13 days Cultural Tour to Seoul, Jeju Island, Busan, Gyeongju, Daegu, Andong & Mt. Sorak
This program offers you a wide range of attractions, sightseeing and experiences with natural wonders, attractive culture and authentic tradition of Korea. Best of Korea is THE BEST to those who like to discover the wonderful sightseeing and Korean culture; it takes you to explore every corners of Korea from Western, Eastern and Eastern area to Jeju Island in the south sea as well as Seoul, the world class city in amazing combination of tradition and modernity.
Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport you are met by our representative and transfer to check in your hotel. The rest of day is at your leisure.
At 08:40, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and visit
Gyeongbokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the traditional houses of Bukchon Hanok Village,
then stroll through Insadong, known for its teahouses,
antiques and handicrafts. Continue to the National Museum
of Korea to discover ancient artefacts, Buddhist art and
national treasures. End the day in Myeongdong, with time
to browse cosmetics and fashion stores and sample Korean
street food.
07:30 Transfer to a meeting point at the parking lot of Donghwa Duty Free Shop Building at Gwanghwamun Intersection, Seoul then depart for Gongju (130Km / 1.5hours). You will visit The Tomb of King Muryeong (UNESCO) and Gongsanseong Fortress (UNESCO); then proceed to Jeonju (80Km/1 hr) to visit Jeonju Hanok Village where you experience the Hanok - 700 traditional Korean Houses. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day remains free.
After breakfast, transfer to Gwangju (100km / 1hr 20min), the leading city of Honam region and birthplace of a modern democratic movement in Korea. Visit May 18th National Cemetery; then drive to Suncheon (100km/ 1hr) and visit Suncheon Bay Garden before we continue to Yeosu, a port city and wander around the Historic Site of Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s Path. Check into our hotel.
After breakfast we drive to Busan Airport (100Km/1.5hrs)
and fly to Jeju Island. Upon arrival Jesu, met and
transferred to check in your hotel.
After breakfast, visit Hyupjae Beach and the tranquil Spirited Garden with its bonsai trees and ponds. Explore the O’sulloc Tea Museum to learn about Korean tea culture, then enjoy the Sanbang Mountain Cruise. Continue to Cheonjeyeon Falls, a beautiful three-tier waterfall known as “The Pond of God.” Transfer back to your hotel.
After breakfast, visit Jeolmul Natural Forest, a cedar forest growing inside the crater of a small volcano. Continue to Seongeup Folk Village to learn about Jeju’s traditional culture. Visit the Haenyeo Museum to see exhibits of Jeju’s famous female divers, or enjoy the Haenyeo performance (UNESCO-listed). Next, explore Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, a 5,000-year-old volcanic tuff cone rising 180m above sea level. hen tour the Jeju Stone Park, an ecological and cultural museum showcasing Jeju’s unique stone heritage.
Transfer to Jeju Airport for your domestic flight to Busan. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel.
After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day tour of Busan. Start at Haeundae Beach, the city’s most famous stretch of white sand. Continue along the scenic Dalmaji-gil Road to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, dramatically located on Busan’s northeastern coast. Next, explore the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its hillside “staircase” houses and artistic streets. Visit Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood market, followed by BIFF Square. Enjoy a traditional rice cake–making experience with a master maker (available for groups of 8 or more). In the afternoon, transfer to Gyeongju (1.5 hours). Visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, once a secondary palace of the Silla crown prince, where the illuminated night reflections create a beautiful scene.
Travel to Gyeongju, often described as “a museum without walls”, the ancient capital of the Shilla Dynasty for nearly 1,000 years. Discover its rich heritage as you visit the Gyeongju National Museum, the historic Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the UNESCO-listed Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, both celebrated for their remarkable architecture and cultural significance. After exploring Gyeongju’s highlights, continue to Daegu, the largest city in the region, where you will check in to your hotel and enjoy a restful evening.
Drive to Gayasan National Park and visit Haeinsa Temple, which was founded by King Ae-Jang of Shilla Dynasty (802), with its famous treasure “Tripitaka Koreana” (UNESCO world heritage) composed of 81,341 printing woodblocks made to repulse the Mongolian Army Invasion with support of Buddha. Afterwards transfer to Andong Hahoe Village which has preserved the housing architecture and the village structure of the Joseon Dynasty. People still living inside the village. The Hahoe Village has become world-famous after the visit of the Queen Elizabeth II few years ago. Then transfer to Pyeongchang, one of 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Cities.
Travel to Woljeongsa Temple for a cultural experience that may include learning temple etiquette, a guided temple tour, walking meditation or a conversation with a monk, and a traditional monastic meal. (Temple stay programs require a minimum of 8 participants.) Continue to Seoraksan National Park, famous for its dramatic cloud-piercing peaks and jade-colored valleys. The park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982 for its rich biodiversity and rare species. Visit Sinheungsa Temple, an ancient temple founded by the renowned monk Jajangyulsa (590–658).
An optional ride on the Gwongeumseong Cable Car (USD 20 per person) offers stunning views of the mountain and the historic castle ruins. After exploring Seoraksan, transfer to Seoul and check in to your hotel.
After breakfast, meet your guide at your hotel at 08:00 for
a half-day DMZ tour. Visit Imjingak Park, cross Unification
Bridge and complete an identity check before exploring the
DMZ Theatre and Exhibition Hall, Third Infiltration Tunnel
and Dora Observatory. Continue to Unification Village,
followed by an amethyst or ginseng centre. The tour ends
at Seoul City Hall. Enjoy free time in the city before
returning to your hotel independently by taxi, subway or
on foot. Your passport is required. The tour does not
operate on Mondays or national holidays.
Today is at leisure (subject to hotel check out time policy) until in time transfer to the airport for your flight bound for your next destination.
The Best of Korea
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AVAILABLE
Tour code: BestKorea27
| Travelling | Price pp | Single Supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan - 20 Dec 2027 - Departs on Friday | $5,950 | $2,380 | Book |
Remarks
- Remarks: Depart every Friday all year round except Blackout dates in 2027 (Lunar New Year, Korean Thanksgiving, End of Year Holidays; Christmas and New Year Holidays period)).
- Land only prices, include Korean domestic air tickets Busan - Jeju - Busan. But no international air tickets included except specified.
- Minimum of 2 participants for guaranteed departure. Normally the group size will be 10-20 people; but max may be around 40 in some popular departures.
- Hotel references: 4* hotel at Seoul The Link Hotel, Jeonju Lahan Hotel; Yeosu Ramada Plaza by Wyndham; Jeju Shihwa World Marriott, Busan Wyndham Grand Hotel, Gyeongju Lahan Hotel; Daegu Interbulgo EXCO Hotel, Pyeongchang Alpensia Inter-Continental or similar
- Exclusions: International air travel, tipping for the guide and driver (US$10 per day / client recommended), optional tour; personal expenses; travel insurance, items not mentioned in above itinerary, unscheduled meals etc.
- All bookings are subject to availability and final confirmation.
- Itineraries are subject to minor change upon local arrangement
- Remarks: Depart every Friday all year round except Blackout dates in 2027 (Lunar New Year, Korean Thanksgiving, School Holidays (29Jan 5Feb, 16Jul, 23Jul, 30Jul, 6Aug, 10Sep 2027); Christmas and New Year Holidays period).
- High season: 2Jul, 9Jul, 13Aau, 20Aug, 17Dec, 24Dec with Price: $6550 pp. S.S $2850.
Inclusions
- Twin share 4* hotel at SeoulThe Link Hotel, Jeonju Lahan Hotel; Yeosu Ramada Plaza by Wyndham; Jeju Shinhwa World Marriott, Busan Wyndham Grand Hotel, Gyeongju Lahan Hotel; Daegu Interbulgo EXCO Hotel, Pyeongchang Alpensia Inter-Continental or similar
- Korean domestic economy flights Seoul – Jeju Island – Busan
- Fully inclusive seat in coach group tour with English speaking guide, all transfers and entrance fees as per itinerary.