South Korea 360°: Between Modernity And Tradition
The trip in a nutshell
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?
Trip type
360º - it's our great classic that allows you to discover the destination in all its aspects. We recommend packing a backpack rather than a suitcase as there will be lots of moving around.
Physical rating
MODERATE - this itinerary may involve hiking or other activities that require a moderate amount of physical effort. Be prepared for some potential long transfers and early wake up calls!
Entry requirements
Please visit your country's official government website to find out the necessary requirements for entering the country of destination.
Arrival and departure
This trip starts and ends in Seoul. Aim to arrive on the first day by 5pm - on the last day you are free to leave whenever!
What's included
9 nights accommodation in shared rooms
Local English speaking guide on day 3
Private bus with driver on day 3
Train from Seoul to Andong on day 3
Local Experience: Entrance tickets to Hahoe folk village
Train from Andong to Gyeongju on day 4
Train from Gyeongju to Busan on day 5
Train from Busan to Seoul on day 7
Travel coordinator services
Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
Welcome to South Korea!
Seoul, between modernity and tradition
Andong: a deep dive into Korean traditions
Temples hunting in Gyeongju
On the way to Busan
Exploring Busan
Back to Seoul
Seoul: Markets and K-POP
The modern soul of Seoul
Goodbye South Korea
The travel coordinators
Our travel coordinators are chosen because they are people like you. Not only are they the best travel buddy you could hope for, but they're trained professionals guaranteed to show you a travel experience like never before
Info to know
Staff
Our trips are led by a Travel Coordinator 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 Travel Coordinator.
Luggage
Backpacks are mandatory to allow easy transfers - we recommend a 45L backpack for our trips.
Change of Program
For all trips departing from January 1, 2025, on day 3 there will be a visit to Andong only. A private transfer will take us to Gyeongju for the night. On day 4, after visiting Gyeongju in the morning, we will take the train to Busan, where we will stay for days 5 and 6.