South Korea In Depth

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and set out on a full-day exploration of Seoul using the city's efficient public transport network, offering an authentic insight into daily life.
Begin with a visit to Namsan Tower, where panoramic views stretch across the Seoul skyline. Continue to the vibrant district of Insadong, renowned for its traditional tea houses, art galleries, antique stores and craft boutiques.
Proceed to Gwanghwamun Plaza, an important civic space featuring the statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin. At 2:00pm, witness the colourful Changing of the Guard Ceremony, a faithful recreation of the royal guard traditions of the Joseon Dynasty.
Continue to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest and most impressive of Seoul's five royal palaces. Built in 1395, the palace showcases magnificent architecture, tranquil courtyards and beautifully restored ceremonial halls.
This afternoon, wander through Bukchon Hanok Village, where hundreds of traditional Korean hanok homes line narrow laneways, preserving the atmosphere of old Seoul. Conclude the day at Gwangjang Market, one of Korea's oldest and most famous traditional markets, where you can sample local specialities such as gimbap and savoury mung bean pancakes before returning to your hotel by subway.
Note: Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays; Bukchon Hanok Village is closed on Sundays.

After checkout, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to the train station where you will board the train for your journey to Jeonju (approximately 2 hours).
Your guide will be waiting for you at the train station. Transfer to a local restaurant to have the famous Jeonju Bibimbap for lunch.

After lunch, visit the majestic Pungnammun Gate, a large fortified structure built in the late 14th century. It is the only remaining city gate of the original four. Continue to Jeondong Catholic Church, one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in Korea, and Gyeonggijeon Shrine which houses the royal portrait of the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. Later, visit Jeonju Hanok Village, a charming, well-preserved area known for its traditional hanok houses, offering a glimpse into Korea’s past with its unique architecture and cultural experiences. Conclude your day at Omokdae Viewpoint, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the city, with a particular focus on the beautiful Jeonju Hanok Village below. Upon completion of the tour you will be transferred to your hotel with the evening at leisure.

After breakfast, meet your guide at 9:00am and drive about an hour to Sunchang to walk across the scenic Chaegyesan Suspended Bridge. Continue to Damyang and stop at the picturesque Metasequoia Tree Lane for photos. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the tranquil Damyang Bamboo Forest and its charming shops and cafés. Visit Baekyangsa Temple on Mt. Baekam, a serene site dating back to 632, especially beautiful in autumn. Conclude the day with a short drive to Gwangju for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, meet your guide and depart by private vehicle for a full-day journey through the scenic landscapes of South Jeolla Province.
Travel approximately 1.5 hours from Gwangju to the Boseong Green Tea Plantation, where rolling hills are covered with meticulously maintained rows of vibrant tea bushes. Stroll through the plantation while learning about Korea's long-established tea-growing traditions and the cultivation process that has shaped the region for centuries. There may also be an opportunity to sample locally produced green tea and appreciate its distinctive flavour.
Continue to Naganeupseong Folk Village, a remarkably preserved 14th-century fortress village dating from the Joseon Dynasty. Surrounded by impressive stone walls, the village remains home to traditional thatched-roof houses, offering a fascinating glimpse into rural Korean life and architecture.
Later, visit the Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve, one of Korea's most important coastal wetlands, celebrated for its extensive reed fields, tranquil waterways and rich birdlife. Walk along the boardwalks before taking in panoramic views across the wetlands, where the changing light creates an ever-changing landscape.
This afternoon, continue to the coastal city of Yeosu and transfer to your hotel.

After a leisurely breakfast, meet your guide and set out by private air-conditioned vehicle to explore the coastal city of Yeosu, renowned for its picturesque harbour, surrounding islands and maritime heritage.
Begin with a visit to Hyangiram Hermitage, a peaceful Buddhist temple dramatically perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the sea. The spectacular coastal setting and sweeping ocean views have made it one of Korea's most revered hermitages.
Return to the city where lunch is served at a local restaurant.
This afternoon, visit the Geobukseon (Turtle Ship), a full-scale replica of the legendary armoured warship designed by Admiral Yi Sun-sin during the 16th century. Famous for its distinctive turtle-shell shaped protective deck, the vessel played a significant role in defending Korea during the Imjin War and remains one of the country's most iconic symbols of naval history.
Continue to Odongdo Island, a scenic island connected to the mainland by a causeway. Stroll along its peaceful walking trails, passing dense forests and camellia trees, which burst into colour during the flowering season.
Later, pause for a relaxing coffee break at a waterfront café overlooking Yeosu Harbour before boarding the Yeosu Marine Cable Car. Glide above the sparkling waters for panoramic views of the harbour, surrounding islands and rugged coastline before returning to your hotel.

After breakfast, meet your guide and travel by private car for approximately three hours to Busan. On arrival, lunch is served at a local restaurant. Explore Jagalchi Market, Korea’s largest seafood market, bustling with vendors and fresh catches or alternately visit Yongdusan Park & Busan Tower with a rich historical atmosphere and a panoramic view of the city and port. Continue to BIFF Street, famed for its cinematic heritage, street food, and local boutiques. Explore the colourful Gamcheon Cultural Village, a hillside maze of art, murals, and narrow lanes offering sweeping city views. Return to your hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Make your own way to the designated meeting point to join a full-day regular tour of Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom and one of South Korea's most historically significant cities.
Begin at Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its exquisite stone terraces, elegant pavilions and beautifully preserved Buddhist architecture. Set amidst forested hills, the temple has been an important centre of Korean Buddhism for over a thousand years.
Lunch is at your own arrangements at a local restaurant before continuing to Gyochon Traditional Village, home to the distinguished Choi Clan for more than 12 generations. Wander through its preserved hanok residences and quiet lanes, offering a glimpse into Korea's aristocratic past.
Continue to the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, where grass-covered royal burial mounds house the tombs of Silla kings and nobles. Learn about the remarkable archaeological discoveries that have revealed the wealth and craftsmanship of this ancient kingdom.
Stroll along Hwangnidan-gil, one of Gyeongju's most charming streets, where beautifully restored hanok buildings are now home to boutique shops, artisan studios, cafés and traditional tea houses.
Later, visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, once part of the royal palace complex and a favourite retreat of the Silla court. The tranquil pond, framed by elegant pavilions and historic relics, is among the city's most photographed landmarks.
Conclude the day at the magnificent Woljeonggyo Bridge, a faithful reconstruction of the original Silla-era bridge spanning the Woljeongcheon Stream. Admire its striking architecture before returning to the tour departure point.
Departures: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Transfer by private vehicle to the station and board one of Korea’s KTX high-speed trains for a comfortable three-hour journey back to Seoul. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting for you at the station to transfer you to the hotel. The remainder of the day at leisure.

This morning after check out, you will be transferred to the airport by your driver (no guide) for your onward flight.

• 24/7 local operator support in South Korea
• 10 nights’ hotel accommodation as specified
• Daily breakfasts at hotels
• 4 lunches
• Transfers as specified by private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver (no guide). Surcharge applies for airport transfers between 10:00pm – 7:00am
• Sightseeing as specified (by private air-conditioned vehicles or public transport)
• English speaking local guides
• T-money cards for public transport
• Entrance fees
• Street food tasting at Gwangjang Market on Day 2
• Cable car ride at N Seoul tower on Day 2
• Seoul-Jeonju by KTX high-speed train in economy class
• Yeosu cable car on Day 7
• Regular Gyeongju tour on Day 9
• Busan-Seoul by KTX high-speed train in economy class
• South Korea Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Optional tours and excursions
• Porterage
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above