Epic South Korea
On this 11-night adventure, we’ll use our inside knowledge to highlight South Korea's biggest draws, whilst uncovering a myriad of authentic experiences as you go. We’ve packed this trip full of the most immersive tours that showcase South Korea in all its glory, including the foodie scene of Seoul, the ‘city beach vibe’ of Busan, the rich heritage of Andong and natural landscapes of Jeju Island. A perfect combination for travellers wanting to explore this exciting and unique destination.
Journey highlights
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Unlock the secrets of Seoul and Busan with many immersive tours, unlocking fascinating insights into this country's past and vibrant future
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Be stunned by the breathtaking scenery of Jeju Island as you explore its volcanic landscape and impressive coastline
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Indulge in the ultimate food scene of South Korea, relishing a variety of dishes at the famous Gwangjang Market and Jagalchi Fish Market
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Immerse in a plethora of experiences from a tea drinking ceremony, DMZ and War Memorial tour, designer shopping, art galleries and a myriad of ancient temples to explore
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
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Typically, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to go to South Korea, since this is when the country’s naturally breathtaking scenery comes alive. Spring and autumn are the slightly cooler seasons with less chance of rainfall compared to that of the wet and hot summer months and colder winter months.
Itinerary
Seoul, South Korea
Start your adventure in Seoul, the buzzing capital city of South Korea. Once landed you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the next two nights. Located in the heart of the city, you’re just moments from some of the main attractions, traditional cafes, and best restaurants. We’ve handpicked some of our favourite experiences to inject your stay with endless fun and fascinating insights at every turn. Explore the city’s dynamic neighbourhoods with our expert guide, who will unlock a hidden side to some of the most famous sights with fascinating secrets and stories.
Start your day with a breakfast with a difference, as you head to the thriving and very popular Gwangjang Market, the largest traditional market in South Korea. Home to many delicious food stalls, which have been featured in numerous TV shows including Korea’s ‘Running Man’ and ‘Somebody Feed Phil’ on Netflix. It’s all about the food in Seoul and this experience will bring the flavour and variety of food alive, try as many of the local dishes as you can, and be ready to be blown away by the taste sensation that Korea is famous for. From here you will head to the Gyeongbok Palace, one of the most beautiful and largest of the five palaces, take part in a Hanbok-wearing experience, the traditional dress of South Korea. Next you will visit a Bukchon Hanok village, famous for its traditional Korean houses, known as hanoks, giving you a glimpse into the country's rich cultural past and enjoy a tea drinking experience in one of the homes. Next your guide will take you to Insa-dong Antique Street, with alleys full of galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.
Andong, South Korea
From the feverish excitement of Seoul to the quaint city of Andong. Nestled on the Nakdong River, known as the ‘city of museums’, there are about 20 museums, including open-air heritage museums and exhibition halls. Soak up the scenic beauty of Andong, surrounded by picturesque mountains, lush forests, and winding rivers.
Your guide will first take you to Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to many cultural treasures and materials. This well-preserved village offers a fascinating look into the traditional Korean way of life, with its thatched-roof houses, narrow winding lanes, and serene natural surroundings. Hahoe Village is also home to the Hahoe Mask and other traditional masks from all over the world. Followed by a visit to the famous Wolyeonggyo Bridge, located in Gyo-dong, which is the largest wooden bridge in Korea. Beautifully restored to its former glory you will learn of its fascinating history and importance. Enjoy an evening at the hotel before your onward journey to Busan the following day.
Busan, South Korea
Today you will picked up from the hotel and transferred by car to the Park Hyatt Busan, your hotel for the next two nights. This is ‘the place to be’ a slice of luxury on the lovely beach, with stunning sea views, the best location to soak up the city beach vibe of Busan.
You will start with a guided half-day tour visiting the vast Ahopsan Forest, which hasn’t been open to the world for 400 years. Surrounded by a mammoth bamboo habitat, red pine trees, hinoki cypress trees and oak trees, follow the many paths as you wind through this wonderful forest, which has also become known to the world after filming for the movie Kundo in 2014. Next you will visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a beautiful temple built in the rocks on the rugged coastline, a place of Buddhist sanctuary, with a myriad of ornate carvings. This is a fascinating look into the cultural past of Busan, as you explore this tranquil temple on a rare position on the coast.
The following morning you will enjoy a full day guided tour of Busan. Starting at the impressive Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge. The bridge connects the renovated Songdo Cloud Bridge from Songdo Beach to Geobukseom Island to Dongseom Island. With your guide you will enjoy the exhilaration of walking above the crystal blue sea while soaking up the beautiful views as you go. For more excitement and views your next stop will be the Songdo Marine Cable Car. The cable car will take you over Songnim and Amnam Park with more breathtaking views of the stunning coastline. After this exhilarating morning you will proceed to the Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood market, for some well-earned lunch. Brimming with fresh fish from the morning catch, teaming with restaurants and fish stalls, pick your fish from the market and the restaurants will then cook it to perfection. Sit back and enjoy as you soak up the buzzing atmosphere.
After lunch you will get to explore the wonderful Gamcheon cultural village. A complex of houses that are built in a staircase fashion on the foothills of the coastal mountains, formerly the ‘slums’ of Busan. Now a myriad of thriving streets with fascinating art galleries and studios, cafes and restaurants, with the exteriors vibrantly decorated with murals and sculptures created by the residents. You will end the day with a visit to the UN Memorial Cemetery, the only memorial cemetery in the world dedicated to UN soldiers. The large and serene park is home to the Memorial Service Hall, Memorabilia Hall, two Turkish Monuments, Greek Monument, Australian Monument and the British Commonwealth Monuments. Afterwards, head back to Busan for an evening at your leisure, relax at the hotel and pool or head to the city for a delicious evening meal, before you head to Jeju Island the following day.
Jeju, South Korea
Today you are on to your next exciting destination, as you fly to Jeju Island, brimming with natural beauty and scenery waiting to be explored. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, The Shilla Jeju, where you will stay for the next three nights. Spend the day relaxing at the hotel and take in some of the local sights.After a wonderful breakfast, you will meet your guide and embark on a day tour of the island, taking in the Seongsan Ilchul Peak, a large volcanic crater, located at the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong. From the summit, you can see over to Udo Island, as well as taking in the magnificent sea views. From here you will also be able to visit the Seopjikoji peninsula, for more remarkable views. Located at the foot of Halla Mountain, is the Seongeup Folk Village, the next stop on your tour. A traditional small town, brimming with culture ranging from 1410 to 1914. The traditional stone homes within the village have been passed down from generation to generation, including treasures such as residential houses, Confucian shrines and schools. In the afternoon you will get time at the Maeil Olle Market, a traditional market that was formed in the early 1960s. Expanded in 2001, it now stretches over 620m in length and is designed in such a way that you can easily navigate through shops and vendors.
For your third day on Jeju Island, you can choose to explore the area at your leisure. Embark on further walking through the lush landscape or visit the livelier resort areas popular with Koreans for a different pace of life on the island. Or simply enjoy the hotel before you return to the buzz of Seoul the following today.
Seoul, South Korea
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your return flight to Seoul. On arrival you will be transferred back to the Conrad Hotel ready for your further exploration of the exciting city.
The following morning you will experience a different ambiance to the city as you travel to the DMZ area and War memorial, to take a glimpse into the country’s past and optimistic future. As the only divided country in the world, South Korea’s Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) runs along its border with North Korea, with a 4km buffer zone. As one of the last relics of the Cold War, the DMZ attracts a great deal of public interest, and is a popular destination for visitors to South Korea. Here you will experience a mix of tight security and a complex history, making it a surreal experience with a mellow atmosphere. It is also highly fascinating to visit the several observation points allowing you to peek into North Korea, and the chance to buy North Korean currency. You will also visit the War Memorial during your tour, showcasing exhibits and preserving materials related to the Korean War, with your guide bringing this experience alive.
After a relaxed breakfast and morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel to take you on a further tour of Seoul, starting at the National Museum of Korea, exhibiting approximately 300,000 artifacts giving you a real insight into Korea’s past throughout the eras. The central stairway in the museum is an amazing spot where you can take great photos of the N Seoul Tower. The museum also offers trails with ponds and a traditional pavilion made of wood to take a walk. Following this you can also take the cable car up to visit the N Tower for panoramic views over Seoul and beyond.
For a spot of retail therapy or indeed just to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, a visit to Myeongdong is essential, one of the primary shopping districts in Seoul. Many designer shops, brand names and department stores line the streets and alleys. Round up your last day in Seoul enjoying the world-famous Nanta Performance, a nonverbal comedy performance that draws in huge audiences every day. The show involves acrobatics, magic tricks, comedy, pantomime and some audience participation, a fun and uplifting show bringing joy to all its audiences. Following the show enjoy your last evening in Seoul, making the most of the sensational Korean cuisine before you depart the next day.
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey home.
Call us on 020 3918 3595 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | GBP £9,400 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| December 2024 | GBP £9,400 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| January 2025 | GBP £9,400 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| February 2025 | GBP £9,400 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| March 2025 | GBP £10,600 | GBP £1,600 | plan your trip |
| April 2025 | GBP £10,600 | GBP £1,600 | plan your trip |
| May 2025 | GBP £10,600 | GBP £1,600 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | GBP £10,600 | GBP £1,600 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | GBP £9,400 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | GBP £9,400 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | GBP £10,600 | GBP £1,600 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | GBP £10,600 | GBP £1,600 | plan your trip |
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November 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
January 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
February 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
March 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,600
Deposit from*GBP £1,600
-
April 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,600
Deposit from*GBP £1,600
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,600
Deposit from*GBP £1,600
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,600
Deposit from*GBP £1,600
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,600
Deposit from*GBP £1,600
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,600
Deposit from*GBP £1,600
- plan your trip
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