9 Days • 8 Nights
Seoul, Jeju & Busan Highlights
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll explore Seoul's palaces and hanok lanes, gaze across the DMZ, fly to Jeju to climb its dramatic sunrise crater and see its waterfalls and lava coast, then finish in coastal Busan with its beaches and markets. Korean barbecue, fresh seafood and volcanic scenery fill the days.
With hand-picked hotels, private guides and the flights and trains arranged, it is a wonderfully varied taste of Korea.
Trip Highlights
- Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon in Seoul
- A tour to the DMZ and the border with the North
- The volcanic sunrise peak of Seongsan Ilchulbong on Jeju
- Jeju's waterfalls, lava tubes and coast
- Busan's Haeundae Beach and Gamcheon village
- The clifftop Haedong Yonggungsa temple
- A Korean barbecue and fresh Jeju seafood
- Flights and KTX trains included
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Arrive in the capital 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.
Fly to the volcanic island of Jeju, settling in and exploring the dramatic coastline and a waterfall at Cheonjiyeon.
Climb the dramatic Seongsan Ilchulbong 'Sunrise Peak' crater, explore a lava tube and the Manjanggul cave, and meet the haenyeo women divers on the coast.
Explore Jeju's west — the Hallim Park gardens, the columnar lava cliffs of Jusangjeolli, and a tea plantation, with a fresh seafood lunch.
Fly to the coastal city of Busan, exploring the pastel Gamcheon Culture Village and the clifftop Haedong Yonggungsa temple.
Haeundae Beach, the Jagalchi fish market and Nampo-dong, with time by the sea.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Busan airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and private guides in each destination
- 3 nights Seoul, 3 nights Jeju, 2 nights Busan
- Daily breakfast, a welcome Korean barbecue dinner and a Jeju seafood lunch
- A Seoul city tour and a DMZ half-day tour
- A Jeju island tour — Seongsan Ilchulbong, waterfalls and the lava coast
- A Busan tour with Gamcheon village and the Jagalchi market
- Domestic flights and KTX trains as arranged
- All entrance fees per the itinerary
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 Jeju Island like?
Jeju is a volcanic island of dramatic craters, waterfalls, lava tubes and beaches, milder than the mainland and known as Korea's honeymoon isle. It offers a wonderful natural contrast to the cities.
Who are the haenyeo?
The haenyeo are Jeju's famous women free-divers, who harvest seafood from the sea by hand without breathing equipment — a UNESCO-recognised tradition you can see on the coast.
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