2026 |
---|
04 Jan - 15 Jan 18 Jan - 29 Jan 01 Feb - 12 Feb 22 Feb - 05 Mar 08 Mar - 19 Mar 15 Mar - 26 Mar 05 Apr - 16 Apr 19 Apr - 30 Apr 10 May - 21 May 24 May - 04 Jun 07 Jun - 18 Jun 21 Jun - 02 Jul 05 Jul - 16 Jul 19 Jul - 30 Jul 02 Aug - 13 Aug 16 Aug - 27 Aug 30 Aug - 10 Sep 13 Sep - 24 Sep 11 Oct - 22 Oct 25 Oct - 05 Nov 08 Nov - 19 Nov 22 Nov - 03 Dec 06 Dec - 17 Dec 13 Dec - 24 Dec |
This 12-day itinerary suits first-time visitors and curious returners seeking a broad, well-paced primer on South Korea’s culture, history and landscapes. It blends lively city discovery with quiet heritage and mountain scenery, offering leisurely mornings, full cultural days and a few early starts for temple rituals and the DMZ observatory. Pace is balanced with enough time for meaningful exploration without constant rush. Ideal for curious travellers.
You’ll experience Seoul’s Changdeok Palace, Gwangjang Market snacks, the National Museum and the Byeolmadang Library at COEX, then travel through traditional villages, the Silla capital Gyeongju and Busan’s coastal charms such as Haedong Yonggungsa and Jagalchi Market. Highlights include UNESCO-listed Bulguksa, Seokguram and the Tripitaka Koreana at Haeinsa, a reflective temple stay and scenic Mt. Seorak with cable car access. All logistics are arranged by our team: local guides, private transfers, site reservations and optional hotel instead of temple lodgings can be tailored for personal needs.
Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be greeted by our driver and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure or to rest.
Spend the morning discovering Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Bulguksa impresses with intricate wooden carvings, while Seokguram houses a magnificent stone Buddha gazing towards the East Sea. Later, travel to Busan, Korea’s second-largest city, and visit Haedong Yonggungsa, a dramatic seaside temple perched on rocky cliffs. Continue to Haeundae Beach for a refreshing coastal walk, then explore Dongbaekseom Island, home to pine groves and ocean views. End the day at Nurimaru APEC House, an elegant venue overlooking Haeundae Bay. (B)
Start at Gamcheon Culture Village, a hillside maze of pastel houses, murals and art installations known as the “Machu Picchu of Busan.” Enjoy its creative vibe before moving to Songdo Beach for a ride on the Marine Cable Car, soaring over turquoise waters for spectacular coastal panoramas. Dive into local life at Jagalchi Fish Market, where the freshest seafood is on display, then visit BIFF Square, the lively heart of Busan’s film scene. Finish with time at Nampodong Shopping Street and panoramic city views from Busan Tower. (B)
Travel through the scenic countryside to Mt. Gayasan National Park to visit Haeinsa Temple, home to the revered Tripitaka Koreana. This collection of over 80,000 carved woodblocks has preserved Buddhist teachings for nearly 800 years and is one of Korea’s most treasured cultural assets. Continue to Andong to explore Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site where tiled-roof houses and alleys evoke Korea’s noble past. This village is also famous for its mask dances, a vibrant expression of Korean folk culture. End the day in Chungju. (B)
Start the day with a relaxing boat ride across Chungju Lake, surrounded by forested hills and dramatic cliffs. Continue to a historic temple for an overnight temple stay, offering a rare opportunity to experience Korean Buddhist life. Change into temple attire and learn about monastic routines, from silent meditation to evening chanting. A simple vegetarian dinner is served in line with Buddhist principles. Stay in a traditional Korean room with floor bedding for an authentic experience. This is a day for reflection and cultural immersion, unlike any hotel stay. (B,D)
Those who wish can join an early morning Buddhist service before leaving for the DMZ. Visit the Goseong Unification Observatory, the closest point to North Korea, and gain a deeper understanding of the Korean Peninsula’s divided history at the DMZ Museum. Continue to Sokcho, a vibrant fishing town, and explore Daepo Harbor and Fish Market. Sample fresh catches or enjoy the bustling harbour atmosphere before checking into your accommodation near Mt. Seorak. (B)
Explore Mt. Seorak National Park, renowned for jagged granite peaks, clear streams and seasonal colours. Ride the cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress for panoramic mountain views and visit Shinheungsa Temple, one of the oldest Zen temples in Korea. After enjoying this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, continue to the Garden of Morning Calm. This meticulously landscaped garden showcases Korean flora in themed sections. Stroll through its tranquil pathways before returning to Seoul for your final evening. (B)
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Price Notes
Itinerary Dates | From Price | Single Room Supp. | |
---|---|---|---|
04 Jan 2026
-
15 Jan 2025
|
£3135 | £820 | |
18 Jan 2026
-
29 Jan 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
01 Feb 2026
-
12 Feb 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
22 Feb 2026
-
05 Mar 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
08 Mar 2026
-
19 Mar 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
15 Mar 2026
-
26 Mar 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
05 Apr 2026
-
16 Apr 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
19 Apr 2026
-
30 Apr 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
10 May 2026
-
21 May 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
24 May 2026
-
04 Jun 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
07 Jun 2026
-
18 Jun 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
21 Jun 2026
-
02 Jul 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
05 Jul 2026
-
16 Jul 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
19 Jul 2026
-
30 Jul 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
02 Aug 2026
-
13 Aug 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
16 Aug 2026
-
27 Aug 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
30 Aug 2026
-
10 Sep 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
13 Sep 2026
-
24 Sep 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
11 Oct 2026
-
22 Oct 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
25 Oct 2026
-
05 Nov 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
08 Nov 2026
-
19 Nov 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
22 Nov 2026
-
03 Dec 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
06 Dec 2026
-
17 Dec 2026
|
£3135 | £820 | |
13 Dec 2026
-
24 Dec 2026
|
£3135 | £820 |