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South Korea, 14 Days · Classic tour
South Korea with Jeju Island
If you've already decided that South Korea is your next travel destination, this is the perfect itinerary for you.
On this trip, we'll learn about the different traditions and cultures left behind by Korean dynasties throughout history. We'll go from the maze-like streets of Seoul to tranquil villages full of temples and traditional houses. We'll learn the meaning of muljil, tripitaka, and hanok, and why ginseng is so precious to the Koreans. From the Korean Demilitarised Zone to the secret bonsai garden on Jeju Island. From the Jagalchi fish market to Mount Seorak. We'll leave no corner undiscovered.
Departure date
Departures from June 2024 till December 2024
From
London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow...
Travel details
City of origin - Seoul
Departure with destination Seoul. Night on board.
Seoul
Arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free and accommodation.
Seoul
Breakfast. Today, we'll explore the city of Seoul. Our first stop will be the Jogyesa Temple and Gyeongbokgung Palace, where we'll be able to witness the changing of the royal guard, just as it was done at the court of the Joseon Dynasty. Nearby is the National Folk Museum, which has different spaces all dedicated to learning about Korean history and traditions. Then we'll head to the medicinal herb market to discover why ginseng is so valuable to the Koreans. In the afternoon, we'll head to the outskirts of Seoul to visit a folklore village. Here we'll enjoy a traditional music and dance show, as well as a visit to traditional houses from different regions of the country. Return transfer to hotel and overnight stay. Note: the visit to the folk village is subject to change. As an alternative, there is the chance to visit the N Seoul Tower.
Seoul - Gongju - Jeonju
Breakfast. Early morning departure by road to Gongju City. This is the most important city of the Baekje dynasty. On arrival, we'll visit the tomb of King Muryeong and the Gongsanseong Fortress. Our next stop will be Jeonju, famous for its Hanok or traditional Korean houses. Arrival at the hotel and rest of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay.
Jeonju - Gwangju - Suncheon - Yeosu
Breakfast. On our road trip, we'll get to know the main city of the Honam region, also notorious for the Gwangju Massacre. This was a popular uprising that took place in the 1980s. Next to Mount Mudeungsan, we'll visit the May 18th National Cemetery, a symbol of the country's freedom and democracy. On the way to Yeosu, we'll stop at Suncheon National Garden, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Late in the afternoon, we'll arrive in the coastal city of Yeosu. Overnight stay.
Yeosu - Jinju - Jeju
Breakfast. Today, we'll take a flight to Jeju Island, but first we'll stop in Jinju to visit the Jinjuseong Fortress, historically linked to the Japanese invasion in the fifteenth century. Once we reach Jeju, we'll start enjoying the UNESCO-listed natural setting. Across the island we can see Dol Hareubang, statues sculpted in rock up to three metres high, which were considered as gods and a symbol of protection and fertility. Transfer service to the hotel and overnight stay.
Jeju Island
Breakfast. We'll spend the whole day today visiting the island and soaking up its nature. From Hyeopjae Beach and Hallim Park to Sanbang Mountain and the Cheonjeyeon Falls. What's more, we'll make several stops along the way, including the Bonsai Garden and the subtropical botanical garden, where we'll learn why Osulloc tea is considered the best in the world. Return journey to the hotel and overnight stay.
Jeju Island - Busan
Breakfast. Early morning transfer to the Seongeup Folk Village in the eastern part of the island. This is an open-air museum surrounded by gardens and boasting excellent reproductions of what were the first villages on the island. Next, we'll delve into the ancestral culture of the Haenyeo women, who dive more than ten metres deep to catch seafood using traditional freediving techniques that they call "muljil". A true feat that is totally respectful of its environment and way of life. Before leaving the island, we'll visit Seongsan Ilchulbong, a peak 180 metres above sea level. It was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption under the sea. Return flight to Busan. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and overnight stay.
Busan - Gyeongju
Breakfast. We'll start our day by getting to know the Busan coast, Haeundae Beach, the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, and the colourful seaside village of Gamcheon. Returning to Busan, we'll take advantage of the lunch break to visit the Jagalchi fish market and savour a wide variety of fresh fish. After lunch, we'll head to Gyeongju by road. Once there, we'll visit the Dongging Palace and the Wolji Pond. Transfer service to the hotel and overnight stay.
Gyeongju - Daegu
Breakfast. Today it's the turn of the ancient capital of Korea, famous for its many historical remains, so we'll start with the Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto. Inside is the most precious Buddhist sculpture in the country. This is a Buddha made from stone towering more than three metres high. We'll continue our visit by the national museum and its astronomical observatory. Transfer by road to the city of Daegu. Arrival at the hotel and overnight stay.
Daegu - Andong - Pyeongchang
Breakfast. Our first stop will be the Haeinsa Temple located in the Gayasan National Park. This is one of the three most important temples in Korea because it's home to the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, engraved on 80,000 wooden blocks. After this visit, we'll head over to the Hahoe village of Andong, where we'll find unique constructions that have survived the passing of time, some of which incredibly are still inhabited. Arrival at the hotel in the Olympic city of Pyeongchang and overnight stay.
Pyeongchang - Mt. Seorak - Seoul
Breakfast. Today, we'll visit the Seoraksan National Park, the most important in Korea and listed by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. We'll also visit the Sinheungsa Temple on the slopes of Mount Seorak. Free time. There's an option to take the cable car and visit the castle located on the steep mountain of Arce (entrance not included). Note: During the high season in October, buses and minivans have restricted entrance to the Park, so we'll have to walk about 3.5 km to reach the entrance. The ride on the cable car may also be restricted. Return journey to Seoul and overnight stay.
Seoul
Breakfast. Today, we'll enjoy a half-day tour of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) on the North Korean border, which will give us an insight into the country's history and help us understand the conflict that the Koreans are still experiencing. It's a totally safe area. During the tour, we can explore the Third Tunnel and cross the Unification Bridge or the Freedom Bridge. Well worth a visit is the Dora Observatory, a point from which we'll get to see North Korea on the horizon. We can also visit Dorasan Train Station, currently in disuse, but with the hope that it will work again someday. We don't know very well how to define Imjingak Park, a place full of tourist paraphernalia that totally contrasts with the serious atmosphere of the area, but it was built with the idea that one day the reunification of Korea will be a reality. Time at leisure to continue discovering the city. Self-transfer back to the hotel. Overnight stay. Note: The DMZ is closed on Mondays and national holidays.
Seoul - City of origin
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. Flight with destination the city of origin. Arrival. End of the trip and our services.
Your trip includes
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Return flight.
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Internal flights.
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Overnight stay in the listed hotels, or similar.
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Transfers according to the itinerary.
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Transport in vehicles appropriate to the size of the group.
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Regular tours mentioned in the itinerary, not stated as optional.
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English-speaking guide.
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Diet: 12 breakfasts.
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Insolvency protection.
Your trip doesn't include
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Ride on the cable car on Mount Seorak.
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Any other service not previously mentioned as included.
Destinations Visited
Expected Hotels (or similar)
In this section you will find a selection of hotels according to the category specified in the itinerary.
Flight
Overnight stay on board.
Important remarks
- Triple rooms in South Korea are generally rooms with twin beds or a double, in which a folding bed is installed to accommodate the third person. Due to the inconvenience this causes, we advise against using this option as far the possible.
- Please check with your international vaccination centre about the recommended healthcare measures in South Korea.
- Depending on the return flight, the trip may be one day longer.
- Please check which documents are required to enter the country.
- The DMZ is closed on Mondays and national holidays.
- During the high season in October, buses and minivans have restricted entrance to the Park, so we'll have to walk about 3.5 km to reach the entrance. The ride on the cable car may also be restricted. Return journey to Seoul and overnight stay.
- The type of vehicle will be decided 10 days before departure, depending on the size of the group.
- The order of the itinerary may be altered for logistical reasons, without prior notice, but no scheduled trips will be cancelled (except in the case that adverse weather conditions prevent its realisation).
- A credit card is considered a guarantee, so sometimes you will need one for check-in at hotels.
- Prices are calculated based on admission fees to the sights as of the date of publication. If there is an increase in these prices, you will be promptly informed.
- If you are a person with reduced mobility, please contact us to confirm the suitability of the trip.