Others

Sightseeing as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary

Transport

Transportation as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary and transfers to/from all intra-vacation flights (intra-vacation flights not included)

Meals

Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 3 dinners

Accommodation

9 nights stay in hand-selected hotels

Guide

Expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word)

Not included:

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive In Seoul, South Korea
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive In Seoul, South Korea

Your Small Group Discovery tour begins! Welcome to Seoul, the nation’s capital. With its ancient history and modern innovation, the city is full of opportunities to experience the traditional culture. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.
Day 2 Day 2: Seoul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Seoul

Palace Gates & Plentiful Plates Begin your vacation with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most impressive of Seoul’s five palaces. Continue to the National Museum of Contemporary Korean History to learn how Korea has transformed from an agricultural society to an economic powerhouse. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore Gwangjang traditional market, one of the oldest in Korea. Then, visit Bukchon Hanok Village, home to over 900 hanoks (traditional Korean houses). This historic district has been restored to evoke the country’s timeless charm. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a special welcome dinner featuring Korean BBQ! (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
COLORFUL DYNASTIES & CULTURAL DRESS Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, originally built in 1395. The palace complex was razed by the Japanese invasion of 1592 and sat abandoned for nearly 300 years before it was rebuilt in the mid-19th century. Tour the palace and witness the ceremonial changing of the guard. If you wish, experience a taste of Korean culture and don a traditional outfit called hanbok for memorable photos of your visit.
Day 3 Day 3: Seoul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Seoul

A Tale of Two Countries Journey to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) for an unforgettable tour of the world’s most fortified border. Your Local Guide will explain the various sites and exhibitions including the Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park, the DMZ Museum, and the Dora Observatory. Return to Seoul and enjoy the balance of the day at your leisure. Consider an optional rickshaw ride through the city’s popular streets and alleyways. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
A LEGENDARY LAND Since 1953, the DMZ has separated North and South Korea. This stretch of land measures about 160 miles long and 2.5 miles wide. For decades, it has been steeped in history and intrigue. Please note this is a politically sensitive area, so tour with discretion.
Day 4 Day 4: Seoul–Gyeongju
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Seoul–Gyeongju

Relics & Rituals Travel by high-speed train to Gyeongju, often called the “Museum without Walls” due to its rich cultural history and natural beauty. The capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, the city today is known for its relics, temples, and palaces. Upon arrival, visit Golgulsa Temple for a unique opportunity to experience the lifestyle of Korean Buddhist monks. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Join your small group for a unique experience to learn the art of Seonmudo. This Korean meditative martial art style was a secret of Buddhist monks for many years as a practice of developing mindfulness through motion. You’ll also learn about temple etiquette and try your hand at archery before enjoying dinner at the temple.
Day 5 Day 5: Gyeongju
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Gyeongju

Pavilions, Pagodas & Parks Your full day sightseeing tour of Gyeongju includes a visit to Bulguska Temple and Gyeongju National Museum. End your day with a walk to Woljeong Bridge and Wolji Pond. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Visit Bulguska Temple with its ancient wooden pavilions and pagodas built on lush, forested hills. Within the temple complex is stunning Seokguram Grotto, one of Asia’s finest shrines, with its large Buddha statue overlooking the Sea of Japan. Then, visit Gyeongju National Museum, housing artifacts reflecting the art, culture, and history of the Silla dynasty, and Tumuli Park to see several tombs from the Silla period, including King Michu.
Day 6 Day 6: Gyeongju–Busan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Gyeongju–Busan

Historic Village & Harbor Views This morning, visit Yangdong Folk Village, one of the best-preserved historic villages dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. Then, continue to Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, known for its stunning beaches and harbor views. Before dinner at local restaurant, join your Tour Director for a coastal walk on Dongbaekseom Island. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CONFUCIOUS SAYS Surrounded by forested mountains and open fields, Yangdong Folk Village features clusters of houses with mud walls and thatched roofs facing the river. Visit the village shrine and Confucius school, and stroll along the village trail to admire the traditional hanoks.
Day 7 Day 7: Busan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Busan

Beautiful Busan Sightseeing today starts with a walking tour of Gamcheon, originally founded by refugees of the Korean War and today transformed into an artistic center with galleries and cafés. Participate in a Korean cooking class for lunch, then proceed to Jagalchi fish market, Korea’s largest and most famous seafood market. This afternoon, take a cable-car ride across the ocean for panoramic views of Songdo Beach and rock cliffs. You’ll also experience stunning views from Songdo Yonggung Supension Bridge. (B,L)

LOCAL FAVORITE
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Korean cuisine is unmatched! Learn authentic and local specialties with a private cooking class under the instruction of a local chef. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste local rice wine. Collect the recipes and try to recreate your masterpiece at home.
Day 8 Day 8: Busan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Busan

Korea to the Tea This morning, visit Un Cemetery which honors fallen soldiers from the Korean War. Later, enjoy a tea tasting. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Experience Korea’s floral tea culture with your small group as you taste different types of local floral and herbal teas to soothe the senses with aromatic flavors. Learn how to create your own blend!
Day 9 Day 9: Busan–Seoul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Busan–Seoul

Seoul Searching Fly to Seoul, then visit Insadong Arts and Craft Street, a vibrant hub for Korean traditional culture and craftsmanship. Walk along the Seoul City Wall, built more than 600 years ago. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your discovery of Korea. (B,D)
Day 10 Day 10: Seoul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Seoul

Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

10 days tour

Discover South Korea

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Discover South Korea

Day 1: Arrive In Seoul, South Korea

Day 2: Seoul

Day 3: Seoul

Day 4: Seoul–Gyeongju

Day 5: Gyeongju

Day 6: Gyeongju–Busan

Day 7: Busan

Day 8: Busan

Day 9: Busan–Seoul

Day 10: Seoul

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