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 (lunch included)
Private transfer from Andong to Gyeongju on day 3
Train from Gyeongju to Busan on day 4
Train from Busan to Seoul on day 7
Travel coordinator services
Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
Itinerary
Welcome to South Korea!
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.
Included: overnight stay
Not included: airport transfer, food and drinks
Seoul, between modernity and tradition
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!"
Included: overnight stay
Money Pot: entrance fees to museums or temples and any public transport
Not included: food and drinks
Towards Gyeongju via Andong
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!
Included: overnight stay, Seoul - Andong train, private bus with driver and English speaking guide, entrance to Hahoe village with lunch
Money pot: entrance fees to museums or temples and any public transport
Not included: other meals and drinks
From Gyeongju to Busan
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!
Included: overnight stay, Gyeongju - Busan train
Money pot: entrance fees to museums or temples and any public transport
Not included: meals and drinks
Busan: between the sea and street food
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!
Included: overnight stay
Money pot: entrance fees to museums or temples and any public transport
Not included: meals and drinks
Back to Seoul
Let's go back to Seoul
Before bidding farewell to Busan, let's pay a visit to the stunning Yonggungsa Temple, perched by the sea waves—a true Korean gem. Then, a flavourful lunch awaits with Dwaeji Gukbap soup, featuring tender pork, in Nampo-Dong. Afterward, we hop back onto the express train, bound for Seoul.
To celebrate your return to the capital tonight, how about a little festivity? We can hit the dance floor in Itaewon, or if we're in the mood for a more sophisticated vibe, a chic bar in Gangnam might be the ticket. Oh, and that name might ring a bell—yes, it's the same Gangnam from the famous tune 'Gangnam Style'!
Included: overnight stay, Busan - Seoul train
Money Pot: entrance fees to museums or temples and any public transport
Not included: food and drinks
Seoul: Markets and K-POP
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!
Included: overnight stay
Money Pot: entrance fees to museums or temples and any public transport
Not included: food and drinks
The modern soul of Seoul
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!
Included: overnight stay
Money Pot: entrance fees to museums or temples and any public transport
Not included: food and drinks
Goodbye South Korea
Check-out and goodbyes
Check-out and goodbye – until your next WeRoad adventure!
Not included: airport transfer, food and drinks
End of services. The itinerary may undergo some variations that differ from what is stated above. These variations may not be predictable nor depend on WeRoad’s will, i.e. climate conditions, national holidays, strikes, etc.
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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 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.