South Korea Active Explorer

Explore the Peaks, Palaces & Coastal Trails of South Korea

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new Tailor-Made Tour

  • Duration13 Days
  • Flights IncludedYes
  • Prices From £ 7,495

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  Places Visited : UK - Seoul - Gangneung - Sokcho (Seoraksan) - Gyeongju - Busan - Seoul - UK

Designed for travellers who like to earn their views, this active journey stitches together Korea’s great outdoors with headline culture.

In Seoul, stroll the grand palaces and a serene temple before an early excursion to the DMZ for context on the peninsula’s divided history. Swap city streets for riverside bike paths along the Han, then lace up in Bukhansan National Park for a summit panorama. Speed east by KTX to Gangneung and continue to Sokcho for coastal cycling to Abai Village; hike Seoraksan’s granite peaks the next day, with time for a contemplative temple visit.

Trace the scenic coast to Gyeongju, heart of Unified Silla, for a relaxed city cycle among royal tumuli and lantern-lit ponds, plus a hike linking Bulguksa and Seokguram (UNESCO). Conclude in Busan with a cliffside walk on the Igidae Trail, seafood markets and a night cruise beneath the glittering Diamond Bridge, before the KTX whisks you back to Seoul.

Remember, this trip can be personalised to suit your travel needs - we can tailor everything from hotel, travel type, duration and more.

Suggested itinerary

Day 1
UK - Seoul

Fly to Seoul, excited for the journey ahead.

Day 2
Seoul

Arrival and settling in.

Arrive at Incheon Airport where you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Seoul. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey and get your first glimpse of the city’s atmosphere.

Day 3
Seoul

Historic and cultural highlights of the capital.

Explore Seoul’s rich heritage, beginning with Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grand seat of the Joseon dynasty. Continue to Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional homes line narrow alleys. Wander through Insadong’s cultural streets and visit Jogyesa Temple before sampling local flavours at Gwangjang Market.

Day 4
Seoul - Paju

Visit to the Korean Demilitarised Zone.

Travel north to the DMZ, one of the most politically significant borders in the world. Visit the exhibition hall and theatre, descend into the 3rd Tunnel, and take in views towards North Korea from Dora Observatory. Enjoy time at Imjingak Park before returning to Seoul.

Day 5
Seoul - Sokcho

Journey to the east coast.

Depart Seoul for Sokcho, a coastal gateway to the mountains. Visit the Sokcho City Museum and explore Abai Village, known for its North Korean refugee heritage. Check in and enjoy the relaxed seaside setting.

Day 6
Seoraksan National Park

Mountain landscapes and temples.

Spend the day in Seoraksan National Park, one of Korea’s most beautiful natural areas. Take a cable car or hike among dramatic peaks, visit Shinheungsa Temple, and unwind with a traditional foot bath at Cheoksan Hot Springs.

Day 7
Sokcho to Gangneung

Coastal temples and café culture.

Travel south to Gangneung. Visit the scenic Naksansa Temple overlooking the sea, then explore Ojukheon House, a historic residence. End the day along Anmok Café Street, famous for its oceanfront coffee spots.

Day 8
Gangneung to Gyeongju

Into Korea’s ancient capital.

Journey inland to Gyeongju, once the capital of the Silla Kingdom. Visit Yangdong Hanok Village, stroll the trendy Hwangridan-gil district, and explore Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, especially atmospheric in the evening.

Day 9
Gyeongju

UNESCO heritage and royal history.

Discover Gyeongju’s historic treasures, including Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto. Walk among ancient burial mounds at Daereungwon Tumuli Park, see Cheomseongdae Observatory, and visit the Gyeongju National Museum.

Day 10
Gyeongju - Busan

High-speed rail to Korea’s second city.

Take the KTX train to Busan. On arrival, explore the colourful hillside streets of Gamcheon Cultural Village, then dive into local life at Jagalchi Fish Market and Gukje Market before settling into your hotel.

Day 11
Busan

Coastline, temples and scenic trails.

Visit the dramatic seaside Haedong Yonggungsa, then ride the coastal train at Haeundae Blueline Park. Relax at Haeundae Beach and finish with a walk along the Igidae Cliff Trail, offering sweeping ocean views.

Day 12
Busan - Seoul

Return to the capital

Travel back to Seoul by KTX. Spend the afternoon cycling along Yeouido Han River Park and take the cable car up to N Seoul Tower for panoramic city views.

Day 13
Jeju/Seoul - UK

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure. Board your flight out of Jeju/Seoul flight to connect with your international flight home, marking the end of your South Korea journey.

What's Included

✓   International flights from London
✓   11 nights accommodation (3*-4*)
✓   All internal transportation and transfers
✓   English-speaking guides
✓   Breakfast daily
✓   Entrance fees to sites and monuments listed in tour itinerary

flight

International flights from UK

apartment

Accommodations Included

Private English-speaking guides

Private English-speaking guides

fork_spoon

Breakfast daily

commute

All road travel and transfers using private, chauffeur-driven vehicles

currency_exchange

Entrance fees to sites and monuments listed in tour itinerary

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