Exploring South Korea
Long thought of as simply a layover stop, in the last 5 years, South Korea has become a destination in its own right. The explosion of K-Pop, K-Drama, and movies has piqued the interest of many, but it's the history, stunning nature, and incredible cuisine that people fall in love with. There is also so much more to the country than Seoul, and those who travel outside of the capital are rewarded with authentic cultural experiences, charming towns, and a perfect amalgamation of traditional and modern architecture.
12-16 Oct Seoul | 4 nights | Four Seasons
16-20 Oct Jeju | 4 nights | The Shilla
20-21 Oct Seoul | 1 nights | Four Seasons
If you need any assistance while you are traveling, or if you would like to make any changes, reservations, or cancellations during your time in South Korea you can contact the following who will be your local contacts during your trip:
South Korea
Local Guide Contact Information (Please only contact once in South Korea):
- Seoul: will be provided | will be provided
- Jeju: will be provided | will be provided
- Emergency Contacts: will be provided; alternatively, please contact will be provided
Scenset
- Your Curator: Carl
- Your Traveler Relations Rep: Dean
- Scenset Emergency Line: +1 (415) 941-0027
Important: Due to the time difference, for small day-to-day things like touring and dining reservations - or emergencies that need immediate assistance - it will be most efficient for you to use the local contacts as they are in the same time zone as you.
US Passport holders do not need to apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), as this has been suspended in an attempt to boost visitor numbers.
Important: For those who are flying into Korea from China, please check the Korean Embassy in China website for Covid requirements.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
October has traditionally been one of the best months to visit South Korea, with days typically sunny and dry with average temperatures comfortable for touring. Towards the end of the month, you may start to see beautiful autumnal colors.
Expect temperatures to hover around the mid-60s.
We recommend packing the following:
- Layered Clothing: Pack light jackets or sweaters, light rain jackets or ponchos, t-shirts, or light shirts for warmer days (possible in early October).
- A shawl or jumper: The evening temperatures may drop so you might want to bring some layers with you in case of any cool weather.
- Swimwear: Don't forget your swimsuit for sunbathing, taking a dip in the hotel pool, or water activities.
- Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the strong tropical sun.
- Casual Footwear: Comfortable sandals or walking shoes are essential for exploring diverse landscapes and cultural sites.
- Rain Gear: Pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho in case of showers.
- Travel Adapter: Indonesia typically uses Type C and F electrical outlets, so bring a suitable travel adapter for your devices.
- Travel Documents: Ensure you have a valid passport, any required visas or travel documents, and a copy of your travel insurance. You can also show this itinerary upon arrival if asked.
- First Aid Kit: Pack basic medications, a first aid kit, and any necessary prescription medications.
- Portable Power Bank: Keep your devices charged while exploring by packing.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated in the tropical heat by carrying a reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day.
- Quick-Dry Towel: A compact and quick-dry towel is handy for beach outings, water activities, or unexpected rain showers.
- Local Currency: Ensure you have some cash for small purchases and tipping, as not all places may accept credit cards.
We have designed some great playlists for you to enjoy during your trip through South Korea full of local talent to discover!
- South Korea 🇰🇷: Discover the iconic sounds of South Korean music, from the explosive popularity of K-Pop to the soothing melodies of love songs; discover local South Korean artists!
- Summer Chill is the perfect soundtrack for basking in the sun and enjoying the laid-back island life.
- Lazy Beach Days is designed for you to unwind on the beach and relax.
- Surf's Up was designed almost exclusively with Hawaii in mind! A playlist full of surf-inspired bands and sounds, this is one for the beach.
A flight is detailed below. Departure from the airport will be together.
You are scheduled to arrive in Incheon airport in the late afternoon. Independently proceed through immigration and customs, before collecting your luggage.
Note: In the arrivals hall, please look out for a sign with your name.
Meet your driver and guide, and proceed by private transfer to your hotel for check-in.
- Time: Late afternoon (upon arrival and exiting the arrivals terminal)
- Drive time: The drive time would approximately 45 minutes, traffic permitting.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided or will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
The rest of the evening has been left for you to relax.
Why we Love it For You: The Four Seasons Seoul stands out as an exceptional choice for accommodation in Seoul, offering a perfect blend of luxury and convenience. Its central location in the bustling heart of the city provides easy access to key attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring Seoul's vibrant culture. With impeccable service, lavish amenities, and stunning views of the cityscape, the Four Seasons Seoul ensures a memorable and indulgent experience for discerning travelers.
- Four Seasons Seoul
- Deluxe Rooms x 3
- Confirmation number: will be provided
- Daily Breakfast Included
Booked by scenset.
- Maple Tree is a premium Korean barbeque restaurant that has been operating in Korea since 2005. They began their journey from a quaint small house in Seoul, and have now become a “must go” premium barbeque destination for quality meat lovers who appreciate a modern twist to a traditional Korean dining concept.
- Smith Hanok is a charming restaurant located in the Samcheong-dong area of Seoul. It offers a unique dining experience by blending Italian cuisine with a traditional Korean hanok setting. Known for dishes like mushroom and cream risotto and seafood pasta, the restaurant provides a cozy, zen-like ambiance, with the outdoor al-fresco dining area in the courtyard adding to the charm.
- Gocheongdam is an upmarket Korean barbecue restaurant known for its premium beef cuts and sophisticated setting. The perfect spot for meat lovers.
This is a recommendation only.
Meet your driver and guide in the morning and set out for a private tour.
- Time: Early morning
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided or will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Begin your day at the Unification Bridge, a symbolic structure built in 1998 by Hyundai Business Group, overlooking the Imjingang River. Known as the "Cow Bridge," it commemorates Hyundai's founder's humanitarian mission to North Korea.
Next, visit the DMZ Theatre and Exhibition Hall, where a 7-minute documentary details the Korean War, DMZ, and the discovery of North Korean tunnels.
Explore the Third Tunnel, a 1,635m long infiltration passage discovered in 1978, capable of moving 30,000 soldiers per hour.
At Dora Observatory, you can see North Korean territory, including Gaeseong City and the curiously empty "Propaganda Village." Imjingak Peace Park offers a poignant reminder of the war's impact, featuring the Bridge of Freedom and other historical relics. The park's Gyeonggi Peace Center emphasizes reunification and national security.
After this, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Following lunch, visit COEX Mall and Starfield Library. Then, conclude your day at the nearby Bukchon Hanok Village, a picturesque neighborhood situated between Seoul's grand palaces. Explore some of the traditional hanbok houses, some now serving as cultural centers and tea houses.
- Start Time: Morning
- End Time: Evening
- Duration: A full day
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided.
Booked by scenset.
The rest of the evening has been left for you to relax and explore at your own pace.
- Four Seasons Seoul
- Deluxe Rooms x 3
- Daily Breakfast Included
Booked by a person.
Meet your driver and guide in the morning and set out for a private tour.
- Time: Morning
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided or will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Start your day taking part in Korean culture with a Hanbok experience, donning vibrant traditional attire for a memorable photo session.
Move on to witness the colorful Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony, a rare glimpse into Korea's royal past.
Then, visit the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul's five palaces, featuring stunning architecture like Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond. Witness first hand the restored buildings and intricate details that showcase the splendor of the Joseon Dynasty.
For lunch, enjoy a hands-on Korean cooking class in Seoul. Learn the art of crafting authentic Korean dishes. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, you'll learn the intricacies of traditional recipes, from the vibrant and spicy flavors of kimchi to the delicate art of crafting perfectly seasoned bibimbap, gaining hands-on experience in the rich tapestry of Korean cuisine.
Conclude your day with a stop at Insadong and at the active Gwangjang Market, Korea's first permanent market. Wander through its vibrant alleys, sampling local delicacies at the famous food street, and browsing a wide array of traditional goods and souvenirs.
- Start Time: Morning
- End Time: Afternoon
- Duration: 8 hours
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided.
Booked by scenset.
The rest of the afternoon/evening has been left for you to relax at your own pace.
- Four Seasons Seoul
- Deluxe Rooms x 3
- Daily Breakfast Included
Booked by a person.
Meet your driver and guide in the morning and set out for a private tour.
- Time: Morning
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided or will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Begin your day out of the city at the Korean Folk Village, a living museum that showcases traditional culture from the late Joseon period. Explore authentic recreations of various historical settings, from farming villages to noblemen's houses. Witness captivating performances such as nongak (farmer's music) and martial arts on horseback. Enjoy traditional treats like jeungpyeon and injeolmi while strolling through the family park.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to Seoul.
Conclude your tour at the Bank of Korea Money Museum in Seoul, where you'll learn about the history of the currency. Examine an extensive collection of coins and banknotes from Korea and worldwide, gaining insights into the nation's economic development and the cultural significance of money throughout history. You will also visit the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History.
- Start Time: Morning
- End Time: Late afternoon (A participant will be returned to the hotel in the early afternoon)
- Duration: 8 hours
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided or will be provided.
Booked by Scenset
The rest of the afternoon/evening has been left for you to relax at your own pace.
- Four Seasons Seoul
- Deluxe Rooms x 3
- Daily Breakfast Included
Booked by someone.
Meet your driver and guide in the lobby of your hotel at TBC and proceed by private transfer to the airport for a quick flight to Jeju.
- Time: Morning
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided or will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Meet your English-speaking driving guide and proceed by private transfer to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
- Note: You would look for a sign displaying your name in the arrivals hall.
- Time: Morning (upon arrival and exiting the arrivals terminal)
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided or will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Arrive at the hotel, check in, and spend the rest of the day relaxing at your own pace!
Why We Love it For You: The Shilla Jeju offers a truly exceptional experience for visitors to Jeju Island. This luxurious resort boasts stunning accommodations with breathtaking views of the ocean and Hallasan Mountain, perfectly blending natural beauty with modern comfort.
Guests can indulge in world-class amenities, including multiple swimming pools, a private beach, and a state-of-the-art spa, ensuring a relaxing and indulgent stay. The diverse range of dining options caters to all culinary preferences, offering everything from authentic Korean cuisine to international fare.
The hotel's prime location provides easy access to Jeju's main attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the island. With impeccable service, attention to detail, and a commitment to preserving local culture and traditions, The Shilla Jeju delivers a memorable and authentic Korean hospitality experience that sets it apart from other accommodations on the island.
- Pacific Deluxe Suite Ocean View x 1
- Confirmation Numbers: will be provided
- Premier Room Ocean View x 2
- Confirmation number: will be provided
- Daily Breakfast Included
Booked by Scenset.
- The Flying Hog located at JW Marriott in Seogwipo, Jeju, is a premium grill dining restaurant known for its rich smoky flavors and use of fresh, local ingredients like Jeju black pork, duck, and lamb. The meats are slow-roasted and smoked, delivering a tender and flavorful experience. Along with beautifully plated dishes, the restaurant also offers seasonal vegetables and creative sides, paired perfectly with fine wines.
- Hinode located on the 3rd floor of The Shilla Jeju, Hinode specializes in authentic Japanese cuisine, featuring dishes prepared with fresh seafood from the pristine seas of Jeju, as well as mouthwatering specialties such as grilled fish and sushi, showcasing the island's pristine marine offerings. The Grill Menu has become particularly popular for its perfectly grilled, locally sourced seafood, delivered fresh from the sea to your plate.
- Junmun is a legendary restaurant that specializes in grilled mackerel and crab marinated in soy sauce. Other dishes include hairtail, octopus, seabream and vegetable based sides. If you like seafood, this restaurant should be on your 'must go' list.
This is a recommendation only.
Meet your driver and guide in the lobby of your hotel at and set out for a private tour.
- Start Time: Morning
- End Time: Afternoon
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided or will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Spirited Garden is home to hundreds of bonsai plants in a natural garden with the theme of oreum (volcanic cone) and water. The garden came into the international spotlight as the beautiful space was created from the wastelands by a single farmer. The garden has been visited by many honored public figures such as Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao from China, Nakasone from Japan, Kim Yongsun from North Korea and others. Currently, about 400 planted trees are on display. Also, visitors can see various facilities including stone walls and stone towers stacked with Jeju volcanic stones, the largest artificial waterfall in Jeju, and a pond filled with large carp at the base of the the waterfall.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided or will be provided.
Booked by Scenset
Located within Jungmun Resort, Yeomiji Botanical Garden is one of the best botanical gardens in Asia with a unique southern scenset. The indoor garden contains approximately 2,000 rare tropical and subtropical plants throughout the Flower Garden, Water Lily Garden, Jungle Garden, Subtropical Fruits Garden, Cactus and Succulent Garden, and Observation Platform. The outdoor garden offers Jeju Native Garden, as well as Korean, Japanese, Italian and French folk gardens.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact a representative at will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided at will be provided or will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
You'll have a quick lunch at a local restaurant.
Cheonjeyeonpokpo Falls, named "The Pond of God," consists of three sections. The first waterfall falls into a pond with a depth of 21 meters. From here, it falls two more times, creating the second and third waterfalls, which then flow into the sea. (Optional)
Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided.
Booked by scenset.
Walk to the Jungmun Daepo Haean Jusangjeollidae, the largest pillar rock formation in South Korea. These rocky cliffs were formed 14,000 to 25,000 years ago from the cooling and solidification of basalt from the Nokhajiak volcano and look beautiful against the blue ocean backdrop. (Optional)
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact a representative at will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Head back to the hotel and the rest of the evening has been left for you to relax.
- Pacific Deluxe Suite Ocean View x 1
- Premier Room Ocean View x 2
- Daily Breakfast Included
Booked by an individual.
After a morning at leisure, end the day with a scenic Sanbang Mountain Cruise, lasting about one hour. This is a shared experience.
- Departure time: Late morning
Note: This is dependent on weather conditions, and we may restructure touring on this day based on advice from the guide.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
After lunch, enjoy the remainder of your afternoon and evening at leisure.
- Pacific Deluxe Suite Ocean View x 1
- Premier Room Ocean View x 2
- Daily Breakfast Included
Booked by scenset.
Spend today at leisure, enjoying beautiful Jeju at your own pace.
Enjoy a spa experience at Noble Spa!
- Time: Morning
- Number of people: 4
- Booked under name: will be provided
- Guarantee: will be provided
- Cancellation: Cancellation or changes 1 day in advance: 50% of the reservation deposit. Cancellation, changes, or date changes on the day before or the same day: No refund.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided.
Reserved by scenset - paid locally.
Today has been left for you to relax and explore the island at your own pace.
A few things you may enjoy are:
- Unwind at the resort's multiple swimming pools, including the oceanfront infinity pool with breathtaking views
- Rejuvenate at the resort's world-class spa, offering a blend of traditional Korean and modern treatments
- Explore nearby Jeju attractions, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak
- Embark on a scenic hike on Mount Hallasan, South Korea's highest mountain
- Visit the fascinating Manjanggul Cave, one of the world's largest lava tube systems
- Savor diverse culinary experiences at the resort's multiple restaurants, from authentic Korean to international cuisine
- Enjoy beach activities and water sports at the hotel's private beach (weather permitting)
- Take a stroll through the beautiful Camellia Hill botanical garden, known for its stunning floral displays
- Immerse yourself in Jeju's unique culture at the nearby Jeju Folk Village Museum
- Relax with an evening drink at the resort's Paradise Lounge, enjoying panoramic views of the ocean and Hallasan Mountain
These are recommendations only - the Front Desk or Concierge can help you make any reservations or book experiences for you.
Enjoy the day to explore at leisure.
- Pacific Deluxe Suite Ocean View x 1
- Premier Room Ocean View x 2
- Daily Breakfast Included
Booked by scenset.
Meet your driver in the lobby of the hotel and proceed by private transfer to Jeju Airport.
- Time: Late morning
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact a representative on will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided or will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
On arrival in Seoul Gimpo Airport independently collect your luggage, before meeting your driver in the arrivals hall for your private transfer to your hotel
Note: In the arrivals hall, please look out for a sign with your name.
- Time: Afternoon (upon arrival and exiting the airport terminal)
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided.
The rest of the afternoon has been left for you to explore and relax at your own pace.
- Four Seasons Seoul
- Deluxe Rooms x 3
- Daily Breakfast Included
Booked by scenset.
Check out, and you'll be transferred to the airport via private vehicle.
- Pick Up Time: Early morning
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. For emergencies, please contact will be provided or will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Take your long haul flight home.
Booked Independently
Flight Details
The details will be provided.
Thank you for allowing us to show you around this incredible country. We are sure you will enjoy your time in The Land of the Morning Calm.
Please refer to our terms & conditions here.