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Self-guided ancient and modern Korea

South Korea in 12 Days, 9 Nights in Destination

From

£ 3,289

£ 2,299

/person

-30%

Hannah, Travel Expert

Hannah
Travel crafter

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Korean culture, experiencing ultra-modern Seoul plus key cultural landmarks in Busan and Gyeongju.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Busan
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Gyeongju
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    Seoul

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. All transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Breakfast only

Availability

  1. Departures available until March 2026

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers from + £ 640

  4. Add up to 3 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. superior from + £ 200

  3. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert:

+44 20 76 60 34 10

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Itinerary

Land in Seoul ready to discover South Korea. Take a tour of the capital’s highlights before heading south to Busan, a coastal gem that combines a vibrant artistic scene with natural beauty. Continue in Gyeongju, a historic city with royal connections. Finish with two more free days in Seoul before ending your trip!

1st Day: UK/Ireland - Night on board

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Pack your bags and head to your departure airport, ready for a flight* South Korea. The Korean peninsula counts as one of the most enigmatic destinations in Asia, offering a totally unique culture along with stunning natural scenery and modern metropolises. Overnight on board.

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

2nd Day: Seoul

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Arrive at the Incheon International Airport, pass through customs, and self-transfer to Seoul (about 1 hour away by car). Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, relaxing at the hotel or exploring on foot! Overnight stay in Seoul.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Kukdo or similar
tripadvisor rating

938 Reviews

See our full selection

3rd Day: Seoul

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Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your first full day out in Seoul with a guided tour of the city. Begin with a photo-stop at the Blue House, formerly home to the Presidents of South Korea and today a beautiful public park. Next, make your way to the Gyeongbokgung Palace. This was the main residence of the Joseon Dynasty, and is known as the largest of Korea’s “Five Grand Palaces”. Tour through the 40-hectare grounds before continuing on to Jogyesa, a famous and historic temple located nearby. Stop by a Ginseng Centre to learn more about the herb, which is native to Korea and widely used to improve memory and cognition. End your tour with a drop-off at City Hall. The rest of the evening is free to spend as you please! You could try some Korean barbecue or have a drink of soju in a local restaurant. Overnight in Seoul.

Important note: If your tour falls on a Tuesday, your stop at Gyeongbokgung Palace will be replaced by Deoksu Palace.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Kukdo or similar
tripadvisor rating

938 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Half-day city tour of Seoul

Moderate

See more

4th Day: Seoul - Busan

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Breakfast at the hotel. Self transfer to Seoul Station for your high-speed train to Busan. Busan is Korea’s second city, a centre of international trade located on the southeastern coast. Meet up with the rest of the group at the Busan train station and make a quick stop at the hotel to drop off your luggage.

Start your city tour with a visit to the Gamcheon Culture Village. This recently-revitalised district was carved directly into the mountainside and is known for its winding alleys and colourful homes. Head next to the Gukje Market & Jagalchi Fish Market. Whilst Gukje Market can trace its roots back to the Korean War when refugees set up stalls here to sell imported goods, Jagalchi Fish Market is famed for its incredibly fresh fish and seafood, with a number of stalls selling takeaway snacks. End the tour at Busan Tower and transfer back to the hotel. Overnight in Busan.

Important note: For small groups, transfers will be via public transport, while larger groups will use a private vehicle.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ramada Encore by Wyndham ... or similar
tripadvisor rating

238 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Tour of Busan

Moderate

See more

5th Day: Busan

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today is a free day for you to continue discovering Busan. Whether you’d like to relax after several active days or want to maximise your adventure, it’s up to you! We suggest you check out the Haeundae Beach, open to the public year-round, or head to the popular Haedong Yonggungsa Temple located in the outskirts of Busan. It’s easy to combine these activities in a single day! Overnight stay in Busan.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ramada Encore by Wyndham ... or similar
tripadvisor rating

238 Reviews

See our full selection

6th Day: Busan - Gyeongju

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Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer to the station for your high-speed train to Gyeongju, once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla. Meet up with the rest of the group and stop at the hotel to drop off your luggage. It’s time to head out for your city tour! Begin your visit to the enchanting Bulguksa Temple, which sits on a mountain slope overlooking the city. As a head temple for the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, Bulguksa is home to a number of national treasures including the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas. After the visit, head to Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Sea of Japan. Constructed between the years 742-765, this ancient hermitage is home to some of the most incredible Buddhist sculptures in the world. End the day at your hotel in Gyeongju and enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Gyeongju.

Important note: For small groups, transfers will be via public transport, while larger groups will use a private vehicle.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Commodore Hotel Gyeongju or similar
tripadvisor rating

196 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Tour of Gyeongju and the Seokguram Grotto

Moderate

See more

7th Day: Gyeongju

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Breakfast at the hotel. Continue getting to know Gyeongju with a day to spend here at your leisure. As a seat of royal power with centuries of history, Gyeongju offers tons to discover! Highlights to check out include the Gyeongju National Museum, conveniently located next to the Royal Tomb Complex and the Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (constructed in 674 CE). Overnight stay in Gyeongju.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Commodore Hotel Gyeongju or similar
tripadvisor rating

196 Reviews

See our full selection

8th Day: Gyeongju - Seoul

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Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer to the train station for your high-speed train journey back to Seoul–this trip will take about 3 hours. On arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day on your own exploring the city. Seoul is a shopper’s paradise, with districts like Gangnam offering the latest in unique Korean fashion in addition to all the major international brands. Overnight stay in Seoul.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Kukdo or similar
tripadvisor rating

938 Reviews

See our full selection

9th Day: Seoul

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Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy another day at your leisure to explore the sights and sounds of sensational Seoul. If you haven't already, be sure to sample the street food on offer at Gwangjang Market, one of the largest and oldest street food markets in the city. Alternatively, why not take an optional excursion to the historic DMZ for an insight into Korean history and the impact of past events on modern South Korea.* Overnight stay in Seoul.

*Optional DMZ Excursion: Today you depart on an exciting trip to the famous Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. The first stop of the day is Imjingak Park, home to many monuments and memorials of the Korean War. Continue to the Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and the DMZ Theatre. After that, climb the Dora Observatory, which grants views across the DMZ and even into North Korean territory (with the help of binoculars!). See Dorasan Station, which once served both North and South Korea and pass by the unification village before returning to Seoul, with the tour ending at the city hall.

Important note: To avoid queues during peak visit days, the excursion starting time might be moved to 6-7AM, in which case you will be previously notified. In this event, you won't be able to enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Also, it is mandatory to take your passport with you on this excursion.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Kukdo or similar
tripadvisor rating

938 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
DMZ visit

Moderate

See more

10th Day: Seoul

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today is another free day to spend in Seoul, sightseeing at your own pace. For fantastic views of the city, you could pay a visit to Namsan Seoul Tower, especially at sunset. We recommend an optional excursion to Nami Island & the Garden of Morning Calm to visit two of Seoul's most popular attractions.* Overnight stay in Seoul.
 
*Optional Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm excursion: Explore outside the capital today, with the chance to visit the Garden of Morning Calm. Open year-round, the garden has more than 5,000 plant species on view. You'll also visit world-famous Nami Island, a half-moon-shaped river island in Chuncheon famed for its beautiful trees and tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy strolling among the natural landscapes and admire the foliage! Lunch also included. Return to Seoul and end the tour at the hotel.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Kukdo or similar
tripadvisor rating

938 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Visit to Nami island and Garden of Morning Calm

Moderate

See more

11th Day: Seoul - Night on board

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Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the UK/Ireland. Night on board.

*Depending on your flight departure time, you might not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

12th Day: UK/Ireland

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Arrive in the UK/Ireland and end your trip.

Select a day to go to next step

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October 2024
November 2024
December 2024
January 2025

Categories Available:

charm

From £ 2,299

Selected

  • Accommodation in Charm category hotels.
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superior

From £ 2,499

  • Accommodation in Superior category hotels.

Accommodation: 9 Nights

Included activities

Included

Half-day city tour of Seoul

Included activity for day 3 in Seoul

Spend the morning seeing the major landmarks of the South Korean capital, stopping at the Blue House, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jogyesa Temple, and a Ginseng Centre.

Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

If your tour falls on a Tuesday, your stop at Gyeongbokgung Palace will be replaced by Deoksu Palace.

more information
Included

Tour of Busan

Included activity for day 4 in Busan

Visit two of Busan’s most iconic sites: the Gamcheon Culture Village (also known as Korea’s Santorini), followed by the Gukje Market & Jagalchi Fish Market to buy local foods.

Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 13:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

For small groups, transfers will be via public transport, while larger groups will use a private vehicle.

more information
Included

Tour of Gyeongju and the Seokguram Grotto

Included activity for day 6 in Gyeongju

Begin your visit to Gyeongju with the enchanting Bulguksa Temple, offering privileged views over the entire city. Next, go to Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the sea.

Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 13:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

For small groups, transfers will be via public transport, while larger groups will use a private vehicle.

more information

Available Activities

Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
Optional

DMZ visit

Suggested activity for day 9 in Seoul

Experience the oddly-named DMZ, one of the most militarised borders in the world. See Imjingak Park, the Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, and the DMZ Theatre.

Duration 06:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

To avoid queues on peak visit days, this tour can be moved to a very early morning departure. You will be notified in advance . Additionally, you must carry your passport with you during the whole tour.

more information
Optional

Visit to Nami island and Garden of Morning Calm

Suggested activity for day 10 in Seoul

Today you'll get to experience the Garden of Morning Calm, among the oldest in Korea. Make a stop for lunch and also visit Nami Island, famed for its beautiful trees, tranquil atmosphere, and K-Drama settings.

Duration 10:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information

The price includes

  • premium-care-icon
    Included in all our trips. more information
  • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
  • International flights: UK/Ireland - Seoul - UK/Ireland.
  • Intercity trains in economy class.
  • 9 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels.
    See hotels included
  • 9 breakfasts.
  • Transfers during activities and intercity transfers.*
    more information
  • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide.
    See itinerary
  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • ATOL Protection.

*The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase

Not included

Meals, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

* This tour doesn’t include a guide on a daily basis. It is the responsibility of each passenger to self-transfer between hotels and train stations for the included intercity train transfers.

In Busan and Gyeongju's included activities, transfers will be done with public transport for small groups and with a mini-van for larger departures.

  • Entry requirements

    Your passport must be valid beyond the date of expected departure from South Korea.

  • Visa

    A visa is not required for trips shorter than 90 days.

  • Currency

    South Korean Won.

  • Language

    Korean.

  • Electricity

    Type C and F (220 V).

  • Health

    Be sure that your routine vaccines are up to date.

  • Time zone

    UTC + 9.

  • Other useful information

    Carry some form of identification at all times.

  • Tourist Office website

    http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/

Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +44 20 8068 3176 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

 

Room allocation: We will do our best to accommodate your family in the same room. If availability doesn't permit this, we guarantee your family will be accommodated as close together as possible. Children will always be accomodated in a room with at least 1 adult.

Car seats: Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.

Pay in installments

Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

Rest is paid in instalments according to your departure date.

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