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Classic South Korea
Example Itinerary
Overview
You’ll begin in the capital, exploring grand palaces, lively markets, and the poignant DMZ, before racing south on the KTX bullet train to Andong and the UNESCO-listed Hahoe Folk Village. In Gyeongju, once the capital of the Silla Kingdom, discover ancient tombs, serene temples, and shimmering palace ponds....
You’ll begin in the capital, exploring grand palaces, lively markets, and the poignant DMZ, before racing south on the KTX bullet train to Andong and the UNESCO-listed Hahoe Folk Village. In Gyeongju, once the capital of the Silla Kingdom, discover ancient tombs, serene temples, and shimmering palace ponds.
Continue to Busan’s golden beaches and colourful hillside villages, its coastal temples perched above the waves. Then head inland to the green heart of Damyang, wandering through whispering bamboo forests and along stately tree-lined avenues. In Jeonju, lose yourself among the narrow lanes of one of Korea’s most beautiful hanok villages, sampling traditional flavours and uncovering stories of kings and scholars.
Your adventure concludes in Suwon, with its impressive fortress walls, before returning to Seoul for a final taste of the city’s endless energy. Throughout, you’ll encounter a country of remarkable contrasts — bold and ancient, modern and deeply traditional — with every day revealing a new layer of its history, landscapes, and spirit. This is Korea at its most captivating.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Arrive Seoul
On arrival into Seoul you will be greeted by your Wild Frontiers representative and transferred directly to your hotel for check in.
Note: Hotel check-in from 15:00; early check-in is available at an additional cost.
Day 2 Seoul: Highlights by Public Transport
After breakfast, meet your local guide and set out as the locals do — navigating the city via its excellent public transport system. Begin at Gwanghwamun Plaza, with its proud statues of King Sejong, the father of the Korean alphabet, and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, naval hero of the Joseon era.
Pass through the imposing Gwanghwamun Gate to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul’s largest and most photogenic royal residence, first built in 1395. The ceremonial Changing of the Guard here is a colourful step back in time.
Wander the atmospheric lanes of Insadong — a district steeped in tradition, where tea houses, art galleries, and antique shops invite you to linger. Return to your hotel in the early afternoon for a free rest of day.
Note: Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
Day 3 Seoul: Day Trip to the DMZ
An early start for a fascinating shared tour to the DMZ — the narrow strip of land separating North and South Korea. This is history writ large: tunnels dug for invasion, observation points staring into a secretive neighbour, and memorials to a nation’s longing for reunification. Highlights include Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park, and Dora Observatory.
You’ll be dropped at City Hall on return, with the remainder of the day free to explore at your own pace.
Note: The DMZ is closed on Mondays & public holidays; passports are required for entry.
Day 4 Seoul - Andong - Gyeongju: Hahoe Folk Village
After breakfast, board the sleek KTX bullet train to Andong. Here, overlooking the meandering Nakdong River, Buyongdae Cliff offers a perfect vantage point over the UNESCO-listed Hahoe Folk Village — a living museum of Joseon Dynasty architecture.
Delve into Korean cultural traditions at the World Mask Museum before strolling through Hahoe itself, where thatched cottages and tile-roofed aristocratic homes stand much as they did centuries ago.
In the afternoon, drive on to Gyeongju — the "museum without walls" — once the glittering capital of the Silla Kingdom.
Day 5 Gyeongju: Treasures of the Silla Kingdom
This morning, visit Seokguram Grotto, its serene Buddha gazing over the East Sea, and Bulguksa Temple, a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the Gyeongju National Museum, home to the treasures of the Silla’s golden age.
Round off the day with a visit to the Woljeong Bridge, and the tranquil waters of Wolji Pond, once part of the royal palace gardens.
Day 6 Gyeongju - Busan: Tumuli Park & Haeundae Beach
Cycle through the grassy mounds of Daereungwon Tomb Complex, a peaceful park concealing royal burials (Tumuli) from Korea’s Silla Dynasty era. Later, take the KTX to Busan, Korea’s lively beach-side city known for its more relaxed atmosphere.
In the afternoon, walk along Haeundae Beach before joining your guide for a street food adventure, sampling local favourites and perhaps ending the evening with a drink in a neighbourhood bar.
Day 7 Busan: Yonggungsa Seaside Temple & Gamcheon Village
Begin your tour today with a visit to Haedong Yonggungsa, a uniquely-placed seaside temple with sweeping ocean views. Continue to BIFF Square for a taste of Busan’s urban buzz as you meander through vibrant food stalls and unique shops. Next, explore Gamcheon Village, a vibrant mountain-side village known for its colourful houses, giving it the moniker "the Machu Picchu of Busan".
Later, soar above the sea on the Songdo Marine Cable Car, before crossing the Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge to take in panoramic coastal vistas.
Day 8 Busan: Day at Leisure
Your day is free — perhaps revisit a favourite spot, browse the city’s markets, or relax by the shore.
Day 9 Busan - Jeonju: Juknokwon Bamboo Forest
Travel inland to Damyang, famed for its whispering bamboo groves and scenic tree-lined avenues. Enjoy a local lunch before wandering along the Meta-Sequoia Road and through the shaded paths of Juknokwon Bamboo Forest. Pause for a bamboo-themed drink before continuing to Jeonju — home to one of Korea’s best-preserved hanok villages.
Day 10 Jeonju: Hanok and Heritage
This morning, browse the lively Nambu Market, then see the 14th-century Pungnammun Gate and the handsome Jeondong Catholic Church. Visit Gyeonggijeon Shrine, home to the royal portrait of the Joseon Dynasty’s founder, before strolling through the atmospheric lanes of the hanok village, one of the best preserved in Korea. Your afternoon is free at leisure.
Day 11 Jeonju - Seoul: Hwaseong Fortress
Drive to Suwon to explore Hwaseong Fortress, its walls and pavilions a masterwork of late-18th-century military architecture. After lunch, continue to Seoul for a final evening in the capital.
Day 12 Depart Seoul
Transfer to Incheon Airport in time for your onward flight.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Amid Hotel Seoul, Seoul
Located within walking distance of the lively food and shopping districts of Insadong and Myeongdong, Amid Hotel Seoul is an ideal modern 4-star hotel option in Seoul. The property has a city-view terrace offering panoramic views over the city, and is home to an on-site spa and gourmet restaurant. Rooms are simple yet convenient and include air conditioning, mini bar and blackout curtains. Amid Hotel Seoul also offers a fitness centre and an on-site bakery offering a selection of sandwiches, coffees and bagels,
Gyeongju GG Tourist Hotel, Gyeongju
Nestled in the heart of Gyeongju, Gyeongju GG Tourist Hotel offers spacious, individually furnished rooms featuring Select Comfort beds, heated floors, and modern amenities like Wi-Fi, LCD TVs, and private safes. Guests can enjoy a coffee shop, restaurant, gym, sauna, and steam room,
Baymond Hotel, Busan
Baymond Hotel is located enviably five-minutes' walk from Haeundae Beach and offers a relaxing haven in the heart of Busan. With luxurious interiors throughout and a rooftop offering an outdoor swimming pool and spectacular views over Haeundae Beach and the Sea of Japan, Baymond Hotel is the ideal accommodation option to really experience the city. The on site restaurant, Mond, offers a beautiful continental buffet breakfast.
Royal Jimil Hanok Hotel, Jeonju
The Royal Jimil Hanok Hotel combines traditional hanok style features with modern facilities. Designed to provide guests with serenity and cultural immersion, the Royal Jimil Hanok Hotel is the perfect choice for any stay in Jeonju. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, en suite and free WiFi. On site, there is also a restaurant and a relaxing hanok cafe, as well as peaceful gardens.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.OTHER ITINERARIES IN SOUTH KOREA
Check out our group tours in South Korea
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to South Korea. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in South Korea