Discover the vibrant history, culture and culinary wonders of South Korea. Visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone, learn to cook local dishes, savor a rejuvenating beauty treatment and try out some K-pop dance moves in Seoul.

DAY 01: ARRIVAL - SEOUL

Welcome to South Korea!

Arrive in Seoul, South Korea’s iconic capital, where you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Start your journey of discovery by sampling the delights of Korean cuisine. It’s then time to enjoy a striking cityscape with a mesmerising panorama of the metropolis below from top of Seoul’s N Tower. Gaze down at the city you will be enjoying over the next few days.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 02: SEOUL

Help prepare up to three traditional Korean dishes - perhaps gimbap, sundubu-jjigae and bulgogi - during a hands-on morning cooking class.

Then, set out to explore the city, seeing 14th-century Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Folk Museum. Explore the Insadong neighborhood with its narrow alleys, modern galleries and tea shops. Continue to historic Bukchon Hanok Village with its hanoks, traditional Korean houses, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. 

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 03: DMZ EXCURSION

Begin the day with a fascinating tour of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the heavily fortified no-man’s-land separating free South Korea and communist North Korea. See where the armistice between the countries was signed, establishing a ceasefire line at the end of the Korean War. Drive along National Road No. 1, observing remnants of the Korean War, including the Gyeongui Line - a line of the Chosen Government Railway, running from Gyeongseong to Sinuiju. Continue to Freedom Bridge, used by repatriated POWs and soldiers returning from the north. Then, descend by elevator into the Third Tunnel. Discovered in 1978, it was dug by North Korea with the intention of invading South Korea. Next, view North Korean territory through binoculars at Dora Observatory.

This afternoon, unwind with a medicinal tea experience at a local tea house, savoring a cup selected just for you. Then, rest and recharge with a facial massage at South Korea’s premier beauty spa — an experience that fuses traditional herbal ingredients like ginseng with modern skincare technology for a holistic and authentically South Korean evening.

That evening, marvel at the acrobatic and comedic majesty of the Nanta Show before we take you to some of our favourite bars in the city!

Meals: Breakfast 

DAY 04: SEOUL / BUSAN  

Transfer to the railway station and travel by high-speed train to Busan, a port city known for its beaches, mountains and temples.

Upon arrival, set out to explore the city, visiting bustling Jagalchi Fish Market; Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) Square, a renowned movie district; and Gamcheon Culture Village, with its colorful homes, painted murals, shops and cafes. Finish the day at urban Haeundae Beach, where cultural events and festivals are held throughout the year. Then, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 05: GYEONGJU EXCURSION

Enjoy a day trip to historic Gyeongju the former capital of the Silla Kingdom.

Upon arrival, visit sixth-century Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the slopes of Mount Toham. Continue to UNESCO-listed Seokguram Grotto, an artificial granite grotto that enshrines a monumental statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha looking out to sea. Next, visit the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, where the Silla Dynasty tombs of kings and noblemen rise in rounded mounds from the earth. End the day at Anapji Pond in Gyeongju National Park, erected as a pleasure garden to commemorate the unification of the Korean Peninsula under Silla.

In the afternoon, return to Busan for a soak at a traditional Korean spa, where you can experience the rejuvenating properties of South Korea’s all-natural spring-fed water and pamper yourself in the self-proclaimed beauty capital of the world.

Meals: Breakfast 

DAY 06: BUSAN / SEOUL - DEPARTURE

After breakfast, transfer to Seoul by train. Continue to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

Meals: Breakfast

ACCOMMODATION WE LOVE:

Seoul:

• Signiel (LHW)
• Four Seasons
• Rak Ko Jae (Hanok)

Busan:

• Park Hyatt Busan