Luxury South Korea

Luxury South Korea

Embark on a nine-day Luxury South Korea Tour through the heart of the peninsula, where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge modernity. From Seoul’s bustling streets and royal palaces to Busan’s seaside charms, you’ll glide by high-speed train, private car, and expert guides to uncover hidden alleys, vibrant markets, and UNESCO-listed temples. Dive into street-food havens and upscale dining, wander centuries-old hanok villages, stand at the edge of the DMZ, and paint murals with local artists in Gamcheon Culture Village. This immersive adventure blends history, culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty your ultimate introduction to Korea’s past, present, and future.

Tour Highlights

Kick off a culinary adventure in Seoul’s hidden alleys, sampling everything from kimchi pancakes to sizzling bulgogi on a guided food tour.

Discover Gyeongju’s ancient capital—wander through Bulguksa Temple, marvel at the Seokguram Grotto and stroll among royal burial mounds.

Take in Busan’s skyline from premier spots: ascend Busan Tower, walk the Gwangan Bridge overlook and admire coastal vistas from windswept cliffs.

Venture to the DMZ with expert guides, peer into North Korea from the Dora Observatory and cross the historic Freedom Bridge.

Day 1 – Seoul Arrival & Welcome

Touch down at Incheon International Airport, clear customs, and meet your private driver for transfer into central Seoul. After hotel check-in, take some time to unpack and relax. In the late afternoon, stretch your legs with a stroll through Myeongdong’s neon-lit streets, sampling street-food snacks—think crispy hotteok and tender bulgogi. As evening falls, head to a hanok-style teahouse in Insadong for a calming cup of yuzu tea.

Day 2 – Seoul Highlights with Private Guide

Spend the day with your private guide and driver, hitting Seoul’s signature sights. Begin at Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you can watch the Changing of the Guard and wander restored royal halls. Next, dive into Namdaemun Market for a street-food lunch—hotteok, mandoo and twigim await. In the afternoon, explore Bukchon Hanok Village’s traditional wooden homes, then browse artisan shops in Insadong. Cap it off with panoramic city views at N Seoul Tower at sunset.

Day 3 – DMZ Tour & Seoul Street-Food Adventure

Your guide whisks you north to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Peek into North Korea from the Dora Observatory, walk across the Freedom Bridge, and visit the Third Infiltration Tunnel. Return to Seoul by early afternoon for a back-street food tour in Ikseon-dong or Hongdae—savor banchan, Korean fried chicken, and sweet sujeonggwa punch, all while learning local food lore.

Day 4 – High-Speed to Busan & Beach Time

After breakfast, board the KTX bullet train at Seoul Station (2½-hr ride) and settle into scenic seats. Arrive in Busan, and transfer to your Haeundae-area hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing on Haeundae Beach or exploring the nearby street-food stalls. As night falls, enjoy fresh seafood at a beachside pojangmacha (tent)—grilled mackerel, pork skewers, and spicy tteokbokki.

Day 5 – Ancient Gyeongju Excursion

Your private driver picks you up for a full-day trip to Gyeongju, Silla’s former capital. Visit Bulguksa Temple, admire the stone carvings of Seokguram Grotto, and stroll among royal tombs at Tumuli Park. Enjoy a traditional bibimbap lunch in town, then explore the Gyeongju National Museum. Return to Busan in the early evening and sample the city’s famous milmyeon (wheat noodles) for dinner.

Day 6 – Busan’s Markets & Culture

Begin with sweeping views from Busan Tower, then dive into the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market—choose your fresh seafood and have it cooked on-site. Next, wander Bupyeong (Kkangtong) Market for quirky souvenirs and street snacks. In the afternoon, explore the brightly painted alleys of Gamcheon Culture Village, snapping photos and learning about the community art projects.

Day 7 – Art, Temples & Ocean Views

Return to Gamcheon Culture Village for an optional mural-painting workshop with a local artist. After lunch, head northeast to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, dramatically perched on seaside cliffs. Listen to waves crashing as you explore ornate pagodas and climb pine-framed staircases. Wind down with sunset views from Gwangalli Beach, watching the illuminated Gwangan Bridge sparkle.

Day 8 – Return to Seoul & Last-Minute Shopping

Catch the morning KTX back to Seoul. After hotel check-in in the Gangnam area, spend the afternoon ticking off any remaining must-sees—Changdeokgung Secret Garden, Ihwa Mural Village—or shop in COEX Mall or Apgujeong Rodeo Street. In the evening, toast your trip with Korean-fusion cuisine in Itaewon and cocktails at a rooftop bar.

Day 9 – Farewell & Departure

Enjoy one last Korean breakfast—perhaps a bowl of kongnamul guk (bean-sprout soup) or fluffy hotteok pancakes then pack and check out. Your private transfer will take you back to Incheon Airport in plenty of time for your flight home.