South Korea In Depth

Description

This captivating 11-day journey through South Korea blends ancient tradition with modern energy, taking you from vibrant Seoul to the serene countryside and coastal cities. Discover centuries-old temples, charming Hanok villages, and scenic landscapes while tracing Korea’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Travel by private vehicles and high-speed trains, with guided experiences that showcase the nation’s history, art, and cuisine.

Bonus

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.

Pricing

From 

$11,699.00

per person, twin share

Single supplement is available on request

Departure dates: Daily

Accommodation

Accommodation based on the following (or similar):

First Class (4*)

Seoul:              Amid Hotel – Standard Room

Jeonju:             Best Western Plus – Standard Room

Gwangju:         Holiday Inn – Superior Room

Yeosu:              Hidden Bay – Deluxe Room

Busan:             Ramada Encore by Wyndham – Superior Room

Seoul:              Amid Hotel – Standard Room

Highlights

• 24/7 local operator support in South Korea
• Discover Seoul’s royal palaces, bustling markets, and panoramic city views
• Visit Jeonju Hanok Village, famed for its traditional houses and Bibimbap cuisine
• Walk among towering bamboo groves and ancient temples in Damyang and Baekyangsa
• Explore the Suncheon Bay Wetlands and the UNESCO-listed Seonamsa Temple
• Admire Yeosu’s coastal scenery from the Marine Cable Car and Odongdo Island
• Sample fresh seafood at Busan’s Jagalchi Market and wander colourful Gamcheon Village
• Step back in time in Gyeongju, home to Silla-era tombs and Bulguksa Temple
• Experience seamless travel aboard Korea’s KTX high-speed train
• Stay in comfortable hotels combining modern amenities with local charmorea

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• 24/7 local operator support in South Korea
• 10 nights’ hotel accommodation as specified
• Daily breakfasts at hotels
• 4 lunches
• Transfers as specified by private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking Driver (no guide)
• Sightseeing 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
• Seoul-Jeonju by KTX high-speed train in economy class
• Yeosu cable car on Day 7
• Regular Gyeongju tour on Day 9
• Busan-Seoul by KTX high-speed train in economy class
• 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
• Departure taxes
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• 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 (B)

A day at leisure to further explore this fascinating city.

Optional (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 – Jeonju (BL)

After checkout, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to the train station where you will board the train for your journey to Jeonju (approximately 2 hours).

Your guide will be waiting for you at the train station. Transfer to a local restaurant to have the famous Jeonju Bibimbap for lunch.

After lunch, visit the majestic Pungnammun Gate, a large fortified structure built in the late 14th century. It is the only remaining city gate of the original four. Continue to Jeondong Catholic Church, one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in Korea, and Gyeonggijeon Shrine which houses the royal portrait of the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. Later, visit Jeonju Hanok Village, a charming, well-preserved area known for its traditional hanok houses, offering a glimpse into Korea’s past with its unique architecture and cultural experiences. Conclude your day at Omokdae Viewpoint, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the city, with a particular focus on the beautiful Jeonju Hanok Village below. Upon completion of the tour you will be transferred to your hotel with the evening at leisure.

Day 5: Jeonju – Damyang – Gwangju (BL)

After breakfast, meet your guide at 9:00am and drive about an hour to Sunchang to walk across the scenic Chaegyesan Suspended Bridge. Continue to Damyang and stop at the picturesque Metasequoia Tree Lane for photos. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the tranquil Damyang Bamboo Forest and its charming shops and cafés. Visit Baekyangsa Temple on Mt. Baekam, a serene site dating back to 632, especially beautiful in autumn. Conclude the day with a short drive to Gwangju for your overnight stay.

Day 6: Gwangju – Suncheon -Yeosu (B)

After breakfast, meet your guide at 8:30am for a full-day tour by private vehicle. Drive 1.5 hours from Gwangju to Seonamsa Temple in Suncheon, a peaceful mountain retreat and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along a gentle stream to reach the temple, known for its serene setting and graceful Seungseon Bridge. Return via the same scenic path before travelling to Naganeupseong Folk Village, a 14th-century Joseon-era fortress village showcasing traditional homes and stone walls. Continue to the Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve, renowned for its vast reed fields and diverse birdlife. Conclude with a panoramic view over the wetlands and transfer to your hotel in Yeosu.

Day 7: Yeosu (BL)

After a leisurely breakfast, meet your guide at 10:00am to begin a private tour of Yeosu, a picturesque coastal city. Travel by private vehicle to Odongdo Island, renowned for its scenic trails and camellia trees. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Continue to Hyangiram Hermitage, a tranquil temple set dramatically on a seaside cliff. Pause for coffee overlooking the harbour before boarding the Yeosu Marine Cable Car for sweeping coastal views. Conclude the day with a visit to the Geobukseon turtle ship replica, an iconic symbol of Korea’s naval heritage.

Day 8: Yeosu – Busan (BL)

After breakfast, meet your guide and travel by private car for approximately three hours to Busan. On arrival, lunch is served at a local restaurant. Visit Jagalchi Fish Market, the nation’s largest seafood market, bustling with fresh catches and lively vendors. Continue to BIFF Street, famed for its cinematic heritage, street food, and local boutiques. Explore the colourful Gamcheon Cultural Village, a hillside maze of art, murals, and narrow lanes offering sweeping city views. If time permits, visit Samgwangsa Temple on Baekyang Mountain, an impressive site overlooking Busan with striking architecture and a tranquil setting.

Day 9: Busan – Gyeongju – Busan (B)

Make your own way to the meeting point to begin a full-day tour of Gyeongju. Visit Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its elegant stone architecture and tranquil setting. After lunch nearby (own arrangements), continue to Gyochon Traditional Village, once home to the prominent Choi Clan for over 12 generations. Visit Daereungwon Tomb Complex to view ancient royal burial mounds. Stroll along Hwangnidan-gil, a picturesque street lined with hanok houses, artisan boutiques, and teahouses. Explore Donggung & Wolji, the former Silla palace pond surrounded by historic relics. Conclude the day at Woljeonggyo Bridge, an impressive reconstruction of a centuries-old architectural masterpiece spanning the Woljeongcheon Stream.

Departures: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Day 10: 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 driver will be waiting for you at the station to transfer you to the hotel. The remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 11: Seoul (B)

This morning after check out, you will be transferred to the airport by your driver (no guide) for your onward flight.

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