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.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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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
Stanford Hotel Myeongdong
Destinations
Seoul
Day 2
Seoul Heritage & Market Exploration
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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
Stanford Hotel Myeongdong
Activities
Gyeongbokgung PalaceOptional Activity
Insa-dong Street
Gwangjang MarketOptional Activity
Namsangol Hanok VillageOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Seoul
Day 3
Korea’s Demilitarised Zone Highlights
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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
Stanford Hotel Myeongdong
Activities
Imjingak Park
Bridge of Freedom
DMZ Theather & Exhibition Hall
The Third Tunnel
Dora Observatory
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Seoul
Paju-si
Day 4
Drive to Sokcho via Nami Island
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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
Sea Cruise Hotel
Activities
Nami IslandOptional Activity
Transportations
Private Driver from Stanford Hotel Myeongdong to Seoul Station
Rental Car from Seoul to Sokcho-si
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Seoul
Chuncheon-si
Sokcho-si
Day 5
Seoraksan National Park & Sokcho Highlights
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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
Sea Cruise Hotel
Activities
SeoraksanOptional Activity
Museum XOptional Activity
Abai villageOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Sokcho-si
Day 6
Andong Heritage and Village Life
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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
Rivertain Hotel
Activities
Hahoe Village (UNESCO Site)Optional Activity
Hahoe Mask MuseumOptional Activity
Woljeonggyo BridgeOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Sokcho-si to Andong-si
Rental Car from Andong-si to Gyeongju-si
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Sokcho-si
Andong-si
Gyeongju-si
Daegu
Day 7
Cycling Through Gyeongju
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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
Rivertain Hotel
Activities
Gyeongju
CheomseongdaeOptional Activity
Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional VillageOptional Activity
Donggung Palace & Wolji PondOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Daegu
Gyeongju-si
Day 8
Exploring Busan’s Seaside Attractions
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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
Arban Hotel
Activities
Haedong YonggungsaOptional Activity
Sky CapsuleOptional Activity
Haeundae BeachOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Rivertain Hotel to Busan
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Daegu
Busan
Day 9
Busan Markets, Culture & Views
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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
Arban Hotel
Activities
Jagalchi Fish MarketOptional Activity
Gukje MarketOptional Activity
BIFF SquareOptional Activity
Gamcheon Cultural VillageOptional Activity
Songdo Bay Station (Songdo Cable Car)Optional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Busan
Day 10
Scenic Trails & Namwon Glamping
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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
The Suites Hotel Namwon
Activities
Jirisan National ParkOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Busan to Jirisan National Park
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Busan
Hadong-gun
Namwon-si
Day 11
Exploring Jirisan Valley and Cultural Sites
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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
The Suites Hotel Namwon
Activities
Gwanghallu PavilionOptional Activity
Old Seodu StationOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Namwon-si
Day 12
Transfer to Jeju & Mt. Halla Exploration
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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
Bloom Hotel
Activities
4.3 Peace ParkOptional Activity
Eoseungsaengak TrailOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Namwon-si to Yeosu Airport (RSU)
Plane from Yeosu-si to Jeju Island
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Namwon-si
Jeju-si
Seogwipo-si
Day 13
Jeju Highlights
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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
Bloom Hotel
Activities
Cheonjeyeon WaterfallsOptional Activity
Jeju Folk VillageOptional Activity
Seongsan IlchulbongOptional Activity
Haenyeo MuseumOptional Activity
Jeju Stone ParkOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Seogwipo-si
Jeju-si
Day 14
Nature and Scenery on Jeju’s West Side
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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
Bloom Hotel
Activities
Osulloc Green Tea FieldOptional Activity
Spirited GardenOptional Activity
Yongmeori CoastOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Seogwipo-si
Jeju-si
Day 15
Jeju: Gardens, Beach & Culture
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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
Bloom Hotel
Activities
Hallim ParkOptional Activity
Hyeopjae BeachOptional Activity
Arte Museum JejuOptional Activity
Seogwipo Olle Market ParkingOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Seogwipo-si
Jeju-si
Day 16
Return to Seoul from Jeju
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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
Stanford Hotel Myeongdong
Transportations
Rental Car from Bloom Hotel to Jeju International Airport
Plane from Jeju Island to Seoul
Meals
Breakfast
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
Breakfast
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)
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Benefits of this trip
South Korea in 17 days
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