7-Nights Classic Korea: Seoul, Gyeongju & Busan from $4,695

Goway Travel

OFFER ID 1722500

Experience Korea’s rich heritage and modern spirit on this independent journey from vibrant Seoul to historic Gyeongju and coastal Busan, with temples, markets and more.

Trip Overview:

Experience South Korea through a journey that moves between the pulse of its cities and the tranquillity of its ancient heritage. Begin in Seoul, where grand palaces and centuries-old markets share the skyline with sleek towers and digital art. Delve into the city’s living history at Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insadong, then stand on the edge of one of the world’s most guarded borders at the DMZ.

From Seoul, speed south by KTX train to Andong, a cradle of Confucian culture. Here, the rhythm slows among traditional villages and clifftop viewpoints. Continue to Gyeongju, once the glittering heart of the Silla dynasty. Discover hillside tombs, sacred grottos and temple complexes that still radiate spiritual calm.

End your trip in seaside Busan, where mountains meet the sea in dramatic fashion. Explore cliffside temples, cable car views, bustling fish markets and artsy hilltop villages. Along the way, thoughtful local guides, scenic walks and hearty meals deepen your sense of connection to this vibrant and layered land.

With its balance of cultural discovery, scenic beauty and urban exploration, this itinerary offers a compelling introduction to South Korea’s timeless allure.

Highlights:

Wander through Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace and explore the traditional charm of Bukchon Hanok Village.
Discover Gyeongju’s ancient wonders, from royal tombs and observatories to serene Anapji Pond.
Marvel at the artistry of Bulguksa Temple and the sacred calm of Seokguram Grotto.
Journey to Busan, pausing at the grand Tongdosa Temple before exploring lively markets and coastal views.
Stroll along Haeundae Beach and reflect at the tranquil UN Memorial Cemetery before returning to Seoul.

Included Services:

Meet-and-greet and private airport arrival transfer in Seoul
3 nights premium accommodations in Seoul
2 nights premium accommodations in Gyeongju
2 nights premium accommodations in Busan
Private-guided tours in Seoul, Andong, Gyeongju and Busan as per itinerary
Local transportation for Seoul and Busan tours
Shared join-in group tour to the DMZ (max. 40 passengers)
Private overland vehicle travel from Andong to Gyeongju as per itinerary
KTX Express Train Ticket (2nd class) from Seoul to Andong / Gyeongju to Busan
All applicable entrance fees as per itinerary
Breakfast daily (excluding Day 1), 4 Lunches

Excluded Services:

Travel insurance
International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
Gratuities
Optional excursions
Items of a personal nature
Passport & Visa fees, if applicable

7 nights from $4,695 per person

Itinerary

Click here for Full Itinerary Details

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Seoul

On arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be met by an assistant in the arrival lobby after you exit the security zone. Then you will be escorted to your private vehicle to transfer to your hotel. The assistant will say goodbye once you board the vehicle. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a harmonious blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge innovation. As a sprawling metropolis, it boasts historic palaces, bustling markets, futuristic architecture and a vibrant arts scene, making it a cultural, technological and historical hub in East Asia.

Hotel: Amid Hotel Seoul (4 Star Rating)

AMID Hotel Seoul offers a comfortable stay in the heart of central Seoul, ideally located near the vibrant streets of Insadong, the shopping district of Myeongdong, and many of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks and major subway lines. Guests can enjoy well-designed rooms with essential comforts, along with convenient hotel facilities including a fitness center and on-site dining. The hotel provides an excellent base for exploring Seoul.

Day 2: Seoul City Tour

Meet the guide in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 and begin the urban exploration by visiting Gwanghwamun Plaza, a grand open space located in the heart of Seoul.

The plaza is home to the iconic statues of King Sejong, the creator of the Koreannalphabet, and Admiral Yi Sun-Sin, a national hero famed for his victories during the Japanese invasions. These statues serve as symbols of Korea’s rich history and offer a

fitting introduction to the nation's past.

From the plaza, proceed to Gwanghwamun Gate, the main entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace. This majestic gate once served as the passageway for the kings of the Joseon Dynasty.

At Gwanghwamun, the Changing of the Guard Ceremony can be witnessed, a centuries-old tradition that continues to be performed. The ceremony provides a beautiful insight into Korea's royal heritage and offers a fascinating glimpse into the

nation’s culture and history.

Next, explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul’s five grand palaces. Time can be spent exploring the palace’s stunning architecture and tranquil gardens. For those interested in a deeper understanding of Korea’s cultural history, the National Folk Museum, located next to the palace grounds, offers a wealth of knowledge.

Enjoy a delicious lunch, trying some local Korean specialties.

From here, take a short walk to Insadong, a renowned street famous for its traditional Korean crafts, tea houses, and art galleries. The area provides an excellent opportunity to discover unique souvenirs and immerse in Seoul’s cultural scene.

Afterwards, make a stop at Jogyesa Temple, the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. This serene Buddhist temple, with its striking architecture and peaceful atmosphere, offers a tranquil break in the heart of the city. It’s a wonderful spot to relax, reflect, and take in the calm surroundings.

Finish the city tour at Gwangjwang market, a bustling haven for Korean street food lovers. Try local favorites like mayak gimbap, bindaetteok, and tteokbokki in an energetic, authentic atmosphere.

Hotel: Amid Hotel Seoul (4 Star Rating)

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Full Day DMZ Excursion

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide for a shared tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This border barrier between South and North Korea is steeped in history and intrigue. Spend time exploring the various sites and exhibitions at the DMZ including Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park, the DMZ Museum and the Dora Observatory. Return to Seoul, where you will be dropped off at City Hall. Your guide can provide instructions or directions to return to your hotel.

Hotel: Amid Hotel Seoul (4 Star Rating)

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 4: Seoul to Andong & Gyeongju

This morning, transfer to the train station to take the high speed KTX train to Andong. The journey takes approximately 2 hours (no guide on the train). Andong is considered the spiritual and cultural heart of South Korea, known for its preservation of traditional Korean culture, customs, and architecture.

Upon arrival in Andong, meet your guide at the train station and begin your sightseeing tour with a visit to Hahoe Folk Village and the scenic Buyongdae Cliff that offers stunning views of Hahoe Village, the Nakdonggang River and surrounding mountains. The walk to the cliff takes about 30 minutes and is relatively easy. Then it's time to explore the village and surroundings. Hahoe Village is known for its well-preserved Joseon Dynasty architecture, including its thatched-roof houses and tile-roofed mansions. Continue to the Hahoe World Mask Museum which is home to a collection of over 800 masks from over 50 countries. The masks are displayed in five exhibition halls, each of which focuses on a different region or culture.

After lunch, continue sightseeing in Andong with a visit to Byeongsan-seowon Confucian Academy which was established in the mid-16th century during the Joseon Dynasty. The academy is renowned for its stunning architectural design and the harmony between the buildings and the natural landscape.

Then transfer by private vehicle to Gyeongju, a 2-hour overland journey. Gyeongju was once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, and is a historical treasure trove, brimming with palaces, temples, and tombs.

Hotel: Gyeongju GG Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Gyeongju GG Hotel enjoys a convenient city-center location in Gyeongju, close to historic sites, local dining, and cultural attractions. The hotel offers a comfortable stay with access to facilities such as an on-site restaurant, spa, and fitness centre, making it a great base for exploring the area. Guests can unwind after sightseeing and enjoy the hotel’s welcoming atmosphere in this heritage-rich destination.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Exploring Gyeongju

After breakfast, visit Bulguksa Temple complex, one of the most famous and important Buddhist temples in Korea. The temple was first built during the Silla Dynasty and destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasions of Korea in the 16th century. It was rebuilt in the 17th century. Next stop is Seokguram Grotto located about 3 km away. The grotto is part of the Bulguksa temple complex and consists of a stone Buddha statue in a central chamber surrounded by a corridor.

This afternoon visit the Gyeongju National Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts, relics, and royal treasures. The museum features a comprehensive insight into the art, culture, and history of the Silla dynasty. Also visit the Daereungwon tomb complex (Tumuli Park) to take a stroll and pay respects to the Silla rulers. Take a closer look at the Cheonmachong Tomb which consists of a wooden coffin placed inside an underground chamber mounded with boulders and earth, characterized as a typical upper-class tomb of the Silla period.

This evening take a walk to Woljeong Bridge, and the historical "gateway" connecting the royal palaces of Silla to the south, on the Namcheon stream. End the walk at the Wolji pond, an artificial pond located in Gyeongju National Park that was part of the palace complex of ancient Silla.

Hotel: Gyeongju GG Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Gyeongju to Busan

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Gyeongju Station on your own to take a late morning train to Busan (train tickets will be provided). The train time is approx. 35 mins.

Upon arrival in Busan, a private transfer from the station to your hotel will be arranged, where luggage can be stored. Then meet your guide and begin exploring Busan together using public transportation.

The tour starts with a visit to Gwangalli Beach, one of Busan’s iconic landmarks, ideal for souvenir photos and a refreshing drink overlooking the coastline.

Continue to Dongbaekseom Island (Island of Camellias), located at the western end of the famous Haeundae Beach. Follow the scenic coastal trail along the raised wooden deck, surrounded by forest and sea views.

Next, head towards Dalmaji Hill, renowned for its panoramic views of Haeundae Beach and as one of the best sunset spots in Busan. The 30-minute walk reveals an artistic atmosphere with numerous galleries and boutiques along the way. At the summit, enjoy sweeping views of the ocean and the city.

After the visit, transfer back to the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Hotel: Ramada Encore by Wyndham Busan Haeundae (4 Star Rating)

Ramada Encore Haeundae is Wyndham's global brand hotel with the world's largest hotels.

Located right in front of Haeundae Station (Busan Line 2), Ramada Encore Haeundae provides the most comfortable travel experience for guests visiting both the beach and the city of Haeundae. Haeundae Beach is a 500-meter walk from the beautiful sea, and you can easily find a variety of foods that give you a taste of Busan. Located 10 minutes away from the hotel, BEXCO is also easily accessible by public transport, making it a great location for those visiting Haeundae for business.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 7: Busan City Tour

After Breakfast, meet the guide in the hotel lobby and start today with The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, a significant and poignant site commemorating the Korean War. Visiting the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan is not only a way to pay respects to the fallen soldiers but also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the history.

Next, head to Jagalchi Fish Market, South Korea’s largest seafood market, offering a great opportunity to experience the city’s unique seafood culture.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterwards, stop by BIFF Street (Busan International Film Festival Street) and sample local treats such as seeds hotteok, a popular Busan specialty.

Continue to the colorful Gamcheon Cultural Village, known for the houses built in a tightly-knit fashion on the hillside, giving it the unique appearance. Originally, the area was with substandard living conditions, and settled by refugees fleeing from the Korean War.

Then, it’s time to sit back and relax on a cable car for a 1.62km journey (15-20 mins) across the ocean at a height of 86m. With the cable car traveling in the middle of the sea, enjoy panoramic views of Songdo Beach, Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, Namhangdaegyo Bridge, Songdo Coastal Dullegil Road and rock cliffs.

Hop out of the cable car, follow the signs and head to Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge which connects Amnam Park to the small uninhabited island of Dongseom Island. Take in the 360 degree views of the ocean, cliffs and surrounding islands.

Hotel: Ramada Encore by Wyndham Busan Haeundae (4 Star Rating)

Ramada Encore Haeundae is Wyndham's global brand hotel with the world's largest hotels.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Depart from Busan

Enjoy time at leisure until your hotel check out and transfer to the airport in Busan for your departure flight, your driver (no guide) will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport. You may have to fly to Seoul to connect with your onward flight.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Pusan (Busan)

Gyeongju

If your schedule permits stopping at only one city other than Seoul, that city should be Gyeongju, 165 mi/265 km southeast of Seoul. It was the capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC-AD 935) and has a high concentration of temples, statuary and burial mounds, as well as an excellent historical museum.

One of the highlights of your visit will be a walk through Tumuli Park, where you'll stroll among the burial mounds of 20 kings, some several stories high and looking more like hills covered with soft green grass than the royal tombs that they are. (Oddly enough, the park was only dedicated in the 1970s. Before that, the area was residential.) Just a few have been excavated, and the interior of only one is open to the public. Inside, an exhibit re-creates what it looked like when the mound was first explored, and some of the original contents are on display. Most of the finds, however, are exhibited in the Gyeongju National Museum, along with other artifacts from Gyeongju's golden age.

Outside of town is Bulguk Temple, one of the most beautiful temples in the country. It's a large complex with wonderful architecture, pagodas and statuary. There are other temples and mounds near Gyeongju (some have larger-than-life stone soldiers and bureaucrats to guard and guide the departed kings in the afterlife) as well as the Seogbinggo (where ice was kept long before refrigeration), Anapji Pond (a part of the royal pleasure garden), a very early star-gazing tower and other relics.

Also within easy driving distance are the Seokguram Grotto (containing an exquisite stone Buddha image surrounded by friezes) and the Poseokjeong Pavilion. In the mountains surrounding the city are thousands of Buddhist temples, inscriptions and pagodas (the roads to some are impassable without a four-wheel-drive vehicle). You could spend weeks driving around, but two or three days will give most travelers a taste of the area.

One other nearby attraction merits mention, though it is difficult to get to: the underwater tomb of King Munmu (AD 661-681). The tomb is submerged in shallow water in the middle of a little island about 300 ft/90 m offshore. Legends say that King Munmu asked to be buried there so he could return as a dragon to protect his people from invasion. Visitors must bargain with a local boat owner to get to the tomb.

If time permits, visit the village of Yangdong, just south of Pohang. Ignored by most tourists, the village seems immune to all forms of modernization.

Seoul

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

10/01/2026 - 12/31/2028

from $4,695 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $4,695 per person

Length

7 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Deluxe

Remarks

Pricing is dynamic and subject to change based on specific travel dates, room categories and availability. Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travelers are available on request - please inquire with your Travel Advisor.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1722500

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