8 Days • 7 Nights
Classic South Korea: Seoul, Gyeongju & Busan
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll explore royal Gyeongbokgung and the wooden lanes of Bukchon in Seoul, gaze across the border on a DMZ tour, wander the golden Buddhist wonders of Gyeongju, and take in Busan's beaches, colourful hillside villages and bustling fish market. Korean barbecue, palace changing-of-the-guard and neon night markets fill the days.
With hand-picked hotels, private guides and the KTX trains arranged, all you have to do is take in one of Asia's most exciting countries.
Trip Highlights
- Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul
- A tour to the DMZ and the border with the North
- The ancient Silla wonders of Gyeongju
- Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto
- Busan's Haeundae Beach and Gamcheon Culture Village
- The bustling Jagalchi fish market
- A Korean barbecue dinner
- High-speed KTX trains between cities
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Arrive in the dynamic capital and settle in. Tonight, a welcome Korean barbecue dinner as your Korea journey begins.
Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace and its changing-of-the-guard, the wooden lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village, the Jogyesa temple and the shops of Insadong, ending at the N Seoul Tower for the city view.
A tour to the Demilitarised Zone — the tense border with North Korea, the Third Infiltration Tunnel and the Dora Observatory — a sobering, fascinating morning, with a free afternoon in Seoul.
Take the high-speed train south to Gyeongju, the 'museum without walls' and capital of the ancient Silla kingdom, with an afternoon among its royal burial mounds and the Cheomseongdae observatory.
Explore the UNESCO Bulguksa Temple and the serene Seokguram Grotto with its great stone Buddha, then the Anapji pond and the Gyeongju National Museum, with a bibimbap lunch.
Travel to the coastal city of Busan, exploring the pastel hillside houses of the Gamcheon Culture Village and the clifftop Haedong Yonggungsa temple by the sea.
A day in Busan — Haeundae Beach, the bustling Jagalchi fish market and the Nampo-dong shopping streets, with time to relax by the sea.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Busan airport (or KTX to Seoul) for your onward flight.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and private guides in each city
- 3 nights Seoul, 2 nights Gyeongju, 2 nights Busan
- Daily breakfast, a welcome Korean barbecue dinner and a bibimbap lunch
- A Seoul city tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon
- A DMZ half-day tour
- Gyeongju touring — Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto and the royal tombs
- A Busan tour with Gamcheon village and the Jagalchi market
- KTX high-speed train tickets Seoul-Gyeongju-Busan
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from South Korea
- K-ETA or visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Many nationalities enter South Korea visa-free but must apply online for a K-ETA travel authorisation before flying; check your passport's status. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay
- Currency: The currency is the Korean Won. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, and a rechargeable T-money card makes subways, buses and taxis effortless
- Getting around: Korea's KTX high-speed trains and superb subways are fast, clean and punctual; some legs use domestic flights to Jeju, all arranged for you
- Best seasons: Spring (April, for cherry blossom) and autumn (October, for foliage) are the loveliest. Summer is hot, humid and has a July monsoon; winter is cold and good for snow and skiing
- Language: Korean is the language, with English signage in cities and on transport. A translation app is handy, especially in the countryside
- Etiquette: Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion. Bow in greeting, use both hands to give and receive, and remove your shoes when entering homes, temples and some restaurants
- The DMZ: The Demilitarised Zone tour requires your passport, advance booking and a modest dress code, all of which we arrange; itineraries can change at short notice for security reasons
- Connectivity: Korea has some of the world's fastest internet and free wifi almost everywhere; a local SIM or eSIM keeps you connected on the move
- Food: Korean food is delicious and often shared and spicy. Vegetarians should note many dishes use fish or meat stock; we can flag good options and restaurants
- Power & health: Power is 220V with type C/F plugs, so bring an adapter. Tap water is safe, and comprehensive travel insurance is recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner (often a Korean barbecue) and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a bibimbap lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Korea's incredible food scene.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your airport transfers, KTX tickets and guided touring are arranged for you, with private guides in the main cities.
Do I need a visa for South Korea?
Many nationalities are visa-free but must obtain a K-ETA travel authorisation online before flying. We guide you through the requirements for your passport.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (April) for cherry blossom and autumn (October) for foliage are the most beautiful. Summer is hot and humid with a July monsoon; winter is cold and great for snow.
Do I tip in Korea?
No — tipping is not customary in South Korea and is generally not expected, which makes things simple. Excellent service is simply the norm.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, cities, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add the DMZ, Jeju Island, a temple stay or a K-pop experience. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between cities?
By Korea's superb KTX high-speed trains and, for Jeju, a short domestic flight — all included and arranged with reservations.
Is the DMZ tour safe?
Yes — the DMZ tour is well-organised and perfectly safe, run under strict guidelines. Bring your passport, dress modestly, and note that access to certain areas can change at short notice for security reasons.
How fast is the KTX?
The KTX high-speed train whisks you from Seoul to the Gyeongju/Busan region in around 2-2.5 hours, comfortable and scenic — far easier than flying.
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