Scenic South Korea

Tour Highlights

SEOUL

BUSAN

MT SEORAK NATIONAL PARK

GYEONGJU

SEOUL

Explore Seoul, a dynamic and modern city which still has plenty of culture and tradition

BUSAN

Discover the picturesque port city Busan, which is full of character

MT SEORAK NATIONAL PARK

Explore scenic Mount Seorak National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

GYEONGJU

Spend time in Gyeongju, called 'the museum without walls'

Authentic Experiences

Our Scenic South Korea Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

• Watch the Nanta Performance

  First performed on the Edinburgh Fringe in 1997, the Nanta is a showcase of Korean culture and performance art, presented as a non-verbal show, instead using music and motion and integrating a traditional Korean Samulnori rhythm.

• Handkerchief Dyeing at Naganeupseong Village

  As part of discovering traditional Korean lifestyle at Naganeupseong Fortress Village, you can try your hand at one of Korea's oldest cultural arts – handkerchief dyeing.

• Visit the DMZ

  Embark on an informative and unusual adventure to the DMZ, the buffer zone between the Koreas. Your visit will include the Bridge of Freedom, DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel.

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

Our Price Match Promise & Flexible Booking Guarantee

Find a tour with the same inclusion cheaper and we will match it AND give you a reward. We will match the price of any Wendy Wu Tour quoted elsewhere. The price of your tour will never rise after you've paid. With our Flexible Booking Guarantee book with confidence with low deposits, free changes and late final payment. See full terms and conditions.

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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

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Additional Price Information

Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 12 August 2020, subject to change.

Customary tipping amount of approximately US$50 per person (AU$72) is paid locally in South Korea.

Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.

Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth

Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request

Land only (Seoul - Seoul) 12 days from $8,270 per person, twin share

Single Supplement from $2,000

Price listed is based on new bookings only

Scenic South Korea - Tour Itinerary

DAYS 1-2: FLY OVERNIGHT TO SEOUL

Fly overnight to Seoul, the dazzling capital city of South Korea. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. This evening meet your National Escort and fellow travellers to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 3: EXPLORE SEOUL

A dynamic, 24-hour city, amongst the skyscrapers and nightlife districts of Seoul there is an exceptional amount of culture and tradition. Start your explorations at the immense Gyeongbok Palace, which will include the changing of the guard ceremony, before exploring the National Folk Museum. Learn to cook a delicious Korean classic in a cookery class – you’ll get to eat it for lunch – before strolling Insadong Antique Alley and visiting UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Royal Shrine. End the day with panoramic views over the city at the N Seoul Tower.

DAY 4: VISIT SOSWAEWON GARDEN

Travel out of Seoul to the city of Damyang where you’ll discover the beauty of Soswaewon. This private garden built in the 16th century in the traditional style features essential elements to bring harmony, such as flowing water, trees and grasses. Wander the bamboo forest of Juknokwon before continuing to Gwangju, where you’ll spend some time discovering this artistic hub full of fascinating history.

DAY 5: EXPLORE SEONAMSA TEMPLE

Head to Boseong, considered the best place in Korea to grow tea, and visit a green tea plantation, learning all about its production and enjoying a tasting. Continue to Suncheon for a stop at the 6th-century Seonamsa Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple grounds are also home to a beautiful arched stone bridge. Also visit Naganeupseong Fortress Village for a glimpse at a more traditional Korean lifestyle and a chance to take part in a handkerchief dyeing experience.

DAY 6: TRAVEL TO BUSAN

Head to Yeosu and ride the cable car over beautiful scenery and open water to Dolsan Island. Continue to Odongdo Island for more spectacular landscapes and take some time to appreciate the array of wild flowers that flourish here before travelling to the port city of Busan.

DAY 7: DISCOVER BUSAN

The laidback to Seoul’s bustle, Busan is a city full of character and traditional features as well as mountains, beaches, temples and exquisite seafood. Start the day with a city overview from the top of Busan Tower, before browsing the wares at Kukje Market and Jagalchi Fish Market. Walk over the Oryukdo Skywalk, a glass bridge set on a seaside cliff, soak up the peaceful nature of Dongbaekseom Island, and feel the sand between your toes on Haeundae Beach. Drive to Gyeongju.

DAY 8: EXPLORE GYEONGJU

A city of cultural and historical relics, Gyeongju is called ‘the museum without walls’. Capital of the Silla Kingdom for over 1,000 years the city is home to a staggering number of tombs, temples, statues and ruins, some of which you’ll explore today. Begin at the Gyeongju National Museum before visiting Tumuli Park, a collection of royal tombs, and Anapji Pond. Then head just out of the city to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Bulguksa Temple, considered the pinnacle of Silla architecture, and Seokguram Grotto.

DAY 9: VISIT NAKSANSA TEMPLE

Travel to Sokcho stopping en route to explore the 1,300-year history of the Naksansa Temple, a seven-storey stone building overlooking the East Sea.

DAY 10: EXPLORE MOUNT SEORAK

Mount Seorak National Park is a spectacularly scenic area of high, cloudy peaks, craggy bluffs and fragrant pine forest. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve as a habitat for many rare species of plants and animals, it is one of South Korea’s most dramatic natural treasures. Enjoy a short, easy hike along a beautiful valley and see the mountaintop Gwongeumseong Fortress by cable car.

DAY 11: RETURN TO SEOUL

Transfer to Gangneung and board a highspeed train bound for Seoul. On arrival, after lunch, there will be free time before a non-verbal performance of ‘Nanta’, an award-winning show which incorporates the traditional Samulnori rhythm.

DAY 12: VISIT THE DMZ

Created as a buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea at the end of the Korean War, the DMZ is part of the most heavily militarised border in the world. Your visit will include the Bridge of Freedom, DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. Return to Seoul to stroll through the huge Gwangjang Market. Enjoy a farewell dinner. Special conditions apply to this day, please refer to your tour dossier for more information.

DAY 13-14 : FLY SEOUL TO THE AUSTRALIA

This morning is free at leisure before you transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Useful Information

Visas

A visa is not required for visitors to South Korea

Communication

To call the UK the international access code is 0044 then the number. To call Wendy Wu Tours it is 00 44 207 403 7860. Emergency 24 hour telephone (out of office hours) is 00 44 7984 041 625. Mobile Phones Mobile phones are growing in popularity and you will find high quality coverage. We recommend that you contact your mobile supplier if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday and ensure you investigate all associated costs before you leave the UK.Some hotels may have Wi-Fi which usually comes at an additional cost.

Tipping

Tipping is an expected element in the tourism industry today and Bhutan is no exception. We have established a tipping system whereby every passenger gives a set amount to the National Escort who will distribute the amount appropriately. On multi-country tips, this amount will be paid in stages on arrival in each country. If there is no National Escort, you will need to give your money to your Local Guides and tipping amounts for each city will be shown in your final itinerary. The amount is calculated for each tour. We will indicate the tipping amounts in your final documents for guidance.

Shopping

Shopping can be a fun and entertaining component to any travel adventure. In keeping with most people’s interests whilst on holiday, your tour will include a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs. We have included visits to establishments that not only provide an opportunity to purchase a locally produced, but you’ll witness first-hand how these local products are made, their history and how they support the economy. We are aware that people like to take home souvenirs, so we ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty, and authenticity.

Food

The cost of all meals is included in your group tour costs (unless otherwise stated). Breakfast is usually buffet style. Special dietary needs and food allergies should be advised to Wendy Wu Tours prior to time of travel. Korean food can be generally hot and spicy but your guide will be happy to request less spicy dishes. We recommend that you do not drink the tap water, nor take ice in your drinks. Bottled water is readily available; however please always ensure that the seal is unbroken.

Accommodation

Wendy Wu Tours inspects all hotels to ensure they meet the high levels of service, which we require for our guests. We pick the right hotel for the specific destination, meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family-run guesthouse in a smaller town. Chosen hotels are also chosen for ease of navigation around tourist sights.