Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll explore the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, wander the wooden houses of Bukchon, gaze across the border on a DMZ tour, ride to the N Seoul Tower for the view, and dive into the street food and shopping of Myeongdong and Gwangjang market. Korean barbecue and palace guards complete the picture.
With a central hotel, private guides and the key experiences arranged, all you have to do is soak up the capital.
Trip Highlights
- Gyeongbokgung Palace and the changing of the guard
- Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong
- A tour to the DMZ and the border with the North
- The N Seoul Tower and city views
- The street food of Gwangjang and Myeongdong
- A Korean barbecue dinner
- A Han River or palace-by-night option
- A private guide throughout
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 5-day journey.
Arrive in the dynamic capital and settle in, with a welcome Korean barbecue dinner.
Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, the wooden lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village, the Jogyesa temple and Insadong, ending at the N Seoul Tower for the city view.
A tour to the Demilitarised Zone — the border with North Korea, an infiltration tunnel and the Dora Observatory — with a free afternoon for shopping in Myeongdong.
A day exploring Seoul's markets and street food — Gwangjang and Namdaemun — the trendy districts of Hongdae or Gangnam, with an evening food tasting.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Incheon airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and private guides
- 4 nights in a central Seoul hotel
- Daily breakfast, a welcome Korean barbecue dinner and a street-food tasting
- A Seoul city tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon
- A DMZ half-day tour
- The N Seoul Tower and Insadong
- 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.
Is Seoul good as a stopover?
Perfectly — four nights is ideal for a Seoul stopover, and it pairs easily with Busan, Jeju or a wider Korea tour.
Can we add a K-pop or beauty experience?
Yes — a K-pop dance class, a visit to an entertainment district or a Korean skincare experience can all be added to any day on request.
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