Scenic South Korea
With its complex history, soaring skyscrapers and centuries-old temples, this tour has something for everyone. From bustling cities to stunning countryside and UNESCO world heritage-listed national sites. It is a tour full of contrasts.
Watch the Nanta Performance - First performed on the Edinburgh Fringe in 1997, the Nanta is a showcase of Korean culture and performance art, presented as a non-verbal show, instead using music and motion and integrating a traditional Korean Samulnori rhythm.
Handkerchief Dyeing at Naganeupseong Village - As part of discovering traditional Korean lifestyle at Naganeupseong Fortress Village, you can try your hand at one of Korea's oldest cultural arts – handkerchief dyeing.
Visit the DMZ - Embark on an informative and unusual adventure to the DMZ, the buffer zone between the Koreas. Your visit will include the Bridge of Freedom, DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel.
Seoul (2N) - Damyang - Gwangju (1N) - Boseong - Suncheon (1N) - Yeosu - Busan (1N) - Gyeongju (2N) - Mt Seorak (2N) - Gagneung - Seoul (2N)
- International flights and current taxes (prices may vary depending on departure city)
- All Meals (refer to itinerary)
- Breakfasts: 11 /Lunches: 10 /Dinners: 11
- Domestic transportation
- 3 – 4 star accommodation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
Your fare excludes:
- Travel insurance
Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Seoul
Fly overnight to Seoul, the dazzling capital city of South Korea. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. This evening meet your National Escort and fellow travellers to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Includes: Dinner
Day 3: Explore Seoul
A dynamic, 24-hour city, amongst the skyscrapers, nightlife districts and colossal shopping malls of Seoul there is an exceptional amount of culture and tradition, from busy teahouses to magnificent palaces. Start your day watching the Changing of the Guards ceremony, and then explore the Gyeongbok Palace. Next, learn to cook a delicious Korean classic -‘bibimbap’ in a cookery class which you'll get to eat for lunch. Also visit the UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Royal Shrine, and enjoy panoramic city views at the N Seoul Tower. After dinner, watch a non-verbal performance of Nanta – an award-winning show.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Visit Soswaewon Garden
Travel out of Seoul to the city and explore the bamboo forest of Juknokwon. Next, head to Damyang where you’ll discover the beauty of Soswaewon. This private garden built in the 16th century in the traditional style features essential elements to bring harmony, such as flowing water, trees and grasses. Continue to Gwangju, where you’ll spend some time discovering this artistic hub full of fascinating history.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Explore Seonamsa Temple
Head to Boseong, considered the best place in Korea to grow tea, and visit a green tea plantation, learning all about its production and enjoying a tasting. Continue to Suncheon for a stop at the 6th-century Seonamsa Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple grounds are also home to a beautiful arched stone bridge. Also visit Naganeupseong Fortress Village for a glimpse at a more traditional Korean lifestyle and a chance to take part in a handkerchief dyeing experience.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Travel To Busan
Head to Yeosu and ride the cable car over beautiful scenery and open water to Dolsan Island. Continue to Odongdo Island for more spectacular landscapes and take some time to appreciate the array of wild flowers that flourish here before travelling to the port city of Busan.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Discover Busan
The laidback to Seoul’s bustle, Busan is a city full of character and traditional features as well as mountains, beaches, temples and exquisite seafood. Start the day at the Jagalchi Fish Market then see the city from above at Busan Tower. Also browse the wares at Gukje Market. After lunch, walk over the Oryukdo Skywalk, a glass bridge set on a seaside cliff, soak up the peaceful nature of Dongbaekseom Island, and feel the sand between your toes on Haeundae Beach. Drive to Gyeongju.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Explore Gyeongju
A city of cultural and historical relics, Gyeongju is called ‘the museum without walls’. Capital of the Silla Kingdom for over 1,000 years the city is home to a staggering number of tombs, temples, statues and ruins, some of which you’ll explore today. Begin at the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Bulguksa Temple, considered the pinnacle of Silla architecture, and Seokguram Grotto. After lunch, visit Gyeongju National Museum before visiting Tumuli Park, a collection of royal tombs, and take a stroll at Anapji Pond.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Visit Naksana Temple
Travel to Sokcho stopping en route to explore the 1,300-year history of the Naksansa Temple, a seven-storey stone building overlooking the East Sea.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Explore Mount Seorak
Mount Seorak National Park is a spectacularly scenic area of high, cloudy peaks, craggy bluffs and fragrant pine forest. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve as a habitat for many rare species of plants and animals, it is one of South Korea’s most dramatic natural treasures. Take the cable to the mountaintop and then hike to Gwongeumseong Fortress. After lunch, take a hike along the beautiful valley floor as well as an optional visit to the temple.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Return To Seoul
Transfer to Gangneung and board the train bound for Seoul. On arrival, after lunch, there will be free time for those who wish to shop or further explore Seoul on your own.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Visit The Dmz
Created as a buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea at the end of the Korean War, the DMZ is part of the most heavily militarised border in the world. An early start is needed today as tickets the DMZ are limited. See the DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and walk along the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. (Should tickets not be available, take a ride on the DMZ gondola and visit the Odusan Unification Observatory). Return to Seoul explore the huge Gwangjang Market. A farewell dinner tonight is the perfect time to reflect on your adventures! Special conditions apply to this day, please refer to your tour dossier for more information.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13-14 : Fly Seoul To Australia
This morning is free at leisure before you transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
- 21 Oct 2024 - 02 Nov 2024
from $10,780 pp twin share / $12,980 pp solo - 04 Nov 2024 - 16 Nov 2024
from $10,780 pp twin share / $12,980 pp solo - 31 Mar 2025 - 12 Apr 2025
from$11,890$11,340 pp twin share /$14,290/ $13,740 pp solo - 07 Apr 2025 - 19 Apr 2025
from $11,890 pp twin share / $14,290 pp solo - 14 Apr 2025 - 26 Apr 2025
from $11,890 pp twin share / $14,290 pp solo - 19 May 2025 - 31 May 2025
from$11,890$11,340 pp twin share /$14,290/ $13,740 pp solo - 13 Oct 2025 - 25 Oct 2025
from $11,890 pp twin share / $14,290 pp solo - 20 Oct 2025 - 01 Nov 2025
from $11,890 pp twin share / $14,290 pp solo - 27 Oct 2025 - 08 Nov 2025
from$11,890$11,340 pp twin share /$14,290/ $13,740 pp solo - 03 Nov 2025 - 15 Nov 2025
from$11,890$11,340 pp twin share /$14,290/ $13,740 pp solo - 30 Mar 2026 - 11 Apr 2026
from$12,480$11,930 pp twin share /$14,880/ $14,330 pp solo - 06 Apr 2026 - 18 Apr 2026
from $12,480 pp twin share / $14,880 pp solo - 13 Apr 2026 - 25 Apr 2026
from$12,480$11,930 pp twin share /$14,880/ $14,330 pp solo - 11 May 2026 - 23 May 2026
from $12,480 pp twin share / $14,880 pp solo - 12 Oct 2026 - 24 Oct 2026
from $12,480 pp twin share / $14,880 pp solo - 19 Oct 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
from$12,480$11,930 pp twin share /$14,880/ $14,330 pp solo - 26 Oct 2026 - 07 Nov 2026
from $12,480 pp twin share / $14,880 pp solo - 02 Nov 2026 - 14 Nov 2026
from $12,480 pp twin share / $14,880 pp solo
Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.
AMID Hotel - Seoul
The 4-star AMID Hotel is situated in the centre of Seoul and a short distance from some of Korea's famous cultural attractions. The hotel boasts a variety of restaurants serving both Korean and Japanese cuisines.
Gwangju Holiday Inn Hotel - Gwangju
The 4-star Gwangju Holiday Inn features an indoor pool, sauna facilities and a fitness centre. It's spacious and modern guest rooms are complete with a flat screen TV and ensuite bathroom.
Suncheon Ecograd Hotel - Suncheon
Perfectly placed in the centre of Suncheon, the Ecograd Hotel offers it's guests beautiful views over the city. The hotel is just a short distance from many of the city's main attractions, making it a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Crown Harbour Hotel - Busan
The 4-star Crown Harbour Hotel in Busan boasts beautiful views over the harbour and surrounding city. Each of the spacious guests rooms feature a peaceful seating area with a flat screen TV and an ensuite bathroom.
Gyeongju Suites Hotel - Gyeongju
The 4-star Suites Hotel Gyeongju offers guests easy access to the area's magnificent attractions and allows you to delve into the cultural heritage. The ensuite guest rooms are modern and comfortable.
Seorak Kensington Hotel - Seorak
A short distance from Seorak National Park, the Seorak Kensington Hotel features comfortable rooms overlooking the scenic Seorak Mountains. Savour a variety of authentic Korean dishes at the hotel restaurant.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2022. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately US$50 per person (AU$72) is paid locally in South Korea.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.