Best of South Korea

Asia South Korea
OVERVIEW
Experience the Best of South Korea, from Seoul’s royal palaces to Busan’s coastal charm, uncovering centuries of history, bold flavours and local traditions. Ride high-speed trains, taste street food at Gwangjang Market and sample traditional rice wine, or makgeolli, with an official registered makgeolli master. With every stop, you’ll get to know the true spirit of this dynamic country.
EXPERIENCES
: A hands-on dining experience that’s as much about the atmosphere as it is the food. You’ll sizzle up meats like bulgogi, galbi or pork belly right at the table, paired with a spread of banchan (side dishes) like kimchi and pickled vegetables. A favourite across South Korea and beyond, it’s a must-try meal that brings people together over bold flavours and good company.

: Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been home to the Ryu clan for over 600 years. Tucked into a bend of the Nakdong River, its thatched and tile-roofed houses sit beneath a 600-year-old tree, believed to protect the village. It’s a true step back into Korea’s past.

Busan: Explore the colourful streets of Gamcheon Cultural Village, where a once-forgotten hillside settlement has become a lively mix of murals, cafes and local art shops. Built by Korean War refugees in the 1950s, this vibrant neighbourhood is now one of Busan’s most unique and creative spots to visit.

Busan: Glide above the coastline on the Skyline Park Sky Capsule, a colourful elevated railway with panoramic views over Busan’s waterfront. Sit back and watch the city and ocean unfold from this fun, retro-style ride.

Busan: Soar 86 metres above the sea on the Songdo Sea Cable Car, gliding from Songnim Park to Amnam Park with unbeatable views over Songdo Beach and the coastline. Sit back and enjoy a whole new perspective of Busan’s stunning waterfront.

Gyeongju: Discover the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple, a masterpiece of Silla-era Buddhist architecture, home to intricate pagodas and national treasures. Nearby, see the Seokguram Grotto, where a 3.5-metre-tall granite Buddha has stood since 774 AD, regarded as one of the finest in the world.

Seoul: Join a tasting tour through the buzzing Gwangjang Market, one of the capital’s oldest and liveliest street markets. Snack your way through crispy nokdujeon, bite-sized mayak gimbap, spicy tteokbokki, and of course, Korea’s iconic kimchi — this is street food at its best.

Seoul: Step into history at the Korean Demilitarised Zone, one of the world’s most heavily guarded borders. A powerful experience offering you a rare glimpse into Korea’s divided past and hopes for the future.

Seoul: Step into the past at Gyeongbokgung Palace for the Changing of the Guard but this is no ordinary ceremony — it’s a full display of royal tradition, just as it was centuries ago in the days of the Joseon Dynasty. Expect guards in colourful uniforms, traditional weapons in hand, and the rhythmic beats of drums in a ceremony once held to protect the king.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
Returns		 Starting From
(price per person)		 Definite Departure
What's this?		 Book Now!
06/03/2026 15/03/2026 £4,795 Book
20/03/2026 29/03/2026 £4,795 Book
03/04/2026 12/04/2026 £4,795 Book
10/04/2026 19/04/2026 £4,795 Book
17/04/2026 26/04/2026 £4,795 Book
08/05/2026 17/05/2026 £4,795 Book
22/05/2026 31/05/2026 £4,795 Book
05/06/2026 14/06/2026 £4,795 Book
19/06/2026 28/06/2026 £4,795 Book
03/07/2026 12/07/2026 £4,795 Book
21/08/2026 30/08/2026 £4,795 Book
04/09/2026 13/09/2026 £4,795 Book
11/09/2026 20/09/2026 £4,795 Book
02/10/2026 11/10/2026 £4,795 Book
16/10/2026 25/10/2026 £4,795 Book
30/10/2026 08/11/2026 £4,795 Book
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4: Andong Grand - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5: Lahan Select - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6: Lahan Select - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Haeundae Ramada Encore by Wyndham - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Haeundae Ramada Encore by Wyndham - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
  • Optional Experiences and free time
ITINERARY

Welcome to Seoul, a city where tradition and modern life collide. You’re arriving in a city that’s always on the move, but first, settle in and take some time to explore before meeting your fellow travellers and Travel Director for dinner — your first taste of South Korea’s flavour-packed dishes.

Your first full day in Seoul begins at Gwanghwamun Gate, watching the Changing of the Guard Ceremony before stepping into the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the city’s five palaces. Follow your taste buds to Insadong Street, where you can grab lunch of your choice. Lined with traditional tea houses, art galleries and craft shops, it’s also a great spot to pick up unique souvenirs. But don’t fill up just yet because this afternoon takes you on a food tour through Gwangjang Market, tasting dishes like crispy nokdujeon, spicy tteok-bokki and Korea’s iconic kimchi.

Get ready for a fascinating day at the Korean Demilitarised Zone. Travelling by military shuttle with a Local Specialist, you’ll dive into the history of one of the world’s most heavily guarded border. Head deep underground into the Third Infiltration Tunnel, a secret passage built for invasion, before making your way to the Dora Observatory for a rare view across to North Korea (weather permitting) — spot the country’s peace village in the distance. After a visit to the Unification Village, where daily life carries on in the shadow of history, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. For those interested to learn more about the Korean War, join an Optional Experience to the War Memorial of Korea, where exhibitions explore the country’s military history and its lasting impact.

Speed through the countryside on Korea’s high-speed train, arriving in Andong, the cultural heart of Korea. Here, step into the tranquillity of Bongjeonsa Temple, home to the nation’s oldest wooden building and centuries of Buddhist heritage. The journey continues at Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy, where scholar Toegye Yi Hwang once taught, shaping Korea’s intellectual traditions. Cross Woryeonggyo Bridge, the longest wooden bridge in the country, its design inspired by a tragic legend. As evening falls, get ready for a heartwarming Be My Guest experience at your host Jongbu Kim Do-Eun’s home, where Joseon-era recipes are lovingly brought to life over a shared meal.

Your day kicks off in Hahoe Village, a UNESCO-listed gem where Joseon-era architecture, Confucian traditions and folk heritage thrive. You’ll wander through the historic streets before a leisurely stroll to Buyongdae Cliff for panoramic views of the village’s lotus-like layout. At the Hahoe World Mask Museum, you’ll see intricate masks that bring Korea’s traditional dances to life. After a local lunch, Dive into Culture at the Hahoe Mask Dance Show, where satire, storytelling and rhythmic movement take centre stage. Meet the performers, try a few moves then head to Gyeongju for your Stays with Stories experience at Lahan Select Hotel. You’ll love this award-winning hotel, designed by Hyundai Engineering & Construction, it features a striking S-shaped facade, blending modern innovation with comfort in the heart of the city.

Step into Ancient Korea in Gyeongju, where you’ll uncover the legends and history of the Silla dynasty. Start at the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple, a masterpiece of Buddhist culture, before visiting the Seokguram Grotto, home to an ancient granite Buddha and breathtaking carvings. Wander through the royal tombs of Daereungwon, where Silla kings and queens rest beneath towering earth mounds. Later, admire Woljeonggyo Bridge, an iconic Silla-era structure restored to its former glory. Then, explore the serene gardens of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, once part of a grand palace complex.

Today, it’s goodbye Gyeongju and hello to Busan, South Korea’s vibrant coastal city. Start with a ride on the Skyline Park Sky Capsule, a colourful elevated railway offering sweeping sea views. Next, visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a rare seaside Buddhist temple, where the 108 stone steps lead to pagodas set against the crashing waves. In the afternoon, pause for reflection at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, the only UN cemetery in the world, honouring casualties of the Korean War from 11 nations. End the day on Dongbaekseom Island, the Island of Camellias, where you’ll walk along coastal trails and enjoy panoramic views of Busan’s skyline. For a view of Busan after dark, join an Optional Experience night cruise from Haeundae. See the coastline lit up, with Gwangan Bridge and the city skyline against the night sky.

Gamcheon Cultural Village is up first today, a hillside gem packed with colourful houses, murals and quirky cafes that make every turn an adventure. Ride the Songdo Sea Cable Car, floating 86m above the ocean with epic views over Songdo Beach and the coastline. Dive into the buzz of Gukje Market, where you can grab lunch from sizzling street stalls or hunt for souvenirs in the maze of shops. Wrap up with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, meeting Yoo Cheong-gil, South Korea’s only officially recognised makgeolli (rice wine) master. Over a rice wine tasting, you’ll hear firsthand about the challenges of keeping this tradition alive in a rapidly changing world.

Checking out of Busan, board your final high-speed train back to Seoul, racing through the countryside in comfort. The afternoon is yours to explore more of the city, do some last-minute shopping, or simply soak up South Korea’s capital one last time. You can also make the most of your free time with a choice of two Optional Experiences. Join a walking tour through Hongdae, one of Seoul’s most creative neighbourhoods, known for its street art, indie shops and youth culture. Or step into the world of K-pop with a dance class led by a local instructor, where you’ll learn the moves behind Korea’s biggest hits. Ending on a high, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Korean barbecue dinner, celebrating an unforgettable journey.

It’s time to say goodbye to Seoul and head home, but not without a suitcase full of souvenirs, unforgettable memories and new friends.
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