Seoul to Gyeongju

On arrival at Seoul Incheon Airport, we are met by private vehicle and transferred to our hotel. Your tour leader will help you settle in before we gather for welcome drinks in the evening – geonbae.

We explore Seoul on foot with your tour leader. We begin at Gyeongbok Palace, the principal palace of the Joseon dynasty, before continuing to the National Folk Museum, where we learn about traditional Korean life – from birth to funeral rites, education to clothing.

Later, we visit Rakkojae Culture Lounge for a traditional liquor experience. Inside a restored hanok, a Korean liquor sommelier introduces five regional drinks and the stories behind them. We wander through the narrow lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village, then end the day with a group dinner at a local restaurant focused on seasonal, organic ingredients.

Today we meet one of our Seoul tour guides, who will show us a different side of the city – combining favourite local spots with alternative takes on well-known sights.

In the evening, we experience Korean barbecue. Sitting around the grill, sharing dishes and banchan, we learn the customs of dining – from chopstick etiquette to pouring drinks for others. Afterwards, we explore Seoul’s bar scene. Guided by your tour leader, we visit a trending bar where we create our own cocktails with a mixologist before enjoying the city at night.

Seoul - Gangneung. We take the KTX high-speed train to the east coast, travelling luggage-free thanks to the forwarding service. Known as the ‘City of Pine’, Gangneung is also the birthplace of Confucian scholar Yi I and artist Shin Saimdang.

We begin with lunch at Chodang Tofu Village, known for its fresh seawater tofu. Later, we visit the ARTE Museum, an immersive digital art space with large-scale installations. The evening is free – you might stroll along Anmok Beach or dine at a local seafood restaurant.

We start at Haslla Art World, a creative space combining contemporary art, sculpture gardens and coastal views.

In the afternoon, we visit a distillery producing soju since 1926 using spring water from the Daegwallyeong mountains. We learn about its production and sample different varieties, paired with local anju snacks.

Gangneung - Gyeongju. We travel by KTX to Gyeongju, often called ‘the museum without walls’. With our local guide, we visit Bulguksa Temple and the Gyeongju National Museum, home to artefacts including the eighth-century Emile Bell and ancient gold crowns.

In the evening, we enjoy a traditional fine-dining experience in a hanok, with recipes passed down through generations. Afterwards, we revisit key historical sites, softly lit at night.

Gyeongju - Busan. We begin at the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, including Cheonmachong – the ‘Tomb of the Heavenly Horse’. We then travel by private coach to Sayuwon Gardens, a peaceful forest setting featuring works by leading architects and artists.

We have lunch here, followed by tea accompanied by a live gayageum performance. We then continue to Busan for check-in.

We visit Haedong Yonggungsa, a coastal temple dating to 1376, known for its dramatic setting. After time to explore, we return to Haeundae.

In the afternoon, we head to F1963, a former factory turned cultural space, for a guided visit. There is time to explore its galleries, gardens and café. In the evening, we enjoy a signature dinner at the Park Hyatt Dining Room overlooking Busan Bay.

Today is free. You might visit Gamcheon Culture Village or Jagalchi Fish Market, take the Haeundae Beach Train, relax by the sea, or visit Spa Land. Your tour leader can help plan your day.

Busan - Gwangju. We travel by private coach to Hwaeomsa Temple, a serene Buddhist site originally founded in the sixth century and later rebuilt after the Japanese invasions.

After lunch, we continue to Sunchang to meet master potter Kwon Un-Ju. With over 35 years of experience, he shares his craft as we try the pottery wheel and explore his workshop. We then continue to Gwangju for check-in.

With our local guide, we explore Gwangju’s modern history, including the May 18 Memorial Park, which commemorates the Gwangju Uprising. We continue to Yangnim-dong History and Culture Village and Penguin Village, a creative community space.

The afternoon is free – you might explore cafés, shops or local breweries.

Gwangju - Yeongam - Gwangju. We travel into rural Yeongam with your tour leader. At the base of Wolchulsan Mountain, we take part in an indigo dyeing workshop with Master Lee Hye-sook, learning traditional techniques using natural materials grown on site.

We have lunch at a hanok café before continuing to Gangjin, home of Korea’s first tea brand, Baegunokpancha. Here, we make fermented tea, walk through the fields and enjoy a tasting with traditional sweets.

Gwangju - Seoul. We return to Seoul by KTX, with luggage forwarded ahead. On arrival, we unwind with a spa experience at Sulwhasoo Spa.

In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner at Ryunique in Gangnam, where modern Korean cuisine is presented with a focus on seasonal ingredients and storytelling. We stay at the Sofitel Ambassador Seoul, overlooking Seokchon Lake and Lotte World Tower.

We are transferred by private vehicle to the airport for departure.