Pricing to be used as a guideline - rates may fluctuate between weekday and weekends.
Surcharges apply over public holidays. Availability of train tickets during Korean New Year, Chuseok, Christmas, and major holidays cannot be guaranteed.
Independent Holiday
5 Days ex Seoul
Departs: Daily
Seoul (4)
This compact itinerary features all the best attractions of Seoul from historic villages to technological wonders. Also included is an unforgettable experience visiting the DMZ - the Demilitarised Zone bisecting the Korean Peninsula since a ceasefire to the Korean War was declared in 1953.
Highlights:
- 24/7 local operator support in South Korea
- Explore the lively and vibrant traditional markets of Insadong in search of a bargain
- Discover the historic beauty of the lovingly restored houses in the Yongin Korean Folk Village
- Experience the eerie drama of the Demilitarised Zone separating North from South Korea
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1: Seoul
Welcome to Seoul. On arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver and transferred by private vehicle to your Seoul hotel.
Day 2: Seoul (B)
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby at 8:30am 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
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
Day 3: Seoul (B)
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby at 08:30 and set out on a half-day exploration of Seoul using the city's efficient public transportation system.
Begin at Ihwa Mural Village, where colourful murals, street art and creative installations transform the hillside lanes into a vibrant open-air gallery. This artistic neighbourhood has appeared in numerous Korean dramas, while its atmospheric alleyways also recall the distinctive setting of the popular animated film KPop Demon Hunters.
Pause at a local café overlooking the village. Relax with a traditional Korean tea or freshly brewed coffee while taking in panoramic views across the surrounding neighbourhood.
Continue with a walk along Hanyangdoseong (Seoul City Wall), a remarkable defensive fortification built more than 600 years ago during the Joseon Dynasty. Parts of this historic wall remain intact, offering an opportunity to appreciate both Seoul's rich history and sweeping views across the modern city.
Your walk leads to Heunginjimun Gate (Dongdaemun), one of Seoul's Four Great Gates and an impressive example of Joseon-era architecture. Nearby, visit Cheonggyecheon Stream, a restored urban waterway that flows through the heart of the capital, creating a peaceful green corridor amid the city's contemporary skyline.
Return to your hotel by public transport. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.
Day 4: Seoul (B)
Around 7:00am this morning, you will be picked up from your hotel by a shared transfer vehicle and driven to the tour meeting point. Meet the DMZ specialist guide and embark on a regular tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This 250 km long and 4km wide stretch of land has split the Korean peninsula in half since the 1953 Korean War ceasefire. Due to the almost complete lack of humans in such a heavily controlled area, this section of land has become an extremely well-preserved wildlife refuge.
Spend time exploring the various sites and exhibitions at the DMZ including Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park and the Dora Observatory.
Transfer back to Seoul by bus, disembarking at City Hall Station and marking the end of this enlightening journey through Korea's complex history. The guide can provide directions for returning to the hotel.
Spend time exploring the various sites and exhibitions at the DMZ including Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park and the Dora Observatory.
Transfer back to Seoul by bus, disembarking at City Hall Station and marking the end of this enlightening journey through Korea's complex history. The guide can provide directions for returning to the hotel.
Note: You require your passport for this tour | DMZ is closed on Mondays and public holidays
Day 5: Seoul (B)
This morning after check out, you will be transferred to the airport by your driver (no guide) for your onward flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 24/7 local operator support in South Korea
- Return airport transfers by private vehicle with English-speaking driver (no guide). Surcharges apply for transfers between 10:00pm and 7:00am.
- 4 nights’ hotel accommodation as specified
- Daily breakfasts at hotels
- Sightseeing on Day 2 and Day 3 by public transport with English speaking local guide
- DMZ join-in visit on Day 4
- T-money cards for public transport
- Street food tasting at Gwangjang Market on Day 2
- Cable car ride at N Seoul tower on Day 2
- South Korea Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- 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
Accommodation based on the following (or similar):
Seoul
First Class: Ahmid Hotel - Standard Room
Deluxe Class: Novotel Ambassador SeoulDongdaemun - Superior Room
Public Holidays & Festivals in South Korea - 2026
January 1 (Thursday): New New Year's Day
February 16 (Monday) - February 18 (Wednesday): Seollal (Lunar New Year)
March 1 (Sunday) - March 2 (Monday): Independence Movement Day
May 5 (Tuesday): Children's Day
May 24 (Sunday) - May 25 (Monday): Buddha's Birthday
June 6 (Saturday): Memorial Day
August 15 (Saturday) - August 17 (Monday): Liberation Day
September 24 (Thursday) - September 26 (Saturday): Chuseok
October 3 (Saturday) - October 5 ( Monday): National Foundation Day
October 9 (Friday): Hangeul Day
December 25 2026 (Friday): Christmas & New Year
Sightseeing
• Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays
• Bukchon Hanok Village is closed on Sundays
• Jeju Haenyeo Museum is closed on Mondays
• The Haenyeo demonstration is weather permitting and available at 14:00 pm
• Please note that there are many stairs leading to the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong
• Geomun Oreum is closed on Tuesdays
• DMZ is closed on Monday’s
Transfers
Availability of train tickets during Korean New Year, Chuseok, Christmas, and major holidays cannot be guaranteed
Surcharge applies for airport transfers between 10:00pm – 7:00am
Water Bottles
We encourage travellers to travel with their own refillable/reusable water container in order to minimise plastic bottle usage and water waste, as more and more refilling stations are now available in destinations.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
