South Korea in a week

Itinerary in brief: 

• 3 nights Seoul
• 2 night Gyeongju
• 2 nights Busan

Day 1: Arrive Seoul

On arrival in Seoul, you’ll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel in the city. Welcome to Seoul, where ancient traditions meet modern day life. Spend the next few days exploring the temples, markets and skyscrapers of the city.

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel 

Day 2: Seoul 

On Day 2, we’ve included a full day tour of the city, exploring with a guide using public transport. Start with a walk to Gwanghwamun Square, a popular space where you’ll often find locals performing or exhibiting art. Next you’ll visit Gyeongbokgung (Gyeongbok) Palace, one of the most beautiful of Seoul’s five palaces, with 330 buildings in the whole complex. If time allows, you’ll get to witness the ceremonial changing of the guard, which takes place at 10am and 2pm at Gwanghwamun Gate.

Enjoy a delicious local lunch in Insadong before continuing to explore the city – first with a stop at Jogyesa Temple, the heart of Korean Buddhism. Founded in the late 14th century, it has been a central figure in the religion's history, particularly during the Japanese occupation. After this you’ll stop by Changdeokgung Palace, another palace from the Joseon dynasty which is famous for its Secret Garden, where man-made structures were built in harmony with the natural surroundings. Finish your day with a stroll through Ikseondong Coffee Street, a trendy neighbourhood in Seoul known for its charming hanok (traditional Korean houses) transformed into cool cafes, restaurants and shops.

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel

Day 3: Korean Demilitarized Zone

On Day 3, you’ll head out of the city on a shared tour to explore the DMZ, the Korean Demilitarized Zone, an area steeped in history. On arrival at the border of North Korea you'll spend time exploring the various sites and exhibitions including the Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and the Dora Observatory. You'll return back to Seoul in the early afternoon to relax at your hotel before heading out in the evening to enjoy some local food. You'll be exploring Hongdae, a vibrant university district, where you can taste Korean soju, craft beers and trendy cocktails as well as teokbokki or Korean fried chicken.

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 4: Train to Gyeongju

After an early breakfast, you'll head to Gyeongju by train. On arrival you'll be met and driven to your hotel, checking in for two nights. 

Gyeongju was once the capital of the 8th-century Silla Kingdom and chock full of spectacular historic buildings, a real treasure trove of history, brimming with palaces, temples, and tombs. Your tour here begins at the religious complex of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple. Admire the Buddhist carvings and statues of the wooden buildings and stone terraces before visiting the Gyeongju National Museum. Here you'll get a unique insight into the Silla dynasty, with huge collections of relics and artefacts to learn about. 

Your final stop today is the Daereungwon Tomb complex. Also known as Tumuli Park, the area has more than 20 tombs from the Silla period. Take a closer look at the Cheonmachong Tomb, a typical upper class tomb of the Silla era, with a wooden coffin placed inside an underground chamber covered with a mound of boulders and earth. 

The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city more at your leisure. Why not head out for a delicious dinner of the local favourite, beef bulgogi before wandering along to admire hte Woljeong Bridge. 

Included: Breakfast, train tickets, transfers, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 5: Gyeongju

This morning you'll head out of Gyeongju, being driven along the Hyeongsan River to visit Yangdong Folk Village, a traditional yangban (Korean Aristocracy) village from the Joseon dynasty. Yangdong is home to more than 160 traditional style houses (called ‘hanok’), with either tile or thatched roofs, as well as other buildings from the Joseon era. Enjoy the beautiful natural scenery as you visit the village shrine, the Confucius school and the noble house of the village head. 

In the afternoon you'll enjoy a half day hike on Namsan Mountain, home to over 100 temples, 80 stone Buddha statues and 60 stone pagodas. The 3-hour hiking route follows a well-maintained trail, where you can admire some of the cultural relics and pretty views. Watch the sunset from the top of Namsan Mountain before heading back to the city. 

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 6: Travel to Busan

Leaving Gyeongju behind, you'll hop on the bus to Busan this morning, arriving into the city by around 10am. You'll check into your hotel before heading out to explore with your guide, allowing you to get your bearings right away in a new city. 

First you'll visit the Modern History Museum, a sombre but important look at the tumultuous history of Busan before visiting Memorial Hall and the United Nations Memorial Cemetery. Enjoy the views from the high observation deck overlooking the city and walk around Gukje Market, Busan’s largest market, which was a hub for refugees during and after the Korean War.

Finally you'll explore Gamcheon Village, an area of Busan where refugees settled during the war and cultivated the mountainous land to make a living. These days, the area has been reborn thanks to the Village Art Project. Walk around the winding streets, admiring the colourful houses, art installations, retail shops and galleries.

After exploring Gamcheon Village, you'll return to your hotel to relax before enjoying a food focuseed walking tour this evening in the area of Haeundae, a white sandy beach beloved by Koreans. You'll taste the best of the local specialties  and your guide will also show you a couple of bars that are popular with local residents, should you wish to stay out and explore the city’s nightlife independently.

Included: Breakfast, bus tickets, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 7: Busan

Today you'll head out to explore Busan and the surrounding area further with your guide. First you'll visit Seongbulsa Temple, a Buddhist temple at the foot of Jangsan Mountain. A short hike takes you to the temple, where you can admire the golden Buddha statue and soak up the serene atmosphere and views. Next, you'll head to a local cooking class, where you'll learn to make bibimbap and pajeon, the local Korean rice salad and green onion pancake. 

After lunch you'll visit Jagalchi Market, South Korea’s largest seafood market. Here you can watch the hive of activity where storekeepers are sell the days fish and seafood. To enjoy the  views of the ocean, you can hop on the cable car to enjoy the spectacular journey over the water, looking at all the sights of Busan and the rugged coastline. 

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 8: Depart Seoul

After breakfast, you'll hop on the train back to Seoul to enjoy some time at leisure to pick up some final souvenirs before being driven to the airport for your onwards flight. 

Included: Breakfast, train tickets, transfers