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.
- 1-5 Oct Seoul | 4 nights | Four Seasons
- 5-9 Oct Busan | 4 nights | Signiel Busan
- 9-13 Oct Jeju | 5 nights | The Shilla
- 13-14 Oct Seoul | 1 night | 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 & Busan & Gyeongju: A local guide - will be provided
- Jeju: A local guide - will be provided
- Emergency Contacts: 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.
- Pick Up Time: Late afternoon/on arrival
- Duration: approx 1 hour
Meet your driving guide, and proceed by private transfer to your hotel for check-in.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact a representative at the provided number.
Booked by Scenset.
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.
- 1 Premier Room Twin
- Confirmation number will be provided
- Daily Breakfast Included
Scenset Booking.
- 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.
- Start Time: Morning
- End Time: Afternoon
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby to start your day of touring.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Then you'll visit Hwaseong Fortress, an impressive structure from the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and the official fortress of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact someone from the support team.
Start with a trip to Yongin and then, head to the Korean Folk Village. Set in a natural environment occupying approximately 243 acres, visitors can experience the traditional atmosphere of a Korean village with over 260 traditional houses reminiscent of the late Joseon Dynasty. All these features have been relocated and restored to provide visitors with a broad understanding of Korean food, clothing, and housing style of the past. Lunch will be provided today.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
End your day with a cooking class for dinner. 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.
- Start Time: Evening
Menu:
- Gimbap
- Tteokbokki : Korean rice cakes with chili pepper paste
- Haenul Pajeon : Seafood green onion scallion pancake
- Budae Jjigae : Korean Sausage Stew
- Location: Hansik Korean
- Address : 31-5, Jahamun-ro, Jonggo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
Booked by scenset.
Please note that today is a public holiday in Seoul
- Start Time: Morning
- End Time: Afternoon
Meet your driving guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning and set out for a private tour.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Start your day with a dose of Korean Culture. Try on traditional Korean clothing called a Hanbok. Nowadays this outfit is only worn during occasions such as anniversaries or festive days, but all Koreans have a hanbok for these special times.The hanbok is colored using natural dyes and the unique lines of the hanbok appear at their greatest when the wearer is in motion.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact someone from the team.
Then, visit Changdeokgung, the secondary residence of the royal family. Changdeokgung, built in 1405 and finished in 1412, is a remarkably peaceful place today. Its gardens are well kept, though not overly manicured, giving it a natural and somewhat wild look.
While at Changdeokgung, visit the palace’s rear garden also known as the Geumwon or “Forbidden Garden.” Constructed during the reign of King Taejong, Biwon served as a resting place for members of the Korean royal family.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
From lunch, move on to discover Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city. This neighborhood is an important part of the city where old but precious goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on either side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.
There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.
In addition, Insa-dong is also a fantastic spot to discover antique stationery items within the family owned shops featuring traditional crafts and more.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
Next, head Bukchon Hanok Village. Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, that date back to the Joseon dynasty. Spend some time here with your guide to step back in time for a glimpse of Korea's bygone era.
The name Bukchon, which literally translates to "northern village," came about as the neighborhood lies north of two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture. As Bukchon Hanok Village is an actual neighborhood with people's homes, visitors are advised to be respectful at all times while looking around.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact a representative at the provided number.
On to a tasty tour. Gwangjang Market was the first permanent market in Korea and continues to thrive as a popular culinary destination today. The name Gwangjang means "to gather from afar and keep altogether." The market began as a small trading center that brought in goods from nearby regions, but has now grown into a large wholesale market selling a variety of goods, including upholstery, imported goods, groceries, dried fish, traditional goods, and more.
Enjoy food tastings as you stroll through the market.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact a representative at the provided number.
The rest of your evening has been left open for your leisure.
- 1 Premier Room Twin
- Confirmation number: will be provided
- Daily Breakfast Included
Booked by someone.
Spend your day exploring the vibrant city of Seoul at your own pace!
- 1 Premier Room Twin
- Confirmation number will be provided
- Daily Breakfast Included
Booked by someone.
- Pickup Time: Early morning
- Pickup Location: Hotel Lobby
Meet your driving guide in the lobby of your hotel in the early morning and proceed by private transfer to Gimpo Airport.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
You will be met by your English speaking driving guide, and head to lunch before touring.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact a representative.
Booked by Scenset.
Start by exploring Gamcheon Cultural Village, a quirky neighborhood full of coffee shops, street murals, and interesting architecture. Many of the buildings here are painted in vibrant colors, and the bohemian atmosphere is quite different when compared to the rest of the city.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact someone from the support team.
Busan is famous for food, and the markets of Jagalchi & Kukje allow you to see fishermen selling the catch of the day, as well as local specialties, household items, and anything else you could possibly wish for.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact a representative will be provided.
A visit to Busan is not complete without a ride in the Songdo Cable Car, which affords guests amazing views of the coast, and Songdo area of the city.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact a representative.
Signiel Busan is a premier choice for accommodation in Busan, South Korea, known for its exquisite design, impeccable service, and panoramic views of the city and coastline. Nestled in a prime location, the hotel provides easy access to Busan's cultural and recreational attractions, ensuring a convenient and enriching stay. With its opulent amenities, world-class dining options, and a commitment to unparalleled hospitality, Signiel Busan offers a luxurious retreat for travelers seeking an exceptional experience in this vibrant coastal city.
- 1 Grand Deluxe Mipo Harbour View Twin
- Confirmation number: will be provided
- Daily Breakfast Included
Booked by a traveller.
- Sogonggan is a high-end barbecue restaurant located in Busan, South Korea, known for its elevated take on traditional Korean barbecue. Featured in the Michelin Guide, Sogonggan provides an exceptional dining experience, offering premium cuts of meat in a refined, modern setting. The restaurant's focus on quality ingredients and its stylish ambiance make it a popular choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet authentic Korean dining experience
- Yulling is a Michelin-listed restaurant located in Busan, South Korea, known for its premium Korean barbecue and stunning coastal views. Situated on the second floor of the Mipo Oceanside Hotel, Yulling offers panoramic vistas of landmarks like Dongbaekseom Island and Gwangandaegyo Bridge. The restaurant focuses on the highest-grade Korean beef and incorporates fresh seafood dishes with Japanese and European influences, emphasizing harmony and balance in its flavors.
- Fiotto is a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant located on Dalmaji Hill in Busan. It is known for its unique fusion of Italian cuisine with fresh, locally sourced Korean ingredients. Run by a passionate chef couple, Fiotto specializes in pasta dishes made from scratch, incorporating elements like house-made fresh pastas, kombucha vinegar, and vegetables from their family farm. The restaurant’s sustainable approach earned it a Michelin Green Star in addition to its culinary recognition.
This is a recommendation only.
- Start Time: Morning
- End Time: Afternoon
Meet your driving guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning and set out for a private morning tour.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Haedong Yonggunsa Temple is dramatically situated on a cliff, overlooking the sea. It's one of the most picturesque Buddhist temples in Korea.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact someone from the support team.
Beomeosa Temple is located at the eastern edge of Geumjeongsan Mountain, a famous mountain in Busan. It was constructed by monk Ui Sang in 678, the 18th year of King Munmu (r. 661-681) of the Silla Kingdom. It is one of the three most famous temples in the Yeongnam region, along with Haeinsa Temple and Tongdosa Temple.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
Before visiting Oryukdo Skywalk, you'll visit the UN Cemetery. Afterward, continue to Oryukdo Skywalk.
Oryukdo Skywalk is located at what was called Seungdumal, meaning a saddle, due to the shape of the point. It was also called Jallokgae by residents and female divers in the area.
The construction of Oryukdo Skywalk began in September 2012 at the Seungdumal area, which is regarded as the dividing point between the East Sea and the South Sea, and the skywalk opened in October 2013, with the theme of "walking over the sky.”
Iron columns were set up over a 35-meter-high coastal cliff, and a 15-meter glass bridge comprised of 24 glass plates and shaped like a horse’s hoof connects the iron columns. The glass flooring was made by four layers of 12-millimeter glass panels coated with a bulletproof film for a total thickness of 55.49 millimeters, making the structure quite safe. Visitors will be thrilled with the view of the waves while looking down through the transparent floor. The sea stretches out ahead of the skywalk, perfect for a photo op.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
Your tour will conclude today in the late afternoon, the rest of your evening is free to enjoy Busan.
- 1 Grand Deluxe Mipo Harbour View Twin
- Confirmation number will be provided
- Daily Breakfast Included
Booked by scenset.
- Start time: Morning
- End Time: Evening
Meet your driving guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning and set out for a day trip to Gyeongju. Note that it's a drive of about an hour each way.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Visit the tombs of the rulers of the Shilla Dynasty. These grass-covered burial mounds house the remains of royals, generals and other esteemed members of Korea’s ancient kingdom, though not every tomb has been identified.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact an available staff member.
Visit Wolji, the site of a pleasure garden and lotus pond built in 674 AD, where thousands of Silla Dynasty artifacts have been recovered. Have a privately guided tour of the adjacent National Museum, where many of these are now on display.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact a representative.
With your expert guide explore two of Gyeongju’s most renowned sites, Bulguksa temple and the nearby Seokguram, a Buddhist grotto with terrific views from its cliffside position.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact a representative at the provided number.
Return to Busan in the late afternoon arriving back at your hotel at about 6:00pm.
- 1 Grand Deluxe Mipo Harbour View Twin
- Confirmation number: will be provided
- Daily Breakfast Included
Booked by scenset.
Enjoy a day at leisure in beautiful Busan, either spending time at your accommodation, enjoying the beach, or out on the town.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, please contact a representative on the provided number.
- 1 Grand Deluxe Mipo Harbour View Twin
- Confirmation number will be provided
- Daily Breakfast Included
Booked by scenset.
- Pick Up time: Morning
Meet your driving guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning and proceed by private transfer to Busan Airport for a quick flight to Jeju.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
- Pick Up time: On arrival
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.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
The Shilla Jeju presents an uninterrupted view of the Pacific Ocean and the magnificent Mt. Halla, topped by star-studded skies. Situated on the Korean resort island of Jeju, it offers restful settings to break the humdrum of everyday life. With spacious 90,000 premises, the hotel is constructed in Mediterranean style with harmonious blending of the European atmosphere. Bathed in natural light which also reminds of a tropical resort, The Shilla Jeju is an ideal environment for relaxation.
- 1 Shilla, Premier Ocean Twin
- Confirmation number: will be provided
- Upgrade to Premier room compliments of Scenset
- 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 mouth watering 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.
Please bring a small backpack and be sure to wear comfortable sneakers for today.
- Start Time: Morning
- End Time: Afternoon
Meet your driving guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning and set out for a private tour.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Enjoy a delightful light hike through scenic trails surrounded by lush greenery. The hike provides a tranquil escape, with well-maintained paths leading to the summit where hikers can enjoy panoramic views, creating a perfect balance between nature exploration and leisure.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact a representative.
Explore Bijarim, renowned for its ancient and majestic forest of nutmeg yew trees. This protected area, also known as Bijarim Forest, boasts over 2,800 nutmeg yew trees, some of which are estimated to be over 800 years old. The forest offers visitors a serene and enchanting environment with walking trails, allowing them to experience the unique ecosystem and breathtaking natural beauty of this Jeju treasure.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
Visit a traditional thatched-roof village – meet its residents and have tea with them for a glimpse at traditional Jeju life, and also visit Seongsan Peak!
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact someone on the provided number.
End with a walk of Ilchulbong, or “Sunrise Peak,” the dramatic inactive volcanic crater rising out of the ocean off Seongsan.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact someone from the team.
Your tour will conclude today in the late afternoon.
- 1 Shilla, Premier Ocean Twin
- Confirmation number: will be provided
- Upgrade to Premier room compliments of Scenset
- Daily Breakfast Included
Booked by Scenset.
- Start time: Morning
- End time: Afternoon
Meet your driving guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning and set out for a private tour.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact 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.
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 someone from the staff.
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.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
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.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax.
- 1 Shilla, Premier Ocean Twin
- Confirmation number: will be provided
- Upgrade to Premier room compliments of Scenset
- Daily Breakfast Included
Booked by Scenset.
- Pick Up time: Morning
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact a representative at the provided number.
Booked by Scenset.
After a morning at leisure, end the day with a scenic Sanbang Mountain Cruise, lasting about an hour. This is a shared experience.
- Start time: Late morning
Note: This is dependent on weather conditions; touring may be restructured 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.
Booked by Scenset.
Enjoy the remainder of your afternoon and evening at leisure.
- 1 Shilla, Premier Ocean Twin
- Confirmation number: will be provided
- Upgrade to Premier room compliments of Scenset
- Daily Breakfast Included
Booked by Scenset.
- Pick Up Time: Morning
Meet your driver in the lobby of the hotel and proceed by private transfer to Jeju Airport.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
- Pick Up Time: In the afternoon/on arrival
Upon arrival to the airport, you'll be greeted by your driver in the arrival hall for your transfer and touring via private vehicle.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Back in Seoul you can visit N Tower, also known as Namsan Tower, located atop Namsan Mountain. This communication and observation tower is a landmark of Seoul, at a height of 777 feet from the base of the building and standing 1,547 feet above sea level. On a clear day, you will have a fantastic view of the city from this vantage point.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
After a visit to Seoul Tower, then transfer to the Four Seasons for a final evening at leisure in South Korea.
- Pick Up Time: Early morning
Meet your driver in the lobby of the hotel and proceed by private transfer to Seoul Airport.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
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.
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