13 Day Scenic South Korea Tour from £6,290pp
With its complex history, soaring skyscrapers and centuries-old temples, this tour has something for everyone. From bustling cities to stunning countryside and UNESCO World Heritage-listed national forests. It is a tour full of contrasts.
Fully Inclusive: Touring with Guides and entrance fees
Included Meals: Breakfasts: 11, Lunches: 10, Dinners: 11
Flights: International flights and current taxes
Accommodation: 11 nights in 3+/4 star accommodation
Group Tour: Max Group Size: 28
Physical Rating 2: Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet
Tour Highlights
- Seoul – Explore Seoul, a dynamic and modern city which still has plenty of culture and tradition
- Busan – Discover the picturesque port city Busan, which is full of character
- Mt. Seorak National Park – Explore scenic Mount Seorak National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Gyeongju – Spend time in Gyeongju, called ‘the museum without walls’
Authentic Experiences
- Watch the Nanta Performance – First performed at the Edinburgh Fringe in 1997, the Nanta is a showcase of Korean culture and performance art, presented as a non-verbal show, instead using music and motion and integrating a traditional Korean Samulnori rhythm.
- Handkerchief Dyeing at Naganeupseong Village – As part of discovering the traditional Korean lifestyle at Naganeupseong Fortress Village, you can try your hand at one of Korea’s oldest cultural arts – handkerchief dyeing.
- Visit the DMZ – Embark on an informative and unusual adventure to the DMZ, the buffer zone between the Koreas. Your visit will include the Bridge of Freedom, DMX Theatre & Exhibition Hall, and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel.
Tour Includes
- International flights and current taxes
- In-destination transportation
- All Meals
- 3-4* accommodation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- Visa fees for UK passport holders
Tour Itinerary
Days 1-2: UK to Seoul
Fly overnight to Seoul, the dazzling capital city of South Korea. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. This evening meet your National Escort and fellow travellers to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 3: Explore Seoul
A dynamic, 24-hour city, amongst the skyscrapers, nightlife districts and colossal shopping malls of Seoul there is an exceptional amount of culture and tradition, from busy teahouses to magnificent palaces. Start your day watching the Changing of the Guards ceremony, and then explore the Gyeongbok Palace. Next, learn to cook a delicious Korean classic -‘bibimbap’ in a cookery class which you’ll get to eat for lunch. Also, visit the UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Royal Shrine, and enjoy panoramic city views at the N Seoul Tower. After dinner, watch a non-verbal performance of Nanta – an award-winning show.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Visit Soswaewon Garden
Travel out of Seoul to the city and explore the bamboo forest of Juknokwon. Next, head to Damyang where you’ll discover the beauty of Soswaewon. This private garden built in the 16th century in the traditional style features essential elements to bring harmony, such as flowing water, trees and grasses. Continue to Gwangju, where you’ll spend some time discovering this artistic hub full of fascinating history.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Explore Seonamsa Temple
Head to Boseong, considered the best place in Korea to grow tea, and visit a green tea plantation, learning all about its production and enjoying a tasting. Continue to Suncheon for a stop at the 6th-century Seonamsa Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple grounds are also home to a beautiful arched stone bridge. Also, visit Naganeupseong Fortress Village for a glimpse at a more traditional Korean lifestyle and a chance to take part in a handkerchief dyeing experience.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Travel to Busan
Head to Yeosu and ride the cable car over beautiful scenery and open water to Dolsan Island. Continue to Odongdo Island for more spectacular landscapes and take some time to appreciate the array of wildflowers that flourish here before travelling to the port city of Busan.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Discover Busan
The laidback to Seoul’s bustle, Busan is a city full of character and traditional features as well as mountains, beaches, temples and exquisite seafood. Start the day at the Jagalchi Fish Market then see the city from above at Busan Tower. Also, browse the wares at Gukje Market. After lunch, walk over the Oryukdo Skywalk, a glass bridge set on a seaside cliff, soak up the peaceful nature of Dongbaekseom Island, and feel the sand between your toes on Haeundae Beach. Drive to Gyeongju.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Explore Gyeongju
A city of cultural and historical relics, Gyeongju is called ‘the museum without walls’. Capital of the Silla Kingdom for over 1,000 years the city is home to a staggering number of tombs, temples, statues and ruins, some of which you’ll explore today. Begin at the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Bulguksa Temple, considered the pinnacle of Silla architecture, and Seokguram Grotto. After lunch, visit Gyeongju National Museum before visiting Tumuli Park, a collection of royal tombs, and take a stroll at Anapji Pond.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Visit Naksansa Temple
Travel to Sokcho stopping en route to explore the 1,300-year history of the Naksansa Temple, a seven-storey stone building overlooking the East Sea.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Explore Mount Seorak
Mount Seorak National Park is a spectacularly scenic area of high, cloudy peaks, craggy bluffs and fragrant pine forest. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve as a habitat for many rare species of plants and animals, it is one of South Korea’s most dramatic natural treasures. Take the cable to the mountaintop and then hike to Gwongeumseong Fortress. After lunch, take a hike along the beautiful valley floor as well as an optional visit to the temple.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Return to Seoul
Transfer to Gangneung and board the train bound for Seoul. On arrival, after lunch, there will be free time for those who wish to shop or further explore Seoul on their own.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Visit the DMZ
Created as a buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea at the end of the Korean War, the DMZ is part of the most heavily militarised border in the world. An early start is needed today as tickets to the DMZ are limited. See the DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and walk along the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. (Should tickets not be available, take a ride on the DMZ gondola and visit the Odusan Unification Observatory). Return to Seoul and explore the huge Gwangjang Market. A farewell dinner tonight is the perfect time to reflect on your adventures! Special conditions apply to this day, please refer to your tour dossier for more information.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Fly Seoul to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or the following day.
Meals included: Breakfast
Price is correct as of 12/04/2024
