- Highlights:
- Explore South Korea by train and bus, travelling between cities with ease
- Discover Seoul, historic Gyeongju, food loving Jeonju and lively Busan
- Explore four very different cities, each with its own character and charm
- Mix modern city life, ancient history and some of South Korea’s best food
Over two weeks, you’ll experience some of South Korea’s most fascinating cities, from the energy of Seoul and historic Gyeongju to food loving Jeonju and lively Busan. Travelling between destinations by public transport makes getting around simple, while leaving you plenty of freedom to explore each place in your own way. It’s a great introduction to South Korea, combining culture, history, local flavours and plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.
Day 1 – Arrival in Seoul
Welcome to South Korea! After your long flight, you’ll arrive in the lively capital, Seoul. Your driver will be waiting at the airport to take you straight to your hotel, so there’s nothing to worry about after your journey. The drive takes around an hour and gives you a first glimpse of the city, with towering skyscrapers, historic palaces and pockets of green space all appearing along the way.
Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the day is yours. Take some time to relax and recover from the flight, or head out for a gentle wander and your first taste of Seoul.
Day 2 – Food tour with guide
After yesterday’s journey, today starts at a slower pace. Take your time exploring Seoul, stop for a coffee or wander through one of the city’s lively neighbourhoods. There’s no set plan, so you can spend the morning and early afternoon however you like before heading out later with a guide and small group for a taste of Korean food.
Your destination is Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s best known food markets. Follow your guide between the stalls and pull up a seat at one of the little tables to sample a selection of Korean favourites. Try kimbap, tteokbokki, kimchi and yakgwa, washed down with a glass of makgeolli, Korea’s traditional rice wine. It’s a fun way to get under the skin of Korean food culture and discover flavours you might otherwise miss.
Day 4 – Andong
Today you leave the busy capital behind and head to Andong, known as the cultural heart of South Korea. The train journey takes around four hours, giving you plenty of time to watch Seoul’s skyscrapers gradually give way to rolling green hills. Once you arrive in Andong, a short taxi ride takes you to your hotel, just on the edge of the small town centre. It has a comfortable, Western feel, but if you’d prefer a more authentic stay, just let us know. You can then opt for our In Style version, with a night on the edge of the traditional Hahoe Village.
Day 5 – Hanok Houses and History
Andong is less about busy shopping streets and modern high rises and more about traditions that are still part of everyday life. Today you’re free to explore at your own pace and discover why this part of South Korea is known as the country’s cultural heart.
A visit to Hahoe Folk Village is a must. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is still home to local families, with traditional hanok houses, stone walls and narrow lanes to wander through. Take your time exploring the village and get a glimpse of what life was like during the Joseon Dynasty. If you have time, continue to Dosan Seowon, a historic Confucian academy where Korean scholars once studied and taught. Set among green hills, it’s a peaceful place to finish your day.
Day 6 – To Gyeongju
From Andong, you continue south to Gyeongju, a former capital of the Silla Kingdom that remained at the heart of Korea for almost a thousand years. It’s often described as an open air museum, and it’s easy to see why. Ancient temples, royal tombs, lotus ponds and old palace sites are scattered around the city. Come evening, head to Hwangnidan-gil, where locals gather for street food, cafés and little shops.
Tonight you’ll stay in a traditional Korean hanok just outside the centre. It’s a chance to experience a more traditional side of Gyeongju, with welcoming hosts who are happy to share their local tips and point you towards some of their favourite places.
Day 7 – Gyeongju
Hop on your bike today and explore Gyeongju at your own pace. Many of the city’s sights are close together, so it’s easy to cycle from one to the next. Not keen on cycling? No problem. Taxis make it just as easy to get around.
Make sure you stop at Tumuli Park, where the large green mounds look like part of the landscape at first glance. They are actually ancient royal tombs from the Silla Kingdom, with their shape giving clues about who was buried inside. If you have time, visit the National Museum of Gyeongju to see some of the treasures discovered in the tombs. Later in the day, head to Woljeonggyo Bridge, which looks particularly striking when it lights up after dark.
Day 8 – Welcome to Busan
After breakfast, catch the train to Busan, South Korea’s second largest city. In just over half an hour, you’ll leave the historic streets of Gyeongju behind and arrive in a lively coastal city with a completely different feel. Once you’ve checked in, head out and start exploring at your own pace. Wander through Jagalchi Fish Market, where the day’s catch is brought in and local traders go about their business, or make your way towards the waterfront for a drink with a sea view. You could also explore one of Busan’s colourful neighbourhoods or simply wander the streets and see where you end up. With the metro and taxis making it easy to get around, you can visit a few different parts of the city and get a good first impression of Busan before settling into your stay.
Day 9 – Highlights of Busan
Today you have plenty of time to discover Busan and see a few of the city’s different sides. Start with a ride on the Songdo Cable Car, which glides across the bay with views over the coastline, beaches and city below. You can also take the Busan Sky Capsule or Skyrail along the coast between Mipo and Cheongsapo, stopping along the way for a short walk or coffee by the water. Afterwards, head to colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, where steep lanes, street art and little viewpoints make for an easy afternoon of wandering. If you fancy slowing things down, head to one of Busan’s beaches. Haeundae is the city’s best known stretch of sand and has plenty going on, while Gwangalli and Songdo are a little more relaxed. Gwangalli is particularly lovely towards the end of the day, when you can sit by the water and watch the lights come on across Gwangan Bridge.
Day 10 - Arrival on Jeju
Jeju-do is easy to reach by ferry or plane and offers a completely different pace from the mainland. The airport and Jeju City are located in the north, while you stay in Seogwipo in the south, around an hour’s drive away. As public transport is more limited on the island, a rental car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover Jeju’s beaches, volcanic landscapes and hidden corners. Your hotel has its own parking space, making coming and going easy. At the centre of the island, Hallasan Mountain creates its own microclimate, so you may start your journey surrounded by mist before driving south into bright sunshine. In the evening, take a relaxed stroll through Seogwipo’s local market and try some of the island’s fresh specialities.
Days 11 & 12 - Exploring Jeju
The Jeju Olle Trail is a network of scenic walking routes along the island’s coastline and a wonderful way to experience local life at a slower pace. Follow in the footsteps of the Koreans and stop along the way at small restaurants and cafés, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, fried squid and a cold beer while taking in the views. Jeju is also the perfect place to try fresh abalone, a local speciality. With 21 different routes to choose from, there is a walk to suit every traveller. Route 1, starting near Seongsan Sunrise Peak, is one of the most popular, while Route 6 is easily accessible from your hotel and takes you past highlights including Cheonjiyeon and Jeongbang waterfalls. If you choose to visit Sunrise Peak, make sure you arrive in time to see the sunrise.
The haenyeo are remarkable female divers who, without oxygen tanks, descend to the seabed to collect shellfish, seaweed, octopus and other marine life. If you spot orange buoys floating offshore, chances are the haenyeo are at work below. You have the best chance of seeing them near Seongsan Sunrise Peak on the east coast, around Hado, and in the south near Seogwipo. They spend five to seven hours a day in the water, regularly surfacing with their catch and to warm up. Deeply connected to nature, they carefully protect the ecosystem by, for example, leaving young shellfish untouched. To learn more, attend one of their afternoon demonstrations (when the sea is calm) or visit the dedicated haenyeo museum.
Day 13 - Farwell to Jeju
Time to leave Jeju behind. If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye, it’s easy to add a few extra nights and enjoy a little more island time. When you’re ready to continue, take a short domestic flight or ferry back to the mainland before making your way to Seoul for the night
Day 14 - International departure
Today marks the end of your South Korea adventure. After breakfast, you’ll have some time to enjoy your last few hours in Seoul before making your way to the airport. Then it’s time to board your international flight home, taking plenty of memories of South Korea with you.
Accommodation
