SOUTH KOREA IN DEPTH

Day 1 Arrive in Seoul

Arrive in the vibrant city of Seoul, where you'll be met by your private driver and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish - perhaps take a gentle stroll to get your bearings, or simply relax and recharge after your flight. Perfectly positioned for exploring the city's key sights, your hotel also offers a tranquil garden terrace and an excellent spa should you prefer to ease into your journey at a slower pace.

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

Day 2 Seoul Discovery

This morning, meet your expert local guide and private driver for a journey through the cultural heart of Seoul. Begin at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of the Joseon dynasty's royal residences, where expansive courtyards and ornate throne halls reflect centuries of dynastic tradition. Continue to Bukchon Hanok Village, a peaceful enclave of narrow lanes and traditional wooden houses, offering a sense of old Seoul amidst the modern city.

This afternoon you will visit Insadong, a lively neighbourhood where centuries-old tea houses, contemporary galleries and artisan boutiques sit side-by-side. Once a centre for calligraphers and antique dealers, it remains a vibrant space for exploring Korea's artistic and cultural identity.

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

Day 3 Tales from the North

Today you will have a unique opportunity to meet a North Korean defector at a local cafe. With your guide accompanying for translation, you'll have the chance to learn first-hand what life was like growing up under one of these most despotic regimes in the world. You will also hear vivid details of how the defector made the perilous journey to the South - one that very few have survived. After hearing their story, there will be ample time for questions and further conversation.

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

Day 4 Contrasts of Seoul

Continue your discovery of Seoul today with your local guide. Begin at the National Museum of Korea, home to ancient treasures, Buddhist art and masterpieces from the Silla dynasty. You'll then dive into the sensory buzz of Gwangjang Market, a lively maze of street food stalls and vendors, where you might sample knife-cut noodles or Gwangjang's famous mung-bean pancakes. Round off the day in Myeongdong, Seoul's trendiest shopping district, alive with fashion, beauty boutiques, and irresistible street food - from spicy tteokbokki rice cakes to sweet hotteok pancakes.

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

Day 5 Bullet train to Gyeongju

This morning you will take the KTX Bullet Train to the ancient city of Gyeongju. On arrival, your private guide will help you get your bearings and introduce you to two of Korea's most significant Buddhist sites.

Begin with a contemplative walk through forested trails leading to the Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into the granite slopes of Mount Toham. As the canopy opens, a serene stone chamber reveals itself - its centrepiece a 3.5-metre seated Buddha, encircled by intricately carved guardian deities. From this sacred vantage point, descend to Bulguksa Temple, a consummate expression of Silla dynasty aesthetics. The temple's elegant wooden pavilions - and the Dabotap and Seokgatap pagodas - are true masterpieces of ancient Korean design. Later this afternoon you will check into your traditional hanok, one of the most characterful places to stay in South Korea.

Overnight: Heritage Yuwa

Day 6 Historic Gyeongju

Today your expert local guide will help you delve deeper into the historic city of Gyeongju, often described as a living museum. Begin at the Daereungwon Royal Tombs, where softly contoured burial mounds rise from the earth. These tombs, constructed for Silla royalty, conceal stone chambers beneath layers of rock and grass, ingeniously designed to deter looters. Enter Cheonmachong, the 'Heavenly Horse Tomb', the only excavated site open to the public, where over 10,000 artefacts were uncovered - including Persian glassware that speaks to the Silla dynasty's far-reaching connections. Continue to the Gyeongju National Museum, whose exceptional collection illuminates the artistic, political and spiritual legacy of Korea's ancient golden age.

Enjoy an evening at leisure to discover the region's culinary specialities, or to relax at your beautiful hanok.

Overnight: Heritage Yuwa

Day 7 Journey to Busan

This morning, take the short journey to Busan by road, and begin exploring South Korea's vibrant second city.

Your guide will first take you to Gamcheon Cultural Village, once a makeshift settlement for Korean War refugees and now a vibrant hillside neighbourhood transformed by the local arts community. Its steep alleyways are lined with colourful homes, murals, and a maze of independent cafés and galleries - earning it the nickname "The Santorini of Korea." Being accompanied by a private guide ensures you'll reach the quietest viewpoints in the district.

Continue to the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market, one of Korea's largest and oldest seafood markets. If you wish, you can choose the catch-of-the-day that most appeals to you and enjoy an ultra-fresh meal prepared right in front of you.

Overnight: Park Hyatt Busan

Day 8 Forest & coast in Busan

Today offers a change of pace as you leave the city behind for the quiet beauty of Ahopsan Forest - a once-secluded woodland of soaring bamboo and aromatic hinoki cypress, untouched for centuries and only opened to the public in 2016. There will be ample time to explore the gently winding forest trails, absorbing the tranquility of these pristine natural surroundings. Return to Busan for a leisurely stroll along Haeundae Beach, before boarding a Sky Capsule at Blueline Park. This scenic rail journey traces the eastern coast between Mipo and Songjeong, offering panoramic sea views.

Overnight: Park Hyatt Busan

Day 9 Busan - UN Cemetery & Gwangalli Bay

On your final full day in Busan you will first have the option to indulge in a spot of retail therapy at Shingsegae Centum City, with seven floors to browse as well an excellent basement food court. The mall also features a traditionally styled Korean bathhouse where you can relax and soak in hot pools, steam rooms and saunas.

You can then learn more about the Korean War on a visit to the poignant United Nations Memorial Cemetery (UNMCK). This is a truly fascinating place to gain a deeper understanding of the heavy toll the conflict took on people both home and abroad, and there will be plenty of opportunities for quiet reflection.

In the late afternoon, take to the water for a private sunset cruise through Gwangalli Bay. Pass under the remarkable Gwangan Bridge, and take in views of Haeundae Beach and Marine City, lit by the last warm rays of daylight. As you return to port, the Busan skyline comes alive as dusk turns to night.

Overnight: Park Hyatt Busan

Day 10 Busan to Jeju

This morning, bid farewell to the mainland and take a short domestic flight to the island of Jeju. The island is a place of refreshing contrasts, with its rugged coastal landscapes and deep-rooted traditions.

Though the rest of your day is largely designed to give you time to settle into your new coastal surroundings, we have included an afternoon visit to the exquisite Bonte Museum. This is an uplifting sanctuary, designed by award-winning architect Tadao Andao and housing a treasure-trove of art with works from Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. There are also prized ancient artefacts that tell the story of different stages of Korean history. We feel this is a place not to be missed.

Overnight: Parnas Hotel

Day 11 Jeju Island's natural beauty

Today visit three of Jeju's natural wonders with your local guide. Begin with a gentle hike along the Sagbangsan Trail, which winds around a striking volcanic dome rising from the sea. The path offers panoramic coastal views, alongside cultural landmarks like Sanbanggulsa Temple. Continue to the stunning Cheonjeyeonpokpo Falls, a three-tiered waterfall that cascades into emerald pools, with an intriguing legend behind it. Round off your tour at Jusangjeolli Cliff on the south coast. Here, the volcanic basalt columns resemble enormous stone organ, backdropped by the endless East China Sea.

Overnight: Parnas Hotel

Day 12 Eastern Jeju

Meet your private driver-guide this morning for a journey through eastern Jeju's natural and cultural highlights. Begin with a peaceful walk in Bijarim Forest, home to nearly 3,000 ancient Torreya trees, including an 'Ancestor Tree' believed to be over 1,000 years old. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, a dramatic volcanic headland rising above the sea. The black-sand beach below is frequented by the Haenyeo, Jeju's traditional female free divers who source shellfish from the seabed in ways unchanged for centuries. You will then be able to contrast Jeju's natural beauty with a cultural immersion at Seongeup Folk Village, where centuries-old stone houses and shrines offer a glimpse into Jeju's distinctive heritage and way of life.

On the way back to your resort, stop for lunch at the lively Seogwipo Olle Market. The traditional covered market is a hive of activity as locals go about their daily shop for fresh produce and the island's prized citrus fruits. We highly recommend stopping at one of the restaurants serving black pork cooked on a Korean BBQ, one of the region's most delicious specialities.

Overnight: Parnas Hotel

Day 13 Free time in Jeju

Enjoy a free day to relax at your resort and unwind after the previous days' adventures. Your hotel features sweeping coastal views, a fabulous infinity pool, a gym, and a small spa.

Overnight: Parnas Hotel

Day 14 Return to Seoul

Take the easy domestic flight back to Seoul, where you will spend your final day in South Korea. The afternoon is free for you to further explore some of the city's colourful neighbourhoods, or do some last-minute shopping before your departure tomorrow.

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

Day 15 Depart

Today it will time to say annyeonghi gyeseyoto to Korea as you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.

Overnight: Home