Compare Highlights of Korea from Seoul to Busan by Odynovo vs Korea, Rising Star Of East Asia by Sky Vacations

Day 1: Arrival - Seoul

Overnight: Seoul

Welcome to Seoul!

Upon arrival, be transferred to your hotel for check-in and then have the remainder of the day at your leisure, recovering from jet lag or walking out for a light adventure.

Day 2: Seoul

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Seoul

Meet your guide at your hotel lobby and start the city exploration from Gyeongbokgung Palace, the first and largest palace of the Joseon dynasty lasting from 1392 AD to 1897 AD. Marvel at its splendid architecture and watch the guard changing ceremony, usually taking place at 10 am and 2 pm daily except on Tuesdays. On the eastern side of the palace ground, you will visit the National Folk Museum, a place to get a view of the nation's history and culture.

Next, explore the Bukchon Hanok Village, an active neighborhood full of traditional houses (locally called Hanok) now serving as art galleries, restaurants, and guesthouses, to learn and immerse in Korean culture. Later on, while strolling around Insa-dong, the largest antique and artwork market in the country, you can sample authentic Korean foods and buy some exotic souvenirs.

Day 3: Seoul

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Seoul

The DMZ between North Korea and Korea is a 4 km-wide and 240 km-long buffer zone located in the vicinity of the 38th parallel. The organized group tour to the most heavily fortified border on earth will offer you a rare chance to dive into the history and politics of these two countries of the same origin. In such a tour, you will explore Imjingak Park with many monuments to remember the Korean War, walk across the Bridge of Freedom, explore the Third Infiltration Tunnel, visit the DMZ Exhibition Hall and DMZ Theater, and capture a panoramic view of this sensitive zone from Dora Observatory.

Day 4: Seoul - Busan

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Busan

Check out after breakfast at your hotel and take a private transfer to the railway station for the KTX train to Busan. On arrival, meet your guide for touring Haedong Yonggungsa, a Buddhist temple scenically standing on the northeastern coast of Busan. Continue with a leisurely walk on Dongbaekseom, the Island of Camellias, to enjoy the charming shoreline of Busan. Later on, check into your hotel and have some leisure time on your own.

Day 5: Busan

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Busan

Start the tour today from the Beomeosa Temple, surrounded by natural beauty. Hike around to take in its peaceful atmosphere or join the locals praying for a little wish. Afterward, view Gwangan Bridge, Korea's longest double-story bridge across the sea and the beautiful landmark of the city, and continue to Jagalchi Fish Market, a great place to see and enjoy fresh seafood. What follows will be Busan Tower boasting a panoramic view of the whole city and Gukjae Flee International Market with everything you can imagine on sale.

Day 6: Busan - Seoul - Departure

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, be transferred to Busan station for the return train to Seoul. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Incheon International Airport for your onward flight.

Day 1

Welcome to Korea. Upon arrival you will be met by your Sky Vacations ambassador who will guide and assist you with transfer to your hotel in Incheon.

Day 2

After breakfast, your guide will take you to visit one of Korea’s most beautiful settings, Songdo Central Park. Enjoy a clear kayak ride admiring the breath-taking views of the park. Feeling invigorated with the lusciousness greenery of the park, we then continue our visit to Incheon Open Port Museum. Built in 1897, this is one of three former Japanese banks that now celebrate the history of Incheon’s port area.

Day 3

This morning your guide will meet you at your hotel for a day tour of Seoul that features the Blue House, changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace (built in 1395!) and the National Fol Museum. There will be plenty of free time to stroll the neighborhoods of Samcheong-Dong and Bukchon Hanok Village before visiting Jogyesa Temple and a stop for lunch. Your exciting day continues with a visit to the royal shrine of Jongmyo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site followed by a visit to Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and most popular traditional markets in the country. End your day with a visit to the stunning National Museum of Korea, highlighting the history and art of South Korea.

Day 4

After breakfast at your hotel, we continue with a visit to the observatory at 63 Building, a stunning sky scrapper on Yeouido Island overlooking the Han River with breathtaking views of the city. From there you’re off to Banpo Bridge famous for being the Guinness Book of World Record holder for the longest bridge fountain in the world, pushing out 190 tons of water per minute! Next up is a Segway tour of the city focused on some of the smaller neighborhoods of the city. After this full morning, you’ll be ready to enjoy a stop for lunch. The balance of the day is yours to explore the city.

Day 5

After checking out of your hotel, your diver will transfer you to Cheorwon, the regional military area facing North Korea. Experience a tour of the DMZ where you can observe the North Korean military outpost and the Peace Observatory. You’ll have the unique opportunity to explore the “Third Tunnel” and visit the Dora Observatory located on the famous 38th Parallel. After a stop for lunch, you’ll head to Seoraksan Mountain, one of the tallest and most beautiful mountains in South Korea. Enjoy breathtaking vistas and an easy hike downhill along the Jujeongol Valley. The balance of the day is yours to enjoy the facilities of your resort hotel.

Day 6

Following breakfast, your off to Seoraksan Mountain for a cable car ride to Gwongeumseong Peak, 700m above sea level. You’ll have time to visit the historical Sinheungsa Temple, built in 1648 . Located in a beautiful setting, the temple is home to the famous 108 ton bronze Buddha. Your day also includes an easy hike along the Biseondae Rocks, famous for its singular beauty and being inspiration to many artists. After a stop for lunch, travel back in time to Yangdong Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where more than 160 thatched roof homes and 50 homes have been preserved for over 200 years. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the site before heading to your hotel in Gyeongju.

Day 7

Today’s exploration begins with a visit to the Seokguram Grotto, a Buddhist temple carved into a cave. This 8th century structure contains a large statue of Buddha which is considered a great masterpiece of Buddhist art. This amazing site is on both the National Treasures of South Korea and UNESCO World Heritage Site lists. Your next stop is Bulguksa Temple located on the wooded slopes of Mt. Tohamsan. This temple was built to represent the land of Buddha and is constructed into three zones each with its own focus, the most popular being the representation of paradise, which rises dramatically from a lotus lake. Enjoy a stop for lunch before heading to the Daereungwon Royal Tombs. This 5-6th century royal tomb is known as the “Heavenly Horse Tomb” because of a painting on bird bark from the same period. Your visit will also include a visit to the museum, featuring the collection excavated from the tombs. From here it’s off to beautiful Namsan Mountain, regarded as a holy place where you’ll have time for a light hike before returning to your hotel.

Day 8

It’s off to Busan this morning. Famous for its mountains, beaches and historical sites, your touring begins with a visit to Busan Tower for a panoramic view of the Busan Port. You’ll then visit Gukje Market, steeped in history. Started in the 1950’s during the Korean War as a place for refugees trying to make a living, it soon few into a busy market where today the old and the new exist side by side and overflows with Korean food, arts, crafts and other artisan creations. Take a break for lunch before heading to Gamcheon Cultural Village. With the feel of a Brazilian favela, nestled into the hillside, the village is a combination of chaos and beauty all at the same time. Colorful Lego like houses draw you into the winding streets, the perfect opportunity to meet locals and explore their way of life. You’ll head back to town where you have the rest of the day to explore exciting Busan with its many shops and restaurants.

Day 9

No tour of Busan would be complete without a visit to Yonggungsa Temple. Built in 1376, it’s famous for being one of the few temples anywhere in Korea build on the seaside. Next up is a visit to Dongbaekseom Island. A wooden walking path takes you around the island offering fantastic views of Busan. Your day also includes an “air cruise” cable car ride over the sea and a stop at Taejongdae natural park.

Day 10

Today you fly to Jeju Island! Upon arrival, your driver will meet and bring you into the city where you’ll have some free time to stretch your legs and grab a bite. After lunch, drive along the seaside road of Hagwi -Aewol which is the perfect way to get oriented with th island. While driving your guide will fill you in on the geography, culture, agriculture and history of the island. Along the way you’ll stop at the Osulloc Tea Museum and Café and a few stops perfect for Instagram!

Day 11

Your day begins with a visit to Manjanggul Cave. Jeju was created by a massive eruption about 2 million years ago and over 360 small mountains and lave tubes (caves) were created. Manjanggul is the longest lava tube in Asia, expanding for a whopping 8.3 miles and is nothing like you’ve experienced before. From here you’ll head to Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as “Sunrise Peak” This tuff cone was created more than 5,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption, the peak rises from the earth like a crown. You’ll have time to climb up and round the cone to see first hand one of nature’s most diverse structures. All of this touring will leave you hungry, so there will be a stop for lunch before continuing to Seongeup Folk Village, covering a cultural period from 1410 to 1914. The buildings and homes have been cared for and handed down from one generation to the next including homes, shrines and schools. A visit to Jeju’s biggest traditional market, Dongmun Market ends your day.

Day 12

Your final day begins with a visit to the Cheonjiyeon Waterfall where a landscaped path leads to breathtaking views. You’ll stroll along the Olle-Gil Trail passing through beautiful landscapes of villages, beaches and farms before stopping for lunch. From here it’s off to the Jeju Airport for your onward journey.