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South Korea's Hidden Treasures

10 Days from £7,290 pp (excl flights)

Go off the beaten path in South Korea with a multi-centre holiday that combines heritage havens with dynamic metros.

Seoul is one of the biggest attractions in South Korea with its heritage architecture, ancient traditions and bustling markets set against an ultramodern facade, fast-paced life and lively food and nightlife scene. Explore this bustling city with a personalised tour, discovering and learning from a local expert. There is also a visit planned to the DMZ or Demilitarised Zone between North and South Korea, which houses the Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and the DMZ Museum, amongst others.

Andong, set on the banks of the Nakdong River, is a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hahoe Folk Village, showcasing Korean feudal architecture and life from the longest imperial dynasty of Korea. It is the ideal setting for watching one of the famous Korean Mask Dance, which reflects community and village life. Gyeongju, which is next on your itinerary, reveals more cultural treasures with ancient temple complexes, museums and artifacts from bygone eras.

In contrast to these heritage sites, you will also discover the sprawling modern city of Busan with its impressive skyscrapers and vibrant modern culture and art scene. Last, but certainly not least, you will have the opportunity to explore the volcanic island of Jeju and discover not just its natural beauty but also local island culture, far away from the bustle of big city life.

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What To Expect

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One of our destination experts will reach out to craft a completely customized itinerary. Book your personalized journey and know that our flexible policies have you covered.

Travel Carefree

Relax and prepare for takeoff, knowing that your trip is perfectly planned and you have a personal concierge on call 24/7. Our experts are here to keep you safe and handle the details.

South Korea’s Hidden Treasures

Trip Highlights

  • Discover Korean history at Seoul's five royal palaces, including Gyeongbokgung Palace
  • Visit the infamous Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the border with North Korea
  • Experience authentic Korean hospitality with an overnight stay at a hanok
  • Explore the UNESCO-listed sites of Gyeongju, 'the museum without walls'

Start your Journey

Destination 1 - 4

Seoul

3 nights

Upon arrival, a representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your accommodation. Over the next few days, explore Seoul, the busy, dynamic capital city of South Korea with its striking mix of ancient heritage and fast-paced, modern life.

Personalised tour of Seoul

Enjoy a privately guided exploration of the city on public transport and experience Seoul's fantastic ground transportation network. Starting from your hotel, your first stop is at the Gwanghwamun Plaza with its statue of King Sejong. Continue on to one of the five royal palaces - Gyeongbokgung - where you will witness a 'changing of the guards' ceremony.

As you walk past the historic buildings in the palace complex that housed the Joseon royal family, learn more about the dynasty and their way of life from your guide. You will also visit the National Folk Museum of Korea, which houses artifacts illustrating the traditional way of life in Korea.

Walk through the Bukchon Hanok Village and view some of the 900 heritage homes which once housed noble families. Also, see the UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung Palace and the serene Secret Garden, ending your tour amidst the vibrant Insadong district.

Group DMZ Tour from Seoul

Visit the Demilitarized Zone on the border with North Korea, a little more than an hour away from Seoul. Acting as a buffer zone between the two countries, the DMZ is where you will find the Freedom Bridge, used as a former railroad across the river, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and Imjingak Park.

Visit the DMZ Museum, which chronicles the impact of the war and finally, make your way up to the Dora Observatory for panoramic views of the surroundings.

  • Meals Breakfast
  • Suggested Accommodation Mayplace Seoul Dongdaemun or similar
Destination 4 - 5

Andong

1 night

From Seoul, board the KTX fast train to Andong. The journey takes approximately two hours and once you arrive, you will be met by a representative who will escort you to your traditional hanok hotel in Andong.

This city is famed for an array of attractions, including the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in spring, which is marked by food markets and artistic performances. It is also home to the Hahoe Folk Village, where will learn more about South Korea's feudal history and unique folk traditions.

Personalised Tour of Hahoe Folk Village and Masked Dance

This private excursion begins with a drive to the Buyongdae Cliff in the Taebaek Mountains, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of Hahoe and the Nakdonggang River flowing below. A short stop later, you will continue on to idyllic Hahoe Folk Village, nestled amidst a verdant valley.

As you stroll past the traditional homes in the village, learn more about the Joseon dynasty from your guide. Also, visit the Hahoe Mask Museum, where you will find a collection of more than 800 Korean and foreign masks on display. Your tour ends with a Masked Dance performance, which offers insights on Korea's feudal society and culture.

  • Meals Breakfast
  • Suggested Accommodation Rakkojae Hahoe Hanok Hotel
Destination 5 - 7

Gyeongju

2 nights

From Andong, enjoy a scenic two-hour drive to the coastal city of Gyeongju in the southeast.

Famously known as the 'museum without walls', this city has numerous UNESCO-listed heritage sites including the Bulguksa Temple, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond and the Daereungwon complex, which you will discover over the next days.

Personalised Heritage Discovery Tour of Gyeongju

Your tour begins at the Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, located atop Mount Tohamsan, which is the chief shrine of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. You will discover that the complex itself has exquisite carvings etched on to its many historic buildings and terraces that date back to the Silla dynasty (BCE 57-CE 935).

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant where you can sample local delicacies - your guide will be happy to offer your recommendations - and then continue to Gyeongju National Museum. Afterward, you will visit the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, where you will see the open Cheonmachong Tomb. Your tour ends at the Woljeonggyo Bridge that offers a gateway to the palaces in the south.

  • Meals Breakfast
  • Suggested Accommodation GG Hotel or similar
Destination 7 - 9

Busan

2 nights

From Gyeongju, enjoy a scenic coastal drive for an hour and a half to reach the port city of Busan.

Set along the waterfront in the southeast, Busan enjoys the distinction of being the largest shipping hub in the country, which has led to its rapid growth. It's lively beaches and vibrant cultural hotspots ensure that visitors throng to it, exploring landmarks such as the iconic seafood market and Gamcheon Cultural Village.

Personalised Busan City Tour and Songdo Cable Car Ride

This guided tour takes you to some of the best-loved sights in Busan. Expect a sombre start at the UN Memorial Cemetery with its more than 2,300 graves of United Nations Command forces who perished in the Korean war. From the past to the lively present, take a tour of the lively Gukje Market and continue on to Jagalchi Fish Market, brimming with all possible varieties of seafood!

After a quick break for lunch, head to Gamcheon Cultural Village, which was once settled by war refugees and since then, transformed to a picturesque neighbourhood with colourful villages, art, murals and eateries. After this riot of colour and myriad experiences in Gamcheon, you will climb into a Songdo Cable Car across the ocean for panoramic views of the city.

Personalised Busan City Tour with Coastal Trail Walk

Board the sky capsule in Busan and glide along the elevated railroad, taking in the coastal scenery. Next, visit the Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk, with its glass-floored observatory, perched 65-feet above the ocean. The Island of Camellias, near the south end of Haeundae Beach offers a waterfront area with a statue of the mermaid, ‘Princess Hwangok’, and the Dongbaek Lighthouse.

Take in views of the Busan coastline whilst you enjoy lunch and then hike to the Seokbulsa Temple. Your tour ends at Haeundae District, the city’s main tourist hub numerous restaurants, cafes, beach clubs and bars.

  • Meals Breakfast
  • Suggested Accommodation Felix by STX Hotel & Suite or similar
Destination 9 - 12

Jeju Island

3 nights

From Busan, a short flight takes you to the volcanic island of Jeju, where you will be met and transported to your hotel.

This paradise island is an idyllic getaway at the end of your tour, inviting you to explore its beautiful landscapes and culture, learn more about its historic UNESCO-listed tradition of Haenyeo female deep-sea divers and sample flavourful local cuisine.

Personalised Cave, Cliffs and Waterfalls Tour

This tour is ideal for discovering the natural wonders and tea culture of the island. Spend time strolling through the gardens of Hallim Park, and visit the Ssangyonggul Cave with its distinctive geological formations. Next, at the Jae-am Folk Village, your guide will share his knowledge about the traditional life on Jeju as you stroll past replicas of historic homes.

Then, head to the Seogwang Tea Garden and museum, and indulge yourself with a superfine cup of brewed tea. Your final stops are at the dramatic Jusangjeollidae Seaside Cliff and Jeongbang Falls, considered amongst the best in Jeju.

Personalised Jeju Volcano Adventure

Discover the volcanic landscape of Jeju and take a walk along the crater at Geomun Oreum. Afterward, visit the 4.3 Peace Park that commemorates the Jeju Uprising, and see the Memorial Hall with its exhibits chronicling this historical event. The tour ends at the Dongmun Market, packed with stalls of food, clothing and more, perfect for some street food sampling!

  • Meals Breakfast
  • Suggested Accommodation Mercure Ambassador Jeju or similar
Add to Wishlist
Remove from Wishlist

Plan Your Dream Trip

H&J Top 10
Thailand Kenya Australia Sri Lanka Bali USA Canada Maldives South Africa Costa Rica
Asia
Bali China Cambodia India Indonesia Japan Laos Malaysia Nepal Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Tibet Thailand Vietnam
Africa
Botswana ESwatini (Swaziland) Kenya Lesotho Malawi Morocco Mozambique Namibia Rwanda South Africa Tanzania Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe
Europe
Iceland
Indian Ocean
Maldives Mauritius Seychelles
North America
Alaska Canada Hawaii USA
Central America
Costa Rica Guatemala Mexico Panama
Oceania
Australia Cook Islands Fiji French Polynesia New Zealand
South America
Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador & Galapagos Peru Uruguay
Middle East
Oman United Arab Emirates Dubai Abu Dhabi
Polar Regions
The Arctic Antarctica
Central Asia
Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan
Adventure Culture Exploring Family orientated Celebration – Honeymoon/Anniversary/Birthday Luxury Relaxing Wildlife

Your info is secure and never shared with 3rd parties.

Plan Your Dream Trip

Thank You

We’ll get back to you soon. To secure an exclusive limited-time offer for your trip, call 020 8106 2403 now to uncover our best-kept secret deals!

What To Expect

.st0{fill:#161717}

Dream Carefree

Go ahead and dream big. Hayes & Jarvis experts are here to help you plan the ultimate escape. Tell us your vision for the trip of a lifetime and we’ll make it a reality.

.st0{fill:#161717}

Plan Carefree

One of our destination experts will reach out to craft a completely customized itinerary. Book your personalized journey and know that our flexible policies have you covered.

Travel Carefree

Relax and prepare for takeoff, knowing that your trip is perfectly planned and you have a personal concierge on call 24/7. Our experts are here to keep you safe and handle the details.

Includes

  • Accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Activities and excursions as specified in the itinerary
  • Transportation services as specified in the itinerary
  • Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact supporting you during your trip
  • Carbon emissions offsetting for your trip

Excludes

  • Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Visa fees and hotel taxes
  • Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
  • International airfare

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South Korea’s Hidden Treasures

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