the lively Dongmun Market, which is packed with stalls of seafood, produce and apparel. Sample delicious local dishes here before the tour winds up. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: tastings; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Entrance fees included; Please bring your own refillable/reusable water bottle)

Hotel options

Mercure Ambassador Jeju – Opt 1
Room Deluxe Room
Meals Breakfast
Style International
The Seaes Hotel & Resort – Opt 2
Room Midang/Byeoldang
Meals Breakfast
Style Resort

You will be transferred from your hotel to Jeju Island airport in a private vehicle

International Departure

Immerse yourself in the fascinating culture and traditions of South Korea with this customizable private tour that takes you through dynamic cities, historic temples and hanok villages, and an island paradise.

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

From $8,690 USD / person

Option 2

From $9,390 USD / person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes
  • Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
  • Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
  • Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
  • Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
  • Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Visa and tourism fees
  • Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
  • International airfare

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