Day 1: Arrive in Seoul, Optional Han River Experience

Welcome to Seoul! Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your English-speaking tour guide and driver, who’ll take you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to recover from jet lag. If you’re up for it, head out to see the Han River.

The riverside parks along the Han River offer a peaceful retreat away from the buzz of the capital. Make your way to a nearby park for an afternoon stroll—an ideal way to view the city. You’ll spot local landmarks and pass under one or more of Seoul’s 27 bridges. Alternatively, you can join a river cruise for an alternate perspective of Seoul.

Day 2: Seoul City Tour

Meet your guide this morning to step back in time and learn about South Korea’s Joseon Dynasty with a visit to Gyeongbokgung palace, a complex built in 1395 and restored in the 19th century. Considered among the most beautiful of Seoul’s five grand palaces, you’ll tour some of its grounds, including 50 buildings, 7,700 rooms, and over 90 acres (40 ha), uncovering the history of South Korea and its former rulers. Learn more about this history at the National Folk Museum and National Palace Museum, and get your camera ready for a guard-changing ceremony reenacting royal traditions.

Just outside the palace, you’ll visit Bukchon Hanok Village for another view of the past. Explore narrow streets where more than 900 traditional hanoks, the homes of the royal family and high society, are restored from the Joseon Dynasty and are now guesthouses, tea houses, and restaurants. Stay in the village for lunch and then hike up to Namsan Park, the largest park in Seoul. The Seoul landmark, N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower), is here. After a cable car ride or a hike to the top of Namsan Mountain, enjoy a 360-degree unobstructed view of the city and Han River.

Day 3: Transfer to Jeonju via Taeanhaean National Park & Boryeong Sky Bike

Day 4: Visit Jeonju Hanok Village & Byeonsanbando National Park, Transfer to Gwangju

Meet your guide to set out to explore Jeonju Hanok Village and its 800 Korean hanok houses inside. Hometown to the Li royal family of the Joseon Dynasty, it’s the spiritual capital of antiquity. These traditional houses are charming for their unique roof edges, which are slightly upturned, contrasting with the nearby modern architecture. The traditional culture blends harmoniously with nature as you’ll discover with time to wander around the hanok houses and explore the grounds.

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Next, head west to the coast, where Byeonsanbando National Park awaits. Famed as the only national park in South Korea that consists of sea and mountains, it’s divided into two large sections: the shore area, called Outer Byeonsan, and the inland area, called Inner Byeonsan. The park boasts various attractions, including Jiksopokpo Falls, which drops to 100 feet (30 m), Gosapo Beach, commanding a stunning scenic view, and Naesosa Temple, built thousands of years ago. Afterward, a driver will take you on the one-hour drive to Gwangju, where you’ll stay for two nights.

Day 5: Day Trip to Juknokwon (Bamboo Forest) & Naejangsan National Park

Meet your guide early for a rejuvenating stroll in vibrant Juknokwon, a bamboo forest. Renowned for its high level of oxygen ions, this bamboo forest provides a cooling breeze allowing you to relax, soothe the mind and connect with nature. You’ll also visit one of South Korea’s most beautiful paths—Damyang Road. This path is lined with tall metasequoia trees that seem to block out the sun. Thanks to these stately trees, this boulevard is selected as one of the most popular routes in Korea. 

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Next, you’ll venture to Naejang mountain in Naejangsan National Park, which hosts scenic views with beautiful waterfalls and steep cliffs. Take a cable car to ride up the side of the Naejangsan and enjoy the scenery along the way. For the more energetic, you might like to hike one of the many trails amid the peaceful environs of trees and rewarding views. You’ll return to your accommodation in Gwangju when you’re ready.

Day 6: Transfer to Suncheon via Hiking in Jirisan National Park

You’ll leave Gwangju today and head farther south to Suncheon. En route, stop to explore Jirisan National Park, South Korea’s first and largest mountainous national park. Jirisan covers over 10 peaks, great valleys, stunning falls, towering cliffs, and other natural attractions.

Take the 2-mile (3 km) path along Guryonggyegok Valley for panoramas of the unusually shaped rock formations and enjoy views of Manbokdae peak. Or choose a different trail, as you have plenty of choice with over 14 hiking trails, ranging from two hours to multiple days. When it’s time, you’ll continue to Suncheon, a short drive away, where you’ll stay for the night.

Day 7: Fly to Seoul, Depart

It’s time to say goodbye to South Korea as a driver will be waiting to take you to the airport in Yeosu, where you’ll catch a flight to your next destination. Safe Travels!

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