Tour Description

Pricing to be used as a guideline – rates may fluctuate between weekday and weekends.
Surcharges apply over public holidays. Availability of train tickets during Korean New Year, Chuseok, Christmas, and major holidays cannot be guaranteed.

Independent Holiday

8 Days ex Seoul

Departs Daily

Seoul (2) | Jeju (3) | Seoul (2)

Experience the contrast between South Korea’s dynamic capital and the natural beauty of Jeju Island. This journey combines historic palaces, vibrant city districts and immersive cultural experiences with volcanic landscapes, coastal scenery and local traditions.

Highlights:

24/7 local operator support in South Korea
Many historic landmarks including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village
Jeju’s natural wonders at Seongsan Ilchulbong and Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls
Haenyeo culture (women free-divers) through a live demonstration and the Jeju Haenyeo Museum
Walk through volcanic landscapes at Geomun Oreum
Seoul’s nightlife and street culture in Hongdae

Itinerary
Accommodation
Important Information

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 in the hotel lobby at 8:30am and set out on a full-day exploration of Seoul using the city’s efficient public transport network, offering an authentic insight into daily life.
Begin with a visit to Namsan Tower, where panoramic views stretch across the Seoul skyline. Continue to the vibrant district of Insadong, renowned for its traditional tea houses, art galleries, antique stores and craft boutiques.
Proceed to Gwanghwamun Plaza, an important civic space featuring the statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin. At 2:00pm, witness the colourful Changing of the Guard Ceremony, a faithful recreation of the royal guard traditions of the Joseon Dynasty. Continue to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest and most impressive of Seoul’s five royal palaces. Built in 1395, the palace showcases magnificent architecture, tranquil courtyards and beautifully restored ceremonial halls.
This afternoon, wander through Bukchon Hanok Village, where hundreds of traditional Korean hanok homes line narrow laneways, preserving the atmosphere of old Seoul. Conclude the day at Gwangjang Market, one of Korea’s oldest and most famous traditional markets, where you can sample local specialities such as gimbap and savoury mung bean pancakes before returning to your hotel by subway.
Note: Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays; Bukchon Hanok Village is closed on Sundays

Day 3: Seoul – Jeju (BL)

This morning after checkout, your driver (no guide) will transfer you by private vehicle to Gimpo/Gimhae Domestic Airport for your flight to Jeju Island (suggested departure between 9:00am and 11:00am).

On arrival, meet your guide and transfer to a local restaurant for lunch before starting your half-day touring. Begin with a Haenyeo demonstration, offering insight into the traditions of Jeju’s renowned women divers. Continue to Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), where a leisurely 30-minute walk leads to sweeping views of the coastline and volcanic landscape. After descending, visit the Jeju Haenyeo Museum to learn more about the history, skills and cultural significance of the Haenyeo, before transferring to your hotel for check-in.

Notes:
• There are many stairs leading to the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong
• Jeju Haenyeo Museum is closed on Mondays
• The Haenyeo demonstration is weather permitting and available at 2:00pm

Day 4: Jeju (BL)

Begin the day at Hyeopjae Beach, renowned for its white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters and views across the coast. Continue with a guided visit to Hallim Park, home to beautiful botanical gardens and the remarkable Hyeopjaegul Cave, a rare lava cave formed by volcanic activity from Hallasan around 2.5 million years ago. Next, visit the O’sulloc Tea Museum to learn about Korea’s tea culture while overlooking its expansive organic tea plantations. Lunch features Jeju’s famous black pork barbecue at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, board a Sanbang Mountain Cruise for scenic coastal views before visiting the picturesque Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls, known as the “Pond of God”, where three cascading waterfalls flow through lush subtropical surroundings before reaching the sea.
Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Jeju.
Notes: Valid ID is required on Sanbang Mountain Cruise

Day 5: Jeju (BL)

After breakfast, meet your guide at 9:00am for a private vehicle tour. Begin with a visit to the Jeju World Natural Heritage Center before hiking Geomun Oreum. Trails pass through forests, crater rims, and scenic viewpoints, with three options to suit different fitness levels: Summit (1.8 km), Crater (5.5 km), or Full Course (10 km).
Following the hike, have lunch at a local restaurant, then explore Seongeup Folk Village to experience traditional Jeju culture. The day ends at Samseonghyeol, the sacred birthplace of Jeju’s legendary founders.

Day 6: Jeju – Seoul (B)

After checking out, transfer to the airport by private driver (no guide) for your flight back to Seoul (departure between 10:00am–12:00mid-day). Upon arrival at Gimpo Airport, a driver will take you to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure.

Evening Tour: Seoul’s Hongdae District (6:00pm–11:00pm)
Meet your guide at 6:00pm and explore Hongdae, one of Seoul’s liveliest neighbourhoods, using public transport. Stroll colourful alleyways filled with shops, street performers, and quirky cafés, and capture fun moments at a photobooth. Browse vintage stores, K-pop merchandise, and K-Beauty products, or try your hand at arcade games. Pause at a local bar for a cold beer and Korean fried chicken, then experience a traditional noraebang karaoke session. This evening offers a full immersion into Hongdae’s dynamic nightlife and creative urban culture.

Day 7: Seoul (B)

Pick up is around 7:00am by a shared transfer and drive to the meeting point to join your DMZ specialist guide. Explore the Korean Demilitarized Zone, a historic and politically significant border between North and South Korea. Visit key sites including Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park, and the Dora Observatory, learning about the history and tensions of the region. Return to Seoul by bus, disembarking at City Hall Station. This tour provides an informative glimpse into Korea’s complex history. Afternoon at leisure.
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.
Notes:
• DMZ is closed on Mondays
• Each traveller is required to bring their passport for today’s visit

Day 8: Seoul (B)

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

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

24/7 local operator support in South Korea
7 nights’ hotel accommodation as specified
Daily breakfasts at hotel
3 lunches
Domestic flight Seoul-Jeju-Seoul – baggage allowance 20kg
Transfers as specified by private air-conditioned vehicle with driver (no guide). Surcharge applies for airport transfers between 10:00pm – 7:00am
Tours as specified by private air-conditioned vehicles
Half day DMZ tour – group departure
T-money cards for public transport
English speaking local guides
Entrance fees
South Korea Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR 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

Accommodation based on the following (or similar):

Seoul

First Class: Amid Hotel

Deluxe Class: Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun

Jeju

First Class: Ocean Suites

Deluxe Class: Hidden Cliff Hotel & Nature

Seoul

First Class: Amid Hotel

Deluxe Class: Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun

Public Holidays & Festivals in South Korea – 2026
January 1 (Thursday): New New Year’s Day
February 16 (Monday) – February 18 (Wednesday): Seollal (Lunar New Year)
March 1 (Sunday) – March 2 (Monday): Independence Movement Day
May 5 (Tuesday): Children’s Day
May 24 (Sunday) – May 25 (Monday): Buddha’s Birthday
June 6 (Saturday): Memorial Day
August 15 (Saturday) – August 17 (Monday): Liberation Day
September 24 (Thursday) – September 26 (Saturday): Chuseok
October 3 (Saturday) – October 5 ( Monday): National Foundation Day
October 9 (Friday): Hangeul Day
December 25 2026 (Friday): Christmas & New Year

Transfers
Surcharge applies for airport transfers between 10:00pm – 7:00am
Availability of train tickets during Korean New Year, Chuseok, Christmas, and major holidays cannot be guaranteed

Sightseeing

Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays
Bukchon Hanok Village is closed on Sundays
Jeju Haenyeo Museum is closed on Mondays
The Haenyeo demonstration is weather permitting and available at 2:00pm
Please note that there are many stairs leading to the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong
Geomun Oreum is closed on Tuesdays
DMZ is closed on Monday’s
Sanbang Mountain Cruise: The operation schedule may change due to weather conditions or company circumstances/Guests are required to arrive 20 minutes prior to departure time/a boarding report (provided on-site) and a valid ID card are required for boarding.

Water Bottles
We encourage travellers to travel with their own refillable/reusable water container in order to minimise plastic bottle usage and water waste, as more and more refilling stations are now available in destinations.

Enquire About This Itinerary

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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 our Booking Conditions page.

Priced From:

$ 6371pp ^*

Tour Advisors

Beccy Hayes

Travel Specialist

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Variants

First Class (4*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

$7685

First Class (4*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026
Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

First Class (4*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

$6739

First Class (4*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026
Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

First Class (4*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026 / Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

$6436

First Class (4*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026
Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

First Class (4*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026 / Single Room (with other travellers)

$8964

First Class (4*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026
Single Room (with other travellers)

First Class (4*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026 / Solo Traveller

$13435

First Class (4*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026
Solo Traveller

First Class (4*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

$7829

First Class (4*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026
Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

First Class (4*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

$6909

First Class (4*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026
Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

First Class (4*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026 / Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

$6598

First Class (4*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026
Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

First Class (4*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026 / Single Room (with other travellers)

$9244

First Class (4*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026
Single Room (with other travellers)

First Class (4*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026 / Solo Traveller

$13735

First Class (4*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026
Solo Traveller

First Class (4*) / 01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

$7685

First Class (4*)
01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027
Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

First Class (4*) / 01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

$6669

First Class (4*)
01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027
Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

First Class (4*) / 01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027 / Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

$6371

First Class (4*)
01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027
Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

First Class (4*) / 01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027 / Single Room (with other travellers)

$8980

First Class (4*)
01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027
Single Room (with other travellers)

First Class (4*) / 01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027 / Solo Traveller

$13435

First Class (4*)
01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027
Solo Traveller

First Class (4*) / 01 Mar - 31 May 2027 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

$7769

First Class (4*)
01 Mar - 31 May 2027
Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

First Class (4*) / 01 Mar - 31 May 2027 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

$6839

First Class (4*)
01 Mar - 31 May 2027
Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

First Class (4*) / 01 Mar - 31 May 2027 / Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

$6522

First Class (4*)
01 Mar - 31 May 2027
Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

First Class (4*) / 01 Mar - 31 May 2027 / Single Room (with other travellers)

$9208

First Class (4*)
01 Mar - 31 May 2027
Single Room (with other travellers)

First Class (4*) / 01 Mar - 31 May 2027 / Solo Traveller

$13679

First Class (4*)
01 Mar - 31 May 2027
Solo Traveller

First Class (4*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

$7685

First Class (4*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027
Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

First Class (4*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

$6669

First Class (4*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027
Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

First Class (4*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027 / Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

$6371

First Class (4*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027
Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

First Class (4*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027 / Single Room (with other travellers)

$8980

First Class (4*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027
Single Room (with other travellers)

First Class (4*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027 / Solo Traveller

$13435

First Class (4*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027
Solo Traveller

First Class (4*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

$7769

First Class (4*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027
Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

First Class (4*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

$6839

First Class (4*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027
Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

First Class (4*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027 / Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

$6522

First Class (4*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027
Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

First Class (4*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027 / Single Room (with other travellers)

$9208

First Class (4*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027
Single Room (with other travellers)

First Class (4*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027 / Solo Traveller

$13679

First Class (4*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027
Solo Traveller

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

$7995

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026
Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

$7095

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026
Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026 / Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

$6775

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026
Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026 / Single Room (with other travellers)

$9424

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026
Single Room (with other travellers)

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026 / Solo Traveller

$13895

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2026
Solo Traveller

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

$8139

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026
Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

$7255

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026
Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026 / Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

$6925

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026
Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026 / Single Room (with other travellers)

$9584

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026
Single Room (with other travellers)

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026 / Solo Traveller

$14075

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2026
Solo Traveller

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

$7995

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027
Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

$7159

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027
Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027 / Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

$6836

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027
Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027 / Single Room (with other travellers)

$9588

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027
Single Room (with other travellers)

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027 / Solo Traveller

$13995

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Jan - 28 Feb 2027
Solo Traveller

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Mar - 31 May 2027 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

$8159

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Mar - 31 May 2027
Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Mar - 31 May 2027 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

$7269

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Mar - 31 May 2027
Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Mar - 31 May 2027 / Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

$6941

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Mar - 31 May 2027
Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Mar - 31 May 2027 / Single Room (with other travellers)

$9744

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Mar - 31 May 2027
Single Room (with other travellers)

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Mar - 31 May 2027 / Solo Traveller

$14235

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Mar - 31 May 2027
Solo Traveller

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

$7995

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027
Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

$7159

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027
Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027 / Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

$6836

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027
Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027 / Single Room (with other travellers)

$9588

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027
Single Room (with other travellers)

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027 / Solo Traveller

$13995

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Jun - 31 Aug 2027
Solo Traveller

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

$8159

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027
Per Person Twin Share - based on 2 people travelling

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027 / Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

$7269

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027
Per Person Twin Share - based on 4 people travelling

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027 / Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

$6941

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027
Per Person Triple Share Family 2Ad/1Ch

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027 / Single Room (with other travellers)

$9744

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027
Single Room (with other travellers)

Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027 / Solo Traveller

$14235

Deluxe Class (5*)
01 Sep - 31 Dec 2027
Solo Traveller

Discover South Korea

Day 1: Seoul

Day 2: Seoul (B)

Day 3: Seoul – Jeju (BL)

Day 4: Jeju (BL)

Day 5: Jeju (BL)

Day 6: Jeju – Seoul (B)

Day 7: Seoul (B)

Day 8: Seoul (B)

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

Seoul

Jeju

Seoul

Tour Advisors

Variants