South Korea's Cultural and Scenic Odyssey - 9 Days

Welcome to Seoul – we arrange your transfer to the hotel, and you have free time to settle in. In the afternoon, we provide information about the start of your tour so you’re prepared for the days ahead.

We begin with a visit to Aegibong Observatory in Gimpo, close to the border with North Korea, where we can clearly see across the frontier. We then transfer to the DMZ at Imjingang for an included lunch. Here we visit the National Memorial and Mangbaedan Altar, explore the Imjingak Pavilion Temple – a symbol of peace – and take an included cable car ride for elevated views of the areas near the Military Demarcation Line. We finish at the Freedom Bridge, a landmark of hope and reunion. Please bring your passport – it is mandatory. The DMZ is a military zone and may close without notice; if this occurs, we will provide an alternative tour.

Later, with our guide, we head to the square by City Hall to view the building’s distinctive wave like design. Just across the way is Deoksugung Palace which, when illuminated in the evening, highlights the country’s blend of tradition and modernity. We then stroll to Myeongdong, Seoul’s largest shopping and entertainment district – its name means bright tunnel. Dinner is included at a local restaurant. We return to the hotel by Seoul’s modern subway – ticket included – for your overnight stay.

We include an in-depth city visit of around five hours in Seoul. We begin at Changdeokgung Palace – entry included – a UNESCO World Heritage site set within a large garden. We then stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic neighbourhood of well-preserved traditional houses. Next, we visit the War Memorial of Korea – entry included – which presents the country’s military history, with particular focus on the Korean War and the role of United Nations forces. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we continue to the Gangnam district, one of the city’s most vibrant areas, known for its shopping and entertainment. To round off the day, we stop at Lotte World Tower, an impressive 550 metre building, where you’ll have free time to go up to the observation deck – admission not included – or to explore the park and luxury shopping centres. We then return to the hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

This morning we visit Gyeongbokgung Palace – entrance included – a landmark with more than 600 years of history. If timings allow, we’ll witness the ceremonial changing of the guard. Afterwards, we leave Seoul and travel south to Suwon, the former capital renowned for the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress walls. We’ll view these impressive fortifications and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the royal summer palace – entrance included. Lunch is included. We then continue to Jeonju to explore its historic centre, Hanok Village, with its small traditional houses, craft shops and art galleries.

We leave Jeonju for Sunchang Gochujang Village at the base of Mount Amisan – a hanok community with courtyards lined with clay jars called hang–a–ri. We meet master artisans and join a hands–on gochujang‑making experience using traditional methods. We continue to Damyang to explore the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest – entrance included – and the Bamboo Museum. Lunch is included, featuring rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk. Surrounded by mountain scenery, we travel on to Haeinsa – one of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – built in 802 and housing the Tripitaka carved on 80,000 wooden tablets. We then continue to Busan, Korea’s second largest city, for overnight.

In the morning, we leave Busan for Haedong Yonggungsa, a 14th century Buddhist temple set by the sea. We return to the city to visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery – entrance included – where people from many different countries are laid to rest. We then head to the country’s largest fish market by the Nampo port and enjoy an included lunch. From here, we walk to Yongdusan Park, home to its 120 metre pagoda, before continuing to Songdo Beach for a ride on the country’s first maritime cable car – ticket included and weather permitting – with views across the bay. We round off the day in the colourful lanes of Gamcheon Cultural Village, dotted with art galleries, pottery workshops and cafés. Return to your hotel in Busan for the night.

We depart for Busan Airport for our included flight to Jeju, arriving mid–morning. Renowned for its natural beauty and UNESCO World Heritage status, the island is our base for a day of discovery. We begin at Seongsan Ilchulbong – also known as Sunrise Peak – a signature landmark. We continue to Seongeup Folk Village at the foot of Hallasan, surrounded by walls and lined with traditional stone and clay houses with thatched roofs, where we wander its authentic streets. We then visit the Haenyeo Museum to learn about the island’s women divers – their history, customs, ceremonies and fishing tools. After the visit, we transfer to the hotel.

We set out to Jeongbang Waterfall – the only waterfall in Asia that plunges directly into the sea. We continue to Jusangjeolli Cliff to take in its striking volcanic rock formation, where tall stone pillars line the coast. We round off with an easy stroll through the Garden of Thinking – a peaceful space that brings together creativity, art and philosophy. We then return to the hotel.

After breakfast in Jeju, the tour concludes – we hope you’ve enjoyed discovering Korea.