Itinerary - South Korea 360°: Between Modernity And Tradition

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.

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!"

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 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!

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!

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!

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'!

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!

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 goodbye – until your next WeRoad adventure!