Classic South Korea

Arrive Seoul

On arrival in South Korea, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your Seoul hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure to start scoping out the best spots for dinner and drinks.

City Tour

Sample Seoul’s key highlights with your guide, travelling in local style on the subway. Start at the imposing Gyeongbokgung Palace for a behind-the-scenes glance at the royal guards in traditional costume, rehearsing before the morning’s changing ceremony. Walk ten minutes to the contrasting Bukchon Hanok Village: home to around 900 Joseon dynasty homes, built using wood and clay, with their distinctive curved roofs. Stroll through the narrow streets, stopping for a famed bibimbap one-pot wonder lunch. Visit UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Shrine (Korea’s oldest and best preserved royal Confucian shrine) to see the ‘spirit tablets’ of ancient kings and queens. In the early evening, head out with your guide to get panoramic sunset views from N Seoul Tower - the highest point in the city. With your mind full of Seoul’s wonders, return to your hotel where your evening will be at leisure.

DMZ tour, bibimbap cooking class

Head out early for or a tour of Korea’s infamous DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). Created in 1953 to separate the North from the South, and location of the landmark leaders’ meeting in May 2018, this 160 mile strip of land is the most heavily militarised border in the world. Get an introduction to the DMZ and its history in the briefing room before boarding an official bus to be guided through this highly sensitive area. Stop at the Bridge of Freedom, crossed following the signing of the Armistice Agreement, and visit the fascinating (and slightly surreal) Third Tunnel of Aggression under the DMZ that was built by the North, apparently in preparation for an attack. In the afternoon, learn how to cook colourful one-bowl bibimbap under the watchful eye of an experienced local chef. With a full belly, return to your hotel where the rest of your day will be at leisure.

Train to Gyeongju

Take the KTX Express train to Gyeongju, and head straight to Seokguram Grotto on Mount Toham, overlooking the sea. This UNESCO-listed cave temple houses a 11.5 feet tall, seated Buddha made from white granite, and other incredibly well preserved sculptures. Walk back downhill to the unusual, 6th-century Bulguksa Temple - a complex of wooden halls, pagodas and shrines built on raised stone terraces, which is still a practising place of worship and home to Buddhist monks. Following an insightful tour, continue to your hotel where the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Gyeongju temples

Start your tour at Daereungwon Tomb Complex (also known as Tumuli Park), where over two dozen large tombs, said to hold ancient kings, can be found. Step inside Cheonmachong tomb, the origin of astonishing treasures including a gold crown, to see impressive wall paintings of horses. Move on to the 7th century Cheomseongdae Observatory, reputedly the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, then on again to Banwolseong, the site of the palace fortress during the Silla dynasty, and now an attractive park area with a handful of atmospheric ruins. The nearby Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond were originally part of the palace complex, and a treasure-trove of ancient relics, from exquisit roof tiles to gilt bronze Buddha figures, have been discovered beneath the waters. Finally, stroll through Gyeongju’s excellent National Museum, viewing archaeological treasures and royal artefacts that bring South Korea's history to life.

Busan

Depart south towards Busan, making stops along the coast as you go. Pause to explore the Underwater Tomb of King Munmu where Silla’s ancient ruler requested his ashes to be scattered on the offshore rocks, believing he would transform into a sea dragon able to protect the country’s coastline. Pass the dramatic Jusangjeolli rock formations:unusual hexagonal-shaped, columns created by volcanic lava. In the seaside town of Ulsan, visit the Observatory from where you can enjoy views over the sea, the city and its famous Hyundai Motor plant. Arrive in Busan and spend the rest of your day at leisure exploring the town’s waterside buzz.

Busanu2019s highlights

Set out early for Beomeosa Temple on the picturesque slopes of Mt. Geumjeongsan to explore this designated National Treasure, still home to around 150 monks, and soak up the tranquil atmosphere. In contrast, your next stop is the Jagalchi Fishery Market: a noisy, frantic place full of a mind-blowing array of freshly caught seafood, where you can stop for lunch at an eatery recommended by your local guide. Pause at BIFF Square, the original location for the prestigious Busan International Film Festival, then take a high-speed lift up the 390-feet high Busan Tower to enjoy panoramic views over the city. Your last stop of the day is Taejongdae, where you can stand on the rocky clifftops and gaze across the sea towards Japan’s Tsushima Islands.

Fly out from Seoul

Spend the morning at leisure in Busan, until it’s time to catch the KTX Express train to Seoul for your onward flight.