South Korea in a snapshot

Spend a full day with one of our private guide-and-driver teams, seeing the city's highlights. The imposing Gyeongbokgung Palace is a great starting point for exploring Korean architecture. Stop at the expansive Namdaemun Market for a spot of street food for lunch before exploring the village of Bukchon Hanok (made up of traditional Korean houses) and the lively area of Insa-dong.

Spend a long morning driving up to the DMZ at the border with North Korea. You’ll get an insight into the conflict that has spanned decades and continents.

In the morning, take the KTX bullet train across the country to Busan in the southeast. You’ll have the afternoon at leisure to either relax on Haeundae Beach or check out the street food market nearby.

Drive up north for an hour to the ancient capital of Gyeongju and visit its temples and historic sites. The history of the city is intriguing and tells the story of the Silla dynasty. It’s also a great place to learn how Buddhism, Confucianism and foreign influences have helped shape modern Korean society. The tour will end with an hour’s drive south to the city of Busan in the southeast.

Busan is often praised as having one of the most eye-catching cityscapes in Asia, so start your day at the top of the lofty Busan Tower to take in the views. Then, head down for some street food in Jagalchi and Bupyeong markets, which have contributed to Busan's reputation as the country's culinary capital.

You’ll have today at leisure to explore Busan. We recommend a visit to Gamcheon Culture Village which is made up of polychromatic houses spilling out onto the rolling hills that surround the city. We also suggest visiting Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, which is perched precariously over the cliffs looking out onto the Sea of Japan.

Take the KTX bullet train back to Seoul for a final day at leisure in the city.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport for your flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.