Sample Journey
Grand Korea Journey (14D 13N)
Seoul (3N), Sokcho (1N), Andong (1N), Gyeongju (2N), Busan (2N), Jeonju (1N), Daejeon (1N), Seoul (2N)
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
Start in Seoul, exploring royal palaces, trendy Hongdae, and the Hangang River parks. Today: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong Cultural Street.
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.
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.
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.
Day 3 — Seoul
Wrap up in Jeonju with its famous hanok architecture and traditional cuisine before returning to Seoul. Today: Gwangjang Market, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, N Seoul Tower and Bukchon Cultural Center.
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.
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.
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 — Sokcho
Move east to Sokcho for Seoraksan National Park's granite peaks and Buddhist temples. Today's stops include Seoraksan National Park (Outer Seorak), Sinheungsa Temple and Sokcho Beach.
Seoraksan National Park (Outer Seorak)
Korea's first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Seoraksan rises to Daecheongbong Peak at 1,708 meters, the country's third-highest summit. The Outer Seorak side draws hikers with its rugged trails and sweeping ridgelines, where sunrise and sunset views reward those who make the climb.
Sinheungsa Temple
Set within Seoraksan Mountain near Sokcho, this Jogye Order temple traces its origins to 652 AD, when the monk Jajang founded it as Hyangseongsa. Its grounds hold notable heritage such as the Joseon-era Geungnakbojeon Hall and a three-story stone pagoda, and a templestay programme invites visitors to join Buddhist ceremonies, 108 prostrations, and lotus lantern making.
Sokcho Beach
Open since 1976, Sokcho Beach sits within easy walking distance of the city center and bus terminal. Its clear, shallow waters and gentle slope make it a summer favourite, while a pine forest trail and year-round sculptures, including a compass and dolphin design, keep visitors coming beyond the peak season.
Day 5 — Andong
Continue to Andong, where Hahoe Folk Village and Dosanseowon reflect Confucian traditions. Today's stops include Andong Hahoe Village, Dosanseowon Confucian Academy, Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy and Bongjeongsa Temple.
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.
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.
Day 6 — Gyeongju
In Gyeongju, uncover ancient relics like Bulguksa Temple and the Gyeongju National Museum. Today's stops include Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju National Museum and Cheonmachong Tomb (Daereungwon Ancient Tombs).
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.
Gyeongju National Museum
Set in the heart of Silla's ancient capital, this museum gathers artifacts spanning nearly a millennium of the dynasty's history. The renovated Silla Art Gallery and History Gallery offer an accessible introduction to the kingdom's craftsmanship, while family programmes at the Children's Museum School round out a visit.
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.
Day 7 — Gyeongju
A full day in Gyeongju, taking in Cheomseongdae Observatory and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.
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.
Day 8 — Busan
Visit Busan for Busan Tower, the Songdo Cloud Walk, and the art-filled alleys of Gamcheon. Today's stops include Busan Tower, Songdo Cloud Walk, Gamcheon Culture Village and Jagalchi Market.
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.
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.
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.
Day 9 — Busan
A full day in Busan, taking in BIFF Square, Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.
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 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.
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.
Day 10 — Jeonju
Travel on to Jeonju, visiting Jeonju Hanok Village, Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Omokdae and Imokdae Historic Sites 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.
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.
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.
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 11 — Daejeon
Travel on to Daejeon, visiting Daecheongho Lake, Hanbat Arboretum and Jangtaesan Recreational Forest.
Daecheongho Lake
Completed in 1980, this vast man-made lake supplies water to Daejeon and Cheongju and ranks as Korea's third largest. Its 80-kilometre shoreline is celebrated for scenic drives along tree-lined roads, and the upper reaches draw herons and migratory birds through the summer.
Hanbat Arboretum
Korea's largest man-made urban arboretum, Hanbat spans some 387,000 square meters beside the Government Complex-Daejeon. Divided into West and East gardens, it features 19 themed spaces such as the Magnolia Garden, Medicinal Herbs Garden, and Rock Garden, offering both a place to learn and to unwind.
Jangtaesan Recreational Forest
A dense woodland of towering bald cypress and ginkgo trees, Jangtaesan is a refreshing retreat especially prized in the summer months. Walking trails, a botanical garden, and barefoot paths wind through the greenery, while Yongtaeul Reservoir greets visitors at the entrance.
Day 12 — Seoul
Travel on to Seoul.
Day 13 — Seoul
A full day to explore Seoul at your own pace.
Day 14 — 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sokcho
Seoraksan National Park (Outer Seorak)
Korea's first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Seoraksan rises to Daecheongbong Peak at 1,708 meters, the country's third-highest summit. The Outer Seorak side draws hikers with its rugged trails and sweeping ridgelines, where sunrise and sunset views reward those who make the climb.
Sinheungsa Temple
Set within Seoraksan Mountain near Sokcho, this Jogye Order temple traces its origins to 652 AD, when the monk Jajang founded it as Hyangseongsa. Its grounds hold notable heritage such as the Joseon-era Geungnakbojeon Hall and a three-story stone pagoda, and a templestay programme invites visitors to join Buddhist ceremonies, 108 prostrations, and lotus lantern making.
Sokcho Beach
Open since 1976, Sokcho Beach sits within easy walking distance of the city center and bus terminal. Its clear, shallow waters and gentle slope make it a summer favourite, while a pine forest trail and year-round sculptures, including a compass and dolphin design, keep visitors coming beyond the peak season.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Daejeon
Daecheongho Lake
Completed in 1980, this vast man-made lake supplies water to Daejeon and Cheongju and ranks as Korea's third largest. Its 80-kilometre shoreline is celebrated for scenic drives along tree-lined roads, and the upper reaches draw herons and migratory birds through the summer.
Hanbat Arboretum
Korea's largest man-made urban arboretum, Hanbat spans some 387,000 square meters beside the Government Complex-Daejeon. Divided into West and East gardens, it features 19 themed spaces such as the Magnolia Garden, Medicinal Herbs Garden, and Rock Garden, offering both a place to learn and to unwind.
Jangtaesan Recreational Forest
A dense woodland of towering bald cypress and ginkgo trees, Jangtaesan is a refreshing retreat especially prized in the summer months. Walking trails, a botanical garden, and barefoot paths wind through the greenery, while Yongtaeul Reservoir greets visitors at the entrance.