Escorted Group Tour: See the best of South Korea, from vibrant Seoul - the nation’s captivating capital and the intriguing Demilitarized Zone, to the cultural and historic sights of Andong and Gyeongju - the museum without walls.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Seoul
Sunday. Welcome to Seoul! Airport arrival transfer to our city centre hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Seoul
Seoul Sightseeing
Today we discover highlights of the nation’s charming capital on a guided tour. First stop is the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace which was once the main residence of the Joseon Dynasty and within the beautiful palace grounds we visit the National Folk Museum which focuses on Korean culture and history.
We continue on to Jogyesa Temple, the centre of Zen Buddhism in Korea and nearby Insadong, a lively antique alley, lined with art galleries, antique, craft and pottery shops, traditional restaurants and teahouses. We then take a stroll alongside Cheonggycheon Stream which runs serenely through the heart of downtown’s gleaming sky scrapers. Our final port of call is the lofty Seoul Tower on Mt. Namsa, which provides spectacular panoramic views of the city from its observatory.
Overnight: Seoul | Breakfast
The DMZ
Seoul - DMZ - Seoul. We take an exciting excursion to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) today, which is located 45km north of Seoul and acts as the buffer zone and border between the two nations of North and South Korea. Our private tour provides a fascinating insight into the events that resulted in Korea’s division and also includes a visit to Imjingak Park, built to commemorate those who lost their homes and families when Korea was divided and the 3rd North Korean Infiltration Tunnel. The tunnel, which is 1.5km in length and 150m below ground, was built with the intention of a surprise invasion by North Korea.
You’ll also have the chance to peek into the reclusive north
by visiting Dora Observatory situated on Mount Dora and visit Dorasan Station, once used for freight trains to travel between the South and the North. On the way back to Seoul the tour coach makes a stop at an amethyst or ginseng shop, for those who are interested.
Overnight: Seoul | Breakfast
Scenic Andong
Seoul - Andong. Leaving Seoul we travel south to Andong, the picturesque home of Korean Confucianism. On an afternoon tour we explore ancient UNESCO Listed Hahoe Village, where approximately 130 traditional houses of varying size and standard have been immaculately preserved by the same families for generations. We’ll also visit the Andong Folk Museum and the historic Dosansewon Confucian School, which was established in 1574.
Overnight: Andong | Breakfast
Gyeongju - Capital of Silla Kingdom
Andong - Gyeongju. Travelling south we reach historic Gyeongju - the ‘museum without walls,’ which was the capital of Silla Kingdom from 57BC to 935AD. This afternoon we visit Gyeongju National Museum which is home to countless treasures including the 23 ton Emille Bell cast in AD771. At Tumuli Park we see the incredible giant grass-covered burial mounds which house the Silla royal tombs and we take a stroll around scenic Anapji Pond where the Silla royal family spent their leisure. Another highlight of today’s touring is Cheomseongdae Observatory, one the world’s oldest astronomical observatories.
Overnight: Gyeongju | Breakfast
Bulguksa & Seokguram Temple
Gyeongju - Seoul. This morning we visit two magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Listed temples - Seokguram Grotto, one of Asia’s finest Buddhist shrines, which is dramatically located on the slopes of Toham Mountain and the beautiful temple of Bulguksa which was built in 528 during the Silla Dynasty. Depart for Seoul this afternoon and spend your final evening at leisure in the capital.
Overnight: Seoul | Breakfast
Seoul
Saturday. After breakfast and hotel check out, spend the remains of the day at leisure before your transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Breakfast
See more of South Korea
Want to see more of South Korea? Consider our 9 day Seoul Searching & Jeju private tour, taking in the capital, the DMZ, Gyeongju, Busan and the beautiful Jeju Island. Alternatively book this group tour and we can arrange a private extension to Jeju Island, or any other destinations you wish to visit. Please contact us for a quote.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates marked with a 'G' are guaranteed. All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travellers or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Four Points by Sheraton Josun Seoul Myeongdong, Seoul
Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Myeongdong is conveniently located in the centre of Seoul, within walking distance to the Gwangjang Market and the Bangsan Markets. Guest rooms are stylish and comfortable and provide free Wi-Fi. The on-site restaurant, Evolution, features Eastern and Western favorites and serves an incredible buffet breakfast.
CM Park Hotel, Andong
The CM Park Hotel is situated in the city of Andong in the southeast of South Korea, ideally located just a few km's away from Andong Hahoe Folk Village. Guest rooms are comfortable and equipped with air-conditioning and free wifi. Boasting a bar and terrace with views of the city, this makes for a great stay in Andong.
Commodore Hotel, Gyeongju
The Commodore in Gyeongju has a variety of rooms, from the traditional Korean On-dol to palatial suites. All rooms are air conditioned and equipped with a cable TV. The hotel itself also boasts a seasonal outdoor pool, extensive gardens, restaurant and karaoke facilities. The restaurant serves up a generous range of Korean, Japanese and European dishes, all of which are expertly prepared and utterly delicious. All rooms have mountain views. The Commodore is located in a glorious setting on the banks of the picturesque Bomun Lake.
Reviews
Travellers have rated this tour as 4.5 out of 5 based on 2 recent reviews
This was my first trip ever to South Korea and I was not disappointed. While much of our tour focused on history (back to the 6th and 7th centuries), we also got to see a lot of the new Korea. Because of the devastation caused during the Korean War, much of the construction within the country has been within the last 65 or so years. The airport in Seoul has to be one of the most modern in the world.
The trip is definitely "On The Go," and the ability to walk 5km in a day is not an understatement. Fortunately, my three travel companions and I were apparently in good enough shape to handle the extensive walking required. This is definitely a 4 out of walking stick figure active tour. As an aside, the tour of the cave in the DMZ was demanding, especially for anyone over about 5 feet 7 inches. The ceilings are low and there is a long walk down a steep incline to get into the cave and to get back out. We wore plastic helmets, which was good since I banged my head several times on the way down and back (I'm 6 feet 3 inches tall).
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and my three other traveling companions were good and equally able to keep up. Post script: My brother had been stationed in Korea in the US Army over 40 years ago so that along with the current interest in North and South Korea along with the DMZ were of particular interest to me personally.”
Hi Sarah, I just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time in South Korea. Our guide was really knowledgeable and very sweet, she really went out of her way to ensure that we enjoyed ourselves. I'm looking forward to planning our next trip with you in 2018. Thanks for all your help. ”
I had a really lovely holiday, the hotels were a good standard, the guides were really knowledgeable and the tour on whole was really interesting. Thanks for all your help with the booking. ”
I had a thoroughly good time in South Korea. The hotels were excellent and the itinerary was perfect for the relatively brief 7 days. There was a good balance between being guided and being left to ones own devices.
My guide was very friendly and accommodating and took great care in ensuring I was satisfied with the tour. So on the whole, I was extremely satisfied with my holiday. Many thanks!”
Mr Denny was excellent. He worked really hard and helped us find good vegetarian meals at lunch each day - not easy in Korea (we don't eat fish either).”
I just wanted to say thanks a lot for a great trip! South Korea is a really fascinating country and we loved Gyeongju. Our tour guide Kyungyi was very friendly and informative, she really made our trip! I will definitely be recommending On The Go and hope to travel with you again soon. Thanks again. ”
At a Glance
Hi Sarah, I just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time in South Korea. Our guide was really knowledgeable and very sweet, she really went out of her way to ensure that we enjoyed ourselves. I'm looking forward to planning our next trip with you in 2018. Thanks for all your help. ”
