Sample Journey
Korea Highlights Tour (7D 6N)
Seoul (2N), Gyeongju (1N), Busan (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
In Seoul, visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace, explore traditional streets, and view the city skyline from N Seoul Tower. Today: N Seoul Tower, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Deoksugung Stone Wall Path.
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.
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.
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.
Day 3 — Gyeongju
Travel to Gyeongju to discover Bulguksa Temple, the Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the royal burial mounds of Daereungwon Ancient Tombs. Today's stops include Bulguksa Temple, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond 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.
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.
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 4 — Busan
End your journey in Busan, strolling through Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, and the lively seafood stalls at Jagalchi Market. Today's stops include Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Market and Busan Tower.
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.
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.
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.
Day 5 — Busan
A full day in Busan, taking in Songdo Cloud Walk, Dalmaji Road, BIFF Square and Haeundae Market.
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.
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.
Day 6 — Seoul
Travel on to Seoul, visiting Naksan Park, COEX Aquarium, Bukchon Hanok Village and Lotte World.
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.
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.
Day 7 — 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.
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.
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.