Culture and Cuisine of South Korea

Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be greeted by a local driver who will facilitate your transfer to your hotel in Seoul for check-in where you'll spend the rest of the day at leisure.

• Hotel Description

After breakfast at your hotel, head to Namsan Mountain. Enjoy scenic views of Seoul and lush greenery as you ascend. Upon reaching N-Seoul Tower, take an elevator to the observatory for panoramic views of Seoul. Descend via a different trail for varied perspectives. Next, dine on Naengmyeon, a traditional Korean dish, at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Then visit Dongmyo Market, known for its lively atmosphere and flea market. Finally, explore Majang-dong district, renowned for its meat market. Grill special cuts of Korean beef over charcoal for a unique culinary experience. (B,L,D)

• Hotel Description

Check out from your hotel and meet your guide for a private transfer to Seoul Station. Take the KTX train to Busan, known for its beaches and cuisine. Attend a two-hour cooking class with a culinary expert, learning about Korean cuisine's history, ingredients, and techniques before preparing and enjoying two dishes like bibimbap or Nakji bokkeum. Lunch includes local traditional liquor such as makgeolli or soju.

Next, experience the Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory's glass-bottomed walkway over the ocean for stunning coastal views. Then, enjoy a scenic ride on the Sky Capsule train along the Blue Line Park from Cheongsapo to Mipo, offering picturesque views of the sea and cliffs. In the evening, savour grilled beef small intestine, known as "Gopchang" in Korean, at a local eatery, appreciated for its chewy texture and a savoury flavour, often served with various side dishes and dipping sauces. (B,L,D)

• Hotel Description

After breakfast, visit Yeongdo Haenyeochon to experience freshly prepared sea urchin, sea cucumber, and conch by female divers, known as “haenyeo”, and learn about their culture. Enjoy lunch at local restaurants serving Pork Soup, a hearty pork broth with tender pork slices, accompanied by rice and banchan. Explore the International Market and Jagalchi Market for a variety of goods and Busan's famous snacks.

Then visit Gamcheon Cultural Village to admire its colourful houses and street art. In the evening, take a cable car ride across the sea for stunning views, followed by dinner at a restaurant serving Mulhaeo, a traditional Korean seafood dish made with raw fish and seafood in a spicy broth. (B,L,D)

• Hotel Description

After breakfast, check out and travel to Gyeongju in a private vehicle. Gyeongju is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history of palaces, temples, and tombs. Enjoy a lunch of Sundubu Jjigae, a tofu dish made with 100% soybeans unique to Gyeongju. Explore Cheomseongdae, one of East Asia's oldest astronomical observatories, constructed from 365 stones representing days in a year.

Then visit Daereungwon, or Tumuli Park, home to large burial mounds from the Silla Kingdom. Wander Hwangridan-gil, a charming street blending traditional Korean design with contemporary influences, and see Woljeonggyo, a historic covered bridge. Finish the day with Korean fried chicken and beer, known as Chimaek, at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

• Hotel Description

After breakfast, visit Seokguram Grotto, known for its stone-carved Buddha and intricate architecture representing Silla Period achievements. Then explore Bulguksa Temple, a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture symbolising harmony with nature and spiritual enlightenment. Enjoy a lunch of Tteokgalbi, a popular Korean dish of seasoned ground beef patties served with rice and banchan.

Transfer to Andong, renowned for its historical and cultural sites, including Dosan Seowon, a notable Confucian academy honouring scholar Yi Hwang, and Wolyeonggyo, a scenic bridge over Nakdong River. Conclude the day with a taste of Jjimdak, a savoury dish originating from Andong, at a restaurant on the dedicated "Jjimdak Street". (B,LD)

• Hotel Description

After breakfast, check out and visit Andong Hahoe Village with your guide. The village was established in the 16th century featuring traditional Korean-style houses known as Hanoks, with thatched or tiled roofs. Hike up Buyongdae Cliff for panoramic views. Enjoy the Andong Salted mackerel set menu for lunch before heading to Andong Station for a KTX journey to Seoul Station.

Upon arrival at Seoul Station, a local driver will transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

Start your day with a visit to Bukchon Hanok, a village dating back to the Joseon period featuring traditional Korean houses, or hanoks. Explore the area and learn about traditional village life. Then take a pedicab tour to discover hidden gems in Seoul's streets and alleys. Visit Changdeokgung Palace, known for its Secret Garden, followed by tasting the famous Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) at a local restaurant.

Then explore Jogyesa Temple, before heading to Gwangjang Market, to check out the variety of street foods and local delicacies. Learn to order like a local and indulge in specialities like bindaetteok and tteokbokki. Conclude the day with a stroll to Myeongdong's lively Pub Street before returning to your hotel. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

This day is free at your own leisure until it's time for you to be transferred back to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)