South Korea Travel Package: 7-Day Tour of Rich Culture and Serene Landscapes

Highlights of the Trip

South Korea – a magnificent destination with over 5,000 years of rich culture and history. An unexplored treasure of East Asia, brimming with natural wonders, traditional Asian spirit, and exquisite cuisine. South Korea offers the perfect blend of traditional Asian culture and modernisation, from impressive skyscrapers to serene temples. In this South Korea travel package, you will taste delicious traditional South Korean cuisine at a pojangmancha and unearth the interesting history of Seoul with a city tour. On this city tour you can explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, wander through the picturesque streets of Bukchon Hanok Village, and admire the captivating displays of culture and folk at the National Folk Museum. On this 7-day tour you can match your growing excitement with a fast-paced bullet train, transferring you to Busan, where you can explore the ‘all-in-one-market’ and Korea’s largest fish market in Jagalchi.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Seoul

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: A historic palace that served as the main royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty, known for its impressive architecture, beautiful gardens, and the changing of the guard ceremony.
• National Folk Museum: Located within the grounds of Gyeongbokung Palace, this museum showcases the daily life and culture of the Korean people through a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits.
• Bukchon Hanok Village: A traditional Korean village with well-preserved hanok (traditional Korean houses), offering visitors a glimpse into Seoul’s architectural history and culture.
• Gwangjang Market: One of Seoul’s oldest and largest markets, known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse street food stalls, and a variety of textiles and handmade goods.
• Insadong Street: A bustling neighbourhood famous for its antique shops, art galleries, traditional tea houses, and street food, providing a mix of modern and traditional Korean culture.
• Seoul Sky Tower: An iconic skyscraper that dominates Seoul’s skyline, offering breathtaking views of the city from its observation desk and housing shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities.
• Bongeunsa Temple: A serene Buddhist temple located in the heart of Seoul’s bustling Gangnam district, known for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and the massive statue of Maitreya.

Gyeongju

• KTX Bullet Train to Gyeongju: Experience high-speed travel on the KTX, connecting Seoul to Gyeongju swiftly, providing a comfortable and efficient journey.
• Bulguksa Temple: An UNESCO World Heritage site, Bulguksa is a remarkable Buddhist temple with intricate architecture, serene gardens, and historical significance.
• Gyeongju National Museum: Showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Gyeongju, this museum features a vast collection of artifacts, including Silla Dynasty treasures and royal relics.
• Wolji Pond and Dongjung Palace: A picturesque artificial pond surrounded by Donggung Palace, offering scenic views and historical charm, especially during the evenings when it is beautifully illuminated.
• Royal Tumuli Complex (Silla Kingdom): Explore a series of ancient royal tombs from the Silla Dynasty, known as tumuli, providing insight into the burial practices and royal history of Gyeongju.
• Hwangridan Street: A vibrant street in Gyeongju with a mix of traditional and modern shops and cafes, and restaurants, creating a lively atmosphere for locals and visitors.
• Gyochon Village: A well-preserved traditional village showcasing hanok architecture, where visitors can experience traditional tea houses, craft shops, and immerse themselves in the cultural heritage of Gyeongju.

Busan

• Bullet Train to Busan: Enjoy a swift and scenic journey on the KTX Bullet Train, connecting Gyeongju to Busan, offering efficiency and comfort.
• Gukje Market: One of Korea’s largest markets, Gukje Market in Busan is known for its bustling atmosphere, diverse stalls, and a wide array of goods, from traditional items to trendy merchandise.
• Jagalchi Fish Market: As Korea’s largest seafood market, Jagalchi Fish Market offers a vibrant seafood experience, with fresh catches, lively auctions, and numerous seafood restaurants.
• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: Perched on the cliffs overlooking the East Sea, this seaside temple is renowned for its stunning ocean views, intricate Buddhist architecture, and the peaceful sound of crashing waves.
• Nurimaru APEC House: Situated on Dongbaekseom Island, this modern conference venue offers panoramic views of Haeundae Beach and the surrounding coastline, with a unique design inspired by traditional Korean houses.
• Haeundae Beach: Busan’s most famous beach, Haeundae, attracts visitors with its golden sands, clear waters, and lively atmosphere, filled with beachgoers, water sports, and seaside cafes.
• United Nations Cemetery: Honouring those who sacrificed during the Korean War, this cemetery in Busan provides a serene and reflective space, with beautifully landscaped grounds and memorials.
• Oryukdo Skywalk: An exhilarating glass-bottomed walkway suspended over the cliffs of Oryukdo Island, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding seascape and unique perspectives of the dramatic coastline.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Seek out a pojangmancha in Seoul: Try some local dishes from these tented vendor cars for an authentic Korean experience.

Changing of the Guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace: Experience a glimpse of the past by watching the changing of the guard at this historic palace.

Traditional Clothing at Gwangjang Market: Find an authentic and ethical souvenir from your travels at this vibrant market in Seoul, offering a range of traditional clothing.

Bullet Trains: Experience South Korea’s famous bullet train rides with one from Seoul to Gyeongju, another from Gyeongju to Busan, and another from Busan back to Seoul.

Visit Gyochon Village: Discover the home of the famous Choi Clan, observe their daily life, and admire their traditional Korean houses. Of course, you can’t visit without trying some traditional rice cake ice cream!

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in South Korea

During this tour, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. While in South Korea, be sure to try Kimchi, a staple in Korean cuisine, commonly made with napa cabbages and Korean radishes and seasoned with chilli peppers, garlic, ginger, and various spices; Bibimbap, a colourful dish featuring mixed rice topped with seasoned vegetables, gochujang (red chilli paste), a fried egg and often thinly sliced beef; Banchan, side dishes served in small portions, providing a variety of flavours and textures; Samgyeopsal, grilled pork belly, typically enjoyed with garlic, green onions, and a dipping sauce, often wrapped in lettuce leaves; Japchae, a savoury and slightly sweet dish made with stir-fried glass noodles, vegetables, and sometimes beef or other proteins; Tteokbokki, spicy rice cakes cooked in a sweet and gochujang-based sauce, often with fish cakes and boiled eggs; Jajangmyeon, a Chinese Korean noodle dish with black bean sauce, vegetables, and often, diced pork or seafood; Kimbap, similar to sushi, consisting of rice and various ingredients like vegetables, pickled radish, and sometimes meat, rolled into sheets of seaweed; Bulgogi, thinly sliced marinated beef, grilled or stir-fried, often served with a side of lettuce or perilla leaves for wrapping; and Sundubu-jjigae, a hot and spicy stew featuring uncurdled tofu, vegetables, sometimes meat, and gochujang or gochugaru (chilli powder).

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Haeundae Beach: Use your time on Haeundae Beach to relax, take a peaceful beach walk, enjoy some swimming, or participate in the many water sports on offer such as surfing, jet-skiing, and parasailing.

Oryukdo Skywalk: If weather permits, experience this exhilarating glass-bottomed walkway suspended over the cliffs of Oryukdo Island, offering awe-inspiring views of the surrounding seascape and unique perspectives of the dramatic coastline.

Accommodation of this Tour

Seoul: Hotel in Seoul

Gyeongju: Hotel in Gyeongju

Busan: Hotel in Busan

Seoul: Hotel in Seoul

For more information about planning your ultimate trip to South Korea, contact us on +01473356000  or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com. You might also like to check out our South Korea Travel Guide on Seoul

Itinerary

“Day 1: Arrive in Seoul and explore at your own pace”

• Touch down at Incheon Airport and enjoy your private transfer to your Seoul hotel with an English-speaking guide.
• Take a moment to enjoy the first glimpses of the beautiful city of Seoul, admiring the vibrant districts, towering skyscrapers, and the intimate food markets.
• After check-in, explore Seoul at your own relaxed pace and discover an abundance of local cuisine. Seek out a pojangmancha – a tented vendor car offering local dishes for a true Korean experience.

Overnight hotel in Seoul

“Day 2: Seoul City Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace and Traditional Korean Markets”

• After a hotel breakfast, enjoy a guided tour around the historical sights of Seoul with an English-speaking guide.
• You’ll visit the elegant Gyeongbokgung Palace and experience a glimpse of the past with the anticipated changing of the guard.
• Explore the displays of culture and folk at the National Folk Museum.
• Roam through the quaint streets of traditional “hanok” houses dating back to the Joseon dynasty in Bukchon Hanok Village.
• Enjoy delicious Korean cuisine and seek out traditional clothing at Gwangjang Market – one of the largest, most vibrant, and traditional markets in Seoul.
• Be transported back in time with your visit to Insadong Street. One of the oldest and most culturally enriching cobblestoned streets in South Korea, offering art galleries and hidden antique shops. 

Overnight hotel in Seoul

✓ Breakfast

“Day 3: From Seoul to Gyeongju: Travel across South Korea in style on a Bullet Train”

• After breakfast and a transfer from your hotel to Seoul Station, experience speeds of up to 190mph on South Korea’s impressive KTX bullet train to Gyeongjui.
• Immerse yourself in a tour around Bulguksa Temple. Known as the temple of the Buddha land, striking Buddhist art is showcased at its best.
• Soak up culture and tradition exploring Gyeongju National Museum. Here you can learn about the Gyeongju districts and admire over 600 artifacts!
• View the reflections of South Korea’s history at the Wolji pond, while surrounded by elegant pagodas and the architectural remains of the Dongung Palace.
• Enjoy a transfer to the hotel, where you will check-in for the night and explore at your own leisure.

Overnight at Gyeongju Hotel

✓ Breakfast

“Day 4: From Gyeongju to Busan: Travel around Ancient Tombs, Vibrant Markets, and embrace Local Cuisine”

• Start your day off among ancient tombs of the kings of the Silla Kingdom, with a tour around the Royal Tumuli Complex.
• Wander over to Hwangridan Street where exquisite cuisine awaits. You will certainly leave this street not just full of memories, but a full stomach too!
• Home to the famous Choi Clan of Gyeongju, enjoy a tour of Gyochon Village, where you can admire traditional Korean houses, and experience the must-try rice cake ice cream!
• Enjoy a transfer to Gyeongju Station and ride a bullet train while admiring the beautiful scenery to Busan.
• Tick Busan’s largest traditional market off your bucket list with Gukje Market. Known as the ‘all-in-one-market’, you can certainly find a variety of items to bring home from your travels.
• Feeling hungry? Have your pick from the variety of unique fresh seafood available at Korea’s largest fish market in Jagalchi.

Overnight at Busan Hotel

✓ Breakfast

“Day 5: Busan: A Southern Coastal City full of Scenic Splendours”

• Today with an English-speaking guide, uncover treasures of South Korea’s second most populated city.
• Immerse yourself in the culture of South Korea with a stop off at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Here you can pay homage to the captivating statues while admiring the panoramic coastal views.
• Following on from breath-taking sea views, enjoy an intimate tour around Nurimaru APEC House situated on Dongbaek Island. Here you can admire the combination of a modern construct and traditional Korean architecture, against the picture-perfect background of South Korea.
• Take time for some R&R on Busan’s most famous beach – Haeundae Beach. With serene white sand stretching along the beautiful Busan coastline, you can take some much needed you time.
• Explore history and pay tribute to the 2300 men from 11 nations at the only United Nations Cemetery in the world.
• Weather dependent, you can add to the breath-taking sights with a visit to the Oryukdo Skywalk.

Overnight at Busan Hotel

✓ Breakfast

 “Day 6: Busan to Seoul: From one City to another”

• Enjoy a transfer to Busan Station before embarking on the KTX bullet train back to Seoul.
• Here you can admire the breath-taking views over Seoul from the Seoul Sky Tower – the world’s fifth tallest building!
• Experience a tour and take time to self-reflect around the Bongeunsa Temple, an attraction with over 1,000 years of history.

Overnight at Seoul Hotel

✓ Breakfast

“Day 7: Farewell to Seoul: Departure from Incheon Airport”

• Depending on departure time, enjoy your last breakfast in South Korea.
• Transfer to Incheon Airport for your departure flight home.

Breakfast included.

For more information about planning your ultimate trip to South Korea, contact us on +01473356000  or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com. You might also like to check out our South Korea Travel Guide on Seoul

Price

Price per person based on two-people group size: £3,992
– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing
– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Summary

Day 1: Arrive in Seoul, explore local cuisine and landmarks at your leisure.

Day 2: Guided tour of Seoul’s historical sites, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and traditional markets.

Day 3: Travel by bullet train to Gyeongju, visit Bulguksa Temple and Gyeongju National Museum.

Day 4: Explore ancient tombs in Gyeongju, enjoy local cuisine, then travel to Busan by bullet train.

Day 5: Discover Busan’s coastal treasures, including temples, beaches, and historic sites.

Day 6: Return to Seoul by bullet train, visit Seoul Sky Tower and Bongeunsa Temple.

Day 7: Departure from Incheon Airport after breakfast.

FAQs

1. How do I get from Incheon Airport to my hotel in Seoul upon arrival?
   • Upon arrival, you’ll be provided with a private transfer to your hotel in Seoul, accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
2. Are meals included in the tour package?
   • Breakfast is included daily throughout the tour. Other meals are typically not included to allow flexibility for participants to explore and enjoy local cuisine at their own pace.
3. Will there be English-speaking guides throughout the tour?
   • Yes, English-speaking guides will accompany you during guided tours and transfers throughout the itinerary.
4. What mode of transportation is used for traveling between cities like Seoul, Gyeongju, and Busan?
   • High-speed KTX bullet trains are used for traveling between cities, providing a comfortable and efficient means of transportation.
5. Are entrance fees to attractions such as temples and museums included in the tour price?
   • Yes, entrance fees to selected attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bulguksa Temple, and Gyeongju National Museum are included in the tour package.
6. Is there free time available for personal exploration during the tour?
   • Yes, the itinerary includes free time for personal exploration and relaxation, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the local culture and attractions at their own pace.
7. How should I dress for the tour, especially when visiting religious sites?
   • It’s recommended to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, when visiting religious sites such as temples. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are also advised for exploring outdoor attractions.

Tour Map