Seoul & Gyeongju

Day 1: Arrive Seoul, Korea

Welcome to Korea, arrive at Incheon International Airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Seoul.

Originally the capital of the Chosun Dynasty, Seoul is Korea’s commercial, financial and political hub. You will be captivated by this vibrant city with its history, culture, colorful neighbourhoods, eclectic markets and diverse nightlife.

Each district in Seoul has its own personality. For shopping and food visit Myeondong or Dongdaemun which is full of outdoor food stalls and shopping. If you enjoy art and history, you will love the local galleries and the Gyeongbokgung Palace located in the Insadong neighbourhood. Nightlife and vibrate evening dining can be found in the Itaewon area, or for karaoke and buskers check out the Hongdae neighbourhood.

Day 2: Seoul City Sightseeing

This morning, enjoy a city tour of Seoul including the famous Gyeongbok Palace- the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty built in 1394, the National Folk Museum- replicas of historic objects to illustrate the history of traditional life of the Korean people, The Blue House- Presidential Residence, Jogyesa Temple – the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. You will also visit the Insadong Alley, Secret Garden and South Gate open market.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3: Seoul to Gyeongju

Depart Seoul today by express train or motorcoach to Gyeongju, the spiritual and cultural capital of Korea. Gyeongju served as the capital of the Shilla Kingdom, which united the peninsula in 676 AD. Designated by UNESCO as one of the world’s ten most historic sites, it is known as the “Museum Without Walls.”

This afternoon you will see the sights of this historic city including Cheonma Tumuli Park, Gyeongju National Museum, Cheomsungdae Astronomical Observatory Tower and Anapji Pond.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4: Gyeongju to Seoul

This morning you will visit Seokguram Grotto, a monumental Buddhist cave temple established in the 8th century on the slopes of Mount Tohamsan.  See the statue of the Buddha in a circular chamber under a stone dome looking at the sea. The grotto including surrounding portrayals of gods, Bodhisattvas and disciples are widely renowned as a masterpiece of Buddhist art and architecture. The Temple of Bulguksa (built in 774), encompasses six national treasures of South Korea, including stone pagodas, Blue Cloud Bridge) and two statues of Buddha.

Return to Seoul by express train or motor coach.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 5: Depart Seoul, Korea

Depart Seoul and Korea today, your day is free until you transfer to Incheon International Airport for your onward journey.
Meals included: Breakfast

Want to explore more of Seoul or South Korea?  Check out some of our other suggested itineraries:

Flexible Vacation packages

Seoul Stopover – 3 days
Heart of Seoul – 5 days
Best of South Korea – 11 Days

Guided Tours:

South Korea Adventure – 9 Days