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17-Day Highlights of the South Korea Drive

Customisable Itinerary
4.5 • (1 review)

Trip Overview

Experience South Korea’s vibrant spirit as you journey from Seoul’s lively streets and historic palaces to the scenic trails of Seoraksan in Sokcho. Wander through Andong’s traditional villages and Gyeongju’s ancient sites, then dive into Busan’s coastal energy with bustling markets and optional sunset yacht rides. Explore the beauty of Namwon and glamp in Jirisan National Park. Fly to Jeju Island for waterfalls, volcanic peaks, and coastal adventures, with opportunities for tangerine picking, kayaking, or dolphin watching. Return to Seoul for a final night, taking home lasting memories of the country’s rich culture, dramatic landscapes, and dynamic cities.

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Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Seoul

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Arrival in Seoul

Arrive at Incheon Airport and travel to your hotel in Seoul independently. Options include taking the subway via the airport line, using an airport bus with direct hotel connections, or booking a private minivan transfer. After checking in at your hotel, you can start your evening with a visit to Dongdaemun Design Plaza and a walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax and enjoy the city.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Stanford Hotel Myeongdong

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seoul

Day 2

Seoul Heritage & Market Exploration

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Seoul Heritage & Market Exploration

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then set out on a cultural journey through Seoul. Begin at Gyeongbokgung Palace to witness the colorful guard-changing ceremony, then explore the charming streets of Ikseondong and the traditional culture hub of Insadong. Continue to Gwangjang Market to experience local flavors and vibrant market life, and visit Namsangol Hanok Village to step back in time and see traditional Korean homes. After a full day of sightseeing, return to your hotel to relax.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Stanford Hotel Myeongdong

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Gyeongbokgung PalaceOptional Activity

    Insa-dong Street

    Gwangjang MarketOptional Activity

    Namsangol Hanok VillageOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seoul

Day 3

Korea’s Demilitarised Zone Highlights

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Korea’s Demilitarised Zone Highlights

After breakfast at the hotel, walk to the DMZ meeting point and check in with the staff. Join the DMZ tour, which departs in the morning. The tour visits Imjingak Park, Freedom Bridge, DMZ Theater and Exhibition, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, and Dora Observatory. For early departures, there are optional extensions available, such as the DMZ Gondola and the Gamak Mountain Suspension Bridge. After the tour, return to the hotel.

The DMZ is closed on Mondays. All visitors must bring a passport. Access to the tunnels may be restricted for guests with mobility or certain health limitations. Please check requirements before joining the tour.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Stanford Hotel Myeongdong

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Imjingak Park

    Bridge of Freedom

    DMZ Theather & Exhibition Hall

    The Third Tunnel

    Dora Observatory

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seoul

    Paju-si

Day 4

Drive to Sokcho via Nami Island

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Drive to Sokcho via Nami Island

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the Seoul Station rental car branch to pick up your vehicle. Drive to Sokcho, which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Suggested stops along the way include Chuncheon’s Nami Island and the Chuncheon Rail Bike. Upon arrival, check in at your Sokcho hotel and enjoy free time for leisure.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sea Cruise Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Nami IslandOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Stanford Hotel Myeongdong to Seoul Station

    Rental Car from Seoul to Sokcho-si

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seoul

    Chuncheon-si

    Sokcho-si

Day 5

Seoraksan National Park & Sokcho Highlights

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Seoraksan National Park & Sokcho Highlights

After breakfast at the hotel, you can follow a suggested tour course including a morning hike in Seoraksan, a visit to Sokcho Museum, and a stop at Abai Village. For hiking, choose the hard route to Ulsan Bawi or the easier option via the cable car, followed by a hike to Sinheungsa Temple and Biryong Waterfall. Return to the hotel afterward and enjoy free time for leisure.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sea Cruise Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    SeoraksanOptional Activity

    Museum XOptional Activity

    Abai villageOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sokcho-si

Day 6

Andong Heritage and Village Life

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Andong Heritage and Village Life

After breakfast at the hotel, check out of your Sokcho accommodation and drive to Andong, a trip of about three hours. Suggested stops include Andong Hahoe Village, the Andong Mask Museum, and viewing the Andong Moon Boats at sunset near Woljeonggyo Bridge. Mask performances run from March to December every Tuesday to Sunday from 2:00–3:00 PM, and from January to February on Saturdays and Sundays at the same time. After your visit, continue driving to Gyeongju (about two hours), check in to your hotel, and enjoy free leisure time.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Rivertain Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hahoe Village (UNESCO Site)Optional Activity

    Hahoe Mask MuseumOptional Activity

    Woljeonggyo BridgeOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Sokcho-si to Andong-si

    Rental Car from Andong-si to Gyeongju-si

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sokcho-si

    Andong-si

    Gyeongju-si

    Daegu

Day 7

Cycling Through Gyeongju

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Cycling Through Gyeongju

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel. Rent a bicycle from a nearby shop, which is often located close to hotels and hanok accommodations. Ride through Gyeongju and visit Cheomseongdae, Tumuli Park, Gyochon Village, and Hwanglidan-gil. Continue to Wolji Pond and try to arrive before sunset for the best views. After finishing your cycling route, return your bike to the rental shop. Head back to your hotel to relax or explore more on your own. This route covers major sites and offers a practical way to experience Gyeongju in a single day.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Rivertain Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Gyeongju

    CheomseongdaeOptional Activity

    Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional VillageOptional Activity

    Donggung Palace & Wolji PondOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Daegu

    Gyeongju-si

Day 8

Exploring Busan’s Seaside Attractions

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Exploring Busan’s Seaside Attractions

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then check out and drive to Busan, a smooth trip of about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Spend the day exploring highlights like the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, the scenic Sky Capsule ride, and vibrant Haeundae Beach. After the tour, check in to your Busan hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Arban Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Haedong YonggungsaOptional Activity

    Sky CapsuleOptional Activity

    Haeundae BeachOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Rivertain Hotel to Busan

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Daegu

    Busan

Day 9

Busan Markets, Culture & Views

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Busan Markets, Culture & Views

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then dive into a full day of Busan highlights. Explore Jagalchi Market, wander through Gukje Market and BIFF Square, then head to the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village. Continue to the Songdo Cable Car and Skywalk for great views, before returning to the hotel to enjoy your free time for the rest of the day.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Arban Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Jagalchi Fish MarketOptional Activity

    Gukje MarketOptional Activity

    BIFF SquareOptional Activity

    Gamcheon Cultural VillageOptional Activity

    Songdo Bay Station (Songdo Cable Car)Optional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Busan

Day 10

Scenic Trails & Namwon Glamping

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Scenic Trails & Namwon Glamping

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then check out and begin your scenic 2-hour drive to Jirisan National Park. Spend the day hiking through Jirisan’s beautiful trails, taking in the fresh mountain air. Afterward, check in to your Namwon glamping hotel and relax with the rest of the day free for leisure.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The Suites Hotel Namwon

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Jirisan National ParkOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Busan to Jirisan National Park

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Busan

    Hadong-gun

    Namwon-si

Day 11

Exploring Jirisan Valley and Cultural Sites

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Exploring Jirisan Valley and Cultural Sites

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then check out of the glamping site and explore the area. Visit Jirisan Herb Valley, continue to Gwanghallu Pavilion, and stop by the historic Old Seodu Station. After your tour, check in to your Namwon hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The Suites Hotel Namwon

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Gwanghallu PavilionOptional Activity

    Old Seodu StationOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Namwon-si

Day 12

Transfer to Jeju & Mt. Halla Exploration

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Transfer to Jeju & Mt. Halla Exploration

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then check out and drive about an hour to Yeosu Airport. Return your rental car at the airport branch and catch your flight from Yeosu to Jeju. Upon arrival, pick up your new rental car and begin exploring with a visit to the 4.3 Peace Park followed by an easy one-hour trek on the Eoseungsaengak Trail at Mt. Halla. Afterward, check in to your Jeju hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bloom Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    4.3 Peace ParkOptional Activity

    Eoseungsaengak TrailOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Namwon-si to Yeosu Airport (RSU)

    Plane from Yeosu-si to Jeju Island

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Namwon-si

    Jeju-si

    Seogwipo-si

Day 13

Jeju Highlights

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Jeju Highlights

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, then head out to explore Jeju’s highlights. Visit Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, stroll through the Jeju Folk Village, and continue to the iconic Seongsan Ilchulbong. Stop by the Haenyeo Museum and finish at Jeju Stone Park before returning to the hotel to enjoy your free time for the rest of the day.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bloom Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cheonjeyeon WaterfallsOptional Activity

    Jeju Folk VillageOptional Activity

    Seongsan IlchulbongOptional Activity

    Haenyeo MuseumOptional Activity

    Jeju Stone ParkOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seogwipo-si

    Jeju-si

Day 14

Nature and Scenery on Jeju’s West Side

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Nature and Scenery on Jeju’s West Side

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then set out to explore Jeju’s west side. Wander through the green stretches of O’Sulloc Tea Field, enjoy the tranquil paths of Spirited Garden, and take in the dramatic scenery along Yongmeori Coast. After the tour, return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bloom Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Osulloc Green Tea FieldOptional Activity

    Spirited GardenOptional Activity

    Yongmeori CoastOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seogwipo-si

    Jeju-si

Day 15

Jeju: Gardens, Beach & Culture

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Jeju: Gardens, Beach & Culture

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then explore Jeju’s attractions. Visit Hallim Park, relax at Hyeopjae Beach, enjoy the exhibits at Arte Museum Jeju, and browse the local Seogwipo Olle Market. After the tour, return to the hotel and enjoy free time for the rest of the day.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bloom Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hallim ParkOptional Activity

    Hyeopjae BeachOptional Activity

    Arte Museum JejuOptional Activity

    Seogwipo Olle Market ParkingOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seogwipo-si

    Jeju-si

Day 16

Return to Seoul from Jeju

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Return to Seoul from Jeju

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then check out and return your rental car at Jeju Airport. Fly from Jeju to Seoul, transfer to your hotel on your own, check in, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Stanford Hotel Myeongdong

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Bloom Hotel to Jeju International Airport

    Plane from Jeju Island to Seoul

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seogwipo-si

    Seoul

Day 17

Departure Day

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Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, check out and make your way to the airport independently. You can choose to travel by subway, which may involve transfers. Another option is the airport bus, which goes directly to the airport. Alternatively, you can arrange a private airport transfer by mini-van with a driver. Select the transportation method that best fits your schedule and preferences before departing for your flight.

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seoul

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What’s included?

  • 16 nights accommodation
  • 7 activities
  • 16 breakfasts
  • Ground transportation

What’s not included?

  • Airport transfer
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits

Notes

Included:
▪ 16-night hotel accommodation with daily breakfast at:
- SEOUL (4N) : Stanford Hotel 4* or similar
- SOKCHO (2N) : Sea Cruise Hotel 3,5* or similar
- GYEONGJU (2N) : Rivertain Hotel 4* or similar
- BUSAN (2N) : Arban Hotel 4* or similar
- JIRISAN (1N) : O Stay Glamping or similar **No breakfast available
- NAMWON (1N) : Suites Hotel 4* or similar
- JEJU (4N) : Bloom Hotel 3* or similar
▪ DMZ tour on SIC basis with pick-up and drop off near Seoul Hotel
▪ Flights in standard class from Yeosu to Jeju and Jeju to Seoul
▪ Rental car with pick-up at Seoul Station and drop-off at Yeosu Airport from day 4 to day 12 (9days)
▪ Hi-pass card including 30,000krw

Not included:
▪ Toll and parking fees
▪ Any optional activities
▪ Arrival and departure transfers from the airport
▪ Any costs of food or drinks not mentioned on the itinerary.
▪ Any admission or activity fees mentioned on the itinerary.
▪ Personal expenses (Shopping, drinks and food)