Scenic South Korea

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.

Amongst the skyscrapers, nightlife districts and colossal shopping malls of Seoul, there is an exceptional amount of culture and tradition, from busy teahouses to magnificent palaces. Begin your adventure with a cable car ride up Namsan Peak to enjoy panoramic city views from N Seoul Tower. Next, attend a hands-on cooking class and enjoy your freshly-made dish for lunch. This afternoon, head to Gyeongbok Palace to watch the ‘Changing of the Guards’ ceremony, and then visit the palace itself. Finally, visit the UNESCOlisted Jongmyo Shrine, housing the spirit tablets of the royal Joseon Dynasty.

Travel out of Seoul to the city and explore the bamboo forest of Juknokwon. Next, head to 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. Continue to Gwangju, where you’ll spend some time discovering this artistic hub full of fascinating history.

Drive one hour to Boseong, renowned for its green tea plantations and beautiful landscapes. Visit a tea plantation and enjoy a tasting before lunch. Drive on to Naganeupseong Fortress Village, where you can admire the traditional hanok houses and learn how locals preserve their deep-rooted heritage. Continue to Jogyesan Mountain and explore the 6th-century Seonamsa Temple Complex. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for its tranquil atmosphere and many cultural treasures. Overnight in the seaside city of Yeosu.

Explore Yeosu, a charming seaside city. Ride the Marine Cable Car over beautiful scenery before visiting Odongo Island to enjoy its array of wild flowers before lunch. This afternoon, take a panoramic drive to reach Busan, a dynamic coastal city in the southeast.

Laidback Busan is full of character; a bustling yet friendly city set between the hills and sea. Start the day at Busan’s Diamond Tower for wide views across the city, harbour and surrounding mountains. Continue to BIFF Street, a lively cultural district known for street food and film festival heritage. After lunch, head to the Oryukdo Skywalk, a glass walkway suspended above the sea. Visit Dongbaekseom Island at the edge of Haeundae Beach and follow the coastal boardwalk. Continue by road to 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 magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Bulguksa Temple, considered the pinnacle of Silla architecture, and Seokguram Grotto. After lunch, visit Gyeongju National Museum before visiting Tumuli Park, a collection of royal tombs, and take a stroll at Anapji Pond.

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.

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. Take the cable to the mountaintop and then hike to Gwongeumseong Fortress. After lunch, enjoy a two-hour round-trip hike through the valley to Biryong Falls, surrounded by lush forest. End your day with a visit to Sinheungsa Temple before returning to the hotel.

Transfer to Gangneung and board the train bound for Seoul. On arrival, after lunch, there will be free time for those who wish to shop or further explore Seoul on your own. This evening, watch a non-verbal performance of Nanta – an award-winning show.

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. An early start is needed today as tickets the DMZ are limited. See the DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and walk along the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. (Should tickets not be available, take a ride on the DMZ gondola and visit the Odusan Unification Observatory). Return to Seoul explore the huge Gwangjang Market. A farewell dinner tonight is the perfect time to reflect on your adventures! Special conditions apply to this day, please refer to your tour dossier for more information.

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