Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Seoul
You'll land at Incheon International Airport and get picked up by private vehicle for the drive into Seoul. The transfer takes about an hour depending on traffic, so you'll have time to settle in and get oriented before your evening.
- Day 2
Suwon
Your private English-speaking guide meets you for a full day exploring outside Seoul. First up is Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO site that King Jeongjo built with a unique blend of Eastern and Western design. After walking the fortress walls, you'll head to Korean Folk Village where you can see how people actually lived in traditional hanok houses and catch some cultural performances. The guide handles all transportation by private car throughout the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
- Explore Korean Folk Village with cultural performances and hands-on experiences
Landmarks/POIs Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Korean Folk Village - Day 3
Nami Island and Mt. Seorak
Start the morning heading to Nami Island with your guide and private car. You'll walk through tree-lined paths and enjoy riverside views for a couple hours. Then it's on to Mt. Seorak, one of Korea's most famous mountains. You'll take the cable car up through the forest canopy to Gwongeumseong Fortress where the views stretch out over Sokcho and the East Sea. It's a full day of natural scenery and some decent hiking depending on how far you go.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Explore Nami Island
- Visit Mt. Seorak and take Seoraksan Cable Car to Gwongeumseong Fortress
Landmarks/POIs Nami Island Mt. Seorak Gwongeumseong Fortress Seoraksan Cable Car - Day 4
Seoul Palaces and Hanok Village
You're back in Seoul exploring the historic districts. Morning takes you to the Blue House, the presidential residence built in traditional Korean style, then Gyeongbokgung Palace from 1395 with its grand architecture representing the Joseon Dynasty's power. Later you'll wander through Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighborhood that's been around for nearly 600 years with narrow streets lined by old Korean houses. This area shows what Seoul looked like generations ago, and it's great for photos and grabbing lunch at one of the local spots.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae)
- Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Walk through Bukchon Hanok Village
Landmarks/POIs Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae) Gyeongbokgung Palace Bukchon Hanok Village Cheonggyecheon Stream Changdeokgung Palace - Day 5
Haeinsa Temple, Daegu, and Busan
Your guide and private car take you on a longer day trip south. First stop is Haeinsa Temple on Mount Gaya, a 1,200-year-old site that houses the Tripitaka Koreana, 80,000 woodblocks containing Buddhist texts. Next comes Daegu Oriental Medicine Market where herbs and medicines line the stalls, followed by the Daegu Yangnyeongsi Museum to understand the history behind traditional medicine. You'll finish the day at Yongdusan Park in Busan, a peaceful spot to relax and take in the atmosphere before heading back.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Haeinsa Temple and Tripitaka Koreana collection
- Explore Daegu Oriental Medicine Market
- Visit Daegu Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine
- Stroll through Yongdusan Park
Landmarks/POIs Haeinsa Temple Mount Gaya Daegu Oriental Medicine Market Daegu Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine Yongdusan Park - Day 6
Gyeongju
You'll travel from Busan to Gyeongju, an ancient capital sometimes called a museum without walls. Bulguksa Temple is a UNESCO site with architecture and spiritual importance you can feel walking through. Then comes Woljeonggyo Bridge, an iconic stone structure showing how humans and nature work together. The Daereungwon Tomb Complex has ancient burial mounds including Cheonmachong with royal artifacts inside. Your day ends at Yangdong Village, a UNESCO-listed traditional village where you get a real sense of how Joseon aristocrats lived. By evening you'll head back to Busan with a much deeper understanding of Korea's past.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Bulguksa Temple
- Explore Woljeonggyo Bridge
- Tour Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Cheonmachong Tomb
- Explore Yangdong Village
Landmarks/POIs Bulguksa Temple Woljeonggyo Bridge Daereungwon Tomb Complex Cheonmachong Tomb Yangdong Village - Day 7
Busan to Seoul
You'll start at Jagalchi Market, South Korea's largest fish market with newer sections including the Dried Fish Market to explore. Haedong Yonggungsa sits dramatically on cliffs above the East Sea, originally from 1376 and rebuilt in the 1970s with a golden Buddha that's really worth seeing. Next is Gamcheon Culture Village, packed with colorful houses stacked up hillside that feel like stepping into a postcard. You'll walk along Songdo Beach Skywalk with views of the beach and pine groves, then board the KTX bullet train back to Seoul (ticket's included). It's a nice mix of market culture, religious sites, and coastal scenery all in one day.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Jagalchi Market
- Explore Haedong Yonggungsa temple
- Experience Gamcheon Culture Village
- Stroll at Songdo Beach Skywalk
- KTX Bullet train ride from Busan to Seoul
Landmarks/POIs Jagalchi Market New Dong-a Market Dried Fish Market Haedong Yonggungsa Gamcheon Culture Village Songdo Beach Skywalk - Day 8
Departure from Busan
A private car picks you up from your hotel and drives you to Busan Airport for your flight out. Allow about 30 minutes to an hour depending on where you're staying in the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
