Scenic South Korea
Save up to $2,000 per couple
With its complex history, soaring skyscrapers and centuries-old temples, this tour has something for everyone. From bustling cities to stunning countryside and UNESCO world heritage-listed national forests. It is a tour full of contrasts.
14 Days from $8,350 per person
Inclusions:
- Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges (unless a land only option is selected)
- 3 – 4 star accommodation
- 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners
- All sightseeing and entrance fees
- All transportation and transfers
- English speaking National Escort
- Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants
- Comprehensive travel guides
Departure Dates: 18 October 2021, 28 March & 17 October 2022
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.
Meals included: Dinner
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Visit Naksana 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13-14 : Fly Seoul To Australia
This morning is free at leisure before you transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast