16/08/2024
🇰🇷Discover South Korea’s extraordinary landscapes, traditional villages, cultural heritage and vibrant cities on this in-depth 12-day tour. 📜Explore the urban metropolis of Seoul, spend a full day exploring the stunning natural landscapes of Seoraksan National Park, journey out to the DMZ, discover the rich history of the ancient Kingdom of Korea in Gyeongju and let the salty breeze guide you to Busan. This stellar tour also includes🛬 return international flights, a high-speed bullet train experience,🏨 3-4 star accommodation, daily breakfast and select delicious Korean meals, an expert tour leader, a meticulously planned itinerary and unique experiences.
🇰🇷12 Day Fly & Tour Holiday uncovering the treasures of South Korea
💰From $3,390 *pp👩❤️👨
🗓️TOUR DATES
Price Based on Tours Starting:
▪️21 August 2025
▪️4 September 2025
▪️11 September 2025
Extra Charges Apply For:
▪️27 March 2025 + $400pp Cherry Blossoms
▪️10 April 2025 + $300pp
▪️08 May 2025 + $200pp
▪️22 May 2025 + $200pp
▪️25 September 2025 + $400pp
▪️23 October 2025 + $300pp Autumn Leaves
▪️06 November 2025 + $300pp Autumn Leaves
▪️19 March 2026 + $500pp Cherry Blossoms
▪️02 April 2026 + $600pp
▪️07 May 2026 + $200pp
🌸Cherry Blossoms: In spring, late March to early April is historically the best time to view pink and white cherry blossoms in South Korea.
🌿Autumn Leaves: In October and November witness fall foliage turn different shades of vivid red, orange and yellow.
📌Note: Bloom and fall timings are not guaranteed as they are highly seasonal and subject to changing climate conditions.
🛫Price based on departing from Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
Extra charges apply for:
🌇Brisbane ($300pp)
🌆Adelaide ($400pp)
🌟TOUR INCLUSIONS🌟
✈️Return international flights to Seoul
🚍Return airport transfers
🏨11 Nights accommodation in hand-selected hotels
🍽️Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 1 dinner
🚝High-speed bullet train from Busan to Seoul
🚘Private deluxe coach transportation
👩⚖️Dedicated English-speaking tour leader throughout
🎟️Sightseeing and admissions as specified
🌟Included Sightseeing & Tour Highlights
✅Explore Seoul – A vibrant hub for fashion, beauty, and pop culture.
✅Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony
✅Stroll around Bukchon Hanok Village and marvel at the 600-year-old houses and alleyways
✅Travel to the DMZ- the historic borderland with the North
✅Experience the serene beauty of Seoraksan National Park with a full day to explore
✅Take a breathtaking cable car ride up to Gwongeumseong Fortress
✅Step back in time at the traditional Andong Hahoe Village
✅Enjoy an entertaining Korean folk mask dance performance
✅Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple
✅Explore Tumuli Park, home to a complex of magnificent tombs of kings and queens
✅Bask in the colourful beachside city of Busan
✅Enjoy Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a beautiful temple set right on the water’s edge
✅Sink your toes into the golden sands of Haeundae Beach
✅Unearth the Treasures of Gyeongju- once the ancient capital
✅Savour the flavours of Korea with select included meals
📜ITINERARY📜
🌤️Day 1 Arrive in Seoul
Welcome to Seoul! Upon your arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be greeted by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel, where check-in commences from 3:00 pm. The remainder of the day is free for you to start discovering this vibrant city at your own pace.
🍛Meals included: None
Note: Due to flight times and schedules, some customers may be required to depart the day prior on an overnight flight from Australia.
🌤️Day 2 Seoul
Welcome to a captivating day in Seoul, where the past and present harmoniously coexist. Get ready to explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, an awe-inspiring testament to Korea’s royal legacy. Watch as the Changing of the Guard ceremony unfolds with resplendent uniforms and traditional music, a captivating spectacle that bridges the gap between the past and the present. Why not fully immerse yourself in Joseon history and take the opportunity to try a traditional Korean outfit, a Hanbok (optional at your own expense) and have the palace be your backdrop for photos? Then wander the atmospheric streets of Insadong’s antique alleys, taking in the traditional Korean arts. Enjoy a welcome lunch and savour delicious Korean cuisine. Next, explore the 600-year-old alleyways of Bukchon Hanok Village. Finish the day in Myeong-dong, a lively and vibrant neighbourhood popular for shopping and dining.
🥘Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
🌤️Day 3 Seoul
Enjoy a free day to navigate the labyrinth of bright lights of Seoul at your own pace. South Korea’s capital is vibrant with activity. From high-end malls to cultural sites, beautiful public parks, and delicious cuisine, there is much to see and do on a free day in Seoul.
Alternatively, enhance your Korea experience with our Optional Seoul Tour (at your own expense).
Optional Seoul Day Tour – Nami Island and The Garden of Morning Calm from $160pp
Experience the serene beauty of South Korea with a guided day tour from Seoul to the enchanting Garden of Morning Calm and Nami Island. Begin your journey with a visit to the Garden of Morning Calm, where meticulously landscaped gardens showcase the country’s stunning natural beauty, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Afterward, head to the picturesque Nami Island, famous for its tree-lined paths and as the filming location for the popular k-drama “Winter Sonata.” With its unique blend of culture and nature, this tour provides a perfect escape into the tranquil countryside, all within a day’s reach from Seoul. This guided day tour includes your friendly tour guide, deluxe coach, ferry across to Nami Island, entry fee to The Garden of Morning Calm and lunch.
🥗Meals included: Breakfast (lunch is included only on the optional tour)
🌤️Day 4 Seoul - The DMZ - Sokho
Today we leave Seoul and set out through the picturesque Korean countryside on our way to Cheorwon, a historic city near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Upon arrival in Cheorwon, visit the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, where you can view North Korean territory and gain insights into the history and significance of the DMZ. Next, explore the 2nd Tunnel, one of the infiltration tunnels discovered in the 1970s. As you walk through this intriguing underground passage, you will learn about the tensions and conflicts that have shaped the Korean Peninsula. We then continue to the east coast of the Korean peninsula to the city of Sokcho.
🍽️Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
🌤️Day 5 Seoraksan National Park
Embark on an unforgettable full-day tour to the majestic Seoraksan National Park. The park is home to the towering peaks of the Taebaek Mountain Range and is made up of dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and crystal-clear streams, all of which change with the seasons, offering breathtaking scenery year-round. The park is also a sanctuary for various species of flora and fauna, some of which are rare and endangered, and since 1965 has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Protection site. Enjoy breathtaking views from the included cable car to the top, explore the historic Gwengengseong Fortress, admire the majestic Golden Bronze Statue, and visit the tranquil Sinheungsa Temple. Depending on the weather, there is also the option of a relaxing hike to the stunning Biryong Falls in the afternoon.
🍱Meals included: Breakfast
🌤️Day 6 Sokcho - Andong
Today the tour travels to Andong, a city steeped in history and tradition. In Andong, we visit Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved Joseon-era architecture and scenic beauty. Wander through the village’s charming alleyways, lined with traditional houses, and immerse yourself in the region’s rich cultural heritage. As the day unfolds, experience the vibrant artistry of the Andong Mask Dance, a captivating performance that combines drama, music, and dance, offering a glimpse into Korea’s folk traditions.
🫕Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
🌤️Day 7 Andong - Gyeongju
After breakfast, we visit the Woryeonggyo Bridge, a stunning wooden structure spanning the Nakdong River, offering picturesque views and a tranquil atmosphere perfect for a leisurely stroll. We then stop by the Andong Soju Museum, which delves into the history and craftsmanship of Korea’s traditional distilled liquor, offering insights into its production and cultural significance. After soaking in the rich heritage of Andong, we travel down to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom. At the Gyeongju National Museum, visitors can marvel at an extensive collection of artifacts, including exquisite relics, statues, and royal treasures, providing a deep dive into the region’s illustrious past.
🌯Meals included: Breakfast
🌤️Day 8 Gyeongju
Once the ancient capital, Gyeongju is often referred to as “the museum without walls” because everywhere you turn you can find another site with historical relevance to see. Today we get an insight into Gyeongju with a visit to Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Buddhist cave temple constructed during 668-935 CE. Next, we visit Bulguksa Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Korea’s most famous temples. We then explore Tumuli Park, home to a complex of magnificent tombs of kings, queens, and other court officials of the past. Next, visit Cheomseongdae Observatory, built in the 7th century, making it the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia and possibly the world. Interestingly, the Observatory was built using 365 stones representing the days of the year and has twelve stones that make up the base representing the months of the year. To top off the day, enjoy a delicious, included dinner.
🍛Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
🌤️Day 9 Gyeongju - Busan
Today we head down to Korea’s second-largest city, Busan. Start your day with a tranquil visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of the most unique and beautiful temples in Korea. Perched on the cliffs overlooking the East Sea, this temple offers a serene atmosphere and stunning ocean views. Next, head to the colourful and artistic Gamcheon Cultural Village. Originally a humble mountainside neighbourhood, it has transformed into a vibrant area filled with art installations, murals, and quaint little shops. We then head to the U.N. Memorial Cemetery, a poignant site dedicated to the soldiers from 21 countries who fought during the Korean War. Walk through the beautifully maintained grounds, visit the memorials, and pay your respects to the fallen heroes. Conclude your day with a visit to Dongbaek Island, a picturesque spot located at the end of Haeundae Beach. Take a leisurely stroll along the well-maintained walking paths, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning coastal views. Visit the iconic Nurimaru APEC House, where you can learn about its historical significance and enjoy panoramic vistas of the coastline.
🥧Meals included: Breakfast
Traditional East Asian temple complex in Busan on coastal cliffs with a bridge and visitors.
🌤️Day 10 Busan
Today is a free day at leisure to explore the beautiful city of Busan.
Alternatively, enhance your Korea experience with our Optional Busan Tour (at your own expense).
Optional Busan Day Tour – An Exploration of East Busan from $120pp
This tour begins with a trip aboard the Beach Train running along the coast of east Busan. The train’s retro-style exterior and tasteful use of colours add a splash of uniqueness to Haeundae’s panoramic scenery. Watch as the colourful Skycapsules glide by around the curve of cliffs. After your train ride, proceed to the Cheongsapo Skywalk. This glass-floored skywalk extends out over the cliffs and offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the surrounding sea. It’s a unique and thrilling experience to walk on glass high above the ocean. After a delicious, included lunch, visit the maze-like Jagalchi Fish Market and Gukje Market, packed with all types of goods you can ever think of. Then soar to new heights and look out over the sprawling city of Busan from Yongdusan Park Tower. At 120 meters tall, the tower offers visitors panoramic views of Busan Port and Yeongdo Island. This guided day tour includes your friendly tour guide, deluxe coach, admission fees as mentioned above and lunch.
🥣Meals included: Breakfast (lunch is included only on the optional tour)
🌤️Day 11 Busan - Seoul (Bullet Train)
Enjoy the morning at your leisure before we embark on your bullet train journey back to Seoul. The high-speed Busan to Seoul KTX covers the distance of 417 kilometres in under 2 hours and 15 minutes. Watch the scenery of Korea speed by on your way back to the capital.
Meals included: Breakfast
🌤️Day 12 Depart Seoul
Bid farewell to South Korea, taking home incredible memories with you. At the appropriate time, a transfer will take you back to the airport for your flight home.
🍵Meals included: Breakfast
📌Note: Due to flight times and scheduling, you may arrive in Australia on Day 12 or 13. Final documents will confirm travel timings.
🌟To book, email: [email protected]
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