9-day tour of South Korea

Welcome to South Korea! Upon arrival in Seoul, our staff will greet you and transfer you comfortably to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day free to begin exploring this vibrant metropolis at your own pace, immersing yourself in the unique blend of modernity and tradition that defines the South Korean capital.

In the afternoon, you will receive all the necessary information to start your tour, including schedules, excursion details, and useful travel tips.

Greca Tip: We recommend taking a walk around Myeongdong, one of Seoul’s liveliest neighborhoods—perfect for a first taste of local culture, with shops, street food, and a vibrant atmosphere.

We will begin the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before departing early to the Cheorwon region, home to one of the most iconic sections of the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone that marks the historic border between North and South Korea.

In the morning, we will explore the Second Tunnel, secretly excavated by the North Korean army and discovered in 1975—a silent witness to the tensions that shaped the peninsula. Next, we will visit the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, offering panoramic views of the DMZ and the first villages of North Korea. Inside, a small museum brings to life the stories and photographs of the Korean War.

Our visit continues with the disused Woljeong-ri train station and the Baek Ma Battle Memorial, honoring the courage of a French UN battalion during the conflict. Before returning to Seoul, we will enjoy an included lunch and visit a local producer of Makgeolli, the traditional Korean rice liquor.

In the afternoon, we will stroll past Seoul City Hall, an architectural marvel shaped like a tsunami wave, and discover the nearby Deoksugung Palace, where tradition and modernity coexist gracefully. The day concludes in the bustling Myeongdong district, with its lively streets, shops, and included dinner, before returning to the hotel by Seoul’s modern metro.

Greca Tip: While exploring Myeongdong, savor local street treats like tteokbokki and hotteok—an authentic and delicious way to end a truly unforgettable day in Seoul.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will dedicate the day to a complete five-hour tour of the South Korean capital. Our journey begins at Changdeokgung Palace, a complex of palaces surrounded by a vast park declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can admire traditional Korean architecture at its finest.

Next, we will stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic neighborhood that preserves small traditional wooden houses known as hanok. We will then visit the War Memorial, an impressive museum that tells the story of the major conflicts experienced by Korea throughout its history, with special emphasis on the Korean War and the participation of soldiers from various countries under the United Nations.

We will enjoy lunch included at a local restaurant before heading to the modern Gangnam District, one of the liveliest areas of Seoul, famous for its shopping centers, luxury stores, and vibrant urban life. Finally, we will stop at the imposing Lotte World Tower, a 550-meter-high skyscraper where you will have free time to go up to its observation deck (entrance not included) or stroll through the park and the exclusive shopping malls surrounding it.

Return to the hotel and free time to rest or continue exploring the city on your own.

Greca Tip: If you decide to go up the Lotte World Tower, don’t miss the sunset; the panoramic views of Seoul lighting up are truly unforgettable.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will begin the day immersed in the history of Seoul with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, a magnificent complex that has stood for over 600 years. If our timing is right, we will witness the traditional changing of the guard ceremony, a vibrant display of color, precision, and symbolism that evokes the grandeur of the Joseon dynasty.

By late morning, we will travel south to Suwon, the former capital of Korea, renowned for its impressive fortress walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will walk along these fortified walls, marveling at the watchtowers and defensive structures, before exploring Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace where kings once sought refuge and respite, an elegant reminder of royal life.

After enjoying an included lunch, our journey continues to Jeonju, where we will wander through the enchanting Hanok Village, its narrow streets lined with traditional houses, craft workshops, and art galleries that immerse us in the living culture of Korea.

Greca Tip: Don’t miss tasting bibimbap, Jeonju’s signature dish of rice, vegetables, and egg; its local rendition is considered the finest in the country and a must-try culinary delight.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for Sunchang Gochujang Village, nestled at the foot of Amisan Mountain. This charming village, with its traditional hanok houses and courtyards filled with clay jars known as hang-a-ri, is home to skilled artisans who create gochujang (Korean chili paste) using centuries-old techniques. We will have the unique opportunity to learn the art of preparing this iconic sauce.

Next, we will journey to Damyang to explore the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, whose meandering paths have been declared the most beautiful in Korea—perfect for quiet reflection amid the gentle rustle of bamboo. The area also offers fascinating bamboo crafts, showcased in places like the Bamboo Museum.

Our included lunch will feature the region’s signature dish: rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk, a meal as memorable as the scenery surrounding us.

We will then continue to Haeinsa to visit one of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802 AD, it safeguards the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, engraved on 80,000 wooden tablets.

Finally, we will reach Busan, a dynamic coastal city teeming with life, where we will settle into our hotel and enjoy a restful evening after a day of rich cultural discoveries.

Greca Tip: In Busan, don’t miss sampling fresh fish and seafood at the famous Jagalchi Market—an authentic taste of the city’s maritime spirit.

We will start the morning enjoying breakfast at the hotel before setting out to discover the treasures of Busan.

Our first stop will be the Haedong Yonggung Temple, a 14th-century Buddhist sanctuary located by the sea, whose setting offers an atmosphere of great serenity. After the visit, we will return to Busan to visit the United Nations Memorial, which houses a cemetery where soldiers from many countries are buried.

We will then head to the largest fish market in Korea, located next to Nampo Port, a lively place full of traditional aromas. Later, we will enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, we will walk through Yongdusan Park, where its impressive 120-meter-high pagoda stands out.

Our next visit will be Songdo Beach, where we will take the marine cable car (included and subject to weather conditions) to admire spectacular views of the bay. We will end the day exploring the charming Gamcheon Cultural Village, famous for its colorful houses, maze-like alleys, art galleries, and cozy cafés.

In the afternoon, we will return to Busan to rest at the accommodation.

Greca Tip: At the Nampo market, you can try the famous hoe, Korean-style raw fish served with tasty seasonings and fresh vegetables.

After enjoying a pleasant breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for the Seokguram Grotto, an 8th-century Buddhist sanctuary located on the slopes of Mount Tohamsan, renowned for its impressive statue of Buddha. We will then visit the Bulguksa Temple, considered one of the most beautiful and emblematic temples in Korea.

We will continue to Gyeongju, the city that held the title of capital the longest in the country’s history, governed by 56 kings for 992 years. Here we will photograph the charming Woljeonggyo Bridge, a wooden bridge located on the banks of the Namcheon River. Next, we will enjoy an included lunch before entering the Tumuli Park, where the ancient royal tombs of the Silla Kingdom, over 1,500 years old, are found. We will have the chance to visit one of them.

Walking further, we will reach the Cheomsongdae Observatory, the oldest in East Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will then continue our journey to Daegu, the fourth most populated city in Korea. Before heading to the accommodation, we will visit Dongsan Cheongna Hill, an important historical site where the first Christian missionaries lived, and the lively Dongseong-ro Street, filled with fashion shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Greca Tip: In Gyeongju, try the traditional ssambap, rice wrapped in fresh leaves with various side dishes, a specialty of the ancient capital.

We will start the day with a good breakfast at the hotel before beginning our visit to Daegu, where we will explore the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine, famous for its extensive history on the use of medicinal herbs in Eastern medicine. We will then stroll through the streets surrounding the museum, known as the herbal medicine market, renowned for its large number of shops and the quality of its products, especially ginseng.

We will continue north to Andong to visit the Hahoe Traditional Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the outskirts of the city. We will have time to wander through its charming rural streets, which seem frozen in time, and visit the fascinating World Mask Museum, where masks used in dances, religious ceremonies, and theatrical performances are on display. Afterward, we will enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant.

Our journey will continue to the Byeongsan Seowon Confucian School, founded in the 16th century in an idyllic setting by a peaceful river. We will arrive in Seoul at the end of the afternoon. If weather permits, we will make a stop at the Banpo Bridge over the Han River, famous for its illuminated fountain that creates a rainbow-like spectacle (visit subject to weather conditions).

Greca Tip: In Andong, try the jjimdak, a delicious chicken stew with vegetables, noodles, and soy sauce, a traditional dish from the region.

After breakfast at the hotel, your Korean adventure comes to a gentle close. At the agreed time—usually about four hours before your flight—your driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby and escort you to Incheon Airport. This peaceful transfer allows you to reflect on the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences you have enjoyed throughout your journey in Korea.

Greca Tip: Keep a small snack or bottle of water handy for your airport transfer, and take a moment to capture one last photo of the city skyline as a keepsake of your Korean memories.