Classic South Korea Tour – 8 Days (Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan)

Overview:

This 8-day tour provides a perfect blend of South Korea’s rich history, modern vibrancy, and natural beauty. Explore Seoul, the dynamic capital, with its mix of ancient palaces and skyscrapers; visit Gyeongju, a city that serves as a window into Korea’s ancient Silla dynasty; and experience the coastal charm of Busan, with its stunning beaches and vibrant markets. This tour is ideal for those seeking to immerse themselves in both South Korea’s traditions and modern attractions.

Itinerary Summary

Day	Place	Highlights
1	Arrival in Seoul	Arrival and leisure time
2	Seoul	Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village
3	Seoul	Explore N Seoul Tower, Myeongdong Shopping Street
4	Seoul to Gyeongju	Travel to Gyeongju, visit Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto
5	Gyeongju	Explore Anapji Pond, Cheomseongdae Observatory
6	Gyeongju to Busan	Travel to Busan, visit Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach
7	Busan	Visit Jagalchi Fish Market, Gamcheon Culture Village
8	Departure from Busan	Free time for leisure, transfer to Gimhae International Airport

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Seoul

Arrive in Seoul, South Korea's capital, and transfer to your hotel.
Spend the afternoon exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most iconic of Seoul's five grand palaces. Visit the National Folk Museum to learn about traditional Korean life.
Stroll through the Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can see traditional Korean homes (hanok) amidst the modern cityscape.
Evening at leisure with the option to visit Insadong, a vibrant cultural district known for its traditional tea houses, galleries, and shops.

Day 2: Seoul

Start the day by visiting the Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful Secret Garden.
Explore Myeongdong, a bustling shopping area where you can find local boutiques, street food, and skincare shops.
Visit the N Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city.
Experience the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a futuristic landmark combining culture, design, and fashion.
Enjoy an evening stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a peaceful, beautifully restored waterway in the heart of Seoul.

Day 3: Seoul to Gyeongju

Travel to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty, which is often referred to as the “museum without walls.”

Visit the Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples.
Explore the Seokguram Grotto, a Buddhist cave temple with a stunning statue of the Buddha.
Walk around Anapji Pond, a picturesque artificial pond that dates back to the Silla period, and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Evening at leisure to explore Gyeongju's vibrant night markets or relax.

Day 4: Gyeongju to Busan

Continue your exploration of Gyeongju with a visit to the Tumuli Park, where you can see the royal tombs of the Silla kings.
In the afternoon, travel to Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city located on the southeastern coast.
Visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a beautiful seaside temple offering dramatic views of the ocean.
Explore the lively Haeundae Beach, known for its long sandy shore and vibrant nightlife.
Spend the evening at Gwangalli Beach, with its stunning views of the Gwangan Bridge, especially beautiful at night when it is illuminated.

Day 5: Busan

Visit the Gamcheon Culture Village, a colorful hillside village known for its brightly painted houses and artistic community.
Explore the Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood market, where you can sample fresh seafood.
Visit the Beomeosa Temple, a peaceful mountain temple that offers an escape from the city’s bustle.
In the evening, relax at Busan Tower, located in Yongdusan Park, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city and the ocean.

Day 6: Busan to Seoul

Return to Seoul in the morning.
Spend the afternoon at Dongdaemun, one of the largest shopping districts in Seoul, where you can shop for traditional and modern goods.
Visit the National Museum of Korea, which showcases a vast collection of Korean artifacts and historical treasures.
Enjoy an evening at Hongdae, Seoul's trendy university district, known for its vibrant arts scene, street performances, and nightlife.

Day 7: Seoul – Day Trip to DMZ

Take a day trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the border area separating North and South Korea. Visit key sites such as the Third Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and Dorasan Station, which was once a symbolic station for potential reunification.
Return to Seoul in the afternoon and enjoy a free evening. You can visit the Korean War Memorial or explore Gangnam, Seoul’s upscale shopping and entertainment district.

Day 8: Departure from Seoul

Enjoy your last morning in Seoul with some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Depending on your flight time, you can visit the Noryangjin Fish Market or explore the Lotte World Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world, offering spectacular views from its observation deck.
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.