This week-long luxury journey through Seoul and Busan pairs South Korea's most dynamic cities with private cultural tours and effortless high-speed travel aboard the KTX bullet train. In Seoul, delve into regal palaces, browse colourful markets, and sample the city's legendary street food, before taking a fascinating visit to the Demilitarized Zone that bridges North and South Korea. Your journey continues south to Busan, where the rainbow-coloured Gamcheon Cultural Village is just one of the attractions of this intoxicating city. Combine your cultural discoveries with some time in nature, in the serene Ahopsan Forest, and on a scenic coastal journey in Busan.
ESSENTIAL SOUTH KOREA
HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover two of Seoul's most iconic sites - the Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village
- Glimpse into North Korea at the DMZ, one of the last relics of the Cold War
- Wander the colourful streets of Gamcheon Cultural Village in vibrant Busan
- Escape into nature with a stroll through the bamboo groves and cypress trees at the Ahopsan Forest.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive in Seoul
Arrive in South Korea's capital today where you'll be met by your private driver and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is free for you to unwind after your flight, or perhaps start exploring. Your hotel is within easy reach of many Seoul attractions, but also has a lovely garden terrace and excellent spa if you would prefer to just relax.
Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
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Day 2 Downtown Seoul private tour
This morning, meet your expert local guide and private driver and discover the highlights of downtown Seoul. Step into Seoul's dynastic past with a private tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of the Joseon-era royal residences, with its beautiful ceremonial courtyards and throne halls. Continue onto nearby Bukchon Hanok Village, where time slows among narrow lanes lined with traditional hanok houses. You will then change the pace with a visit to the artistic neighbourhood of Insadong its dozens of laneways packed with cafés, small art galleries and local boutiques. Round off your tour at the bustling Gwangjang Market, one of the best places in Seoul for traditional Korean street food.
Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
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Day 3 Tour of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
Today head north out of Seoul with your guide to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), one of the last relics of the Cold War. Enter through the military checkpoint and travel to the first stop, "The Third Tunnel". A hard hat and steep descent takes you into the heart of the tunnel dug by North Korea during the war in attempt to get to the south. The second part of your tour takes you to the Dora Observatory that looks out over the DMZ and into North Korea. If the weather is clear, you may also be able to see the mountains in the distance, as well as a golden statue of Kim Il Sung, the founder of North Korea. On your journey back to the checkpoint, you'll travel through one of the very few remaining villages that are inside the DMZ, where a sundown to sunrise curfew is in place.
Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
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Day 4 Panoramas of Seoul
Today continue to explore Seoul with your local guide. Begin at the National Museum of Korea that offers a journey through centuries of Korean history and culture. At the Lotte Tower Observatory, enjoy panoramic views of the city from one of the world's tallest skyscrapers. The glass-floored Sky Deck, giving visitors the sensation of floating above the skyline. End your tour in buzzing shopping district of Myeongdong. This is a street food paradise where you can sample spicy tteokbokki, Korean-style corn dogs, grilled lobster, and sweet hotteok.
Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
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Day 5 Bullet train to Busan
This morning, board the high-speed KTX Bullet Train to Busan, South Korea's vibrant second city that looks out to the Sea of Japan. On arrival, your guide will take you on a tour of Gamcheon Cultural Village. Nicknamed "The Santorini of Korea" its layered hillside streets are a labyrinth of quirky cafes, shops, and colourful murals. Descend into downtown Busan and BIFF Square, a celebration of Korean film, K-Pop, and enticing street food. Towards the harbour is the Jagalchi market where you can see hundreds of vendors selling a huge variety of seafood. You may wish to remain here for a delicious meal prepared right in front of you.
Overnight: Park Hyatt Busan
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Day 6 Different perspectives of Busan
Escape the buzz of Busan today to experience the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The beautifully preserved Ahopsan Forest is a must-see, due its towering bamboo groves and giant hinoki cypress trees. A gentle hike through the walking trails of the forest delivers complete tranquility, and the soothing scent of cypress. You will then travel to Haeundae Blueline Park and board a Sky Capsule for a scenic journey along Busan's stunning eastern coastline from Mipo to Songjeong. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening in Busan's laidback beachfront neighbourhood of Haeundae.
Overnight: Park Hyatt Busan
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Day 7 Bullet train to Seoul
Depart Busan today and take the KTX Bullet Train back to Seoul. The rest of the day is then at leisure for you to further explore the city independently, discovering more of its colourful neighbourhoods and perhaps picking up some gifts for friends and family back home.
Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
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Day 8 Depart
Today you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.
Overnight: Home
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Depart
BOOKING NOTES
- Price is per person based on two adults sharing a room
- Due to the ongoing political tensions, the tour to the DMZ may be cancelled at short notice.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast.
- Private transfers throughout.
- Tickets for the KTX Bullet Train in First Class.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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