Discover South Korea between high-tech Seoul and ancient palaces, Andong with its hanok, Gyeongju temples, Busan beaches, and K-pop. Street food, markets, and selfies at N Seoul Tower: adventure, culture, and fun guaranteed!

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Party and nightlife
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Itinerary

South Korea is on the bucket list of every real traveller: its culture and traditions remain intact despite its great openness to all things modern. We'll see immense metropolises such as Seoul and Busan, but also small oases of peace where time seems to stand still, as in the village of Andong or among the temples of Gyeongju.

We start in Seoul, from Changdeokgung Palace to the picturesque Bukchon Hanok district. Then a typical village in Andong, famous for its old hanok houses: here we'll have a traditional lunch and learn the ancient paper colouring craft. Next come the historic temples of Gyeongju, the beaches and markets of Busan and Yonggungsa, one of the most beautiful temples in all of Asia! Back in Seoul: Gwangjang Market, K-pop on Insadong Street, Dongdaemun Design Plaza and N Seoul Tower. Are we moving here then?

A travel route map across South Korea showing a loop that starts and ends in Seoul.
A traditional Asian gatehouse and its stone wall are brightly illuminated at dusk, with long streaks of traffic lights in the foreground.

Check-in: our adventure starts in Seoul

Roundtrip flights or transportation to reach the destination are not included in the package, so you can decide from where and when you want to leave! This gives you complete freedom of choice to adjust your travel itinerary to your needs.

Our South Korea journey kicks off in the capital: the lively and culturally abundant Seoul!

  • First steps in Seoul: depending on our arrival, we can choose to explore some of the city's iconic spots.

  • First evening in Hongdae: the Hongdae district is a must, ideal for our first evening together and a chance to savour a delightful bibimbap, a classic dish of rice, vegetables and meat.

A narrow street slopes downhill between traditional houses with tiled roofs, revealing a modern city skyline in the distance at sunset.

Our first hanoks

Today we explore the city's most renowned temples, nestled amid skyscrapers and futuristic buildings: that's the capital's unique allure!

  • Changdeokgung Palace: we start with Changdeokgung Palace, a beloved Joseon dynasty residence set in a picturesque park.

  • Among the hanoks of Bukchon: then a journey into history in the Bukchon Hanok district, famous for its traditional hanok houses. Its name means 'northern village', from its position between the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung royal palaces.

A village of traditional huts with thatched roofs sits at the base of green mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Andong and Hahoe village

This morning our guide leads us into Korean tradition: we hop on board the ultra-modern Korean trains, set for Andong.

  • Hahoe village: Hahoe village is renowned for its traditional hanok houses, scenic setting and deep ties to Korean history and culture, and it has preserved its original charm, with origins stretching back over 600 years!

  • Fancy some Jjimdak? We could also savour Jjimdak, a typical dish from Andong.

  • Free time in Andong: after lunch we have some free time to explore the town.

We arrive in Gyeongju

We haven't reached today's final destination yet: it's time to head to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla dynasty.

  • Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond: in the evening we get the chance to visit them.

  • Gyeongju's specialties: Gyeongju is also a vibrant city full of young energy, the perfect opportunity to enjoy its culinary specialties together. No spoilers, but our taste buds will thank us!

A traditional pavilion and stone wall, illuminated at night, casting a perfect reflection on the calm water below.

Temples, grottoes and the train to Busan

This morning we can take it easy and explore the streets of Gyeongju at our own pace: the whole city is an open-air museum!

  • Bulguksa Temple: a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, Bulguksa Temple is a complex of Buddhist temples dating back to around 600 AD, destroyed and rebuilt over time but still breathtaking.

  • Seokguram Grotto, nearby: we can also visit the Seokguram Grotto, a Buddhist temple carved into the rock that houses a 4-meter-tall Buddha statue.

  • Train to Busan: in the afternoon, one last cheese-filled delicacy before the express train to Busan, where we stay overnight.

Ever seen the movie Train to Busan? The train is full of zombies… will that be the case for us too? Either way, we're ready and equipped!

A panoramic view of a village with brightly colored buildings cascading down a lush green mountainside towards the sea.

Exploring Busan

Today in Busan we're free to soak in the city at our own pace. So many options!

  • Beach time? Awesome beaches like Haeundae and Gwangalli are perfect to kick back on.

  • Beomeosa Temple? Or we can explore the historic Beomeosa Temple, a big deal in Korean Buddhism.

  • Up for a lively market? At Gukje Market we can shop, eat and check out local stuff.

  • Cinema and sunset in Gamcheon? Later, we can hit up the Cinema Center for a change of pace and, as the sun sets, head up to the hilltop Gamcheon Culture Village: an artsy, colourful neighbourhood with twisty streets and a killer view.

A large golden sculpture of two hands crossed in the 'Gangnam Style' dance pose sits in a city park in front of a modern skyscraper.

Yonggungsa, Gwangjang Market and Gangnam

Before we leave Busan, we visit one of the most breathtaking temples in all of Korea, built right on the edge of the sea where the waves crash against the rocks: Haedong Yonggungsa!

  • Lunch in Nampo-dong: a comforting bowl of Dwaeji Gukbap, a rich and hearty pork soup made with tender, succulent meat.

  • Express train to Seoul: after hotel check-in we head to Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in the city, for everyday Korean life, souvenirs and a guided street food tasting tour.

  • Dancing or a chic bar? If we're in the mood for dancing, we can head to the lively nightlife of Itaewon, or pick a chic bar in Gangnam, the district that inspired the global hit Gangnam Style!

A vendor wearing a colorful beanie and apron cooks at a busy food stall in an indoor market, surrounded by large steaming bowls of food.

Karaoke anyone?

Traditional markets are like windows into local culture, don't you think?

  • Morning at Gwangjang Market: one of Seoul's oldest and biggest, where we can soak up the Korean lifestyle, shop for souvenirs and, above all, enjoy the street food!

  • Along Insadong Street: in the afternoon we walk along the colourful Insadong Street, among traditional art and young people into K-pop culture.

  • Evening karaoke? How about capping the day with some karaoke? We might uncover our hidden talents!

A narrow city street at night is brightly illuminated by a dense wall of colorful neon signs, mostly in Korean script.

A step into the future

After so many temples and so much history, it's time for the more modern soul of Seoul.

  • Dongdaemun Design Plaza: a convention centre with curvy architecture and a rooftop park!

  • Up the N Seoul Tower: since we're already up high, we can't miss the ascent to Seoul Tower, the N Seoul Tower, from which we can admire the incredible Korean metropolis.

The perfect way to say goodbye to a country we've discovered in all its facets.

Check-out and goodbyes

Check-out and goodbye – until your next WeRoad adventure!

What's included

What's not included

Roundtrip flight to/from destination
  • Food and drinks unless specified

  • Local public transport

  • All souvenirs and extras that you wish to buy and will be able to squeeze in your backpack

  • Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section

Optional activities

Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.

Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.

  • Walking tour in Seoul - approx. USD35

  • DMZ tour - approx. USD60

  • Blueline Haeundae Park - approx. USD10

  • Entrance fees to historical sites and temples - approx. USD25

  • Entrance to Lotte Tower - approx. USD25

  • Entrance to Spa Land in Busan - approx. USD15

Additional info

Learn more about accommodation, transport, and other useful travel information.
  • Accommodation

    Hostels/small hotels. For the overnight stay in Hanok, the accommodation may include mixed gender rooms for up to 3 travellers.

    The private room room option is not guaranteed in Gyeongju.

  • Transport

    Private bus, train and any other local transport.

  • Staff

    Our trips are led by a Group Leader who has been specifically trained by us to lead group travels to ensure you have the best time. A WhatsApp group with all travel participants will be created two weeks prior to departure by your Group Leader.

  • Luggage

    Backpacks are mandatory to allow easy transfers - we recommend a 45L backpack for our trips.

  • Itinerary change

    For all trips starting on or after January 1, 2025, Day 3 will feature a visit to Andong, followed by a private transfer to Gyeongju, where we will spend the night. On Day 4, we will explore Gyeongju in the morning and then take a train to Busan, where we will stay for Days 5 and 6.

  • Info on private roomsShow all details

Why WeRoad

  • Small groups, on average 11 people

  • Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure

  • Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed

The Group Leaders

Our Group Leaders are chosen because they’re people just like you: passionate travelers who share the experience authentically, while having the skills to take care of the organisation, and help you get the most out of every moment of the trip.

Find your flight

For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.

ArrivalSeoul (ICN)
ReturnSeoul (ICN)
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About this trip

About WeRoad

About South Korea

From$ 2,782
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$ 2,446
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•Free trip change
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