8 Days • 7 Nights
Seoraksan National Park & Temple Stay
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll explore Seoul's palaces and the DMZ, ride a cable car among the dramatic peaks of Seoraksan (spectacular in autumn), spend a night in a mountain temple learning meditation and monastic life, and wander the golden Buddhist sites of Gyeongju. Temple food, mountain trails and morning bells fill the days.
With comfortable hotels, a temple-stay night, private guides and the transport arranged, it is a soulful, scenic side of Korea.
Trip Highlights
- Seoul's palaces, hanok lanes and the DMZ
- The granite peaks of Seoraksan National Park
- A Seorak cable car and mountain trails
- A genuine Buddhist temple-stay night
- Meditation, temple food and morning bells
- Ancient Gyeongju — Bulguksa and the royal tombs
- Spectacular autumn foliage in season
- Cities, mountains and monasteries in balance
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Arrive and settle in, with a welcome Korean barbecue dinner.
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong and the N Seoul Tower.
A tour to the Demilitarised Zone and the border with North Korea, with a free afternoon in Seoul.
Travel east to Seoraksan National Park, riding the cable car to a granite ridge for sweeping views and walking to the Sinheungsa temple and its great bronze Buddha.
A morning hike among Seoraksan's peaks and waterfalls, then check into a mountain temple for an authentic temple-stay night — meditation, a tea ceremony, temple food and the evening bell.
Wake for the pre-dawn chanting and morning meditation, then travel south to Gyeongju, the ancient Silla capital, with an afternoon among its royal tombs.
The UNESCO Bulguksa Temple, the Seokguram Grotto, the Anapji pond and the national museum, with a bibimbap lunch.
A final breakfast before your KTX and transfer for your onward flight.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and private guides
- 3 nights Seoul, 1 night Seoraksan hotel + 1 night temple stay, 2 nights Gyeongju
- Daily breakfast, a welcome Korean barbecue dinner, temple meals and a bibimbap lunch
- A Seoul city tour and a DMZ half-day tour
- Seoraksan National Park with the cable car and trails
- A guided Buddhist temple-stay experience with meditation
- Gyeongju touring — Bulguksa, Seokguram and the royal tombs
- Private transport throughout
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.
What is a temple stay like?
You stay overnight in a working Buddhist mountain temple, joining meditation, a tea ceremony and simple vegetarian temple meals, and waking for the pre-dawn chanting. It is a peaceful, moving highlight — simple accommodation but a genuine experience.
When is Seoraksan most beautiful?
Autumn (mid-October) is spectacular, when the granite peaks blaze with foliage, though the park is lovely in spring blossom and fresh summer green too.
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