Seoul Uncovered: A 8-Day Itinerary in Korea's Capital

Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, you'll be greeted by your English-speaking assistant and transferred to Seoul in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a dedicated driver (no guide).

• Hotel Description

Meet your guide and travel by public transport to begin exploring Seoul’s royal and cultural heart. Start at Gwanghwamun Plaza, home to statues of King Sejong, the creator of the Korean alphabet, and Admiral Yi Sun Sin, one of Korea’s most revered naval commanders. Continue through the gate to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Wander through its courtyards and elegant wooden halls and witness the ceremonial changing of the guard, a colourful reenactment of royal tradition.

From here, walk to Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighbourhood of preserved traditional houses where narrow lanes reveal tiled roofs, wooden gates and views across the modern skyline. In the evening, head to the Han River and join a sunset cruise. Drifting along Korea’s longest river offers a striking perspective of the capital as historic districts and modern skyscrapers come into view along the water. (B)

• Hotel Description

Travel by public transport with your guide to experience a different side of Seoul, beginning in a lively local market. Stalls are filled with fresh vegetables, seafood, spices and traditional ingredients that form the backbone of Korean cuisine. With the help of a local chef, select ingredients before heading to a nearby kitchen for a hands-on cooking class. Learn the techniques and stories behind classic Korean dishes, then sit down to enjoy the meal you have prepared together.

In the afternoon, continue to a traditional hanji craft workshop. Hanji, Korea’s handmade mulberry paper, has been used for centuries in art, books and household objects. Under the guidance of a master artisan, create your own handcrafted piece and gain insight into this delicate craft. Later, explore Insadong, a neighbourhood known for its galleries, antique shops and traditional teahouses that showcase Korea’s enduring artistic traditions. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

Travel with your guide by public transport to explore more of Seoul’s contrasts between tradition and modern city life. Begin with a scenic cable car ride up Namsan Mountain to reach Namsan Tower. From the summit, take in sweeping views across the capital, where historic districts, mountain ridges and clusters of modern skyscrapers stretch across the skyline. Continue to Myeongdong, one of Seoul’s liveliest neighbourhoods, known for its mix of fashion boutiques, beauty stores and busy street food stalls.

Afterwards, you'll have time to explore and enjoy lunch before visiting Jogyesa Temple, the centre of Korean Zen Buddhism. Lanterns and ancient trees frame the temple halls, offering a calm contrast to the surrounding city. In the afternoon, explore Changdeokgung Palace, admired for how its pavilions and gardens blend naturally with the surrounding landscape. End the day at Gwangjang Market, where rows of food stalls reveal the energy and flavours of everyday Korean cuisine. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

Meet the guide at 9am for a tour by private, air-conditioned vehicle to Suwon (1.5 hours). Visit Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the late Joseon Period, it features unique military structures and reflects the king's vision for a self-sufficient city.

Next, visit the Korean Folk Village, where you can explore daily life from the Joseon Dynasty, including a farming village, private house, Confucian academy, and workshops. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant (own cost), then head to Jidong Market, known for its fresh produce, seafood, meats, and popular street food like tteokbokki and hanjeongsik. Return to Seoul for the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

• Hotel Description

Today is free to explore Seoul at your own pace. This is a chance to discover more of the capital’s neighbourhoods, markets and cultural sites depending on your interests. You may wish to explore districts such as Apgujeong, known for its designer boutiques and contemporary Korean fashion, or visit traditional markets like Gyeongdong Market, famous for herbs, ginseng and ingredients used in Korean medicine. Another option is to explore areas such as Hongdae, a lively university district known for street art, independent shops and a youthful creative energy.

For those interested in Korea’s modern history, a full-day excursion to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) can also be arranged. Visiting the border between North and South Korea offers a powerful insight into the Korean Peninsula’s divided past and present. If you would like to include a DMZ visit, please speak with our travel specialists who can add this experience to your itinerary and overall costing. (B)

• Hotel Description

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and take the morning to relax at your leisure. Later, transfer to the airport by private vehicle (car and driver only, without a guide) for your onward flight. If you’d like to extend your stay in Korea, please contact one of our travel specialists for a tailored itinerary and the best pricing options to suit your needs. (B)