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.
8-9 Nov Gyeongju | 1 night | Hilton
9-11 Nov Busan | 2 nights | Signiel
11-12 Nov Seoul | 1 night | Four Seasons
During your time in South Korea your trip will be monitored every step of the way. In case of any issues or questions you may have, you can contact the following:
Contact Person A: will be provided
OR
Contact Person B: will be provided
You can also drop a message into the chat within your scenset app, although given the time difference, any response may be delayed.
Your private guide will be:
A guide will be provided
Note: This can be subject to change, and we'll communicate any updates directly.
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.
We note that you will already be in the country, prior to your tour with scenset.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
November has traditionally been one of the best months to visit South Korea, with days typically sunny and dry, and average temperatures comfortable for touring. It's also the perfect time to see beautiful autumnal colors.
Expect temperatures to hover around 55°F in Seoul, with Gyeongju & Busan usually a couple of degrees warmer.
Tipping is not customary in South Korea and offering a tip to a waiter, taxi driver, or hotel staff may be considered disrespectful. While by no means mandatory, tour guides are a bit more used to receiving tips from foreign travelers and will usually accept a tip if offered. There are some things to be mindful of, however!
- Never insist on tipping! If they decline, it is best to simply thank them for their time and graciousness with a "Kamsahamnida".
- Always use an envelope when offering the tip. It is considered disrespectful to just hand someone a wad of cash as a tip.
- Use the local currency, Korean Won, when offering a tip which you can easily obtain from an ATM.
Meet your driver in the lobby of Hotel Oakwood Premier Coex Center Seoul in the morning and proceed by private transfer to Seoul Station. The drive is about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
As you disembark the train, your guide will be waiting for you on the platform. Note: They know where you will be sitting, and from which car you will exit. If you don't immediately see them, please wait for any crowds to dissipate, before giving them a call.
Commence touring via private vehicle.
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.
Cheomseongdae, or star-gazing tower in Korean, is the oldest surviving observatory in East Asia. It dates back to the 7th century to the time of the kingdom of Silla. The tower is built out of 362 pieces of cut granite which some claim represent the 362 days of the lunar year.
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.
Surrounded by scenic countryside next to Lake Bomun, our hotel is less than a kilometer from Gyeongju World Amusement Park. We're nine kilometers from the historic city of Gyeongju, and close to Singyeongju KTX rail station. Enjoy our fitness center, squash court, and indoor and outdoor pools with private cabanas.
- Daily Breakfast Included
Meet your driving guide at the lobby of your hotel in the morning and commence touring.
Note: You will not return to the hotel before your transfer to Busan, so please make sure to have your luggage with you.
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.
After touring in Gyeongju, you will transfer to Busan. It's about 1 hour & 15 minutes to Haedong Yonggunsa Temple.
Haedong Yonggunsa Temple is dramatically situated on a cliff, overlooking the sea. It's one of the most picturesque Buddhist temples in Korea.
Transfer to Haeundae Beach, which is where the hotel is located.
SIGNIEL BUSAN is the place to spend a relaxing vacation. The 6-star landmark houses 260 rooms from the third to the nineteenth floors of the 101-story LCT Tower, the tallest building in the city. During their stay in the ambiance of relaxed, understated luxury, guests can enjoy exceptional, unobstructed ocean views of the popular beachside. Inspired by the surrounding natural wonders and by the founder of the Haeundae namesake, HBA pays tribute to The Cloud Monk, a celebrated Korean Confucian scholar and poet. The design reflects the poets’ metaphysical philosophy on the balance of the four fundamental elements of life: water, sun, earth and air.
Signiel, Grand Deluxe Mipo Harbor View
- Daily Breakfast Included
Meet your driving guide at the lobby of your hotel in the morning and commence touring.
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.
Busan is famous for food, and the markets of Jagalchi & Gukje 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.
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.
Meet your driver at the lobby of your hotel in the morning and proceed by private transfer to Busan Station. The drive is about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
As you disembark the train, your guide will be waiting for you on the platform. Note: They know where you will be sitting, and from which car you will exit. If you don't immediately see them, please wait for any crowds to dissipate, before giving them a call.
Touring on arrival with a private driving guide.
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.
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.
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.
You may not have time for all of the above, and your guide will discuss options for the afternoon with you.
Ringed by verdant mountains and dotted with grand, historic palaces and modern, glass-and-steel structures, Seoul is a dynamic capital city that is both deeply traditional and forward-thinking. Simply look outside your room’s floor-to-ceiling windows, and you’ll see what we mean. Our contemporary Gwanghwamun Hotel brings the Four Seasons experience to Korea for the first time, inviting you to indulge in complete serenity at our urban Spa, take a dip in our year-round pool, or savor Cantonese cuisine at Yu Yuan, before toasting Asia's city that never sleeps over drinks at Charles H. or our new contemporary bar, OUL.
- Daily Breakfast Included
Jungsik
Location: 11 Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea. We can transfer you to the restaurant upon the conclusion of your tour.
Time: Early Evening
Confirmed For two guests
This reservation is confirmed for the vegetarian menu. Note that we have pre-paid a deposit, and only the balance would be due directly to the restaurant.
Upon conclusion of your meal, the restaurant will be able to arrange a taxi for you back to the Four Seasons.
Be sure to check out the speakeasy at Four Seasons which is called Charles H. A staff member can point you in the direction of the hidden doorway, which will lead you to one of Asia’s best bars.
Meet your driver in the hotel lobby in the early morning and proceed by private transfer to Incheon airport.
Thank you for allowing us to show you around this incredible country. We hope you enjoyed your time in The Land of the Morning Calm.
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