South Korea Discovery 6 Days – Seoul & Jeju Island

Tour Overview

Discover the best of South Korea on this 6-day journey, from the vibrant capital of Seoul to the stunning volcanic island of Jeju, the historic temples of Gyeongju, and the bustling port city of Busan. Experience the unique blend of ancient traditions and modern technology, the delicious cuisine, and the stunning natural beauty of this fascinating East Asian country.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Seoul

Arrive at Incheon International Airport (Seoul), consistently ranked as one of the best airports in the world. Transfer to your hotel in Seoul, the capital and largest city of South Korea, a vibrant metropolis where ancient palaces meet ultra-modern skyscrapers, traditional markets coexist with high-tech shopping malls, and K-pop and Korean drama culture permeate every corner. Explore Seoul: visit the iconic N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower, a 236-meter-tall communication and observation tower on Namsan Mountain, with its stunning panoramic views of the city, the famous love locks, and the beautiful Namsan Park), the Myeongdong district (Seoul’s most famous shopping and entertainment district, with its department stores, duty-free shops, cosmetic shops, street food stalls, and vibrant nightlife), the Cheonggyecheon Stream (a beautiful 11-kilometer-long urban stream running through the heart of Seoul, with its beautiful bridges, waterfalls, and public art, a popular place for walking and relaxation), and the Gwanghwamun Square (a large public square in the heart of Seoul, with its iconic statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, and the beautiful Gwanghwamun Gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in the background). Evening welcome dinner with Korean cuisine including kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage, the national dish of Korea), bulgogi (marinated grilled beef), bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables, meat, and egg), samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and Korean fried chicken (chimaek – chicken and beer, a Korean favorite). Overnight in Seoul.

Day 2: Seoul – Palaces & Traditional Culture

Full day exploring the historic and cultural sites of Seoul: visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace (the largest and most beautiful of the Five Grand Palaces of Seoul, built in 1395 by King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, with its beautiful pavilions, courtyards, gardens, the iconic Gwanghwamun Gate, the National Palace Museum, and the National Folk Museum, and the famous changing of the guard ceremony at the main gate), the Bukchon Hanok Village (a beautiful traditional Korean village with hundreds of well-preserved hanok (traditional Korean houses), with its beautiful narrow streets, traditional architecture, cultural centers, tea houses, and stunning views of the city), the Insadong district (a famous cultural and arts district, with its traditional tea houses, art galleries, antique shops, craft shops, and street food, a great place to buy traditional Korean handicrafts and souvenirs), the Jogyesa Temple (the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, a beautiful Buddhist temple in the heart of Seoul, with its beautiful pagoda, giant Buddha statues, and the famous lantern festival), and the Changdeokgung Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Five Grand Palaces, considered the most beautiful and well-preserved, with its stunning Secret Garden (Huwon), a beautiful 78-acre private garden with its pavilions, ponds, and lush greenery, only accessible by guided tour). After lunch, visit the Hongdae district (a vibrant neighborhood near Hongik University, known for its indie music, street performances, art galleries, boutique shops, cafes, and vibrant nightlife, a popular area for young people), the Ehwa Womans University area (with its beautiful campus and the famous Ewha Campus Complex building, and the surrounding shopping streets popular with young women), and the Gangnam district (the affluent southern district of Seoul, made famous by the song Gangnam Style, with its luxury shopping malls including COEX Mall and Starfield Library, the iconic Gangnam Station, and the high-end Apgujeong and Cheongdam areas). Evening enjoy a traditional Korean performance (Nanta – a non-verbal comedy performance with traditional Korean samulnori percussion, or a traditional Korean music and dance performance) or experience a Korean sauna/jjimjilbang (a traditional Korean bathhouse with hot tubs, saunas, and relaxation areas). Overnight in Seoul.

Day 3: Seoul – DMZ & to Jeju Island

Morning take a half-day tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the heavily fortified border between North and South Korea, one of the most unique and fascinating places to visit in Korea. Visit the Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom (the only place where North and South Korean forces face each other directly, with the iconic blue buildings straddling the border, you can actually step into North Korea inside the conference buildings, and see the North Korean soldiers on the other side), the Dora Observatory (where you can see into North Korea through binoculars, including the propaganda village of Kijong-dong and the North Korean flagpole, one of the tallest in the world at 160 meters), the Third Infiltration Tunnel (one of four tunnels dug by North Korea under the DMZ to infiltrate South Korea, discovered in 1978, you can walk down into the tunnel), and the Dorasan Station (the northernmost train station in South Korea, on the Gyeongui Line that once connected North and South Korea, with the hope of one day reconnecting the two Koreas by rail). After the DMZ tour, return to Seoul and fly from Gimpo Airport to Jeju Island (approximately 1 hour), the largest island in South Korea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination known as the Hawaii of Korea, with its stunning volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, lush forests, waterfalls, and unique culture. Upon arrival in Jeju, check into your hotel. Evening explore Jeju City and enjoy dinner with Jeju cuisine including black pork (heukdwaeji, a local specialty), abalone porridge, and fresh seafood. Overnight in Jeju.

Day 4: Jeju Island Exploration

Full day exploring Jeju Island: visit the Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a stunning 182-meter-tall tuff cone formed by a volcanic eruption under the sea, with its beautiful crater lake at the top, and stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape, one of the most iconic landmarks of Jeju, famous for its beautiful sunrises), the Seopjikoji (a beautiful coastal area with its stunning rock formations, lighthouse, and beautiful ocean views, a popular filming location for Korean dramas), the Haenyeo Museum (a museum dedicated to the famous Jeju female divers (haenyeo), who dive without modern equipment to harvest seafood, a unique cultural tradition of Jeju, and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage), the Manjanggul Lava Tube (a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the largest lava tubes in the world, 13 kilometers long, with its stunning lava formations including the famous 7.6-meter-tall lava column, one of the largest in the world), the Hallim Park (a beautiful park with its botanical gardens, palm trees, lava caves, and the famous Hyeopjae Beach), and the Hyeopjae Beach (one of the most beautiful beaches in Korea, with its white sand, clear turquoise water, and beautiful views of the nearby Biyangdo island). After lunch, visit the Cheonjiyeon Falls (a beautiful 22-meter waterfall, meaning Pond of God, with its beautiful natural pool and lush vegetation), the Jeongbang Falls (a beautiful 23-meter waterfall that falls directly into the ocean, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Asia), and the Yakcheonsa Temple (a beautiful Buddhist temple with its giant Buddha statues and beautiful architecture). Visit the Jeju Folk Village (a traditional Jeju village with its traditional thatched-roof houses, stone walls, and cultural exhibits, showing the traditional way of life on Jeju Island). Evening enjoy a beautiful sunset at one of Jeju’s many scenic spots. Dinner with Jeju black pork barbecue. Overnight in Jeju.

Day 5: Jeju to Gyeongju & Busan

Morning fly from Jeju to Busan (approximately 1 hour) or to Daegu, then drive to Gyeongju (approximately 1 hour from Busan), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty (one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea), known as the Museum Without Walls, with its numerous historical sites, temples, pagodas, and royal tombs scattered throughout the city and the surrounding area. Explore Gyeongju: visit the Bulguksa Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most beautiful and famous Buddhist temples in Korea, built in 774 during the Silla Dynasty, with its beautiful stone pagodas including the Dabotap and Seokgatap pagodas, the beautiful bridges and staircases, and the stunning architecture), the Seokguram Grotto (a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a stunning artificial stone cave temple built in the 8th century, with its beautiful 3.5-meter-tall granite Buddha statue, considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Buddhist art in the world, with its beautiful views of the East Sea at sunrise), the Daereungwon Tomb Complex (the royal tombs of the Silla Dynasty, with over 30 large tumuli (mound tombs), including the famous Cheonmachong (Heavenly Horse Tomb), where a beautiful gold crown and other artifacts were discovered, now housed in the Gyeongju National Museum), the Anapji Pond (a beautiful artificial pond built in 674, with its beautiful pavilions and reflections, particularly beautiful at night when lit up), the Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (the former royal villa of the Silla Dynasty, with its beautiful pavilions and the beautiful Anapji Pond), the Gyeongju National Museum (with its world-class collection of Silla artifacts including the famous gold crowns, jewelry, pottery, and Buddhist art), and the Cheomseongdae Observatory (the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia, built in the 7th century during the reign of Queen Seondeok, a beautiful 9.4-meter-tall stone tower). After lunch, drive to Busan (approximately 1 hour), the second-largest city in South Korea and the largest port city, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant markets, delicious seafood, and stunning mountain and ocean scenery. Upon arrival, explore Busan: visit the Haeundae Beach (the most famous beach in Korea, a beautiful 1.5-kilometer-long beach with its white sand, clear water, and the iconic Haeundae Beach sign, a popular summer destination and the site of the famous Busan International Film Festival), the Gwangalli Beach (a beautiful beach with its stunning views of the Gwangan Bridge, particularly beautiful at night when the bridge is lit up with colorful lights), and the Jagalchi Market (the largest seafood market in Korea, with its bustling stalls selling fresh seafood, and the famous Jagalchi Market building where you can choose your seafood and have it cooked on the spot). Evening enjoy dinner with fresh Busan seafood at the Jagalchi Market or the Haeundae area. Overnight in Busan.

Day 6: Busan & Departure

Morning explore Busan: visit the Gamcheon Culture Village (a beautiful colorful village built on a hillside, known as the Santorini of Korea or the Machu Picchu of Busan, with its colorful houses, murals, public art, narrow streets, and beautiful views of the ocean, a popular tourist destination and art village), the Beomeosa Temple (one of the most important and beautiful Buddhist temples in Korea, a beautiful temple complex on the slopes of Geumjeongsan Mountain, with its beautiful pagodas, halls, and the beautiful mountain scenery), the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in Korea, a stunning temple built on the cliffs overlooking the East Sea, with its beautiful pagodas, statues, and stunning ocean views, particularly beautiful at sunrise, one of the few temples in Korea located by the sea), the Taejongdae Resort Park (a beautiful coastal park with its stunning cliffs, rock formations, lighthouse, and beautiful ocean views, with the famous Taejongdae cliff railway), and the Shinsegae Centum City (the largest department store in the world, according to Guinness World Records, with its luxury shopping, spa, ice rink, and the beautiful Starfield Library). After lunch, visit the BIFF Square (Busan International Film Festival Square, a famous square in the Nampo-dong area, with its handprints of famous film directors and actors, and the bustling street food stalls), the Gukje Market (the largest traditional market in Busan, with its bustling stalls selling everything from clothing and electronics to food and souvenirs, a popular place for shopping and eating), and the Yongdusan Park (a beautiful park on a hill in the heart of Busan, with its iconic Busan Tower, a 120-meter-tall observation tower with panoramic views of the city and the ocean). Do some last-minute shopping for Korean products including cosmetics, skincare, K-pop merchandise, kimchi, ginseng, and traditional crafts. Transfer to Gimhae International Airport (Busan) for your departure flight, concluding your 6-day South Korea discovery tour.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses