About This Trip
This 9-day South Korea itinerary perfectly combines exotic cultural experiences and colorful natural sightseeing. Marvel at key landmarks, like Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, Bulguksa Temple and Gyeongju National Museum in Gyeongju, and Haedong Yonggungsa in Busan. Experience an old Korean lifestyle by visiting traditional Hanok villages and appreciate the unique landscape of Jeju Island while walking along the trail at Sangumburi Crater and Seongsan Ilchulbong. When traveling from September to November, you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of pink muhly grass in full bloom and take pictures in a sea of pink flowers.
Itinerary Summary
- DAYPLACE
- 1 - 3Seoul
- 4Andong
- 5Gyeongju
- 6Busan
- 7 - 8Jeju Island
- 9Seoul
Itinerary
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Day 1: Seoul, Arrival
Touching down at the Inchon airport, you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel for checking in. The rest of the day is yours to recover from jet lag.
- Seoul
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Day 2: Seoul Highlights Tour
Meet your guide at the hotel lobby and commence the exploration today at the magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace, the principal palace of the last dynasty Joseon that ruled Korea. Wander around to appreciate the fantastic architecture and travel hundreds of years back to the country's ancient times. You may also witness the guard changing ceremony and take photos with the guards in traditional garb. Within the grounds of the Gyeongbokgung, you can easily find the National Folk Museum, a showcase of ancient Korean people's daily lives.
Your next stop Bukchon Hanok Village is a peaceful community with hundreds of hanoks - traditional Korean houses sprawling on a hill slope. After a mooch around this residential area and the bustling neighborhood of Insadong, savor traditional Korean snacks at Gwangjang Market.
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- Seoul
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Day 3: South Korea DMZ Tour
Embark on a historical journey to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, a pivotal site in global history, with an immersive guided experience. Today's itinerary blends fascination and history, featuring stops at the serene Imjingak Park, the symbolic Freedom Bridge, the clandestine Third Tunnel, and the panoramic Odusan Observatory.
After the tour, return to the vibrant heart of Seoul, inviting exploration of the city's rich tapestry independently. Discover the hidden gems of Seoul at leisure before heading back to accommodation for the night.
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- Seoul
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Day 4: Seoul - Andong - Gyeongju
Departing from the urban bustle of Seoul, drive about 2.5 hours to Andong, a repository of Korea's cultural treasures. Immerse yourself in the Andong Hahoe Folk Village, an exemplar of traditional Hanok settlements that maintains the architectural elegance and folk customs of the Joseon era. You can also visit the Mask Dance Performance here.
Proceed to the tranquil Byeongsan Seowon, a sanctuary of scholarly heritage in Andong. The venerable academy's structures are artfully integrated with the natural landscape, offering a breathtaking vista that seamlessly blends with the environment.
Continuing the adventure, a 1.5-hour drive leads to Gyeongju, where the enchanting nocturnal panorama of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, along with the picturesque Woljeonggyo Bridge, awaits your evening exploration.
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- Gyeongju
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Day 5: Gyeongju - Busan
Your discovery of the former capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla includes the Gyeongju National Museum with an excellent range of Silla-era treasures on display, Bulguksa Temple - an example of the golden age of Buddhist art in the Silla kingdom, and Seokguram Grotto, a heritage site with a statue of a Buddha inside and stunning views overlooking the Japan Sea.
After the tour, move on to the port city of Busan, with a leisurely walk to enjoy Haeundae Beach and the Bay 101 after arrival.
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- Busan
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Day 6: Busan - Jeju Island
Begin the tour today from the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, commandingly standing on coastal hills with spectacular views. Enjoy the beautiful architecture and its picturesque surroundings, with the chance to see the locals and monks praying.
Later, drive across the Gwangan Diamond Bridge to Jagalchi Fishery Market for a glimpse into local life, followed by a stop at Gamcheon Village, nicknamed Korea's Santorini for its brightly painted houses layered sweepingly along a steep mountain slope.
Afterward, head to the airport for your flight to Jeju Island. Meet the local guide on arrival and take a private transfer to your hotel.
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- Jeju Island
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Day 7: Jeju Island
Start the day at Seogwipo tea plantation, exploring its tiny museum, in a tea demonstration, and tasting fresh tea. Then, move your steps to Sangumburi Crater and be rewarded with a beautiful view of the flat crater and surrounding area.
Like a jewel set on Jeju Island, the following Seongsan Ilchulbong, also called Sunrising Peak, will provide you with breathtaking views of the vast ocean, blue sky and green mountains. Later on, pass by Pyoseun Beach Road and reach Jeju herb garden. Looking from a distance, the pink muhly grass sways with the wind, like a pink cloud. Immerse yourself in this dreamy and romantic atmosphere and take some stunning photos.
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- Jeju Island
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Day 8: Jeju Island - Seoul
Yakcheonsa Temple is a young but majestic Buddhist complex. You will like the stunning views it has to offer, either the ocean views or the exquisitely decorated buildings. Following it, visit Suwolbong Peak - the westmost point of the island, Bangju Church - a Christian chapel in the shape of an ark, and the colorful and vivid Jeju Five-Day Folk Market.
Late in the day, get to Jeju airport for your flight to Seoul. Upon arrival at Gimpo airport in Seoul, be transferred to your hotel.
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- Seoul
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Day 9: Seoul, Departure
Bid farewell to Seoul! Take a taxi or a shuttle transfer to the airport for the onward journey to your next destination.
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