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