Compare South Korea in a snapshot by Audley Travel vs Highlights of Korea from Seoul to Busan by Odynovo
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 9 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 3,615 | $ 1,736 |
| Price Per Day | $ 402 | $ 289 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | N/A |
5 breakfasts |
| Description |
Buddhist temples, imperial palaces, futuristic architecture and markets so vast they take up whole city blocks…South Korea is a multifaceted destination. Our specialists know the country well and can introduce you to its many attractions, from Seoul’s 14th-century palaces and Gyeongju’s tombs to the volcanic landscape of Jeju Island. Along with seeing the country’s main highlights, we’ll help you explore Korean culture which sees ancient traditions, customs and craftsmanship sit side by side with cutting-edge technology, karaoke bars and quirky cat cafés. |
South Korea is a fascinating blend of old and new. In the six days, you will travel between Seoul and Busan with speedy KTX trains to explore the nation's historical palaces and temples, active communities and markets, heavily-fortified DMZ, and laidback coastal areas. There are also a lot of chances to taste authentic local foods and purchase exotic souvenirs. |
Day 1 Seoul
Seoul
Arrive into South Korea’s capital, Seoul. Take the rest of the day to get your bearings and your first taste of Korean cuisine.
Day 2 Seoul
Seoul
Spend a full day with one of our private guide-and-driver teams seeing the highlights of the city. The imposing Gyeongbokgung Palace is a great starting point for exploring Korean architecture. Stop at the expansive Namdaemun Market for a spot of street food for lunch, before exploring the village of Bukchon Hanok (made up of traditional Korean houses) and the lively area of Insa-dong.
Day 3 Seoul
Seoul
Spend a long morning driving up to the DMZ at the border with North Korea. You’ll get an insight into the conflict that has spanned decades and continents.
Day 4 Busan
Seoul , Busan
In the morning, take the KTX bullet train across the country to Busan in the southeast. You’ll have the afternoon at leisure to either relax on Haeundae Beach or check out the street food market nearby.
Day 5 Busan
Busan
Drive up north for an hour to the ancient capital of Gyeongju and visit its temples and historic sites. The history of the city is intriguing and tells the story of the Silla dynasty. It’s also a great place to learn about the way Buddhism, Confucianism and foreign influences have helped shape modern Korean society. The tour will end with an hour’s drive south to the city of Busan in the southeast.
Day 6 Busan
Busan
Busan is often praised as having one of the most eye-catching cityscapes in Asia, so start your day at the top of the lofty Busan Tower to take in the views. Then head down for some street food in Jagalchi and Bupyeong markets, which have played their part in giving Busan its reputation as the culinary capital of the country.
Day 7 Busan
Busan
You’ll have today at leisure to explore Busan. We recommend a visit to Gamcheon Culture Village which is made up of polychromatic houses spilling out onto the rolling hills that surround the city. We also suggest visiting Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, which is perched precariously over the cliffs looking out onto the Sea of Japan.
Day 8 Seoul
Busan , Seoul
Take the KTX bullet train back to Seoul for a final day at leisure in the city.
Day 9 Return home
Seoul
You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport for your flight home.
Day 1: Arrival - Seoul
Overnight: Seoul
Welcome to Seoul!
Upon arrival, be transferred to your hotel for check-in and then have the remainder of the day at your leisure, recovering from jet lag or walking out for a light adventure.
Day 2: Seoul
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Seoul
Meet your guide at your hotel lobby and start the city exploration from Gyeongbokgung Palace, the first and largest palace of the Joseon dynasty lasting from 1392 AD to 1897 AD. Marvel at its splendid architecture and watch the guard changing ceremony, usually taking place at 10 am and 2 pm daily except on Tuesdays. On the eastern side of the palace ground, you will visit the National Folk Museum, a place to get a view of the nation's history and culture.
Next, explore the Bukchon Hanok Village, an active neighborhood full of traditional houses (locally called Hanok) now serving as art galleries, restaurants, and guesthouses, to learn and immerse in Korean culture. Later on, while strolling around Insa-dong, the largest antique and artwork market in the country, you can sample authentic Korean foods and buy some exotic souvenirs.
Day 3: Seoul
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Seoul
The DMZ between North Korea and Korea is a 4 km-wide and 240 km-long buffer zone located in the vicinity of the 38th parallel. The organized group tour to the most heavily fortified border on earth will offer you a rare chance to dive into the history and politics of these two countries of the same origin. In such a tour, you will explore Imjingak Park with many monuments to remember the Korean War, walk across the Bridge of Freedom, explore the Third Infiltration Tunnel, visit the DMZ Exhibition Hall and DMZ Theater, and capture a panoramic view of this sensitive zone from Dora Observatory.
Day 4: Seoul - Busan
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Busan
Check out after breakfast at your hotel and take a private transfer to the railway station for the KTX train to Busan. On arrival, meet your guide for touring Haedong Yonggungsa, a Buddhist temple scenically standing on the northeastern coast of Busan. Continue with a leisurely walk on Dongbaekseom, the Island of Camellias, to enjoy the charming shoreline of Busan. Later on, check into your hotel and have some leisure time on your own.
Day 5: Busan
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Busan
Start the tour today from the Beomeosa Temple, surrounded by natural beauty. Hike around to take in its peaceful atmosphere or join the locals praying for a little wish. Afterward, view Gwangan Bridge, Korea's longest double-story bridge across the sea and the beautiful landmark of the city, and continue to Jagalchi Fish Market, a great place to see and enjoy fresh seafood. What follows will be Busan Tower boasting a panoramic view of the whole city and Gukjae Flee International Market with everything you can imagine on sale.
Day 6: Busan - Seoul - Departure
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, be transferred to Busan station for the return train to Seoul. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Incheon International Airport for your onward flight.
