South Korea Guided Tours: A Classic 12-Day Discovery

Highlights of the Trip

This Classic 12-day package trip to South Korea really does deliver and it’s clear to see why this country is such an emerging power in today’s holiday market.  You will not only travel to Seoul, South Korea, but also to Gongju, Daejeon, Busan, Sokcho, Suncheon, and Gyeongju – it’s one of our most comprehensive South Korea guided tours.

Highlights include Changdeokgung Palace Complex, Seoul Kimchi Academy, Gwangjang Market, a night cruise on the Han River, Jeonju Hanok Village and its 735 traditional houses, traditional Korean paper making workshop, Natural hot spring foot spa, Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Wolnamsaji Temple, the Baekunok Traditional Korean Tea Museum to experience the tea ceremony, Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve and its 140 species of inhabitants, the fortress walls of Naganeupsong Folk Village, go to Haeundae Dongbaekseom Island and its famous beach, Gwongeumseoung Fortress, Seorak Mountain, Goseong Unification Observation Tower and DMZ Museum to see views of the nearby river, islands, and a glimpse of the peaks of Geumgangsan Mountain on the North Korea side of the country.

You might like to read our Travel South Korea Guide for insights into this stunning country and a better look at our South Korea tour packages.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Seoul

• Changdeokgung Palace Complex: One of the five grand palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty.
• Seoul Kimchi Academy: A unique culinary institution dedicated to the art of making kimchi, a traditional Korean dish consisting of fermented vegetables.

Gongju

• Gongju National Museum: Dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history and heritage of the Gongju area.
• Gongju Gongsanseong Fortress: Standing as a symbol of the region’s rich cultural heritage and strategic importance throughout Korean history.
• Royal Tomb of King Muryeong: One of the most significant archaeological discoveries related to the Baekje Kingdom.

Jeonju 

• Maisan: The name “Maisan” translates to “horse ears,” which refers to the mountain’s two peaks that resemble the ears of a horse when viewed from a distance.
• Gyeonggijeon Shrine: Built in 1410 during the Joseon Dynasty to enshrine the portrait of King Taejo.

Gangjin

• Wolnamsaji Temple: Considered one of the most important temples in the region.
• Baekundong Garden: Situated within the larger Changdeokgung Palace Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Baekunok Traditional Korean Tea Museum: Korea has a rich tradition of tea culture, and there are several museums and cultural centers dedicated to promoting and preserving this.

Suncheon

• Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve: A significant ecological site known for its diverse ecosystems.
• Naganeupsong Folk Village: Dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, this was established as a fortified village to protect the local population from external threats.

Tongyeong

• Mount Mireuksan: Believed to be a sacred site associated with Maitreya Bodhisattva.
• Nammangsan Sculpture Park: Locate a digital night park of 15 walking of fantastic lights.

Busan

• Haeundae Dongbaekseom Island: Connected to the mainland by a picturesque walkway, providing easy access for visitors.
• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: Perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the East Sea, offering stunning views of the ocean and coastline.

Gyeongju

• Daereungwon Tomb Complex: Dating back to the Silla Dynasty, which ruled the Korean Peninsula from 57 BC to 935 AD.
• Gyeongju Donggung Palace: One of the main features of Gyeongju Donggung Palace is the Wolji Pond, a large artificial pond that served as a royal garden during the Silla Dynasty.
• Cheomseongdae Observatory: It is considered one of the oldest surviving observatories in East Asia.
• Bulguksa Temple: One of the most renowned Buddhist temples in South Korea and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Andong

• Andong Soju &Traditional Food Museum: This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the traditional alcoholic beverage known as Andong Soju, as well as traditional Korean cuisine and food culture.
• Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy: This was founded in 1572 during the Joseon Dynasty by esteemed Confucian scholars.

Danyang

• Seorak Mountain: One of the most iconic natural landmarks in South Korea.
• Gwongeumseoung Fortress: Believed to have been built during the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392).
• Sinheungsa Temple: One of the most notable features of Sinheungsa Temple is the giant bronze statue of the Buddha, known as the Great Unification Buddha.

Sokcho

• Goseong Unification Observation Tower: A landmark located in Goseong County, Gangwon Province, South Korea, near the demilitarized zone (DMZ).
• DMZ Museum: An opportunity to learn about the Korean War, the division of Korea.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Bukchon Hanok Village: A charming neighbourhood located in the heart of Seoul. It’s renowned for its well-preserved traditional Korean houses known as “hanok.” The village offers visitors a glimpse into Seoul’s past, showcasing the architecture and lifestyle of the Joseon Dynasty period.

Jeonju Hanok Village: Considered one of the largest and most iconic Hanok villages in South Korea, attracting visitors from around the world who come to experience its historic charm and cultural heritage.

Make gochujang, the Korean red pepper paste.

Jungang Market: One of the oldest and largest traditional markets in the region, offering a wide range of goods and products, as well as a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the local culture and heritage.

Dongpirang Mural Village: The village was revitalised through a community-driven art project that began in 2007, aimed at transforming the once-neglected neighbourhood into a cultural and artistic hub.

Gamcheon Culture Village: Renowned for its narrow streets, steep staircases, and brightly painted houses, creating a picturesque and whimsical atmosphere that attracts visitors from around the world.

Huinnyeoul Culture Village: Adorned with colourful murals, sculptures, and art installations created by local artists, giving the neighbourhood a whimsical and artistic atmosphere.

Andong Hahoe Village: Learn to make wooden totem poles at this cultural village.

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, try Kimchi. This iconic Korean dish consists of fermented vegetables, usually cabbage or radishes, seasoned with chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and other spices. It’s a staple in Korean cuisine and is served as a side dish with almost every meal. You can also try Bibimbap. This is a popular Korean rice dish topped with various vegetables, meat (often beef), a fried egg, and spicy gochujang (red chili pepper paste). It’s typically served in a hot stone bowl, which crisps the rice on the bottom.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Enjoy a night cruise on the Han River. 

Danyanggang Jando Trail for a 1.2km trekking trail along the Namhangang River.

Accommodation of this Tour

Seoul: Ibis Hotel Insadong or similar.

Gongju: Toyoko Inn Hotel or similar.

Jeonju: JS Hotel or similar.

Suncheon: Venezia Hotel or similar.

Tongyeong: Anchovy Hotel or similar.

Busan: Arban Hotel or similar.

Gyeongju: Gyeongju GG Hotel or similiar.

Danyang: Tourist Hotel Edelweiss or similar.

Sokcho: The Class 300 Hotel or similar.

Itinerary

Day 1: Seoul Arrival

Arrival in Seoul and transfer to your hotel. Free evening to explore the capital.

Day 2: Seoul City Tour & Han River Cruise

After breakfast meet your tour guide for a city tour starting at Changdeokgung Palace Complex, with trying on traditional Korean Hanbok clothing. Then visit Bukchon Hanok Village to observe these hundreds of years old traditions and their houses. See also the Seoul Kimchi Academy and Gwangjang Market. This is all topped off by a night cruise on the Han River for a different perspective of the city.

✓ Breakfast

Day 3: Gongju Sightseeing Tour, Daejeon Transfer & Hot Spring Spa Experience

Today you will transfer to Gongju National Museum with 19 national treasures among thousands of other items. Then, Gongju Gongsanseong Fortress to see the history of the Baekje period. Afterwards the Royal Tomb of King Muryeong decorated with lotus patterns. Finally, the Natural Hot Spring Foot Spa will give put in the mood to relax and enjoy a peaceful night in the city if you wish.

✓ Breakfast

Day 4: Maisan Mountain, Jeonju Hanok Village, Korean Paper Making & Gyeonggijeon Shrine

Today you will see the horse ears mountain of Maisan. Then visit Jeonju Hanok Village and its 735 traditional houses. There is also the traditional Korean paper making workshop to try your hand at. Lastly, you will see the Gyeonggijeon Shrine, built for the founder of Joseon Dynasty.

✓ Breakfast

Day 5: Sunchang Gochujang Recipe Making, Gangjin Sightseeing & Tea Ceremony

After breakfast transfer to Sunchang to learn how to make gochujang, the Korean red pepper paste. Then, continue to Gangjin for Wolnamsaji Temple, Baekundong Garden, and the Baekunok Traditional Korean Tea Museum to experience the tea ceremony. Stay overnight in Suncheon.

✓ Breakfast

Day 6: Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve, Naganeupsong Folk Village, Tongyeong Transfer, Jungang Market, Dongpirang Mural Village & Nammangsan Sculpture Park

After breakfast explore Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve, with over 140 species of bird. Next, it’s the fortress walls of Naganeupsong Folk Village to observe some cultural customs. Transfer to Tongyeong to see Mount Mireuksan. Nearby is a public beach and Jungang Market. The art in Dongpirang mural village is worth the time. In the evening visit Nammangsan sculpture park to find a digital night park of 15 walking of fantastic lights.

✓ Breakfast

Day 7: Busan Transfer, Busan City Tour, Huinnyeoul Culture Village & Yonggungsa Temple

Transfer to Busan for a city tour starting at Gamcheon Culture Village, with its houses built in a staircase fashion in the foothills of the mountain that it climbs up. Then explore Huinnyeoul Culture Village, named after the stream, that looks like moving white snow. Witness Jagalchi Market and its fresh fish, go to Haeundae Dongbaekseom Island and its famous beach. The nearby Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is worth the time before retiring to your hotel.

✓ Breakfast

Day 8: Gyengju Transfer & City Tour

After breakfast you will transfer to Gyeongju for a city tour. Daereungwon Tomb Complex will explore the history of the Silla period. Other important sites that are worth your time are Gyeongju Donggung Palace, Wolji Pond, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and Bulguksa Temple. Free time in the evening in your Gyeongju hotel.

✓ Breakfast

Day 9: Andong Transfer, Andong Sightseeing Tour & Danyang Transfer

Breakfast will be followed by transfer to Andong to visit the Andong Soju &Traditional Food Museum, Andong Folk Village, Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy, and Andong Hahoe Village to make totem poles out of wood. Transfer to Danyang for your overnight stay.

✓ Breakfast

Day 10: Danyanggang Jando Trekking Trail, Seorak Mountain, Gwongeumsoeoung Fortress, Sinheungsa Temple & Sokcho Transfer

Fuel up breakfast before your transfer to Danyanggang Jando Trail for a 1.2km trekking trail along the Namhangang River. You can see the nearby Mancheonha Skywalk. Next are stops at Seorak Mountain, Gwongeumseoung Fortress, and finishing at Sinheungsa Temple before your transfer to your Sokcho hotel for the night.

✓ Breakfast

Day 11: Goseong Unification Observation Tower, DMZ Museum, Geumgangsan Mountain & Seoul Transfer

After breakfast move to Goseong Unification Observation Tower and DMZ Museum to see views of the nearby river, islands, and a glimpse of the peaks of Geumgangsan Mountain on the North Korea side of the country. Transfer to Seoul for overnight stay.

✓ Breakfast

Day 12: Free Time in Seoul & Departure Flight

After a free morning in the capital, you’ll transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.

✓ Breakfast

You might like to read our Travel South Korea Guide for for insights into this stunning country and a better look at our South Korea tour packages.

Price

£2,263

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– 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 Map

Tour Summary

Day 1: Seoul Arrival – Transfer to your hotel and enjoy an evening exploring the capital.

Day 2: Visit Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul Kimchi Academy, Gwangjang Market, and enjoy a night cruise on the Han River.

Day 3: Explore Gongju National Museum, Gongsanseong Fortress, Royal Tomb of King Muryeong, and indulge in a natural hot spring foot spa.

Day 4: Discover Maisan Mountain, Jeonju Hanok Village, try Korean paper making, and visit Gyeonggijeon Shrine.

Day 5: Learn to make gochujang in Sunchang, visit Wolnamsaji Temple, Baekundong Garden, and experience a traditional Korean tea ceremony in Gangjin.

Day 6: Explore Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve, Naganeupsong Folk Village, Tongyeong, Jungang Market, Dongpirang Mural Village, and Nammangsan Sculpture Park.

Day 7: Transfer to Busan for a city tour including Gamcheon Culture Village, Huinnyeoul Culture Village, Jagalchi Market, Haeundae Beach, and Yonggungsa Temple.

Day 8: Transfer to Gyeongju for a city tour including Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Gyeongju Donggung Palace, Wolji Pond, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and Bulguksa Temple.

Day 9: Andong Soju & Traditional Food Museum, Andong Folk Village, Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy, and Andong Hahoe Village before transferring to Danyang.

Day 10: Trek Danyanggang Jando Trail, visit Seorak Mountain, Gwongeumseoung Fortress, Sinheungsa Temple, and transfer to Sokcho.

Day 11: Visit Goseong Unification Observation Tower, DMZ Museum, glimpse Geumgangsan Mountain, and transfer back to Seoul.

Day 12: Enjoy a free morning in Seoul before transferring to the airport for your departure flight home.

FAQs

1. How do I get from the airport to my hotel upon arrival in Seoul?
   • Upon arrival in Seoul, you will be transferred to your hotel from the airport.
2. What accommodation options are available during the tour?
   • Accommodations range from Ibis Hotel Insadong or similar in Seoul to various hotels such as Toyoko Inn Hotel, JS Hotel, Venezia Hotel, Anchovy Hotel, Arban Hotel, Gyeongju GG Hotel, and others in different cities.
3. Are meals included in the tour package?
   • Yes, breakfast is included throughout the tour.
4. What attractions will I visit during the city tour in Seoul?
   • Attractions include Changdeokgung Palace Complex, Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul Kimchi Academy, Gwangjang Market, and a night cruise on the Han River.
5. Can I participate in any cultural experiences during the tour?
   • Yes, cultural experiences such as trying on traditional Korean Hanbok clothing, making Korean paper, and experiencing a traditional Korean tea ceremony are included in the itinerary.
6. How do I get from one city to another during the tour?
   • Transfers between cities are included in the tour package, with transportation arranged via bus or private vehicle.
7. Is there free time included in the itinerary to explore on my own?
   • Yes, there are opportunities for free time throughout the tour, allowing you to explore each destination at your own pace.