2021/2022 Seoul > Seoul

Exploring the land of contrasts

Discover a nation with one of the most heavily militarised borders in the world and one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, which is also the land of serene ‘slow cities’, and canopies of pink blossoms.

On this compact tour of South Korea, learn about its people, cuisine, ancient history and culture and appreciate the modernisation strides this Asian tiger economy has taken. From the ancient villages around Gyeongju to modern Busan and the high speed trains in between, come and explore this lesser known Asian treasure.

Tour Code:: SKSK
Duration:: 10 days
Departure City:: Seoul
Return City:: Seoul

Selected Itinerary

2021/2022 Seoul > Seoul

10 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Seoul

Upon arrival in Incheon, transfer to your hotel in Seoul for a three night stay located within walking distance to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built originally in 1395 and often referred as the Northern Palace, it is the largest of the five palaces in Seoul. Meet your Korean Tour Director and fellow travellers at tonight’s welcome briefing and dinner comprising modern Korean cuisine.

Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Seoul

Begin your exploration of Seoul with a visit to arguably the most beautiful of the five Grand Joseon Palaces, Changdeokgung Palace. Your visit to this World Heritage-listed palace would not be complete without a stroll through the Secret Garden contained within. This afternoon witness the changing of the Royal Guard at Deoksugung Palace before moving to the Korean Furniture Museum, housing over 2,000 pieces of Joseon Dynasty furniture in 10 restored traditional Korean houses known as hanok. Also located nearby is the Korean Stone Art Museum.

Sundowners

From the outdoor stone garden of the Korean Stone Art Museum, enjoy a panoramic view of Seoul at dusk with canapés and drinks and get to know your fellow travellers.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 - Seoul > DMZ

Leave early this morning to drive to the De-militarised Zone (DMZ) for a morning of exploration, and views of North Korea. Visit the Dora Observatory, Dorasan Station and Freedom Bridge and go underground by monorail to the third infiltration Tunnel. Return to Seoul this afternoon and shop at the largest traditional market in South Korea, Namdaemun Market, located next to the Great South Gate of the original old city.

Enrich

Immerse yourself into the Korean culture at the Hyo Jae Cultural Hall where you can try on Hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, or try your hand at Bojagi, a traditional Korean wrapping cloth. Enjoy a meal of Bibimbap, a rice preparation with meat and vegetables, with your host Lee Hyo-Jae, known as Korea’s Martha Stuart.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Seoul > Gwangju

Relax in your Deluxe Class seats on the KTX high-speed train ride to Gwangju. Feel at peace on your walk through the Juknokwon bamboo forest before visiting Samjinae village to experience ‘slow living’ at the designated ‘Slow City’. Try your hand at making Hangwa, Korean traditional sweets before returning to Gwangju to check into your hotel for a night at leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - Gwangju > Gyeongju

Begin your drive to Mount Gayasan National Park. Visit the Haeinsa Temple, famous for being the home of the Tripitaka Koreana since 1398, a collection of 81,350 wooden printing blocks with the Buddhist Scriptures carved on them.

Enrich

This afternoon at Gayatgo Village, enjoy a hands on experience crafting your own mini Gayageum, a zither-like 12-string Korean musical instrument. It is yours to take home as a keepsake.

Continue onto Gyeongju, known as the ‘museum without walls’ and check into your hotel for a two night stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Gyeongju

Begin our drive to Busan with a stop en route at Tongdosa, one of the most important temples in Korea and the head temple of the Jogye Order.

Freechoice

Visit the Gamcheon Culture Village, once a modest mountainside community that has been transformed into an art hotspot, or ride the Danubi ‘Train’ around Taejongdae Park Rocky Cliff, famous for its seascapes. Alternatively, visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a Buddhist temple built in 1376.

Check into your hotel on the beachfront for a two night stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - Gyeongju > Busan

Begin our drive to Busan with a stop en route at Tongdosa, one of the most important temples in Korea and the head temple of the Jogye Order.

Freechoice

Visit the Gamcheon Culture Village, once a modest mountainside community that has been transformed into an art hotspot, or ride the Danubi ‘Train’ around Taejongdae Park Rocky Cliff, famous for its seascapes. Alternatively, visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a Buddhist temple built in 1376.

Check into your hotel on the beachfront for a two night stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 - Busan > Jinhae

From Busan Tower, admire the views of the coastline and the port city before moving to Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest in South Korea. Next, visit BIFF Square and nearby Kukje Market, known for its Mokja Golmok – Let’s Eat Alley. This afternoon, drive to Jinhae and visit Jinhae Dream Park with the famous Yeojwacheon Stream. Also visit the NFRDI Environment Eco-Park and Jangboksan Sculpture Park to see the red and orange foliage in autumn and delicate blossoms in spring.

Freechoice

Enjoy fine Italian cuisine at the converted art gallery, Kitchen Dongbaek or sample high quality Korean sirloin BBQ at Daedo Korean restaurant.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Busan > Seoul

Travel in your Deluxe Class seats on the KTX high-speed train to Seoul. Upon arrival, drive to the Gangnam District to have your photo taken in front of the Statue of Gangnam Style. Spend some free time at the COEX underground shopping mall, the largest in Asia. Later, check into your hotel before savouring your sumptuous Korean Bulgogi BBQ feast as your farewell dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Seoul

Say farewell to this intriguing land and transfer to Incheon airport for your onward journey.
The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Meals Included: Breakfast