From  £3135
per person
Tour Highlights
  • Uncover Korea’s spiritual heart with an authentic overnight temple stay
  • Step into living history at Hahoe Folk Village’s preserved noble houses
  • Gain rare insights at the DMZ Observatory overlooking North Korea
  • Marvel at Mt. Seorak’s dramatic peaks on a cable car ascent
  • Stroll through the tranquil Garden of Morning Calm’s floral landscapes
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Classic South Korea Group Tour 2026

12 Day Tour, from £3135 per person
Itinerary Dates
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.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1
FLY TO SOUTH KOREA
DAY 2
ARRIVE SEOUL
Seoul

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.

Accommodation
ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong
DAY 3
SEOUL CITY TOUR
Gwangjang Market
Start your journey with a visit to Changdeok Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its harmony with nature and exquisite Secret Garden. Continue to Gwangjang Market, one of Korea’s oldest and most atmospheric markets, where food stalls tempt with classic dishes such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes). At the National Museum of Korea, admire treasures spanning prehistoric artifacts to royal relics, offering a complete picture of Korea’s cultural evolution. Later, visit COEX Mall and its striking Byeolmadang Library, then end at N Seoul Tower for sweeping views of the glittering cityscape from Mt. Namsan. (B)
Accommodation
ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong
DAY 4
SEOUL TO DAEGU
Korean Folk Village
Travel to the Korean Folk Village to step back into the Joseon era, with artisans, farmers and performers recreating life from the 18th and 19th centuries. Wander through hanok homes, watch folk music performances, and see cultural practices brought to life. Continue to Mt. Songnisan National Park to visit Beopjusa Temple, another UNESCO site and home to Korea’s tallest Buddha statue. This serene mountain temple is a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture. Conclude the day in Daegu, a city known for its traditional medicine culture and lively markets. (B)
Accommodation
Daegu Grand Hotel
DAY 5
DAEGU TO GYEONGJU
Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory
Begin in Daegu at the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine, where centuries of herbal medicine history come alive. Explore Seomun Market, famed for textiles and street food, before heading to Gyeongju, once the glorious capital of the Silla Kingdom. Known as “the museum without walls,” Gyeongju brims with royal tombs, pagodas and temple ruins. Visit Cheomseongdae, Asia’s oldest astronomical observatory, and the Royal Tumuli Park where you can step inside an excavated tomb. Pause for traditional tea in a local teahouse before settling into this historic city. (B)
Accommodation
Commodore Hotel Gyeongju
DAY 6
GYEONGJU TO BUSAN
Bulguksa Temple

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)

Accommodation
Avani Central Busan Hotel
DAY 7
BUSAN FULL DAY TOUR
Gamcheon Culture Village

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)

Accommodation
Avani Central Busan Hotel
DAY 8
BUSAN TO CHUNGJU
Hahoe Folk Village

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)

Accommodation
Hotel Cheongpung Lake
DAY 9
CHUNGJU & MONASTERY STAY
Temple Stay

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)

Accommodation
Samhwasa Temple
DAY 10
MT SEORAK
Sokcho

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)

Accommodation
Sea Cruise Hotel
DAY 11
MT SEORAK TO SEOUL
Mt Seorak

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)

Accommodation
ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong
DAY 12
DEPART SEOUL
Seoul
Enjoy breakfast before checking out. Airport transfers can be arranged on request. (B)

Pricing Information

12 day tour, from £3135 per person
(Single person supplement + £820)

Price Includes

  • Return International flights as per the itinerary
  • All airport taxes & security charges
  • Accommodation and meals as specified
  • Transfers as specified
  • Activities and excursions as specified
  • All entrance fees on sightseeing tours as specified

Price Excludes

  • Travel Insurance
  • Any meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Optional excursions

Price Notes

  • This group tour is operated in conjunction with our local partners and is not exclusive to Regent Holidays’ clients.
  • Minimum 1, Maximum 30 people
  • Upgraded hotel options are available.
  • Each guest may bring one carry-on and one checked suitcase; any extra luggage must be stored at the Seoul hotel on Day 4 before the tour departs.
  • For the Templestay programme, accommodation is in shared, gender-separated Korean-style temple rooms (2–6 people, no beds); private rooms aren’t available, but guests can choose a 3-star hotel on Day 9 with breakfast included and rejoin the group on Day 10 (no guide assistance during the hotel stay).
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

Tour Route Map


  1. South Korea, Seoul
  2. South Korea, Daegu
  3. South Korea, Gyeongju
  4. South Korea, Busan
  5. South Korea, Chungju
  6. South Korea, Mt Seorak
  7. South Korea, Seoul

Tour Accommodation

Commodore Hotel Gyeongju
Commodore Hotel Gyeongju
Commodore Hotel Gyeongju A short walk from Bomun Lake, the Commodore Hotel Gyeongju is the perfect place from which to explore the area or simply relax in the outdoor pool or sauna. All of the......
ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong
ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong
ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong Ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong is ideally located in the heart of Insadong, a district celebrated for its traditional charm, antique shops, and art galleries. The hotel......
Daegu Grand Hotel
Daegu Grand Hotel
Daegu Grand Hotel The Grand Daegu Hotel, located in Beomeo-dong, is a central hub for Daegu's transportation networks and business activities. Known as the largest hotel in the city, it offers......
Avani Central Busan Hotel
Avani Central Busan Hotel
Avani Central Busan Hotel Avani Busan Hotel marks the brand’s debut in South Korea, blending entertainment, shopping, culture, and modern design. Located in the East Busan Tourism Complex, the......
Hotel Cheongpung Lake
Hotel Cheongpung Lake
Hotel Cheongpung Lake Hotel Cheongpung Lake, often referred to as the "Sydney of Korea," is renowned for its stunning natural surroundings, where the serene lake and the scenic ridges of......
Samhwasa Temple
Samhwasa Temple
Samhwasa Temple Samhwasa has a unique Templestay program. Participants learn how to love themselves and then, having discovered how to do that, imagine how they can help five friends. After resolving......
Sea Cruise Hotel
Sea Cruise Hotel
Sea Cruise Hotel Sea Cruise Hotel is located in the heart of Sokcho, where the East Sea meets Cheongcho Lake, just an 8-minute walk from Seokbong Ceramic Museum and 1 km from Sokcho Expo Park. Opened......

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