Best of South Korea
8 days, Seoul to Seoul
Itinerary
Day 1Seoul
Welcome to Seoul! As fellow travellers are arriving throughout the day, there are no planned activities until a group meeting at 6 pm. Check into the hotel and enjoy the city.
After the welcome meeting, join your CEO for an orientation walk down Cheonggyecheon Stream to learn about Seoul while walking past small waterfalls and nearly two dozen overhead bridges. Then, enjoy the dense grid of streets found in the bustling neighbourhood of Myeongdong which is packed with people at all hours of the day looking to enjoy some of the best shopping, street food, and nightlife in all of Korea.
Opt for a group dinner to end your first night!
The most convenient way to get around South Korea is by public transportation and on foot. The country's train system is world renowned so the majority of our trips utilize this efficient train network. In this tour, you will need to be able to spend the majority of the day on your feet and carry your luggage through busy train stations and streets. Please ensure you are fit enough to carry your own luggage and spend most of the day on your feet.
Seoul Orientation Walk
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO who will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. You'll be taken through Cheonggyecheon Stream which is an 8.4 kilometre (5.2 mile) waterway and public space that runs through the heart of downtown Seoul. Myeongdong is another popular spot you'll hit on your orientation walk. This exciting district features street food carts, major shopping malls, and entertainment.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Prince (or similar)
Day 2Seoul
Sit back and relax on a private bus and enjoy a tour of the bustling metropolis where modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and pop culture meet Buddhist temples and street markets. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folklore Museum, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong alley.
After exploring the city, opt to see a show, explore a local museum, or hit the pavement and eat your way through street markets trying local fares such as bibimbap, soondae, and kimchi.
Bukchon Hanok Village Exploration
Be transported back 600 years into Seoul's past while walking through Bukchon Hanok Village, which boasts the largest cluster of privately owned traditional Korean wooden homes (hanok) in Seoul. Keep an eye out for the half-dozen or so alleys that have beautifully restored architectural features like small courtyards, decorative outer walls, and dark tiled roofs.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty built in 1395. The palace has been destroyed many times over, but more than 50 per cent of the buildings are still standing or are restored. The complex is also home to the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum.
Insadong Alley
Explore the narrow and hidden alleys of one of the most memorable places in Seoul. Now filled with antique shops, galleries, tea houses and traditional restaurants, this area once housed the royal studio for painters during the Joseon Dynasty.
National Folklore Museum
Located within the grounds of the Gyeongbokgung Palace, learn about the history and traditions of the Korean people during the Joseon era.
Seoul City Tour
Enjoy a bus tour of the bustling capital of South Korea. Visit different areas of the city including Gyengbokgung Palace, National Folklore Museum, Jogyesa Temple, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong alley.
Free Time
Head out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Gwangjang Market Visit
Gwangjang Market is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea, with more than 5,000 shops. Famous for its fabric, local treasures, and noted to be one of the best places to go for authentic Korean street food in Seoul, you don't want to miss Gwangjang Market.
Seoul Museum of History Visit
FreeReally get to know Seoul with a stop at the Seoul Museum of History, which highlights each segment of the city's past from the Stone Age to present day. Discover one of the museum's recent creations – a large floor map of Seoul, great for plotting out your next steps!
Accommodation
Hotel Prince (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Seoul/Gyeongju-si
After breakfast, board a high speed bullet train for a relaxing morning ride through the countryside to Gyeongju. Once the group arrives to this old capital city for 1,000 years, they will experience an overnight stay in a local temple. During the stay the group will learn about temple etiquette, watch a monk martial arts performance, experience the daily prayer ritual and a temple style dinner.
Stay in rooms called Ondol. These rooms are very traditional, heated to be cozy and comfortable, with beds made up directly on the floor. The rooms here are multi-share, divided up by male and female rooms. Enjoy a traditional dinner and breakfast during the stay.
Have the opportunity to learn about temple etiquette, experience the daily drum and bell ritual and take an easy hike up to the only stone cave temple in Korea for morning meditation.
Your Local Living Moment: Overnight Temple Stay
Stay in rooms called Ondol, which are very traditional and heated to be cozy and comfortable with beds made up directly on the floor. The rooms here are multi-share, divided up by male and female rooms. Enjoy a traditional dinner and breakfast during the stay.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Accommodation
Golgulsa Temple Stay (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 4Gyeongju-si
Enjoy a peaceful morning meditation, martial arts practice, and drum and bell ritual before exploring in Gyeongiu. On the city tour visit to the UNESCO site of Bulguksa Temple located on the slopes of Mount Toham and admire the national treasures there, such as Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo, and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha. Afterwards, experience the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the surrounding Royal Tombs.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
City Tour of Gyeongju
Visit sights around Gyeongju on an included tour. See the UNESCO site Bulguksa Temple, a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and encompasses seven National treasures of South Korea.
Cheomseongdae Observatory
Nestled in the heart of Gyeongju, the capital of the former Silla Kingdom, Cheomseongdae may not appear to be a monumental landmark. But this observatory tower that dates back to the seventh century is actually the oldest existing astronomical observatory in all of East Asia. Cheomseongdae was used for observing the stars in order to forecast the weather in the ancient scientific hub of Gyeongju.
Daereungwon Tomb Complex
The Daereungwon Tomb complex in Gyeongju holds 23 tombs that are found inside of large mounds. The complex is beautiful with its rolling mounds and gardens, but the real treat can be found inside the tombs, the most famous being Cheonmachong and Hwangnamdaechong. Each tomb holds thousands of relics that gives us a window into the Silla Dynasty and its royal family. The contents of these tombs are over 1,500 years old and a great treasure to anyone who enjoys Korean history and artistic beauty.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Anapji Pond
3000KRW per personAlso known as 'Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond', it was once a part of the royal palace complex of the ancient Silla dynasty. A long-term renovation project beginning in the early 19070's that excavated thousands of relics from the pond has brought Anapji back to its former glory. Anapji Pond is popularly visited in the evening for its beautiful night views when everything is lit up and reflecting amongst the waters.
Bike Rental - Gyeongju
5000KRW per personCycling is a great way to see the city and squeeze more sights into a day. Ride past Cheomseongdae Observatory, Anapji Pond and much more!
Accommodation
Swiss Rosen Hotel Gyeongju (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Gyeongju-si/Busan
Travel by bus to Busan. Along the way enjoy a day trip to Yangdong Folk Village, a 500-year-old UNESCO site located in Gyeongju National Park, to get a feel for life during the early Joseon Dynasty. Afterwards, continue on to the picturesque 14th century seaside temple hidden in the rocks - Haedong Yonggungsa. After exploring the temple, check in to your hotel and get your bearings with an orientation walk on Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Island (APEC House). Spend the evening getting to know colourful Busan, opt to treat yourself at a Jjimjilbang spa or sing your heart out at a popular karaoke bar.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Yangdong Folk Village
Get a fascinating look into life during the Joseon Dynasty on this visit to the Yangdong Folk Village. Founded in the early 1400s, the village boasts well-preserved buildings and has more than 160 homes displaying traditional Joseon architecture within a gorgeous natural setting.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Visit
Originally built in 1376, this picturesque, cliffside Buddhist temple overlooks the East China Sea. Opt to grab a bizarre local snack at the traditional market. Legend foretells that should you pray here, at least one of your wishes will come true.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Busan Tower Observatory
12000KRW per personWith incredible views day or night, Busan Tower is a symbol of Busan that stands proudly 69 m above sea level at a height of 120 m and allows for 360 degrees of viewing pleasure! Fun fact: the top of the tower is modelled after the baldaquin of Dabotap Pagoda in Bulguksa Temple.
Jjimjilbang
Treat yourself in one of Busan's jjimjilbans, a Korean spa bath house, with an array of hot spring tubs to rejuvenate mind, body, and soul.
Karaoke
You can't leave Korea without participating in the popular tradition of noraebang, karaoke rooms. Sing your heart out!
Accommodation
Felix Hotel by STX (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Busan/Seoul
In the seaside city, Busan, visit the bustling Jagalchi fish market, Gukjesijang market, Yongdusan Park, and the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village before traveling back to Seoul. After arriving in Seoul by train, check out Korea's oldest traditional market - Namdaemun Market. Then make your way by cable car to N Seoul Tower to see this beautiful landmark and opt to make the trip up to the observation deck. Spend the rest of your day in Seoul opting to see Banpo Bridge, the floating islands, or hanging out in the Gangnam district.
Yongdusan Park Visit
Visit Yongdusan Park, home to more than 70 different types of trees, and see the 118m (387 ft) high Busan Tower. The park's unique shape is said to look like a dragon's head.
N Seoul Tower Visit
Take the cable car to visit the most iconic landmark in Seoul! Located at the top of Mt Namsan, and standing at 480m above sea level, what used to be a broadcasting station before it was open to the public, is now a beautiful observatory. If you'd like to go up the tower to the observatory an additional fee is required.
Jagalchi Fish Market
Discover this market and major attraction at Nampo Port. Wander through the rows of stalls selling everything you can dream of from the sea. Watch as locals haggle for the best price and fishmongers hawk their wares.
Namdaemun Market Visit
Dating back to 1414, this is Korea's oldest traditional market and it's largest, with over 10,000 vendors spanning several city blocks. Get ready to shop!
Gamcheon Culture Village
Explore the pastel-coloured village of Gamcheon, nestled in the side of a mountain, with uniquely painted houses, murals, cafes, and shops.
Gukje Traditional Market
Gukjesijang or Gukje Market is nestled near Biff Square, a well-known modern movie district in Busan. The market once was a place for refugees to earn a living over the period of the Korean War. Now, it's a bustling international market where loads of food, home goods, clothes, souvenirs and more can be found.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
N Seoul Tower Observatory
16000KRW per personNamsan Seoul Tower Observatory allows for an incredible 360 degrees panoramic view of Seoul. The top of the tower is 480m above sea level, including Namsan Mountain (243m) and the tower’s own height (236.7m). It has quickly become a well-known landmark in Seoul and has appeared in lots of smash-hit K-dramas and movies.
Gangnam District Visit
Gangnam has plenty to do and see in this historically rich, fast-developing neighbourhood. Gangnam Station is the busiest subway station in Seoul and has a huge underground shopping centre, so feel free to shop until you drop. Choose to visit Bongeunsa, a Buddhist Temple in the centre of Gangnam, or enjoy the nightlife and restaurants in this area.
Floating Island Visit
The floating island is a culture complex made up of three man-made floating islands located near one end of the Banpo Bridge. LED lights surround the islands and create a fantastic night view - a must see if you're in Seoul!
Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain
FreeBanpo Bridge is home to the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain Show and is the world's longest bridge fountain. Nearly 10,000 LED lights and 380 water spraying nozzles make up this beautiful show of water, music, and lights. During the day, the fountain shows a hundred different configurations meant to evoke waving willow branches and willow leaves. When the sun goes down, the fountain is illuminated as it sends out dancing, rainbow-coloured jets of water in the air in synchronization with music.
Accommodation
Hotel Prince (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Seoul
Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), founded in 1953, separating North and South Korea. With over a million soldiers on watch each day, it is one of the last remnants of the Cold War. With a buffer zone 4km wide and spanning 250 km long there has been very little development in the area, therefore nature and wildlife have pretty much taken over. Spend about 3-4 hours visiting the Demilitarized Zone, then head to The War Memorial of Korea. Later, return back to Seoul for another night in the city.
Opt to visit the Samsung Leeum Contemporary Gallery, explore the Itaewon neighbourhood, or prebook the Kimchi making and Hanbok experience.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
The War Memorial Hall of Korea
If you love history - dive right into The War Memorial of Korea. The memorial building serves to exhibit and memorialize the military history of Korea and preserve materials related to the Korean War. Divided into indoor and outdoor exhibits containing about 9,000 artifacts, there sure is a lot to see here!
Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Visit
Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) the de facto border between North and South Korea, which cuts the peninsula in half. Created in 1953, it is the most heavily militarized border in the world.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Kimchi & Hanbok Experience
25-89USD per personAn instructor will walk you through the Kimchi making process, after which you will make your own with various seasonings to be made to your liking. Also, choose to try wearing various kinds of Hanbok, a traditional Korean dress for semi-formal or formal attire during traditional occasions such as festivals, celebrations, and ceremonies. There will be hair accessories and hats as well if you'd like to have the full Korean experience and take some photos!
Samsung Leeum Gallery
Admire the modern architecture of the Samsung Leeum building and the contemporary exhibits inside.
Itaewon Neighbourhood Visit
FreeGet into the grit of things with a visit to Seoul's Itaewon neighbourhood, the happening place to go. Immerse yourself in bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops, selling everything from tailored suits to furniture, jewelry, and pottery.
Accommodation
Hotel Prince (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Seoul
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.