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8-Day South Korea Cultural Discovery

Customisable Itinerary
4.8 • 25 travellers have booked with Michael L.

Trip Overview

Explore the vibrant cities of Seoul and Busan, where tradition blends with modernity. In Seoul, visit Gyeongbok-gung Palace and Jogye Temple, enjoy street food like tteokbokki and bulgogi, and relax by the Hangang River. In Busan, unwind at Haeundae Beach, enjoy views from Gwanggalli Bridge, walk the Cheongsapo Sky Walk, and explore the Busan Museum and Centum Shopping Zone. This tour offers a rich mix of culture, food, and scenery across both cities.

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Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival Day

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Arrival Day

Upon arriving at Incheon International Airport (ICN), you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel in a private car. Relax during the smooth journey and settle into your accommodation, where you can enjoy the local atmosphere. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, we’ve got the details covered to make your stay memorable.

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    Accommodation

    AMID Hotel Seoul

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Incheon International Airport to AMID Hotel Seoul

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seoul

Day 2

The Soul of Seoul: Hightlights of Korea's Heritage (Private)

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The Soul of Seoul: Hightlights of Korea's Heritage (Private)

Start your day by exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace, a landmark of the Joseon Dynasty, followed by the 10:00 AM Changing of the Guard Ceremony. Visit the National Folk Museum (or the History Museum on Tuesdays) to delve into Korean history, then experience the calm of Jogyesa Temple, a center of Zen Buddhism. For lunch, head to Gwangjang Food Market for authentic Korean cuisine (self-paid). In the afternoon, wander through the Insadong Antique Shop Alley, visit N Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city, and explore the traditional Korean houses at Namsan Hanok Village.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    AMID Hotel Seoul

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Gyeongbokgung Palace

    The National Folk Museum of Korea

    Jogyesa Temple

    Insa-dong Street

    N Seoul Tower

    Namsan Hanok Village

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seoul

Day 3

A Ticket to the Past: Korean Folk Village and Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (Private)

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A Ticket to the Past: Korean Folk Village and Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (Private)

Start your day with a 9:00 or 9:30 AM pick-up from your Seoul hotel and head to Yongin to explore the Korean Folk Village, showcasing traditional architecture, culture, and performances. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (pay on-site), with recommendations from your guide. In the afternoon, visit Suwon to see the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress, known for its architecture and history, and take a tram ride for scenic views. Then, visit the modern Starfield Library, a tranquil spot with an extensive book collection. Leave Suwon at 4:00 PM, returning to your hotel in Seoul by 4:30-5:00 PM.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    AMID Hotel Seoul

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Korean Folk Village

    Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

    Starfield Library

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from AMID Hotel Seoul to Yongin-si

    Private Driver from Starfield Library to Seoul

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seoul

    Yongin-si

    Suwon-si

Day 4

Modern Seoul and Cultural Heritage Half Day Tour (Private)

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Modern Seoul and Cultural Heritage Half Day Tour (Private)

Start your day at the Seoul Sky Observatory in Lotte World Tower (10:30-11:30 AM), where you can enjoy panoramic views and a glass-floored deck on the 117th to 123rd floors. Then, take a 10-minute walk to Bongeunsa Temple for a peaceful break from 12:00-12:45 PM. Next, head to Starfield COEX Mall and Library (1:00-1:30 PM), just a 5-minute walk away, to explore the library and browse luxury shops and cafes. Afterward, you can enjoy lunch or explore nearby attractions, including a quick meal in Gangnam.

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    Accommodation

    AMID Hotel Seoul

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Seoul Sky

    Bongeunsa Temple

    Starfield COEX Mall & Library

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seoul

Day 5

Busan Arrival Day

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Busan Arrival Day

You’ll be picked up from Amid Hotel Seoul and transferred to Seoul Station for your KTX train journey to Busan, departing at 2:15 PM and arriving at 4:40 PM, with a travel time of 3 hours. The train offers non-stop service and a 20 KG luggage allowance. Upon arrival at Busan Station, you’ll be picked up by a private standard SUV for a transfer to Avani Central Busan.

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    Accommodation

    Avani Central Busan Hotel

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from AMID Hotel Seoul to Seoul Station

    Train from Seoul to Busan

    Private Driver from Busan station to Avani Central Busan Hotel

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Seoul

    Busan

Day 6

The Busan Way of Life: Gwanggalli Bridge, Busan Museum, Haeundae Beach (Private)

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The Busan Way of Life: Gwanggalli Bridge, Busan Museum, Haeundae Beach (Private)

Start your day with a pick-up from your hotel and head to Gwangalli Bridge for stunning views of Busan's shoreline. Next, visit the UN War Cemetery to reflect on the history of the Korean War and its international impact. Afterward, explore the Busan Museum to learn about the city's history and Korean culture. Enjoy a self-funded lunch, then continue to Nurimaru APEC House, offering spectacular ocean views, built for the APEC Summit. Your final stop will be at Haeundae Food Market and Beach, where you can enjoy the boulevard and scenic shoreline. The tour concludes with a return to your hotel.

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    Accommodation

    Avani Central Busan Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea

    Busan Museum

    Nurimaru APEC House

    Haeundae Beach

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Avani Central Busan Hotel to UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Busan

    South Korea

Day 7

Explore the famous Three Kingdoms: Busan to Gyeongju (Private)

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Explore the famous Three Kingdoms: Busan to Gyeongju (Private)

You will be picked up from your hotel in Busan and transferred to Gyeongju. Upon arrival, visit Bulguksa Temple, followed by a transfer to Gyochon Hanok Village. After a self-funded lunch, continue to Woljeonggyo Bridge, then visit Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Cheomseongdae Observation. Next, explore Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond before being transferred back to your hotel in Busan. The tour concludes with your drop-off at the hotel.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Avani Central Busan Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto

    Gyeongju

    Woljeonggyo Bridge

    Daereungwon Tomb Complex

    Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Busan to Gyeongju-si

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Busan

    Gyeongju-si

Day 8

Departure Day

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Departure Day

Enjoy a hassle-free journey with our Private SUV transfer from your hotel in Busan City Centre to Gimhae International Airport (PUS).

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Avani Central Busan Hotel to Gimhae International Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Busan

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What’s included?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 21 activities
  • 7 breakfasts
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits