South Korea At Your Own Pace

Welcome to Seoul! Upon your arrival you will be met by your private driver and transfered to your hotel. Check-in to the hotel (from 3PM) and enjoy the day, at your own leisure to explore or relax.
We advise that you visit the Gyeongbok Royal Palace to discover the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and the Hyangwonjeon Basin. You may also attend the changing of the guard Ceremony at the entrance of the palace (3 times a day). Not far from the Gyeongbok Palace, do not miss the National Folk Museum, which houses more than 4,000 relics which will give you a great insight the ancient Korean lifestyle and culture.

Today, we recommend that you visit two Royal sites listed as UNESCO World heritage Sites; firstly, the Changdeok Palace and its magnificent Garden, followed by the Jongmyo Shrine Sanctuary. Stroll though Bukchon Hanok Village, also known as the village of the north. There you can observe the superb neighbourhood housing more than 900 traditional Korean houses, some of them are even open to the public. You may also want to take a walk along the famous alley of Insadong, meandering between art galleries, traditional craft shops, tea houses or antique furniture dealers. When the sun goes down, we recommend you visit the Namsan Tower, situated at almost 480m above sea level and which is one of the main landmarks in Seoul. Here you can enjoy dinner while surrounded by a beautiful panorama of Seoul.

After enjoying breakfast and checking out of the hotel, pick up your car at the car rental center located near to Seoul Station, just a few minutes from your hotel. Then, we recommend you drive to Suwon to visit the Hwaseong Fortress which is an impressive structure from the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and the official fortress of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do. Alternatively, you may also be interested in visiting the famous Korean Folk village which introduces traditional culture from the late Joseon period through cultural classes, demonstrations of shaman faith, and information about seasonal customs. 

In the afternoon, drive south and visit the Songnisan National Park; one of Korea’s most beautiful sites. There you can observe the spectacular sharp granite peaks of Mt. Songnisan and the deep valleys of sedimentary rocks. One of Korea's largest temples, Beopjusa, can also be found on Mt. Songnisan. There you will witness the Cheongdongmireukbul, which is the largest Buddha statue in the world. With its numerous treasures and National Monuments, Beopjusa Temple is the best place to experience the brilliant history of the Buddhist civilization. Finally, get a transfer to Cheongju for the night.

In the morning we recommend you visit the Early Printing Museum to see Jikji, the world's oldest extant book, printed by movable metal type, which was found on March 17, 1992. Then depart for Andong where we recommend first visiting the Dosanseowon confucian school. Then discover the Hahoe Folk Village with its traditional houses, well preserved from the Jose Dynasty. Do not forget to visit the mask Museum before climbing the small Buyongdae cliff to enjoy the beautiful view of the hanok village.

Drive south and continue your discovery with a visit to Haeinsa temple. Up in the Gaya Mountain, observe the Tripitaka Koreana, the most famous national treasure of Haeinsa Temple, which was made as a wish to overcome the national crisis caused by Mongolia Invasion. Down in Daegu City, you will see a great concentration of ancient tombs like those of Bullodong, as well as many markets selling all manner of things, such as medicinal herbs.

Free day to discover Gyeongju, also called the open-air museum. We recommend you start with the Bulguksa temple and the Seokguram cave; true masterpieces of Buddhist art. You can end the day by relaxing at one of the thermal springs near the lake.

Second day in Gyeongju. Visit the Cheomseongdae Observatory; the oldest existing astrological observatory in Asia. Then the Tumuli Park with its twenty-three large, royal tombs. In the afternoon, we recommend you visit the Gyeongju National Museum, and at sunset, take a walk around Anapji for a jaw-dropping view.

On the way to Busan, we advise you to stop at the Tongdosa Temple, which similar to a museum because of the numerous relics inside. Then, upon arrival to Busan, we recommend you visit the famous Jagalchi fish Market, biggest seafood market in Korea, where fresh seafood is sold by enthusiastic Korean women. Then, talk a walk around the Nampodong streets; the best place in Busan for shopping. Continue to the  Busan Tower with its observatory offering a breathtaking view of the marvelous city of Busan. At night, take a walk around the most famous beach of Korea; the Haeundae beach.

Enjoy a morning of free time to visit more of Busan or see anything you may have missed. In the early afternoon, drop your car off at the Busan station Car rental center and take the KTX back to Seoul.

Meet at the pick up at your hotel and get your transfer to the airport.

Have a safe trip home!