With its complex history, soaring skyscrapers and centuries-old temples, this tour has something for everyone. From bustling cities to stunning countryside and UNESCO world heritage-listed national forests. It is a tour full of contrasts.
Our Scenic South Korea tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
Explore Seoul, a dynamic and modern city which still has plenty of culture and tradition
Discover the picturesque port city Busan, which is full of character
Explore scenic Mount Seorak National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Spend time in Gyeongju, called 'the museum without walls'
First performed on the Edinburgh Fringe in 1997, the Nanta is a showcase of Korean culture and performance art, presented as a non-verbal show, instead using music and motion and integrating a traditional Korean Samulnori rhythm.
As part of discovering traditional Korean lifestyle at Naganeupseong Fortress Village, you can try your hand at one of Korea's oldest cultural arts – handkerchief dyeing.
Embark on an informative and unusual adventure to the DMZ, the buffer zone between the Koreas. Your visit will include the Bridge of Freedom, DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel.
Fly to Seoul, the dazzling capital city of South Korea. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. This evening meet your National Escort and fellow travellers to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
A dynamic, 24-hour city, amongst the skyscrapers, nightlife districts and colossal shopping malls of Seoul there is an exceptional amount of culture and tradition, from busy teahouses to magnificent palaces. Start your day watching the Changing of the Guards ceremony, and then explore the Gyeongbok Palace. Next, learn to cook a delicious Korean classic -‘bibimbap’ in a cookery class which you'll get to eat for lunch. Also visit the UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Royal Shrine, and enjoy panoramic city views at the N Seoul Tower. After dinner, watch a non-verbal performance of Nanta – an award-winning show.
Travel out of Seoul to the city of Damyang where you’ll discover the beauty of Soswaewon. This private garden built in the 16th century in the traditional style features essential elements to bring harmony, such as flowing water, trees and grasses. Wander the bamboo forest of Juknokwon before continuing to Gwangju, where you’ll spend some time discovering this artistic hub full of fascinating history.
Head to Boseong, considered the best place in Korea to grow tea, and visit a green tea plantation, learning all about its production and enjoying a tasting. Continue to Suncheon for a stop at the 6th-century Seonamsa Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple grounds are also home to a beautiful arched stone bridge. Also visit Naganeupseong Fortress Village for a glimpse at a more traditional Korean lifestyle and a chance to take part in a handkerchief dyeing experience.
Head to Yeosu and ride the cable car over beautiful scenery and open water to Dolsan Island. Continue to Odongdo Island for more spectacular landscapes and take some time to appreciate the array of wild flowers that flourish here before travelling to the port city of Busan.
The laidback to Seoul’s bustle, Busan is a city full of character and traditional features as well as mountains, beaches, temples and exquisite seafood. Start the day at the Jagalchi Fish Market then see the city from above at Busan Tower. Also browse the wares at Gukje Market. After lunch, walk over the Oryukdo Skywalk, a glass bridge set on a seaside cliff, soak up the peaceful nature of Dongbaekseom Island, and feel the sand between your toes on Haeundae Beach. Drive to Gyeongju.
A city of cultural and historical relics, Gyeongju is called ‘the museum without walls’. Capital of the Silla Kingdom for over 1,000 years the city is home to a staggering number of tombs, temples, statues and ruins, some of which you’ll explore today. Begin at the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Bulguksa Temple, considered the pinnacle of Silla architecture, and Seokguram Grotto. After lunch, visit Gyeongju National Museum before visiting Tumuli Park, a collection of royal tombs, and take a stroll at Anapji Pond.
Travel to Sokcho stopping en route to explore the 1,300-year history of the Naksansa Temple, a seven-storey stone building overlooking the East Sea.
Mount Seorak National Park is a spectacularly scenic area of high, cloudy peaks, craggy bluffs and fragrant pine forest. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve as a habitat for many rare species of plants and animals, it is one of South Korea’s most dramatic natural treasures. Take the cable to the mountaintop and then hike to Gwongeumseong Fortress. After lunch, take a hike along the beautiful valley floor as well as an optional visit to the temple.
Transfer to Gangneung and board the train bound for Seoul. On arrival, after lunch, there will be free time for those who wish to shop or further explore Seoul on your own.
Created as a buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea at the end of the Korean War, the DMZ is part of the most heavily militarised border in the world. An early start is needed today as tickets the DMZ are limited. See the DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and walk along the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. (Should tickets not be available, take a ride on the DMZ gondola and visit the Odusan Unification Observatory). Return to Seoul explore the huge Gwangjang Market. A farewell dinner tonight is the perfect time to reflect on your adventures! Special conditions apply to this day, please refer to your tour dossier for more information.
This morning is free at leisure before you transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected
We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and exclusive benefits including a single room throughout your tour, complimentary return airport transfers (within 50km radius of major Australian airports) and a cocktail on arrival at your destination. Travellers from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne also receive a complimentary Australian airport lounge pass for use prior to departure.
A generous and open-minded tour guide, this is how my travellers would describe me. Whilst in South Korea, you will explore Korea’s iconic sights, less known sites and authentic and exciting cultural experience.
Sue was so knowledgeable and courteous. I have travelled with Wendy Wu before and the experience was unparalleled.
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All of our tours offer a single room supplement, which means you’ll have a room to yourself throughout your chosen tour. Continue the check-out process for the applicable supplement.
On most tours, you can choose our 'Happy to Share' option, which may enable you to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance.
If you are booking on a Dedicated Solo departure, a single room is already included in the price and there are no additional single supplements to pay.
With our flight inclusive option, we'll do the planning for you and meet you on arrival.
We include airport pickup upon arrival at your destination and drop off at the end of your tour (on the scheduled tour arrival and departure days) and when booking pre or post tour accommodation with us.
We partner with established and reputable airlines for your international flights.
We can assist with upgrading your seat to premium or business class for an additional cost.
Our team will work with you to choose your ideal routing and if we make changes to your tour itinerary that impact flights, we’ll rebook them for you.
Our On-Tour Support Team is available to provide advice about how to handle flight changes.
