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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 getting on the bucket list of every real traveller, so it should also be on your list of countries to visit at least once in a lifetime. Its culture and traditions remain intact despite its great openness to all things modern. We will see immense metropolises such as Seoul and Busan, but we will also find small oases of peace where time seems to stand still, as in the village of Andong or among the temples of Gyeongju.

Our journey begins in one of the world's most beautiful capitals, Seoul! From the majestic Changdeokgung Palace to the picturesque Bukchon Hanok district, here we will have our first impact with modern Korean culture. Immediately, however, we will leave the big city to visit a typical village in Andong, famous for its old hanok houses: here we will have a traditional lunch and learn the ancient paper colouring artcraft. We will then move on to Gyeongju to admire the historic temples, enjoy the beautiful beaches of Busan, visit typical markets and discover Yonggungsa, one of the most beautiful temples in all of Asia! We will finally return to Seoul, where we still have plenty of things to do: from Gwangjang Market to K-pop culture on Insadong Street, from Dongdaemun Design Plaza to the view we will enjoy from the spectacular N Seoul Tower! After so many adventures we will by now be experts in a culture that is so far removed from our own but at the same time beckons us with its timeless charm... are we moving here then?

A map of South Korea showing a travel itinerary that starts and ends in Seoul, looping down the eastern side of the country.
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.

Embarking on our South Korea journey, we kick off in the capital: the lively and culturally abundant Seoul! Depending on our arrival, we can choose to explore initial iconic city spots. A must is the Hongdae district, ideal for our inaugural evening 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, our exploration leads us to the city's most renowned temples, nestled amidst skyscrapers and futuristic edifices - a true testament to the capital's unique allure! We commence with the grandeur of Changdeokgung Palace, a beloved Joseon dynasty residence ensconced within a picturesque park. Then, we embark on a journey into history within the Bukchon Hanok district. Its name, signifying 'northern village', is derived from its position between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung royal palaces and is famed for its traditional hanok houses!"

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

Towards Andong

This morning, our guide awaits to lead us into a Korean tradition as we hop on board the ultra-modern Korean trains, set for Andong. Our destination is the Hahoe village, renowned for its traditional hanok houses, scenic setting, and deep ties to Korean history and culture. Preserving its original charm, the village's origins stretch back over 600 years!

We could also savor a typical dish from Andong, the Jjimdak! After lunch, we'll have some free time to explore this town and enjoy some leisure activities.

We arrive in Gyeongju

We haven’t reached our final destination for today yet: it’s time to head to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla dynasty. In the evening, we’ll have the chance to visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. But beyond its rich history, Gyeongju is a vibrant city full of young energy—what better opportunity to enjoy Gyeongju’s culinary specialties together? We won’t spoil anything, but your taste buds will thank you!

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

Temples and palaces

This morning, we can take it easy and enjoy a leisurely start, exploring the streets of Gyeongju at our own pace. The city is considered an open-air museum for its stunning artistic treasures, such as Bulguksa Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, it’s a complex of Buddhist temples originally dating back to around 600 AD. Although it has been destroyed and rebuilt over time, it remains absolutely breathtaking. Nearby, we can also visit the Seokguram Grotto, a Buddhist temple carved into the rock that houses a 4-meter-tall Buddha statue.

In the afternoon, we’ll treat ourselves to one last cheese-filled delicacy before catching the express train to Busan, where we’ll stay overnight. Did you know there’s a movie called Train to Busan? Of course, in the movie, the train is full of zombies… Will that be the case for us too? We’ll find out when we get there, but 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. We've got a bunch of options: there are awesome beaches like Haeundae and Gwangalli to kick back on, or we can explore the historic Beomeosa Temple, a big deal in Korean Buddhism. For a lively scene, there's the Gukje Market where we can shop, eat, and check out local stuff.

Later, we can hit up the Cinema Center for a change of pace, and as the sun starts to set, why not head up to the Gamcheon Culture Village on the hill? It's this artsy, colorful neighborhood with twisty streets, and the view of the city from there is killer—especially during sunset!

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.

Let's go back to Seoul

Before we leave Busan, let’s visit one of the most breathtaking temples in all of Korea—Haedong Yonggungsa—built right on the edge of the sea, where the waves crash against the rocks. Then, we’ll head to Nampo-dong for lunch and enjoy a comforting bowl of Dwaeji Gukbap, a rich and hearty pork soup made with tender, succulent meat.

After lunch, we board our express train and set off for Seoul! Once we've checked into the hotel, our adventure in the capital begins with a visit to Gwangjang Market—one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in the city. It's the perfect place to experience the hustle and bustle of everyday Korean life, shop for souvenirs, and, most importantly, dive into the world of street food on a guided tasting tour.

Once our bellies are full why not celebrate our return to the capital in style? If you're in the mood for dancing, we can head to the lively nightlife of Itaewon. Or, for something more refined, how about a chic bar in Gangnam? Sounds familiar? Of course—it’s the district that inspired the global hit Gangnam Style! Everything makes sense now, right?

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? Our morning begins at Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul's oldest and biggest, where we can soak up the vibrant Korean lifestyle, shop for souvenirs, and most importantly, relish the street food scene!

In the afternoon, we'll traverse the colourful Insadong street, surrounded by traditional art and young folks engrossed in K-pop culture. How about capping the day with some evening karaoke? Who knows, we might uncover our hidden talents! In Seoul, the possibilities are endless!

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 history, the time has come to also see the more modern soul of Seoul . A perfect example is the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a convention centre with curvy architecture and a rooftop park!

Since we are already at the top, we cannot miss the ascent to the Seoul Tower, the N Seoul Tower , from which we can admire the incredible Korean metropolis - which is the perfect way to say goodbye to this country, which we have 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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FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

About this trip

About WeRoad

About South Korea

From$ 2,086
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$ 1,924
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