Mongolia, China, Tibet, South Korea

Essential South Korea

Photo credit: ©Korea Tourism Organization Photo Korea IR Studio

Duration

Price

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Trip Type

Private

Group Size

Your choice

Activity Level

1 2 3 4 5

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Exploring South Korea from Seoul to Busan

Overview

On this incredible eight-day journey in South Korea, get a taste for this intriguing country, beyond the capital and the DMZ. Take in modern Seoul, glittering in the country’s north, then head south to coastal Busan, with a day trip back in time to Gyeongju’s ancient temples and artifacts. Cross the country again by high-speed rail, ending in the capital.

Travels to: South Korea

Seoul Night View. Photo credit: ©Korea Tourism Organization Photo Korea Korea Tourism Organization, Kim Jiho

Map

Itinerary

Days 1-2: Seoul
Begin in Seoul, capital of South Korea, the nation’s dynamic heart, starting with a visit to the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace; step back in time watching the traditional guard changing ceremony, and learn about Korea’s cultural legacy at the National Folklore Museum. Wander the charming streets of Insadong neighborhood. Visit Namsangol Hanok Village, a small traditional village in a central district of Seoul. Wrap up with the vibrant atmosphere (and maybe some grab and go street food) at the tantalizing Namdaemun Market.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Changing of the Guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
- Explore the Insadong’s unique small shops.
- Experience Korean traditions at Namsangol Hanok Village.
- Savor street food at Namdaemun Market.
Day 3: Day trip to the DMZ
Learn about, and see for yourself, Korea’s divided history, that continues to this day, with a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Begin at Imjingak Park, a symbol of peace and hope for reunification. Hear firsthand accounts from a North Korean defector and gaze across the border from Odusan Unification Observatory.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit Imjingak Park, a symbol of the Korean War’s legacy.
- View North Korea from Odusan Unification Observatory.
Day 4-5: Seoul
Continue exploring Seoul. Ascend to the top of the North Seoul Tower via the Namsan Cable Car for the finest views of the city. Proceed to Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple with a giant 23-meter tall stone Buddha statue in the central hall. Explore Seongsu-dong neighborhood known for its unique blend of industrial heritage and artistic expression.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Take the Namsan Cable Car to the North Seoul Tower.
- Explore Bongeunsa Temple with a Buddha statue.
- Stroll the streets of Seongsu-dong neighborhood.
Day 6-8: Gyeongju, Busan, return to Seoul
Start exploring Gyeonju at Bulguksa Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Gyeongju National Museum to learn about Silla Kingdom. Enjoy the city view from the Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest observatory in East Asia. In Busan, take a coastal walk in Huinnyeoul Culture Village. And finally, board the KTX to Seoul, reminiscing about your journey as you speed towards the capital. Enjoy a final night to explore on your own before departure the following morning.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit the Bulguksa Temple Complex.
- Learn about Silla Kingdom
  at the Gyeongju National Museum.
- Make a stop at the Cheonmachong Tomb, also known as a “Heavenly Horse Tomb”.
- View the city from the East Asian oldest surviving Cheomseongdae Observatory.
- Stroll and shop in Huinnyeoul Culture Village.
- Taste the freshest catch at Jagalchi Fish Market and wonder the Gukje Market.

Dates & Prices

Please note:

Private trip prices vary by season and are subject to hotel availability for your travel dates.
Listed prices below are based on double occupancy and a 2 traveler minimum.
Hotel upgrades, additional nights, and solo traveler prices are available on request.

Land tour price, per person, starting from:

Call for dates and prices

What's Included

Tour Includes
- Accommodations as noted in itinerary. All room types, even in upgraded properties, are standard entry-level doubles or twins. Please call for room category upgrade pricing and information.
- 7 breakfasts. Other meals are not included so that you may enjoy a chance to experiment on your own.
- Services of experienced, English-speaking local guides, drivers, and other staff.
- Arrival/departure airport transfers. MIR will arrange for travelers to be met on arrival and seen off on departure whether we make your airfare arrangements or not, provided you arrive and depart on the tour start/end dates in the tour start/end cities.
- Ground transportation throughout itinerary by private vehicle (size of vehicle depends on number of travelers in your group).
- Guided sightseeing tours and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary.
- Special events, excursions and cultural performances per the itinerary.
- Baggage handling where available.
- Assistance booking your custom flight arrangements (on request; please note that international airfare is not included in the land tour cost).
- Complete pre-departure electronic document that includes detailed packing suggestions, reading list links, country-specific information, maps, travel tips and more.
- Electronic final update bulletin, with any late news, updates and important information.
Not Included
- International airfare or taxes/fuel surcharges.
- Meals not specified as included in the itinerary.
- Single supplement charge, if requested or required.
- Items of a personal nature (phone calls, email, laundry, alcohol, excess baggage, etc).
- Gratuities to local guides and drivers.
- Visa/passport fees, airport departure fees.
- Expenses incurred as a result of delay, modification or extension of a tour due to causes beyond MIR’s control.
- Travel and trip cancellation insurance.

Activity Level

Level 2: Medium, but Customizable

Level 2: Moderate, but Customizable

This ‘Essential’ itinerary in modern and cosmopolitan South Korea is designed for private travel and features long days walking and standing, and some possibly long days in the touring vehicle. Only those fit to travel and who accept the local conditions should consider joining this program.

There is a significant amount of touring on foot, and those travelers planning to take the program as written should be able to walk one to two miles a day comfortably. Footing can be an issue and travelers should be able to negotiate potentially uneven or unpaved surfaces (possibly steep and/or wet), and deal with situations without handrails or ramps. Some attractions are only accessible via steep staircases, and museums may not have elevators.

Past travelers to the region have also encountered challenges with plumbing, bureaucratic service, variety of locally available foods, and availability and quality of public restrooms.

Accommodations in the basic program are generally moderate, three star to four-star hotels. Upgrades may be available, please call for details.