Highlights of South Korea

Book a South Korea Holiday of 9 days or longer and save $400 per person or $800 per couple.

Valid for travel up until 30 Nov 2026.

Description

This 9-day journey through South Korea offers a rich blend of history, culture, and coastal scenery, combining the bustling energy of Seoul and Busan with traditional villages, UNESCO heritage sites, and the unique experience of the DMZ. The itinerary features guided tours, local cuisine, and immersive cultural experiences, providing a comprehensive view of Korea’s past and present.

Pricing

From 

$7,995.00

per person, twin share

Single supplement is available on request

Departure dates: Daily

Accommodation

Based on the following (or similar):

First Class (4*)

Seoul:              Amid Hotel

Busan:             Ramada Encore by Wyndham Busan Haeundae

Seoul:              Amid Hotel

Highlights

• 24/7 local operator support in South Korea
• Explore Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and N Seoul Tower
• Step back in time at Yongin Korean Folk Village and Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
• Discover Silla-era treasures at Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple, and Daereungwon Tombs in Gyeongju
• Experience Busan’s coastal beauty at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Haeundae Beach, and Dongbaekseom Island

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• 24/7 local operator support in South Korea
• 8 nights’ hotel accommodation
• Daily breakfasts at hotels
• 2 Lunches
• Transfers as specified by private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver (no guide)
• Tours as specified by private air-conditioned vehicles or public transport
• English speaking local guides
• T-money cards for public transport
• Entrance fees
• Street food tasting at Gwangjang Market on Day 2
• Cable car ride at N Seoul tower on Day 2
• Regular Korean Folk Village & Suwon tour on Day 3
• Seoul-Gyeongju by KTX high-speed train in economy class
• Sky Capsule ride Day 5
• Regular DMZ half day tour Day 8
• South Korea Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel

Exclusions

• International airfares
• Optional tours and excursions
• Porterage
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1: Seoul

Welcome to Seoul! On arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver and transferred by private vehicle to your Seoul Hotel.

Day 2: Seoul (B)

Meet your guide at 8:30am in the hotel lobby. Today’s full day tour will be by public transport. Commence your exploration with a visit to Gwanghwamun Plaza, home to statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-Sin. Watch the traditional Changing of the Guard Ceremony (between the hours of 10:00am and 2:00pm), a centuries old tradition that continues to be performed. Next visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most beautiful of Seoul’s five palaces. Stroll through Insadong’s art galleries, tea houses, and traditional craft shops. Wander Bukchon Hanok Village to see preserved traditional Korean homes. Sample authentic street food at Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s oldest. Try local favourites like Gimbap and Mung Bean Pancakes and ascend N Seoul Tower on Mt. Namsan for panoramic city views. Return to your hotel via a local subway ride.

Note: Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays; Bukchon Hanok Village is closed on Sundays

Day 3: Seoul (BL)

Transfer to the meeting point is by personal arrangement. Begin at Yongin Korean Folk Village, a living museum depicting life from the late Joseon Dynasty to the early 20th century, with traditional homes and cultural displays. Continue to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, built in the late 18th century by King Jeongjo, featuring extensive walls, main gates, observation towers, and military facilities. Conclude at Suwon Nammun Market, one of Korea’s oldest and largest markets, and explore nearby Suwon Hwaseong Street, lined with traditional architecture, local crafts, and eateries.

Time permitting (own arrangements), you may like to visit some popular shopping malls such as the Lotte World Mall, spanning over 157,000sq m, famous for its designer brands and unique Korean designers, or Times Square Shopping Centre, a mid-range mall known for its striking architecture and featuring a variety of fashion, Korean cosmetics, home goods, and cafes.

Day 4: Seoul – Gyeongju - Busan (BL)

This morning your driver will transfer you to the train station where you will board the train for a 2.5-hour journey to Gyeongju. On arrival, meet your guide at the station and proceed to a local restaurant for lunch. Visit Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, masterpieces of Silla-era architecture, featuring intricate Buddhist carvings, wooden structures, and stone terraces. If time permits, explore Daereungwon Tomb Complex, also known as Tumuli Park, with over twenty Silla-period tombs. Conclude the day with a 1.5-hour private drive to Busan and check in to your hotel.

Day 5: Busan (B)

Meet your guide at the hotel at 9:00am to begin a day exploring Busan. Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a coastal Buddhist temple set against the sea. Pause at a nearby café overlooking the waves. Continue to Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk, a glass-bottomed walkway 20 metres above the ocean with views of the stepping-stone rocks below. Board the Blue Line capsule, a scenic coastal railway, to Mipo Station, passing cliffs, beaches, and seaside villages. Explore Haeundae Beach, renowned for its wide sandy shore and vibrant surroundings. Ascend Dalmaji Hill for panoramic views of the coastline and city. Conclude at Dongbaekseom Island, walking the coastal trail past the forested paths and Nurimaru APEC House.

Day 5: Busan (B)

Meet your guide at the hotel at 9:00am to begin a day exploring Busan. Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a coastal Buddhist temple set against the sea. Pause at a nearby café overlooking the waves. Continue to Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk, a glass-bottomed walkway 20 metres above the ocean with views of the stepping-stone rocks below. Board the Blue Line capsule, a scenic coastal railway, to Mipo Station, passing cliffs, beaches, and seaside villages. Explore Haeundae Beach, renowned for its wide sandy shore and vibrant surroundings. Ascend Dalmaji Hill for panoramic views of the coastline and city. Conclude at Dongbaekseom Island, walking the coastal trail past the forested paths and Nurimaru APEC House.

Day 6: Busan (B)

After breakfast, meet the guide at 9:00am to begin the tour. Visit Huinnyeoul Culture Village, noted for its coastal views and artistic atmosphere, and stroll through its picturesque streets. Continue to Yeongdo Haenyeo Village, where the culture of female divers is showcased alongside fresh seafood such as sea urchin, sea cucumber, and conch. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Explore Jagalchi Market, Korea’s largest seafood market, bustling with vendors and fresh catches. Walk through nearby BIFF Square, a centre of film heritage, shopping, and street food. Conclude with Gamcheon Culture Village, renowned for its colourful houses, murals, and art-filled alleyways, providing a vivid display of local creativity.

Note: Yeongdo Haenyeo Village closed Mondays.

Day 7: Busan -Seoul (B)

Transfer by private vehicle to the station and board one of Korea’s KTX high-speed trains for a comfortable three-hour journey back to Seoul. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting for you at the train station.

This afternoon, explore the vibrant Dongmyo Flea Market, where you can hunt for vintage treasures, quirky antiques, and second-hand gems at unbeatable prices. From there, head to the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) to admire its iconic architecture, visit design exhibitions, and shop for creative goods. If time permits, take a short walk along the Cheonggyechon Stream. Next is the Myeongdong area, where neon lights, K-beauty shops, and endless street snacks. Continue to the bustling Namdaemun Market, Korea’s largest traditional market, for street food, souvenirs, and local goods.

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions: Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to https://innovativetravel.co.nz/pages/terms-and-conditions