Best of South Korea

Upon your arrival at Incheon International Airport, you'll be greeted by a local English-speaking guide who'll assist you in transferring to your hotel in Seoul. Then start your exploration with a visit to Gwangjang Market, one of the country's oldest and largest traditional markets. Formerly known as Dongdaemun Market, it's renowned for its exquisite fabrics, particularly those used for crafting traditional Korean attire, known as hanbok. Explore the nearby Bangsan Wholesale Market and Jung Gu Dried Seafood Market for a glimpse into Seoul's diverse market offerings. Following your market exploration, unwind with a refreshing beer or soju at a local restaurant. After this introductory tour of Seoul, you may choose to return to your hotel or continue exploring the city at your leisure.

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After breakfast, spend the day exploring Seoul's highlights via public transport. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, witness the changing of the guard if time allows, then head to the National Museum of Contemporary Korean History for insights into Korea's development. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden. Conclude your day with a walk along Hanyangdoseong, the Seoul City Wall, before dinner at a local restaurant and returning to your hotel. (B,L,D)

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After breakfast, join a tour to the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) with your guide. Explore key sites like the Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and Imjingak Park. Return to Seoul and get dropped off at City Hall. Your guide can assist with directions back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for relaxation or self-guided exploration. (B)

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After breakfast, head to the train station for a 2-hour journey to Andong via high-speed KTX train. Upon arrival, your guide will take you to Bongjeongsa Temple, the country's largest and one of the oldest wooden temples, offering insights into Korean Buddhist culture. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Continue your tour with visits to Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the iconic Woryeonggyo Bridge, offering scenic views of Nakdonggang River. After dinner, transfer to Hahoe Hanok Village for an overnight stay in a traditional Korean house. (B,L,D)

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This morning, explore Hahoe Village and its surroundings, known for its well-preserved Joseon Dynasty architecture. Enjoy a scenic walk to Buyongdae Cliff for stunning views. Visit the Hahoe World Mask Museum to see a vast collection of masks from around the world. In the afternoon, watch a traditional Hahoe Mask Dance show. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Enjoy another night in a traditional hanok for the full village experience. (B)

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After breakfast in Andong, take a relaxing stroll along the Nakdonggang River before continuing your journey by private car, which will take around 1.5 hours to reach Gyeongju. Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once the capital of the 8th-century Silla Kingdom. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Daereungwon Tomb complex, featuring over 20 tombs from the Silla period. Don't miss the Cheonmachong Tomb, showcasing typical Silla burial practices. If time permits, walk along Woljeong Bridge, connecting Silla's royal palaces to the south, and end your stroll at Woljie Pond, an integral part of the ancient Silla palace complex. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

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After breakfast, continue exploring Gyeongju with a visit to Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, showcasing architectural mastery from the Silla Kingdom era. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Gyeongju National Museum to delve into Silla dynasty history. Conclude the day with a sunset stroll through the town's charming streets. (B,L)

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After breakfast, venture on a morning excursion to Yangdong Folk Village, a traditional Joseon dynasty village, accessible by a 16km drive along the Hyeongsan River. Explore the village's 160 hanok houses, shrine, Confucius school and village head's noble house, all set against picturesque natural scenery. Return to Gyeongju for a short break before optionally embarking on a half-day hike at Namsan Mountain, featuring over 100 temples, 80 stone Buddha statues and 60 stone pagodas. Enjoy scenic views and cultural relics along the 3-hour trail, culminating in a sunset vista from the mountain's summit. (B)

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After breakfast, travel by private car to Busan, a journey of about 1.5 hours. Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, is famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant seafood markets and scenic harbour views. Begin your Busan adventure with a visit to Gamcheon Village, known for its colourful houses and art installations. Then, take a stroll along Haeundae Beach and up Dalmaji Hill for panoramic views. In the evening, explore Busan's lively streets and indulge in traditional Korean street food in the Haeundae area. After dinner, return to your hotel. (B,D)

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After breakfast, join a cooking class to learn about local specialities, with English instructions and a local rice wine tasting. After lunch, visit Jagalchi Market, South Korea’s largest seafood market, to observe the bustling activity and fresh catch of the day. Then, enjoy a scenic cable car ride with panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landmarks, including a stop at Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge. Return to the hotel for a leisurely evening in Busan. (B,L)

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Bid farewell to Busan this morning and transfer to the airport after breakfast for a short flight to Jeju Island. Upon arrival, meet your guide and head to the hotel for check-in or begin your tour directly with lunch at a local restaurant. Explore Jeju Haenyeo Museum to learn about the local women divers and attend a Haenyeo demonstration. Then, hike Seongsan Ilchulbong, known as Sunrise Peak, for stunning views. In the evening, enjoy a Haenyeo dinner. (B,L,D)

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After breakfast, head to Geomum Oreum for a hike through Jeju Island's largest lava tube system. Gain insight into the terrain and geological history at the nearby Jeju World Natural Heritage Centre. Choose from three trails of varying lengths. Next, visit the 4.3 Peace Memorial Hall, honouring Jeju Uprising victims. It is an educational site where visitors can learn about human rights violations and contemplate the significance of peace and reconciliation. After the visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel to relax. In the evening, visit Dongmun Market to experience its vibrant atmosphere and sample local delicacies before dinner at a nearby restaurant. (B,L,D)

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After breakfast, travel to Jeju’s southern coast to explore Jeongbang Falls, one of the few waterfalls in Asia that flows directly into the sea. Admire the falls and the dramatic cliffs before visiting Jusangjeolli Cliffs, famous for their unique hexagonal basalt columns. Enjoy a barbecue lunch and then take a hike to Sanbanggulsa Temple, followed by a visit to Bomusa Temple and Sanbangsan Mountain Park. End the day with a relaxing soak in Sanbangsan Carbonated Hot Springs before returning to your hotel for the evening. (B,L)

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After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to the airport or ferry for your onward travels. (B)