Self-guided ancient and modern Korea

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is a free day for you to continue discovering Busan. Whether you’d like to relax after several active days or want to maximise your adventure, it’s up to you! We suggest you check out the Haeundae Beach, open to the public year-round, or head to the popular Haedong Yonggungsa Temple located in the outskirts of Busan. It’s easy to combine these activities in a single day! Overnight stay in Busan.

Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer to the station for your high-speed train to Gyeongju, once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla. Meet up with the rest of the group and stop at the hotel to drop off your luggage. It’s time to head out for your city tour! Begin your visit to the enchanting Bulguksa Temple, which sits on a mountain slope overlooking the city. As a head temple for the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, Bulguksa is home to a number of national treasures including the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas. After the visit, head to Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Sea of Japan. Constructed between the years 742-765, this ancient hermitage is home to some of the most incredible Buddhist sculptures in the world. End the day at your hotel in Gyeongju and enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Gyeongju.

Important note: For small groups, transfers will be via public transport, while larger groups will use a private vehicle.

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue getting to know Gyeongju with a day to spend here at your leisure. As a seat of royal power with centuries of history, Gyeongju offers tons to discover! Highlights to check out include the Gyeongju National Museum, conveniently located next to the Royal Tomb Complex and the Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (constructed in 674 CE). Overnight stay in Gyeongju.

Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer to the train station for your high-speed train journey back to Seoul–this trip will take about 3 hours. On arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day on your own exploring the city. Seoul is a shopper’s paradise, with districts like Gangnam offering the latest in unique Korean fashion in addition to all the major international brands. Overnight stay in Seoul.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy another day at your leisure to explore the sights and sounds of sensational Seoul. If you haven't already, be sure to sample the street food on offer at Gwangjang Market, one of the largest and oldest street food markets in the city. Alternatively, why not take an optional excursion to the historic DMZ for an insight into Korean history and the impact of past events on modern South Korea.* Overnight stay in Seoul.

*Optional DMZ Excursion: Today you depart on an exciting trip to the famous Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. The first stop of the day is Imjingak Park, home to many monuments and memorials of the Korean War. Continue to the Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and the DMZ Theatre. After that, climb the Dora Observatory, which grants views across the DMZ and even into North Korean territory (with the help of binoculars!). See Dorasan Station, which once served both North and South Korea and pass by the unification village before returning to Seoul, with the tour ending at the city hall.

Important note: To avoid queues during peak visit days, the excursion starting time might be moved to 6-7AM, in which case you will be previously notified. In this event, you won't be able to enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Also, it is mandatory to take your passport with you on this excursion.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is another free day to spend in Seoul, sightseeing at your own pace. For fantastic views of the city, we recommend paying a visit to Namsan Seoul Tower, especially at sunset. We recommend an optional excursion to Nami Island & Petite France to visit two of Seoul's most popular attractions.* Overnight stay in Seoul.

*Optional Nami Island & Petite France Excursion: Explore outside the capital today as you head to Petite France, a French-inspired theme park situated in Gapyeong County. This charming, yet quirky attraction, is bursting with photo opportunities as you explore the surprisingly convincing French-style village and its many attractions. Stop for lunch and next, continue to world-famous Nami Island, a half-moon river island in Chuncheon famed for its beautiful trees and tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy strolling among the natural landscapes and, depending on the time of year, admire the beautiful spring or fall foliage! Return to Seoul and end the tour at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the UK/Ireland. Night on board.

*Depending on your flight departure time, you might not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.