Taste of South Korea

Arrive in Seoul and transfer to your accommodation. The capital of South Korea, Seoul blends modernity with tradition, offering historic palaces, K-pop culture, delicious street food and vibrant nightlife. Meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers and enjoy an Insider Experience this evening.  

Insider Experience - Korean-Style BBQ

Join your Tour Director for a Welcome Dinner at a traditional Korean-style BBQ house. Savour the authentic flavours of the region and enjoy the atmosphere. 

Today is dedicated to the relationship between North and South Korea. You’ll visit the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) to gain an understanding of the bordering countries. See Imjingak Park, the Bridge of Freedom and the Third Infiltration Tunnel, where it’s believed that some 30,000 soldiers could pass through within an hour. You’ll also spend time at the DMZ Theatre and Exhibition Hall, and the station, along with Dora Observatory, which offers binocular views into North Korea. Return to Seoul for an afternoon visit to Insadong, a cultural hub in the heart of Seoul. This neighbourhood is steeped in tradition and boasts a plethora of art galleries, antique shops, craft stores, and traditional teahouses.  

The final stop of the day is Hanyangdoseong. Also known as Seoul City Wall, the historic fortification surrounding the city offers panoramic views, hiking trails, and a glimpse into Seoul’s rich history and architectural legacy. Take a walk along the wall, soaking in the surrounding views and incredible history. 

Fill up at breakfast this morning – you’re in for a full day of sightseeing. After your first Insider Experience, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant to taste Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) considered to be a healthy dish with medicinal benefits. Afterwards, embark on your second incredible Insider Experience for the day, followed by   a visit to the National Museum of Contemporary Korean History. Gain an insight into how Korea propelled itself from being an agricultural society to the modern economic powerhouse that it is today.  

The last stop of your journey is Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming neighbourhood consisting of traditional hanok houses, showcasing Korea’s architectural heritage. Explore the narrow alleyways, experience the peaceful atmosphere, and admire the beautifully preserved structures.  

Insider Experience - Jogyesa Temple

Visit Jogyesa Temple for the chance to share tea with a monk and experience the unique culture of Korean Buddhism. Explore the fascinating temple compound and marvel at ancient well-preserved Buddhist treasures.  

Insider Experience - Gyeongbokgung Palace

Embark on a tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest palace in South Korea. Built in 1392 at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty, it was the main royal palace for five centuries. Witness the changing of the guard ceremony, a tradition that has been performed for centuries in Korea and is a symbol of the nation's rich culture and history. 

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on your Insider Experience. Upon arrival in South Korea’s second-largest city, you’ll be taken on a city sightseeing tour of some of Busan’s most well-known sites. Begin at Busan Tower, which offers a great vantage point to the city’s bustling port. Visit Jagalchi Fishery Market, the largest seafood market in South Korea. Here, locals select seafood that is straight from the ocean and take their purchase to the market’s chefs to be prepared just how they like it, for a fresher-than-fresh seafood lunch. Explore the quirky Gamcheon Village, a mishmash of pastel-coloured houses, street art and art galleries. Your final stop of the day is the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, a significant and poignant site commemorating the Korean War. Transfer to the hotel to check in then this evening, head out to the neighbourhood market for a fresh seafood dinner, the speciality of Busan.  

Insider Experience - KTX Express Train to Busan

Board one of South Korea’s famous KTX Express Trains to Busan, a vibrant coastal city in South Korea offering beautiful beaches, lively markets and fresh seafood. Watch the beautiful countryside whip past your window, and jet right past busy cities as your train reaches speeds of over 300 kilometres per hour. 

Today, visit Dongbaekseom Island (island of Camellias) located at the right end of famous Haeundae Beach. Soak in the views of the beautiful coastline on a scenic coastal trail around the island’s nature forest. Head to Mipo Station (Blue Line Park) near Haeundae beach to board the Busan Sky Capsule, a unique observation deck offering panoramic views. Afterwards, enjoy your Insider Experience for lunch. Continue to Haedong Yonggungsa Seaside Temple, located on the seaside and offers a stunning view of the ocean, then journey to Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Upon arrival, visit Daereungwon Tomb Complex (Tumuli Park). You’ll have a chance to see Cheomseongdae Observatory and Family Choi’s House, the oldest house in the area built in the 1600s.    

Insider Experience – Bibimbap Culinary Class  Learn how to make Korea’s favourite dish, bibimbap. Enjoy a hands-on experience in making this traditional Korean dish and learn about the history, ingredients and preparation techniques.  

This morning, after breakfast, your exploration of Gyeongju continues with a visit to the religious architectural complex of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, both World Heritage-listed. Both sites highlight the mastery of the architects and artists of the Silla Kingdom era.  Marvel at the vast collections of artifacts at the Gyeongju National Museum including relics and royal treasures and enjoy a comprehensive insight into the art, culture, and history of the Silla dynasty. Travel to Yangdong Folk Village, a traditional yangban (Korean Aristocracy) village from the Joseon dynasty. Explore the charming neighbourhood consisting of traditional hanok houses against a backdrop of beautiful natural scenery. Head back to Gyeongju and embark on the leisurely evening walk to the Woljeong Bridge, and the historical “gateway” connecting the royal palaces of Silla to the south, on the Namcheon stream. End the walk at the Wolji pond, an artificial pond located in Gyeongju National Park.

Make the journey to Haeinsa Temple, a World Heritage site, located within Gayasan National Park. As one of the three principal Buddhist temples in South Korea, discover Buddhist scriptures, which have been carved into more than 80,000 wooden blocks. Afterwards, head to Daegu train station for your Insider Experience. Tonight, celebrate your holiday with your fellow travellers and Tour Director with a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. 

Insider Experience – KTX Express Train

Travel by KTX Express Train to Seoul and experience the comfort and efficiency of this rail service firsthand. Glide by glorious landscapes at a spectacular pace. 

Breakfast is served at your hotel this morning,. Then, be transferred to Incheon International Airport where your South Korea adventure comes to an end.