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 | 4 nights | The Shilla
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.
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Meet your driving guide, and proceed by private transfer to your hotel for check-in.
The drive will take approximately 45 minutes, traffic permitting.
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.
Premier Room
- Daily Breakfast Included
Meet your guide and set out for a private tour.
- Begin your day at the Unification Bridge, a symbolic structure built in 1998, overlooking the Imjingang River. Known as the "Cow Bridge," it commemorates a humanitarian mission to North Korea.
- Next, visit the DMZ Theatre and Exhibition Hall, where a short documentary details the Korean War, DMZ, and the discovery of North Korean tunnels.
- Explore the Third Tunnel, a long infiltration passage discovered in 1978, capable of moving a large number of soldiers per hour.
- At Dora Observatory, glimpse 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.
Then, 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.
End at 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
Meet your driving guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning and set out for a private tour.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spend your day exploring the vibrant city of Seoul at your own pace! After booking, recommendations will be provided, including K Beauty experiences, K Pop Tours, Fashion, and more. Alternatively, this can also be a day of touring, should you wish.
Meet your driving guide in the lobby of your hotel at the scheduled time and proceed by private transfer to the train station. You'll take the train to Busan.
You will be met by your English speaking driving guide at the hotel to start your touring.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Grand Deluxe Mipo Harbour View
- Daily Breakfast Included
Meet your driving guide in the lobby of your hotel at a time to be confirmed and set out for a private morning tour.
Haedong Yonggunsa Temple is dramatically situated on a cliff, overlooking the sea. It's one of the most picturesque Buddhist temples in Korea.
Beomeosa Temple is located at the eastern edge of Geumjeongsan Mountain, a famous mountain in Busan. It was constructed by a monk in 678, the 18th year of King Munmu's reign (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.
Before visiting Oryukdo Skywalk, you'll visit the UN Cemetary. 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 the middle of 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 the middle of 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.
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 1 hour each way.
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.
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.
Explore two of Gyeongju’s most renowned sites, Bulguksa temple and the nearby Seokguram, a Buddhist grotto with terrific views from its cliffside position.
Enjoy a day at leisure in beautiful Busan, either spending time at your accommodation, enjoying the beach, or out on the town.
Meet your driving guide in the lobby of your hotel at a time to be confirmed and proceed by private transfer to Busan Airport for a quick flight to Jeju.
Take a short flight to Jeju.
Booked by a travel agent
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.
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 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.
Hotel Name, Room Type
- Daily Breakfast Included
Meet your driving guide in the lobby of your hotel at a time to be confirmed and set out for a private tour.
Embark on an early morning walk of Ilchulbong, or “Sunrise Peak,” the dramatic inactive volcanic crater rising out of the ocean off Seongsan.
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.
Explore Manjanggul Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Part of a larger lava tube system, Manjanggul Cave is just over 8 miles long and offers the opportunity to witness its mysterious lava formations including lava stalactites, lava bridges, shelves and striations.
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!
Meet your driving guide in the lobby of your hotel at a time to be confirmed and set out for a private tour.
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 from various countries. 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 waterfall.
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.
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.
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.
After a morning at leisure, end the day with a scenic Sanbang Mountain Cruise, lasting about one hour. This is a shared experience.
Start time: will be provided
Note: This is dependent on weather conditions, and we may restructure touring on this day based on advice from the guide.
Enjoy the remainder of your afternoon and evening at leisure.
Meet your driver in the lobby of the hotel and proceed by private transfer to Jeju Airport for your flight back to Seoul.
Booked by Scenset
Take your long haul flight home.
Booked Independently
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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