Sample Journey
Grand Korea Discovery (14D 13N)
Seoul (4N), Andong (1N), Gyeongju (day visit), Busan (3N), Jeju (3N), Seoul (2N)
Day by Day
Day 1 — Seoul
Touch down at Incheon International Airport, where a VIP Meet & Greet welcomes you to Korea. A smooth transfer brings you to a 4-star hotel in Seoul to settle in and rest ahead of the adventure.
Day 2 — Seoul
Journey to the edge of the peninsula on a semi-private DMZ Peace Tour, exploring the storied frontier between two Koreas. Return to the city for a relaxed afternoon in the youthful, art-filled streets of Hongdae.
DMZ Peace Gondola
Korea's first gondola to cross a civilian-control-line river, floating over the Imjingang River from Imjingak toward Camp Greaves. A rare, safe vantage point on the landscape and history of the divided peninsula.
Day 3 — Seoul
Dive into Seoul's cultural heart, from the grandeur of Gyeongbokgung and its royal guard ceremony to bustling markets and serene hanok lanes. The day closes with a private liquor tasting accompanied by a traditional gukak performance.
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 4 — Seoul
A day devoted to Seoul's creative pulse, blending fine art, a hands-on K-pop dance class and skyline views. Cap it off with the electric energy of a live baseball game.
Day 5 — Andong
Trade the capital for the countryside with a scenic drive to Andong. Wander the living heritage of Hahoe Village, enjoy a spirited mask performance and dine on refined heritage cuisine before checking in to a 4-star hotel in Andong.
Andong Hahoe Village
Cradled in a bend of the Nakdonggang River, this well-preserved clan village remains home to descendants of the Pungsan Ryu family. Its traditional houses, ancestral halls, and the celebrated Hahoe masks offer a living glimpse of Joseon-era village life. On select evenings, the dramatic Seonyu Julbul fireworks send embers cascading from the cliffs above the water.
Day 6 — Busan
Travel through the ancient Silla capital of Gyeongju, an open-air museum of royal tombs, observatories and UNESCO temples. Continue on to coastal Busan for check-in at a 4-star hotel in Busan.
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.
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.
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.
Day 7 — Busan
Discover Busan's seaside splendour, from a temple perched above crashing waves to a coastal sky capsule ride. The day drifts to a golden close aboard a private sunset yacht off Haeundae.
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.
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.
Day 8 — Busan
Explore Busan's colourful history and culture, from the hillside murals of Gamcheon to the lively energy of its markets. Immersive art and a rejuvenating spa experience round out the day.
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.
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.
Day 9 — Jeju
A short flight carries you to the volcanic island of Jeju. Cruise the coastal road with stops at pristine beaches and seaside cafés before ascending the iconic Sunrise Peak, then settle in at a 4-star hotel in Jeju.
Day 10 — Jeju
Embrace Jeju's natural bounty with a trek on Hallasan, weather permitting, followed by verdant tea fields and a taste of the island's celebrated citrus wines.
Day 11 — Jeju
A leisurely free day to explore Jeju at your own pace, whether relaxing at your 4-star hotel or seeking out hidden corners of the island.
Day 12 — Seoul
Fly back to the mainland and return to Seoul for the last two nights at a 4-star hotel in the capital. Enjoy a free afternoon at your leisure, with an optional Korean BBQ dinner to savour.
Day 13 — Seoul
A free day in Seoul — revisit a favourite neighbourhood, shop for last gifts or take an optional day trip; your guide can suggest a route to match the mood.
Day 14 — Seoul
A final graceful departure with a private transfer and VIP Meet & Greet at Incheon International Airport, closing this grand journey through Korea.
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.
Deoksugung Stone Wall Path
A gently curving lane along the stone wall of Deoksugung Palace, lined with ginkgo trees that turn gold in autumn. Cafés, small museums and the old Jeong-dong legation quarter make it Seoul's favourite slow walk, by day or under the lamps at night.
Naksan Park
A low hill on Seoul's old city wall with one of the easiest skyline views in the capital. Follow the restored fortress wall past the Ihwa mural village at dusk, when the lights come on across Dongdaemun and Namsan.
N Seoul Tower
The observation tower on Namsan that anchors the Seoul skyline, reached by cable car or a wooded walk. The deck gives a 360-degree view of the city; the padlock terraces and the evening light show are the crowd-pleasers.
COEX Aquarium
A large city-centre aquarium beneath the COEX complex in Gangnam, with sixteen themed zones and a walk-through shark tunnel. An easy half-day for families, and a rainy-day fallback that sits beside the Starfield Library and the shopping mall.
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.
Lotte World
Korea's best-known theme park, with an indoor adventure hall under a glass dome and the outdoor Magic Island on Seokchon Lake. Rides, parades and an ice rink make it a reliable full day for families in any weather.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Andong
Andong Hahoe Village
Cradled in a bend of the Nakdonggang River, this well-preserved clan village remains home to descendants of the Pungsan Ryu family. Its traditional houses, ancestral halls, and the celebrated Hahoe masks offer a living glimpse of Joseon-era village life. On select evenings, the dramatic Seonyu Julbul fireworks send embers cascading from the cliffs above the water.
Dosanseowon Confucian Academy
Founded in honor of the great Confucian scholar Toegye Yi Hwang, this academy pairs the lecture halls where he taught with the shrine his followers later built to preserve his teachings. The oldest structure, Dosanseodang, dates to 1561 and was designed by Yi Hwang himself. Set among quiet hills, the complex remains a touchstone of Korean scholarship and learning.
Woryeonggyo Bridge
Korea's longest wooden footbridge stretches across the Nakdonggang River, its lantern-lit form especially lovely when the moon shimmers on the water. The bridge's shape recalls a pair of hemp shoes, a nod to a moving local legend of a widow's devotion to her late husband. Stroll across at dusk or drift beneath it on the lake's moon boat for the finest view.
Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy
Set beside the Nakdong River against a backdrop of folding hills, Byeongsanseowon began as a Goryeo-era school before scholar Yu Seong-nyong relocated it here in 1572. Renowned for its elegant Mandaeru Pavilion framing the river and cliffs, the academy embodies the refined ideals of Confucian learning. Its archive still preserves thousands of historic documents and books, including works by Yu himself.
Bongjeongsa Temple
Nestled on the slopes of Cheondeungsan Mountain near Andong, Bongjeongsa dates back to the 7th century and is linked to the revered monk Uisang. Its Geungnakjeon Hall is recognized as the oldest surviving wooden building in Korea, a discovery confirmed during 1972 restoration work. The temple offers a rare glimpse into early Korean architecture and quiet mountain seclusion.
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.
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.
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.
Busan
Busan Tower
The 120-metre observation tower in Yongdusan Park above Nampo-dong, with views over the port, the bridges and Yeongdo Island. Best in the early evening, when the harbour lights come up and the tower's own light show begins.
Songdo Cloud Walk
A curving skywalk that loops out over the water at the eastern end of Songdo Beach, with glass panels underfoot. It links to Geobukseom Island and makes a short, breezy stop on the way round Busan's western shore.
Dalmaji Road
The cherry- and pine-lined pass that climbs from Haeundae Beach towards Songjeong, dotted with cafés and galleries looking out to sea. Dalmaji means moon-viewing, and the hilltop is exactly where Busan goes to watch it rise.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.