13 Days in South Korea: Seoul, Jeju-do and Busan
Experience South Korea’s effervescent city culture and effusive coastal charm on this 13-day trip through Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island.
South Korea
13 days / 12 nights
$4,690 /person
$4,690 /person
Your trip at a glance
Top Activities
Touring Korea’s demilitarized zone (DMZ) at the border of North and South Korea
Learning how to cook South Korean staples, from bulgogi to bibimbap, during a chef-led workshop
Visiting Gyeongju’s ancient temples and royal tombs on a day trip from Busan
Leaning in to Korean wellness culture at a rejuvenating “jjimjilbang” bathhouse
Hiking Korea’s tallest mountain, swimming in sandy beaches, and sipping green tea in Jeju Island
Welcome to South Korea!
Korea’s Divided History: Visiting the Demilitarized Zone
A Journey Through Innovation and Culture
Feeding your Soul: Hands-on Cooking Class
From Seoul to Busan: Scenic Train Journey
Show All 13 days
The Best and Bustle of Busan
Day Trip to Gyeongju’s Ancient Temples and Royal Tombs
Coastal Trails and Korean Wellness
South of South Korea: Onward to Jeju Island
Natural and Coastal Jewels of East Jeju
Discovering Jeju’s Living Traditions and Scenic Landscapes
Jeju’s Ultimate Outdoor Escape
Until the Next Time!
A Journey Through Innovation and Culture
Overview
Now that you’ve experienced some of historic Seoul and overarching Korean dynamics, you’ll learn about South Korea’s modern modern side by way of cultural landmarks. After breakfast this morning, you’ll begin the day’s activities at Bongeunsa Temple: a peaceful oasis nestled among the city’s skyscrapers. This tranquil site contrasts with its futuristic-esque neighbors. Just across the street, you’ll find the sprawling underground COEX Mall, a hub of commerce. It’s in this mall that you’ll find the iconic Starfield Library, a stunning public space lined with towering bookshelves. For panoramic views of the city, head to the Seoul Sky Tower at Lotte World Tower afterward. It’s among the tallest buildings in the world, full of trendsetting cafes and views galore. (Breakfast)
Highlights
Seoul Sky Tower
Continue your Seoul tour in the most scenic way imaginable with a trip to the top of Seoul Sky Tower. At 555 meters high, Seoul Sky Tower’s observatory caps the top of the Lotte World Tower: the world’s sixth-largest building. The observatory therefore ranks as one of the highest points in all of Seoul and offers thrilling views of the city from all sides.
Starfield Library
One of the most stunning libraries in the world, Seoul’s Starfield Library creates an open, free-to-access space in the center of the COEX Mall. Here, you’ll find thousands of books and hundreds of magazines of all kinds. Indicative of the more modern side to Seoul, the library opened in 2017 and while visitors come to just glimpse the cozy space, others sit down to read, work, or study.
Bongenusa Temple
Visit this Korean Buddhist temple this morning for a moment of spiritual serenity. Originally built in 794, the temple — then known as Gyeonseongsa Temple — has since gone through restorations and houses more than 3,000 Buddhist scriptures in addition to a central sculpture of Buddha.
Accommodations
Rakkojae Seoul (or similar)
Rakkojae Seoul, a cherished space steeped in Korean culture for more than 140 years, epitomizes tranquility. Renovated in 2003, it has garnered international acclaim for its seamless integration of traditional Korean architecture with Seoul's natural surroundings. As you enter through the property's graceful main gate, you'll encounter a serene hanok surrounded by bamboo and pine trees, setting a sentiment of timeless beauty and nostalgia. The square formation of Rakkojae's layout reflects the elegance of ancient noblemen, further higlighted through meticulously restored pavilions, lotus ponds, and patios that once delighted scholars of the past. Here, you'll also find authentic experiences, from traditional Korean meals to tea ceremonies.
Location:
218 Gahoe-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Phone:
+8227423410
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What's included
Included in the final price
- Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
- On-trip concierge service
- Personalized trip crafting
- Entry and exit information and assistance
- Accommodations for 12 nights, with daily breakfast included
- Train tickets from Seoul to Busan
- Domestic flights from Busan to Jeju
- All activities, tours, experiences, and activities mentioned in the itinerary
- All transfers mentioned in the itinerary
- All meals mentioned in the itinerary
Not included in the final price
- International arrival and departure flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Visas and visa services
- Early check-in or late check-out at accommodations
- Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Anything listed as optional or not detailed in the itinerary