Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Seoul
You'll arrive in Seoul and have time to settle into your accommodation and get oriented at your own pace. Later this evening, you'll meet up with your Travel Director and fellow travelers for your first dinner together, which will introduce you to South Korea's flavorful cuisine.
- Meals
- Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore Seoul independently
- Day 2
Seoul
Start early at Gwanghwamun Gate to watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, then move on to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul's five palaces. You'll grab lunch on Insadong Street and browse traditional tea houses, art galleries, and craft shops in the area. In the afternoon, a food tour takes you through Gwangjang Market where you'll try nokdujeon, tteok-bokki, and kimchi.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate
- Gyeongbokgung Palace visit
- Food tour at Gwangjang Market with tasting of nokdujeon, tteok-bokki and kimchi
Optional Activities
- Lunch at Insadong Street (choice of restaurants)
- Shopping at traditional tea houses, art galleries and craft shops on Insadong Street
Landmarks/POIs Gwanghwamun Gate Gyeongbokgung Palace Insadong Street Gwangjang Market - Day 3
Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)
A military shuttle takes you and a Local Specialist to the Korean Demilitarised Zone for a deep dive into this heavily guarded border's history. You'll venture underground into the Third Infiltration Tunnel and visit the Dora Observatory for views toward North Korea (conditions permitting). After exploring Unification Village and having lunch at a local restaurant, you can optionally visit the War Memorial of Korea.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) visit with military shuttle
- Third Infiltration Tunnel visit
- Dora Observatory visit
Optional Activities
- War Memorial of Korea tour
Landmarks/POIs Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) Third Infiltration Tunnel Dora Observatory Unification Village War Memorial of Korea - Day 4
Seoul to Andong
You'll board Korea's high-speed train to Andong, heading through the countryside to the cultural heart of Korea. There you'll explore Bongjeonsa Temple with its oldest wooden building, visit Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy where scholar Toegye Yi Hwang taught, and cross Woryeonggyo Bridge, the country's longest wooden bridge. By evening, you'll enjoy a Be My Guest experience at your host's home with Joseon-era recipes.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Joseon-era recipes at host Jongbu Kim Do-Eun's home, inspired by Soowoonjapbang cookbook)
Included Activities
- Bongjeonsa Temple visit
- Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy visit
- Woryeonggyo Bridge crossing
- Be My Guest home-hosted dinner at Jongbu Kim Do-Eun's home with Joseon-era recipes
Landmarks/POIs Bongjeonsa Temple Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy Woryeonggyo Bridge - Day 5
Andong to Gyeongju
Hahoe Village awaits with its UNESCO-listed Joseon-era architecture and Confucian traditions. You'll walk through historic streets to Buyongdae Cliff for panoramic views, then visit the Hahoe World Mask Museum. After lunch, you'll watch the Hahoe Mask Dance Show, meet performers, and try a few moves before heading to Gyeongju for your evening stay at Lahan Select Hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Hahoe Village UNESCO World Heritage Site visit
- Buyongdae Cliff visit for panoramic views
- Hahoe World Mask Museum visit
- Hahoe Mask Dance Show with performer meeting and lesson
Landmarks/POIs Hahoe Village Buyongdae Cliff Hahoe World Mask Museum - Day 6
Gyeongju
Gyeongju reveals Ancient Korea and the Silla dynasty's legacy. You'll start at UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple with its intricate Buddhist pagodas, then visit Seokguram Grotto containing a 3.5-metre granite Buddha from 774 AD. After wandering through Daereungwon's royal tombs, you'll see Woljeonggyo Bridge and the serene gardens of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Bulguksa Temple UNESCO-listed site visit
- Seokguram Grotto visit with ancient granite Buddha
- Daereungwon royal tombs visit
- Woljeonggyo Bridge visit
- Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond gardens visit
Landmarks/POIs Bulguksa Temple Seokguram Grotto Daereungwon Tomb Complex Woljeonggyo Bridge Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond - Day 7
Gyeongju to Busan
You're heading to Busan, South Korea's vibrant coastal city. Begin with a ride on the Skyline Park Sky Capsule for sweeping sea views, then visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a rare seaside Buddhist temple reached by 108 stone steps. In the afternoon, you'll pause at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, then end the day on Dongbaekseom Island enjoying coastal trails. A night cruise around Busan's lights is optional.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Skyline Park Sky Capsule ride with sea views
- Haedong Yonggungsa Temple visit with stone steps
- United Nations Memorial Cemetery visit
- Dongbaekseom Island visit with coastal trails
Optional Activities
- Night cruise from Haeundae for views of Gwangan Bridge and city skyline at night
Landmarks/POIs Skyline Park Sky Capsule Haedong Yonggungsa Temple United Nations Memorial Cemetery Dongbaekseom Island Gwangan Bridge - Day 8
Busan
Gamcheon Cultural Village's colorful houses and murals come first, followed by the Songdo Sea Cable Car floating 86 metres above the ocean with epic views. You'll stop at Gukje Market for lunch from street stalls and shopping, then meet Yoo Cheong-gil, South Korea's officially recognized makgeolli master, for a rice wine tasting and discussion about preserving this tradition.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Gamcheon Cultural Village visit with colourful houses and murals
- Songdo Sea Cable Car ride 86 metres above the ocean with panoramic views
- Gukje Market visit
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with Yoo Cheong-gil, makgeolli master, including rice wine tasting at Geumjeongsanseong Makgeolli brewery
Optional Activities
- Lunch at Gukje Market from street stalls
Landmarks/POIs Gamcheon Cultural Village Songdo Sea Cable Car Songdo Beach Gukje Market Geumjeongsanseong Makgeolli Brewery - Day 9
Busan to Seoul
You'll board the high-speed train from Busan back to Seoul, racing through the countryside. The afternoon gives you time to explore more of Seoul, shop, or simply soak up the capital's atmosphere. You can choose a walking tour through Hongdae's street art scene or join a K-pop dance class learning moves from Korea's biggest hits. Your journey ends with a Korean barbecue dinner celebrating your trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Korean barbecue with bulgogi, galbi or pork belly cooked at table with banchan (side dishes))
Included Activities
- Korean barbecue dinner with fellow travellers and Travel Director
Optional Activities
- Walking tour through Hongdae neighbourhood with street art and indie shops
- K-pop dance class with local instructor learning choreography
Landmarks/POIs Hongdae - Day 10
Departure from Seoul
It's time to depart Seoul and head home with souvenirs, memories, and new friendships from your time in South Korea.
- Meals
- Breakfast
