Upon your arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be welcomed by a local English-speaking guide then transfer into Seoul.

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a harmonious blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge innovation. As a sprawling metropolis, it boasts historic palaces, bustling markets, futuristic architecture and a vibrant arts scene, making it a cultural, technological and historical hub in East Asia.

Depending on your flight time, check in to your hotel for a chance to freshen up.

Normal check-in time is 15:00 pm and there will be a surcharge for early check-in.

Begin your exploration of Seoul with a visit to Gwangjang Market, one of the country’s oldest and largest traditional markets. Previously known as Dongdaemun Market, it is famous for selling beautiful fabrics, especially those used for making traditional Korean dress, called hanbok. Continue to nearby Bangsan Wholesale Market and Jung Gu Dried Seafood Market for a fascinating look at Seoul’s diverse market offerings.

Subsequently, enjoy a beverage of beer or soju at a local restaurant.

After this introduction to Seoul, return to the hotel or continue exploring on your own.

Overnight in Seoul

Distances and travel times:

Incheon International Airport – Seoul (approx. 58 km): +/- 1hr

After breakfast at your hotel, set off for a full day exploring Seoul by public transport.

 Begin with a visit to Gyeongbokgung (Gyongbok) Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Originally built in 1395, it was expanded in 1867 to become the largest, and arguably most beautiful of Seoul’s five palaces, with 330 buildings in total.

 If time allows, witness the ceremonial changing of the guard, which takes place at 10:00 and 14:00 at Gwanghwamun Gate. (Note: Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays)

 Continue your morning tour with a visit to the National Museum of Contemporary Korean History for insights into how Korea propelled itself from being an agricultural society to the modern economic powerhouse that it is today.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Next, stop by Changdeokgung Palace, another palace from the Joseon dynasty.  In addition to being one of the best-preserved palaces, this UNESCO site is known for its Secret Garden, where man-made structures were built in harmony with the natural surroundings.

The last visit of the day is Hanyangdoseong. Also known as Seoul City Wall, the defensive wall was built more than 600 years ago and is standing strong as one of Korea’s major historical monuments. Take a walk along the wall, enjoying the surrounding views.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight in Seoul

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide for a tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) (Note: join-in tour). Remember to bring along your passport for today’s visit.

This border barrier between South and North Korea is steeped in history and intrigue. Spend time exploring the various sites and exhibitions at the DMZ including Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park, the DMZ Museum and the Dora Observatory.

Return to Seoul, where you will be dropped at City Hall. Your guide can provide instructions or directions for returning to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore on your own.

Overnight in Seoul

Check out after breakfast and transfer to the train station. Travel by high speed KTX to Andong, a journey of approximately 2 hours.

Andong is often considered the spiritual and cultural heart of South Korea, is also known for its preservation of traditional Korean culture, customs, and architecture.

Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the train station and transfer you to the first stop on your Andong tour: Bongjeongsa Temple.  The temple is an architectural gem, one of the oldest wooden buildings in South Korea and the country’s largest temple. Gain insight into Korea’s Buddhist culture as you explore the temple and the surrounding peaceful grounds, admiring its collection of Buddhist relics and observing local worshippers.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, continue to the Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy. Established in 1574, this UNESCO-heritage academy has played a pivotal role in education and Confucian scholarship for more than four centuries.

Next, visit the iconic Woryeonggyo Bridge,  the longest wooden bridge in Korea. Take a walk along the pedestrian span, enjoying the views of Nakdonggang River and the surrounding hills.

After dinner at a local restaurant, transfer to Hahoe Hanok Village for a memorable overnight stay in a traditional Korean house.

Overnight in Andong

Distances and travel times:

Seoul – Andong by KTX (approx. 192 km): +/- 2:15 hr

This morning, your exploration of Andong continues with tours of Hahoe Village and its surroundings.

The village is renowned for its impeccably preserved architecture from the Joseon Dynasty, which includes charming thatched-roof houses and elegant tile-roofed mansions. Begin with a leisurely 30-minute walk to the breathtaking Buyongdae Cliff, where you'll be rewarded with mesmerizing vistas of Hahoe Village, the Nakdonggang River, and the surrounding mountain landscapes.

Continue to the Hahoe World Mask Museum, home to an extensive collection of over 800 masks from more than 50 countries. The thoughtfully curated exhibits and interactive workshops are designed to showcase the artistry and cultural significance embodied by these masks.

This afternoon, attend an enthralling Hahoe Mask Dance show, a traditional Korean performance brought to life by a troupe of performers donning vibrant and ornate masks. This dance form enjoys widespread popularity and serves as an invaluable educational conduit, imparting insights into Korean culture and history.

The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore on your own.  This evening you’ll once again be staying in a traditional hanok, enjoying the full village experience.

Overnight in Andong

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning in Andong, relaxing or going for a walk along the Nakdonggang River. At midday, continue the 1.5 hour journey by private car.

Gyeongju, once the capital of the 8th-century Silla Kingdom, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Revered as an open-air museum, it is a veritable treasure trove of history, brimming with palaces, temples, and tombs.

Upon arrival, your Gyeongju discovery begins with a visit to Daereungwon Tomb complex. Also known as Tumuli Park, the area has more than 20 tombs from the Silla period. Take a closer look at the Cheonmachong Tomb, a typical upper class tomb of the Silla era, with a wooden coffin placed inside an underground chamber covered with a mound of boulders and earth.

If time allows, continue with a walk on Woljeong Bridge, an historical gateway connecting the royal palaces of Silla to the south. End the walk at the Woljie Pond, an artificial pond that was part of the palace complex of the ancient Silla.

This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Gyeongju

Distances and travel times:

Andong - Gyeongju (approx. 92 km): +/- 1:45 hr

This morning, after breakfast, your exploration of Gyeongju continues with a visit to the religious architectural complex of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple. Built during the time of the Silla Kingdom, the site highlights the mastery of the architects and artists of that era. Admire the Buddhist carvings and statues of Seokguram and Bulguksa’s wooden buildings and stone terraces.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, visit Gyeongju National Museum. With its vast collections of artefacts, relics, and royal treasures, the museum offers a comprehensive insight into the art, culture, and history of the Silla dynasty.

Wrap up the day with a sunset walk through the charming streets of this picturesque small town.

Overnight in Gyeongju

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Then set off for a morning excursion out of Gyeongju.  Travel by private car along the Hyeongsan River for 16 km northeast to visit Yangdong Folk Village, a traditional yangban (Korean Aristocracy) village from the Joseon dynasty. 

Yangdong is home to more than 160 traditional style houses (called ‘hanok’), with either tile or thatched roofs, as well as other buildings from the Joseon era. With a backdrop of beautiful natural scenery, visit the village shrine, Confucius school, and the noble house of the village head. Before returning back, stroll along the village trail to admire the well-preserved traditional hanoks.

Transfer back to Gyeongju and take a short break before hiking in the afternoon.

Take a half-day hike at Namsan Mountain, home to over 100 temples, 80 stone Buddha statues and 60 stone pagodas. The 3-hour hiking route follows a well-maintained trail. Take short breaks along the way to admire some of the cultural relics and scenic views. After watching the sunset from the top of Namsan Mountain, return to the base and transfer back to the hotel. NOTE: Hiking is optional, depending on your energy and fitness level.

Overnight in Gyeongju

Tour duration (guided tour): 09:00-13:00

Hiking difficulty: Medium, hiking shoes and gears recommended

After breakfast, check out and travel by private car to Busan, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours.

Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, is a coastal metropolis known for its stunning beaches, vibrant seafood markets, and scenic harbour views.

Commence your Busan adventure with a visit to Gamcheon Village, an area of Busan where refugees settled during the Korean War and cultivated the mountainous land to make a living. These days, the area has been reborn thanks to the Village Art Project. Walk around the winding streets, admiring the colourful houses, art installations, retail shops and galleries.

Next up is a stroll along Haeundae, a white sandy beach beloved by Koreans. Continue with a leisurely thirty-minute walk up Dalmaji Hill, passing cafes and art galleries as you make your way to the summit, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views.

As daylight fades and the cityscapes light up, Busan’s streets come to life. Return to the Haeundae area and prepare your palate for an array of traditional Korean delicacies. Sample a variety of street food dishes, satisfying your taste buds and gaining a glimpse into the maritime bounty that sustains Busan’s culinary traditions.

After this evening's culinary experience, return to your hotel.

Overnight in Busan

Distances and travel times:

Gyeongju – Busan (approx. 100 km): +/- 1:30 hr

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to join the cooking class, where you will learn more about authentic local specialities. The course includes English instructions and demonstrations, as well as an opportunity to taste local rice wine.

Following lunch, collect the recipes to take home and proceed to Jagalchi Market, South Korea’s largest seafood market. Observe the array of products on sale and experience the hive of activity where storekeepers are keen to sell the day’s catch.

Before the day comes to a close, take a cable car ride across the sea. During the 15-20 minute journey, enjoy spectacular views across the ocean, Songdo Beach, Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, Namhangdaegyo Bridge, Songdo Coastal Dullegil Road and rock cliffs. Before the return journey, stop at Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge for more panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding islands. If time and energy allows, you can take Songdo Coastal Bolle-gil trail, a scenic 20-minute walk along the coast. 

Following this exciting day out, return to the hotel and enjoy your final evening in Busan at leisure.

Bid farewell to Busan this morning. Check out after breakfast and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Jeju Island, a volcanic island renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes.

Upon arrival, meet with your guide and driver and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. If your hotel isn’t available for an early check in, you can start the day of touring directly with lunch served at a local restaurant.

After freshening up and having lunch, your exploration of Jeju island begins with a visit to Jeju Haenyeo Museum. Haenyeo are local women divers who use traditional methods and equipment to collect seafood and marine resources from the waters surrounding the island. After exploring the museum’s insightful displays, you will have the opportunity to attend a Haenyo demonstration performance, witnessing these legendary divers in action.

Continue to Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, for a hike up this unusual geological wonder.  The leisurely hike takes around 30 minutes and rewards you with awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding coastline and the mesmerizing volcanic terrain. After enjoying the views, return on foot to the base of the peak.

This evening, enjoy a Haenyeo dinner, sampling the flavours of the sea and the culture of these remarkable women.

Overnight in Jeju

Distances and travel times:

Jeju International Airport – Jeju (approx. 50 km): +/- 1hr

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Geomum Oreum for a hike through the largest lava tube system on the island.  Prior to the hike, get an overview of the terrain and its geological history with a short visit to the Jeju World Natural Heritage Center, conveniently located across from the Geomum Oreum information desk.

• Summit Course – 1.8 km/1 hour
• Crater Crouse – 5.5 km/2.5 hours
• Full Course – 10 km/3.5 hours

No matter the route you take, the trek will give you a closer look at Jeju’s fascinating lava tubes and volcanic cones, called oreums.

After the trek, continue your geological exploration with a visit to Manjaggul Cave. Take a walk inside this massive lava tube, admiring the stalactites, stalactites and stone pillars found in the natural cave.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a break at the hotel to relax and freshen up.

This evening, visit Dongmun Market, a vibrant market that blends the elements of a street market, night market, traditional market, and seafood market. Take a walk through the market and sample an array of delectable treats before continuing to a local restaurant for dinner.

Overnight in Jeju

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before travelling to Jeju’s southern coast to visit Jeongbang Falls, one of the few waterfalls in Asia to flow directly into the sea. Admire the falls and the spectacular surroundings with dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and the sound of crashing waves from the nearby sea.

Continue to Jusangjeolli Cliffs, known for their unique hexagonal basalt columns formed through volcanic activities. Through designated paths and platforms, you can enjoy the scenery and take photographs of this geological marvel.

Around midday, enjoy a barbecue lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, your exploration of Jeju Island continues with a drive along the southern coastline.  Take an easy 20-30 minute hike to Sanbanggulsa Temple, a cliffside rock cave. Take time to explore the cave and enjoy the views from the cliffside before continuing on foot to nearby Bomusa Temple and Sanbangsan Mountain Park.

The last stop of the day is Sanbangsan Carbonated Hot Springs, a popular natural hot spring. Enjoy a soak in the springs, which are believed to have various health benefits, including relaxation and skin improvement.

After relaxing at the springs, return to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight in Jeju

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to the airport or ferry for your onward travels.