Sample Journey
Cultural Korea & Jeju (10D 9N)
Seoul (3N), Jeonju (1N), Gyeongju (1N), Busan (1N), Jeju (2N), Seoul (1N)
Day by Day
Day 1 — Seoul
Arrive at Incheon International Airport, where our team meets you and transfers you to your hotel in Seoul. The rest of the day is yours to rest and settle in.
Day 2 — Seoul
Begin in Seoul to experience Changdeokgung Palace and the street food of Gwangjang Market. Today: Changdeokgung Palace, Gwangjang Market, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village.
Changdeokgung Palace
Joseon's most intact palace, built in 1405 and laid out to follow the slope of the hill rather than a grid. Behind the throne halls lies the Secret Garden, where pavilions and lotus ponds sit among old trees — a UNESCO site best seen on the guided garden walk.
Gwangjang Market
Korea's first permanent market, trading for over a century and now famous for its street food alley — mung-bean pancakes sizzling on griddles, mayak gimbap, and raw beef tartare eaten shoulder-to-shoulder with locals.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The grandest of Seoul's five royal palaces, built in 1395 as the seat of the Joseon dynasty. Watch the royal guard changing ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate, then wander past throne halls and lotus-pond pavilions with Bugaksan Mountain rising behind the rooflines.
Bukchon Hanok Village
A hillside neighbourhood of hundreds of traditional hanok houses tucked between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces. Its narrow lanes are still lived in today, which gives every alley view of tiled roofs and the city skyline an authentic, everyday charm.
Day 3 — Seoul
A full day in Seoul, taking in Insadong Cultural Street, Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Bukchon Cultural Center.
Insadong Cultural Street
Seoul's traditional arts district, where antique dealers, calligraphy brush shops, galleries, and tea houses line a single walkable street. It is the easiest place in the city to browse Korean crafts and pick up a meaningful souvenir.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Zaha Hadid's silver, curving landmark anchors Seoul's 24-hour fashion district. Design exhibitions, night markets, and the LED rose garden make it the city's signature stop for contemporary architecture lovers.
Bukchon Cultural Center
A restored hanok that serves as the gateway to Bukchon, offering exhibitions and hands-on programmes on traditional Korean living. A good first stop to understand the village before exploring its lanes.
Day 4 — Jeonju
Continue to Jeonju, the birthplace of bibimbap and home to Jeonju Hanok Village and Omokdae Pavilion. Today's stops include Jeonju Hanok Village, Omokdae and Imokdae Historic Sites, Gyeonggijeon Shrine and Jaman Mural Village.
Jeonju Hanok Village
Korea's largest cluster of traditional hanok houses, this rare urban village gathers some 700 tiled-roof homes around Gyeonggijeon Shrine and Jeonjuhyanggyo. Visitors can stay overnight in a hanok or step into the Hanok Life Experience Hall to see how these homes were lived in.
Omokdae and Imokdae Historic Sites
Set on a hillside overlooking Jeonju, Omokdae marks the spot where Yi Seong-gye paused to celebrate victory before he became King Taejo. Across the way, Imokdae recalls his ancestors, with memorial stones bearing calligraphy by Emperor Gojong.
Gyeonggijeon Shrine
Founded in 1410, this historic shrine safeguards the portrait of King Taejo, founder of the Joseon dynasty. Its main hall, stone walls, and bamboo grove form a serene pocket of old Korea within the city, and its cinematic setting has made it a favourite backdrop for period dramas.
Jaman Mural Village
On the hillside just across from the Hanok Village, this small neighbourhood was settled by Korean War refugees along a maze of narrow lanes. Since 2012 more than 40 murals have brightened its walls, and many old houses now hold cafes, guesthouses, and restaurants.
Day 5 — Gyeongju
In Gyeongju, explore Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and the ancient Silla sites of Daereungwon Ancient Tombs. Today's stops include Bulguksa Temple, Cheonmachong Tomb (Daereungwon Ancient Tombs), Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond and Cheomseongdae Observatory.
Bulguksa Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece of Silla Buddhist architecture, crowned by two national-treasure stone pagodas, Dabotap and Seokgatap. Its terraced courtyards and painted halls represent the golden age of ancient Korean craftsmanship.
Cheonmachong Tomb (Daereungwon Ancient Tombs)
Set within Gyeongju's Daereungwon, a serene park of 23 Silla-era royal mounds, Cheonmachong is the only tomb open to visitors. Excavated in 1973, it revealed a remarkable gold crown and the Cheonmado, a saddle flap painted with a heavenly horse that gives the tomb its name. Walking trails wind past the grassy burial mounds, offering a quiet glimpse into ancient Korea.
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
The banquet palace of the Silla kingdom, rebuilt beside a crescent pond that mirrors its pavilions. Visit after dark — the illuminated reflection on still water is Gyeongju's defining night view.
Cheomseongdae Observatory
Dating to the reign of Queen Seondeok in the 7th century, Cheomseongdae is one of the oldest surviving astronomical observatories in the world. Its bottle-shaped tower rises about nine metres from some 360 carefully stacked stones — a number long said to echo the days of the year — in 27 layers that nod to Silla's 27th ruler. A defining landmark of Gyeongju, it is framed by seasonal flowers and open fields that draw visitors year-round.
Day 6 — Busan
Travel on to Busan, visiting Gamcheon Culture Village, Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Market and Gwangalli Beach.
Gamcheon Culture Village
A hillside maze of pastel houses, murals, and art installations overlooking the sea — once a refugee settlement, now Busan's most photographed neighbourhood. Follow the fish-shaped trail markers to hidden viewpoints and craft studios.
Haeundae Beach
Busan's signature beach — a 1.5-kilometre curve of white sand backed by hotels and the city skyline. Beyond high summer it is a place for a morning walk, a coastal train ride to Songjeong and sunset drinks along the promenade.
Jagalchi Market
Korea's largest seafood market, run for generations by the famously spirited "Jagalchi ajumma" fishmongers. Pick your catch downstairs and have it served minutes later in the upstairs restaurants overlooking the harbour.
Gwangalli Beach
A 1.4-kilometre crescent of sand facing the lit-up span of Gwangan Bridge — Busan's favourite evening spot. Cafés and seafood restaurants line the shore, and weekend drone shows light up the night sky over the water.
Day 7 — Jeju
Fly to Jeju Island to see Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, Jusangjeolli Cliff, and O'Sulloc Tea Museum while enjoying the island's relaxed coastal lifestyle. Today's stops include Jusangjeolli Cliff, Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone and Manjanggul Lava Tube.
Jusangjeolli Cliff
Hexagonal basalt columns stacked along the Seogwipo shore, formed as lava met the sea and cooled. Waves crash against the pillars below the viewing deck — the most dramatic piece of volcanic coastline on Jeju's south side.
Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone
Rising dramatically from the sea some 5,000 years ago, this volcanic tuff cone crowns Jeju's eastern coast with a vast crater ringed by jagged peaks. Once a separate island, it now connects to the mainland by a sandy isthmus, and its summit offers one of Korea's most celebrated sunrise views over Udo Island. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it remains a must-see for anyone exploring Jeju.
Manjanggul Lava Tube
One of the world's largest lava tubes, Manjanggul winds nearly 7.4 kilometres beneath Jeju's volcanic landscape as part of the celebrated Geomunoreum system. A one-kilometre stretch is open to visitors, revealing lava stalactites, rippling rock formations, and a towering 7.6-meter lava column—the tallest of its kind on Earth. Formed over 100,000 years ago, it remains remarkably intact, offering a rare glimpse into Jeju's fiery origins.
Day 8 — Jeju
A full day in Jeju, taking in Cheonjiyeon Falls and Yeongsil Trail.
Cheonjiyeon Falls
Named for water that seems to spill straight from the sky, Cheonjiyeon Falls plunges 22 meters into a deep, crystal-clear pool. The surrounding forest shelters rare species, including protected dampalsu trees and delicate camellias, all recognized as natural treasures. Best explored along a scenic wooded trail, the falls are especially magical when illuminated after dark.
Yeongsil Trail
Often praised as the most scenic route up Hallasan, the Yeongsil Trail packs breathtaking beauty into a manageable 5.8-kilometre climb. Steep ridges give way to gentle stretches as you ascend toward the Nambyeok watershed, passing through lush forest and dramatic rock formations. Gentle enough for families, it rewards every step with sweeping mountain vistas.
Day 9 — Seoul
Travel on to Seoul.
Day 10 — Seoul
Free time in Seoul until your transfer to Incheon International Airport for the flight home.
Along the Way
Signature places in the cities on this route — swipe through each stop.
Seoul
Changdeokgung Palace
Joseon's most intact palace, built in 1405 and laid out to follow the slope of the hill rather than a grid. Behind the throne halls lies the Secret Garden, where pavilions and lotus ponds sit among old trees — a UNESCO site best seen on the guided garden walk.
Gwangjang Market
Korea's first permanent market, trading for over a century and now famous for its street food alley — mung-bean pancakes sizzling on griddles, mayak gimbap, and raw beef tartare eaten shoulder-to-shoulder with locals.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The grandest of Seoul's five royal palaces, built in 1395 as the seat of the Joseon dynasty. Watch the royal guard changing ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate, then wander past throne halls and lotus-pond pavilions with Bugaksan Mountain rising behind the rooflines.
Bukchon Hanok Village
A hillside neighbourhood of hundreds of traditional hanok houses tucked between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces. Its narrow lanes are still lived in today, which gives every alley view of tiled roofs and the city skyline an authentic, everyday charm.
Insadong Cultural Street
Seoul's traditional arts district, where antique dealers, calligraphy brush shops, galleries, and tea houses line a single walkable street. It is the easiest place in the city to browse Korean crafts and pick up a meaningful souvenir.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Zaha Hadid's silver, curving landmark anchors Seoul's 24-hour fashion district. Design exhibitions, night markets, and the LED rose garden make it the city's signature stop for contemporary architecture lovers.
Bukchon Cultural Center
A restored hanok that serves as the gateway to Bukchon, offering exhibitions and hands-on programmes on traditional Korean living. A good first stop to understand the village before exploring its lanes.
Jeonju
Jeonju Hanok Village
Korea's largest cluster of traditional hanok houses, this rare urban village gathers some 700 tiled-roof homes around Gyeonggijeon Shrine and Jeonjuhyanggyo. Visitors can stay overnight in a hanok or step into the Hanok Life Experience Hall to see how these homes were lived in.
Gyeonggijeon Shrine
Founded in 1410, this historic shrine safeguards the portrait of King Taejo, founder of the Joseon dynasty. Its main hall, stone walls, and bamboo grove form a serene pocket of old Korea within the city, and its cinematic setting has made it a favourite backdrop for period dramas.
Jaman Mural Village
On the hillside just across from the Hanok Village, this small neighbourhood was settled by Korean War refugees along a maze of narrow lanes. Since 2012 more than 40 murals have brightened its walls, and many old houses now hold cafes, guesthouses, and restaurants.
Gyeongju
Bulguksa Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece of Silla Buddhist architecture, crowned by two national-treasure stone pagodas, Dabotap and Seokgatap. Its terraced courtyards and painted halls represent the golden age of ancient Korean craftsmanship.
Cheonmachong Tomb (Daereungwon Ancient Tombs)
Set within Gyeongju's Daereungwon, a serene park of 23 Silla-era royal mounds, Cheonmachong is the only tomb open to visitors. Excavated in 1973, it revealed a remarkable gold crown and the Cheonmado, a saddle flap painted with a heavenly horse that gives the tomb its name. Walking trails wind past the grassy burial mounds, offering a quiet glimpse into ancient Korea.
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
The banquet palace of the Silla kingdom, rebuilt beside a crescent pond that mirrors its pavilions. Visit after dark — the illuminated reflection on still water is Gyeongju's defining night view.
Cheomseongdae Observatory
Dating to the reign of Queen Seondeok in the 7th century, Cheomseongdae is one of the oldest surviving astronomical observatories in the world. Its bottle-shaped tower rises about nine metres from some 360 carefully stacked stones — a number long said to echo the days of the year — in 27 layers that nod to Silla's 27th ruler. A defining landmark of Gyeongju, it is framed by seasonal flowers and open fields that draw visitors year-round.
Busan
Gamcheon Culture Village
A hillside maze of pastel houses, murals, and art installations overlooking the sea — once a refugee settlement, now Busan's most photographed neighbourhood. Follow the fish-shaped trail markers to hidden viewpoints and craft studios.
Haeundae Beach
Busan's signature beach — a 1.5-kilometre curve of white sand backed by hotels and the city skyline. Beyond high summer it is a place for a morning walk, a coastal train ride to Songjeong and sunset drinks along the promenade.
Jagalchi Market
Korea's largest seafood market, run for generations by the famously spirited "Jagalchi ajumma" fishmongers. Pick your catch downstairs and have it served minutes later in the upstairs restaurants overlooking the harbour.
Gwangalli Beach
A 1.4-kilometre crescent of sand facing the lit-up span of Gwangan Bridge — Busan's favourite evening spot. Cafés and seafood restaurants line the shore, and weekend drone shows light up the night sky over the water.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
One of Korea's rare seaside temples, set directly on the rocks of the northeast coast. Arrive early to hear chanting over the waves — the sunrise views from the stone bridge are among Busan's most memorable scenes.
BIFF Square
The lively heart of Busan's film district, birthplace of the Busan International Film Festival. Handprints of film stars dot the pavement between street-food stalls famous for ssiat hotteok — seed-stuffed sweet pancakes.
Busan Air Cruise
A 1.62-kilometre cable car gliding 86 meters above the sea at Songdo Beach, with crystal-floor cabins for the brave. The ride links the beach to Amnam Park's coastal cliffs and walking trails.
Haeundae Market
A compact traditional market one block from Haeundae Beach, beloved for grilled eel, fish cakes, and winter street snacks. The perfect detour between beach walks for a taste of everyday Busan.
UN Memorial Cemetery
The only United Nations cemetery in the world, honouring the UN forces of 22 nations, with soldiers from 11 countries laid to rest here after the Korean War. Its quiet lawns and memorial halls offer a moving counterpoint to Busan's beach energy.
Jeju
Jusangjeolli Cliff
Hexagonal basalt columns stacked along the Seogwipo shore, formed as lava met the sea and cooled. Waves crash against the pillars below the viewing deck — the most dramatic piece of volcanic coastline on Jeju's south side.
Manjanggul Lava Tube
One of the world's largest lava tubes, Manjanggul winds nearly 7.4 kilometres beneath Jeju's volcanic landscape as part of the celebrated Geomunoreum system. A one-kilometre stretch is open to visitors, revealing lava stalactites, rippling rock formations, and a towering 7.6-meter lava column—the tallest of its kind on Earth. Formed over 100,000 years ago, it remains remarkably intact, offering a rare glimpse into Jeju's fiery origins.
Cheonjiyeon Falls
Named for water that seems to spill straight from the sky, Cheonjiyeon Falls plunges 22 meters into a deep, crystal-clear pool. The surrounding forest shelters rare species, including protected dampalsu trees and delicate camellias, all recognized as natural treasures. Best explored along a scenic wooded trail, the falls are especially magical when illuminated after dark.
Yeongsil Trail
Often praised as the most scenic route up Hallasan, the Yeongsil Trail packs breathtaking beauty into a manageable 5.8-kilometre climb. Steep ridges give way to gentle stretches as you ascend toward the Nambyeok watershed, passing through lush forest and dramatic rock formations. Gentle enough for families, it rewards every step with sweeping mountain vistas.