Best of Korea – Departs every Friday

On arrival at Seoul Incheon International Airport, you will be greeted by our airport representative who will provide the transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Enjoy an early start today as you check out of your hotel and after breakfast, meet your driver and depart for Gongju, a journey of 90 minutes. Here you will visit the Tomb of King Muryeong, who ruled the Baekje for 501 to 523. Proceed to UNESCO listed Gongsanseong Fortress which protected the town of Gongju. Continue to Jeonju, a drive of 60 minutes and on arrival enjoy a visit to Jeonju Hanok Village, where you can find over 800 traditional Korean houses. In the late afternoon check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Depart Jeonju this morning bound for Gwangju, the leading city of the Honam region and the birthplace of the modern democratic movement in Korea, a journey of 80 minutes. Built in 1997, the cemetery is the final resting place for those who participated in the Gwangju uprising. Continue onto Suncheon, here you will visit the Suncheon Bay Garden, home to over 790,000 trees in 505 species, and 3.15 million flowers in 113 species. Continue to Yeosu, a port city and visit the historic site of Admiral Yi Sun-Sins, famous for 23 recorded naval victories against the Japanese navy during the Imjin war. In the late afternoon check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Departing your hotel this morning after breakfast, you are bound for Jinjuseong Fortress, historically linked to the Japanese invasion of 1592. Proceed to the Koreas 2nd largest city, Busan, a drive of 90 minutes, and depart from Gimhae Airport on a short flight to JeJu Island. On arrival at JeJu Island you will be greeted by another guide who will provide the transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before you meet your guide and embark on full day tour of JeJu Island. The first visit of the day is to Hyupjae Beach, and then continue to Hallim Park. Transformed from a wasteland to an incredible green paradise, consisting of 9 different themed gardens and seasonal festivals, Hallim Park is an international tourist attraction of JeJu Island. Continue to the Osulloc Tea Museum, opened in 2001, the aim of the museum is to introduce and spread the products and different varieties of Korean tea. In the early afternoon enjoy a Sanbang Mountain Cruise and a visit to Cheonjeyeon falls. Named the ‘Ponds of God’, the falls consist of 3 different ponds before the water makes its way to the ocean. In the late afternoon enjoy some retail therapy at the local shopping centre and then enjoy the evening at leisure.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and departing to a local farm where you can enjoy a horseback ride around the farm. Continue to the Seongeup Folk Village, offering a true representation of the unique culture of Jeju Island. In the early afternoon, visit the Haenyeo Museum, which exhibits the historical photos of Haenyeo female divers of JeJu Island. Your final visit of Jeju Island is to Seongsan llchulbong Peak, which rose 180 metres above sea-level, due to magna flows under the sea some 5000 years ago. In the late afternoon you will transfer to JeJu Airport for your short flight to Gimhae Domestic Airport, Busan. Upon arrival you will meet your guide who will provide the transfer to your hotel, and you can enjoy the evening at leisure.

Today’s journey takes you from the sparkling coastlines and vibrant street life of Busan to the evening serenity of the ancient capital, Gyeongju. Begin your day at Haeundae Beach, Korea’s most iconic beach. Enjoy a stroll along the 1.5km stretch of white sand, framed by a shallow turquoise bay and a modern city skyline. Continue to Experience one of Busan’s “Eight Scenic Sites” as you drive toward Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. This winding road offers breathtaking views of the blue ocean, pine forests, and lush camellia groves. Unlike most Korean temples nestled in mountains, this stunning Buddhist site is built directly into the rocky cliffs overlooking the East Sea.

In the afternoon explore the “Machu Picchu of Busan” with a visit to Gamcheon Culture Village. This hillside community is famous for its brightly coloured houses built in staircase fashion, vibrant murals, and winding labyrinthine alleys. Visit Korea’s largest seafood market, Jagalchi Fishery Market to witness the bustling energy of local life and see a staggering variety of fresh catches. Wander through the heart of Busan’s film district at Biff Square, a lively area packed with street food, shopping, and cinematic history. In the late afternoon Relax on a 1.5-hour drive to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom. End your day with a magical night visit to Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond. The illuminated pavilions reflecting in the still waters of the pond offer one of the most beautiful evening views in Korea.

Today’s journey takes you into the heart of Korea’s natural beauty, moving from the tranquil forests of Woljeongsa to the jagged, mist-covered peaks of Seoraksan National Park. This morning travel to Woljeongsa, an ancient temple nestled in a lush fir forest. Here, you will dive into the peaceful world of Korean Buddhism. Learn proper temple etiquette, enjoy a guided grounds tour, and participate in walking meditation or an insightful conversation with a monk. Depending on the tour group size, experience a traditional temple lunch, emphasizing mindfulness and seasonal vegetarian ingredients. Early afternoon travel to Seoraksan National Park, Korea’s most celebrated national park, a UNESCO Biosphere Preservation District renowned for its rare flora, jade-coloured streams, and dramatic granite peaks. Here visit Sinheungsa Temple. Founded by the Great Monk Jajangyulsa in the 7th century, it is home to the massive “Great Unification Buddha” statue.

Optional Adventure: Gwongeumseong Cable Car:

• Cost: $20 USD per person
• The View: Take a cable car up to the ruins of Gwongeumseong Castle. Located atop a steep rocky mountain, it offers panoramic views of the park’s rugged landscape and the East Sea in the distance.
• Alternatively, if time permits enjoy one of the short hiking trails and enjoy the spectacular views.

After a day of mountain air and spiritual reflection, in the late afternoon enjoy the scenic drive back to Seoul and enjoy the evening at leisure.

This morning meet your fellow passengers and guide and embark on the 2-hour journey to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The border dividing North Korea and South Korea, sitting near the 38th parallel, the DMZ is 2.5 Miles wide, and the most dangerous area in South Korea. On arrival at the complex, you will be under the supervision of a U.S Army Lieutenant and escorted into a theatre for a briefing on the history and protocols of visiting the DMZ. The rules are strict however, they are enforced for everyone’s safety. As part of the visit to the DMZ you will also visit the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, the Unification Bridge, and Dorasan Observatory. At the completion of the visit, you will return to Seoul with your fellow travellers to enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Enjoy your final few hours in Seoul at leisure before you meet your driver who will provide the private vehicle transfer to Seoul Incheon International Airport for your onward flight.