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.