Seoul to Jeju Island, 10-Day South Korea Classical Tour

Summary

A Complete Picture of South Korea.

This is a classic itinerary for a tour of South Korea that we highly recommend. In a 10-day journey, we visit Seoul and Busan, two major cities in South Korea, Andong and Gyeongju, two cultural capitals of Korea, as well as Jeju Island, a world-famous travel destination, where we can see the unique natural scenery of a World Heritage site. We will visit 6 of South Korea's 13 World Cultural Heritage sites, as well as other important historical and cultural sites.

    The tour includes historical and cultural sites, coastal and island natural scenery, as well as local specialty markets, offering a comprehensive and colorful experience that will surely leave you with a full stomach.

Certainly, there are still other worthwhile destinations along the route, and we would be delighted to customize a tour based on your interests and preferences.

Itinerary Sketch

Tour Highlights

1、Step into the rich history of South Korea: World Cultural and Natural Heritages and unveil hidden gems.

（Andong Hahoe Folk Village, Anton）

（Seongsan Ilchulbong, Jeju）

3、Ascend the enchanting "South Korea's Santorini".

（Gamcheon Culture Village）

4、Immerse yourself in the island scenery at leisure.

（Udo, Jeju）

5、Discover the outstanding modern architecture amidst the beautiful scenery.

（Bangju Church, Jeju）

Itinerary Overview

With our meticulously planned itinerary and knowledgeable local guides, this leisurely tour will give you a comprehensive understanding of Korea and leave you with unforgettable memories.

This is a perfect travel arrangement for those who are traveling to Korea for the first time. It is also suitable for families on vacation, lovers of Korean culture and cuisine. Enroll for your preferred segments of the tour or use the entire itinerary as inspiration, customizing each aspect to create a uniquely tailored experience for you.

Day 1   Seoul Arrival

Welcome to the capital of South Korea - Seoul, a historic and highly modernized international metropolis.

Upon your arrival in Seoul, your private guide will greet you warmly at the airport and escort you by private car to your hotel for check-in. Before starting your tour of Korea, you should take some time to rest and adjust to the time difference.

Day 2  A Journey Through Ancient and Modern Seoul.

In the morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel and then embark on a journey of exploring Korean history and culture from Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the many ancient royal palaces in Seoul. Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest and most representative palace among the surviving royal palaces in Seoul. With the guidance of a professional guide, you can appreciate the ancient architecture while gaining a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of Korean history and culture.

The National Folk Museum of South Korea is located within Gyeongbokgung Palace, where over 20,000 precious cultural relics from the Joseon Dynasty are preserved, along with interactive exhibits that provide a deeper understanding of the diverse history and culture of South Korea.

Spending the morning admiring the palaces and museums, time passed quickly. Our next destination was Bukchon Hanok Village, a peaceful residential community with hundreds of hanoks (traditional Korean houses) concentrated on a hill slope. Walking through the intersecting alleys which vary with the houses, the peaceful and simple traditional life atmosphere contrasted sharply with the bustling modern city, making us reluctant to leave.

When you go from this village to the Gwangjang Market, you will instantly plunge from tranquility into the bustling city. Enjoy the vibrant daily life of Seoul here and savor traditional Korean snacks and cuisine.

Tips:

1. Among the five royal palaces in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace are the largest and most beautifully designed. The other three royal palaces have a similar architectural style, but are smaller in scale.

2. Gyeongbokgung Palace has a guard changing ceremony twice a day, at 10 am and 2 pm, and you can arrange your schedule to visit it.

3. Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Gwangjang Market are all located in the central area of Seoul, not far from each other.

DAY 3  Seoul Landmark: N Seoul Tower.

In the morning, we visited another palace, Changdeokgung Palace, which constructions were designed to follow the natural terrain, making it the most naturally beautiful palace in the royal palaces, and it’s the best-preserved one as well. It was listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1997.

After leaving Changdeokgung Palace, head to Insadong and Gwangjang Market. Insadong is a cultural district that is praised as "Insadong is where you can buy Korean culture!" You can find a variety of Korean crafts and artworks here, from ancient to modern, all of which are visually pleasing. Let yourself lose track of time and get lost in the intersecting alleys.

In the afternoon, take a cable car to Namsan Mountain and ascend to the observatory of N Seoul Tower to get a panoramic view of this bustling metropolis. After watching the sunset, stay until nightfall and witness the dazzling spectacle of the city's lights.

Day 4  Andong to Gyeongju, Cultural Highlights Tour .

Departing from the urban bustle of Seoul, drive about 2.5 hours to Andong, a repository of Korea's cultural treasures. Immerse yourself in Andong Hahoe Folk Village, an exemplar of traditional Hanok settlements that maintains the architectural elegance and folk customs of the Joseon era. You can also watch a mask dance performance here.

Visit the nearby Byeongsan Seowon, a cultural relic of Korea, Its architectural style is harmonious with the natural environment around it. The river, sandy beach, cliffs, spring flowers, and autumn foliage create a breathtaking scenery in front of the ancient academy.

Continue your journey in the afternoon, a 1.5-hour drive leads to Gyeongju. Here, there is an observatory called Cheomseongdae, built during the reign of Queen Seondeok in the early 7th century, which is the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia.

The scenic Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, as well as the exquisite Woljeonggyo Bridge, add a touch of enchantment to the evening sky.

Day 5  Gyeongju：An Open-air Museum.

Today, our exploration of the ancient capital of Silla era begins at the Bulguksa Temple. The early morning Buddha Temple is serene and solemn, serving as a model of the golden age of Buddhist art in the Silla Kingdom. and Seokguram Grotto, a heritage site with a statue of a Buddha inside and stunning views overlooking the Japan Sea.

After returning from the temple, head to Daereungwon Tombs. It is a garden consisting of 23 tombs from the Silla period, including the Cheonmachong Tomb, where you can visit the interior of the tomb. The leisurely stroll through the garden completes a journey spanning over a thousand years.

Your discovery of the former capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla includes the National Gyeongju Museum with an excellent range of Silla-era treasures on display. After this, head to Busan, a port city. It's about 80 kilometers from Gyeongju and takes about 1.5 hour by car. When you arrive, you can take a walk on Haeundae Beach in the evening to enjoy the night view of Busan's coast.

Day 6  Busan: A Cozy Coastal Journey.

This morning, Begin the tour from the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, standing on coastal hills, at a commanding position with spectacular views. Enjoy the beautiful architecture and its picturesque surroundings, with the chance to see the locals and monks praying.

Next, take a drive directly to the Green Railway Line which in the Blue Line Park, and enjoy a special, romantic train ride along the coast, with the gentle breeze and beautiful views of the ocean.

In the afternoon, visit the Gamcheon Culture Village, which is known as "South Korea's Santorini" for its vibrant houses that cascade down the steep mountainside. Stroll through the charming alleyways filled with murals and sculptures, and don't forget to take photos with the iconic “Little Prince” statue. 

Then, end your day with a bustling visit to the Jagalchi Market. Here, you can explore freely, indulge in street food, treat yourself to a sumptuous seafood feast, or purchase unique souvenirs and immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife.

Tips:

1. The village welcomes visitors all year round, but please be mindful of the fact that it is the living space of the local residents and follow the rules of conduct while in the village.

2. Stay in Busan's West District tonight, choose a hotel located near the Gamcheon Cultural Village so that you can conveniently head to Busan Gimhae International Airport in tomorrow morning.

Day 7  Busan to Jeju : A Romantic Island.

In the morning, head to the airport to catch a flight to Jeju Island. Upon arrival, meet with your local guide and take a private vehicle to your first stop on the Jeju Island tour, the O’sulloc Tea Museum.

There are many small museums on Jeju Island, estimated to be in the dozens, and they all specialize in a particular field. The O’sulloc Tea Museum is one of the most visually appealing among them and is praised as one of the most beautiful museums on Jeju Island. It is located in a tea garden and is open to the public for free. Tasting green tea snacks is one of its highlights.

Jeju Island is a beautiful and relaxing island where we can slow down our pace of travel, avoid rushing and hurrying, and spend our time in a completely relaxed and free manner.

So, how long you stay at the museum depends entirely on you, and we believe you will enjoy it here.

Leaving the tea plantation, we head to Seogwipo City, where we will stay for the rest of our days on Jeju Island. We should arrive there in the afternoon, not too late, so you can take a leisurely stroll around the small coastal city and get acquainted with the surroundings. In the evening, it’s a good choice to head to the beach to watch the sunset.

Day 8  Jeju Island: Watch the Sunrise at Sunrise Peak.

Today we will get up early and head to Sunrise Peak, which is about 40 kilometers away from Seogwipo City, to watch the sunrise. The Seongsan Ilchulbong (also known as Sunrise Peak) is like a gem set on the edge of Jeju Island, shining brightly between the vast sea and sky. The magnificent sunrise view from here is not to be missed.

After watching the sunrise from a distance, we approached it and climbed to the top of the mountain to experience its unique charm as a component of the World Natural Heritage.

Next, we boarded a small island called Udo, which is located about 2 kilometers offshore beyond the Sunrise Peak. It is one of the most representative tourist attractions in Jeju. Once you arrive on the island, don't forget to visit the lighthouse.

In the afternoon, preferably at sunset, we will go to Sangumburi Crater, which is a volcanic crater actually with a romantic name. It’s a lesser-known attraction where more Koreans visit than foreigners. It is a low-lying volcanic crater, unique in Korea.

Autumn is the best time to visit here, where vast fields of reeds sway in the breeze and glisten in the setting sun, creating a golden sea of waves. Walking through the reeds, listen to the whispers of the wind.

Day 9  Outstanding modern architecture on Jeju Island.

In the morning, we'll start with a visit to the Cheonjiyeon Falls, one of the top ten attractions on Jeju Island, Located in the mountainous cliffs near Seogwipo City. it's just a short drive from our hotel. Compared to the vastness of the sea, the falls have a completely different character: light, agile, and delicate.

Yakcheonsa Temple is a young but majestic Buddhist complex. You will like the stunning views it has to offer, either the ocean views or the exquisitely decorated buildings. 

In addition to Buddhist architecture, there are also Christian churches, and the Bangju Church is an outstanding representative. The roof is made up of three different metal materials, which shine brightly in the sunlight; three-dimensional and spatial, visual and photographic, lines and layout, plus its dazzling appearance, make it one of the most spectacular buildings in the area. Locals often come here, and there are usually fewer tourists, making it a great place to relax.

Tips:

1. There will be many locals attending services at the Bangju Church on the weekend, so visit during the weekdays is better.

2. Jeju Island also has many well-known modernist buildings, such as the JA Curved Church and two works by architect Tadao Ando located at Seopjikoji, called Genius Loci and Glass House . If you have a special interest in modernist architecture, you can arrange a separate visit.

Day 10  Jeju Back to Seoul, and Departure.

Based on the flight schedule you have booked, your guide will arrange for a private car to take you to Jeju Airport, where you will fly to Incheon International Airport for a connecting flight to your next destination.