A Two Week Journey Through South Korea

South Korea: From Cities to Island Shores

Discover South Korea on a journey that blends dynamic cities, historic landscapes and a coastal island escape.

Begin in Seoul, a city where royal palaces, traditional neighbourhoods and contemporary districts sit side by side. Explore grand sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, wander through the cultural lanes of Insadong and Gwangjang Market, and take in modern architecture at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, with time also set aside to experience the city at your own pace.

Continue to Gyeongju, the former capital of the Silla Kingdom, where UNESCO-listed heritage sites including Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond reflect Korea’s ancient history. From here, travel on to Busan, a coastal city known for its hillside neighbourhoods, lively markets and sweeping ocean views, where visits include Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Fish Market and the coastal temples and forested trails around the city.

Finish on Jeju Island, where volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and coastal cliffs shape a slower pace of travel. Based on the south coast at The Shilla Jeju, there is time to relax at the resort or explore the island’s natural highlights, from Hallasan National Park and lava formations to local markets and tea fields.

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KEY FACTS

PEAK TIME

April-June September-November

PRICE

From £? $? pp excl. flights

IDEAL LENGTH

11 Days

FLIGHT TIME

13 hours from London
19 hours From NYC

CURRENCY

South Korean won

LANGUAGE

Korean

When to go

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DID YOU KNOW?

Jeju Island is home to the remarkable haenyeo, or ‘sea women’, who free-dive for seafood without oxygen tanks. This centuries-old tradition has been recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Itinerary Highlights

Exploring Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

With your private guide, discover Seoul through a blend of royal heritage, traditional neighbourhoods, vibrant markets and contemporary design.

Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of the Joseon Dynasty palaces, with its elegant courtyards and ornate pavilions. Wander the narrow lanes of Insadong, home to antique shops, craft galleries, tea houses and cafés, before experiencing the lively atmosphere of Gwangjang Market, renowned for its street food and bustling textile stalls. Complete the day at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Zaha Hadid’s striking architectural landmark, where innovative exhibitions reflect Seoul’s creative spirit.

The Demilitarisation Zone

Seoul, South Korea

The Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) offers a powerful insight into Korea’s modern history and the enduring division of the peninsula, shaped by the Korean War and the decades that followed. Stretching 2km on either side of the Military Demarcation Line, this heavily protected buffer remains one of the most significant Cold War legacies in the world. Within this restricted landscape, key viewpoints and sites provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between North and South Korea and the events that continue to define it today. Return to Seoul by private vehicle.

Suwon Fortress + Korean Folk village

Suwon, South Korea

Travel beyond Seoul with your private guide to discover Korea’s rich heritage and traditions.

Visit Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its impressive late Joseon architecture, before continuing to Korean Folk Village, where traditional homes, cultural performances and centuries-old customs bring Korea’s past vividly to life.

Exploring Gyeongju

Gyeongju, South Korea

Explore Gyeongju with your private guide, discovering the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom and its remarkable royal and Buddhist heritage.

Visit Bulguksa Temple, one of Korea’s most important Buddhist sites, before continuing to the UNESCO-listed Seokguram Grotto, home to its serene stone Buddha. Conclude at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, where elegant pavilions and tranquil waters offer a glimpse into the splendour of the Silla royal court.

Gamcheon Culture Village, Gukje Market and Jagalchi Fish Market

Gamcheon, Busan, South Korea

Discover Busan with your private guide, exploring the city’s colourful neighbourhoods, bustling markets and rich maritime heritage.

Wander through the vibrant lanes of Gamcheon Culture Village, where brightly painted houses, murals and galleries overlook the coast. Continue to Gukje Market, one of Busan’s oldest and liveliest shopping districts, before finishing at Jagalchi Fish Market, where seafood stalls and the day’s catch reflect the city’s enduring connection to the sea.

Busan Sky Capsule

Busan, South Korea
Glide across Busan’s coastline in private Sky Capsule cabins suspended above the shoreline, where wide windows open onto uninterrupted views of Haeundae Beach, rocky headlands, and the city rising behind. The sea runs alongside throughout, shifting between deep blues and pale greens as the light changes.
The journey moves at a gentle pace, giving space to take in the coastline from above the railway below. Waves break against the shore, fishing boats trace the horizon, and Busan unfolds in layers of water, sand, and skyline.

Jeju Island

Jeju Island, South Korea

Be immersed in the natural landscapes and tea culture of Jeju Island, where volcanic terrain, coastal cliffs, and forested trails reveal the island’s distinctive geology. Explore dramatic lava caves, walk along wind-shaped headlands, and pause beside cascading waterfalls that cut through lush greenery.

Continue into a traditional folk village to see thatched-roof homes and everyday island life preserved in its original form. The experience is rounded off with a visit to a tea museum, where the history, cultivation, and rituals of Korean tea are shared through simple, thoughtful displays set within a calm, green setting.

Haenyeo Museum and Performance

Jeju Island, South Korea
Experience the living tradition of Jeju’s haenyeo, the island’s female free-divers whose way of life has been passed down through generations. Explore their history and culture through simple, insightful exhibits that reveal a life shaped by the sea, endurance, and deep community ties.

Witness their remarkable skill as they dive without oxygen equipment, harvesting shellfish and seaweed from the ocean floor using traditional methods. Their presence along the coastline reflects a rare and enduring connection between people and sea, recognised today as part of UNESCO cultural heritage.

Itinerary Highlights

Our tailor-made journeys include

  • A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
  • Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
  • Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
  • 24/7 support whilst travelling
  • ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

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