Discover South Korea

October 24, 2026 - November 5, 2026

13 DAYS /11 NIGHTS

TRAVEL HISTORY:

Day 1 Overnight flight
Day 2 Arrival in Seoul
Day 3 Seoul
Day 4 Icheon, Cheongju
Day 5 Cheongnamdae,Jeonju

Day 6 Temple Stay
Day 7 Suncheon

Day 8 Damyang, Sunchang

Day 9 Seoul

Day 10 Seoul

Day 11 Seoul

Day 12 Seoul

Day 13 Departure day

Your journey to Korea will guide you through places where ancient traditions breathe gently beside modern life. In Seoul, you’ll feel the heartbeat of the nation as palaces, markets, and bright city lights blend into a vibrant tapestry of culture. Cheongju, Jeonju, and Namwon will welcome you with warm landscapes, quiet streets, and the deep beauty of Korean heritage. Wandering through temples, you’ll sense centuries of wisdom in every wooden beam and mountain breeze. And as you experience moments of meditation and temple life, Korea will reveal its soul to you—calm, graceful, and unforgettable.

Inclusions

* Round-trip flights to Seoul

* Accommodation in Seoul for the full duration of the tour

* Daily breakfast and any additional meals as specified in the itinerary

* Arrival transfer from Incheon Airport to the hotel

* Departure transfer from hotel to Incheon Airport

* All transfers for sightseeing and scheduled activities according to the itinerary

* Services of an English-speaking tour guide during tours

* Driver service fees included

* Entrance fees to all landmarks and attractions mentioned in the itinerary

Included Sightseeing & Experiences

* Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, N Seoul Tower area, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Myeong-dong shopping district

* Cultural visits: Traditional Korean markets, artisan shops, and museum experiences

DESTINATIONS ON THE ROUTE

DAY 1 - October 24, 2026 (Sat)

You are on your way to a colourful and cultural adventure featuring the best of South Korea.

DAY 2 - October 25, 2026 (Sun)

Seoul

Your local guide greets you at Incheon International Airport, assists with baggage and currency tips, then escorts you into Seoul for hotel check-in. Use the drive to get a first glimpse of the Han River skyline and learn a few cultural basics—bowing etiquette, how to say “hello” (annyeonghaseyo), and dining customs.

After check-in, unwind, explore the neighborhood on foot, and adjust to the time zone. If energy allows, an evening stroll through Myeongdong’s neon streets is a fun, low-effort way to feel Seoul’s buzz. Rest early to be fresh for tomorrow’s full day.

DAY 3 - October 26, 2026 (Mon)

Seoul Heritage & Panorama

Hanbok Wearing & Gyeongbokgung Palace

Step into the past by renting a hanbok (traditional dress)—it transforms your palace visit into a living postcard. Gyeongbokgung, the grandest of Seoul’s Five Royal Palaces, was first built in 1395 and beautifully restored; its courtyards, pavilions, and stone gates feel cinematic. Watch (or photograph) the colorful Royal Guard Ceremony at the main gate if time aligns. With a hanbok you can explore more freely, and the contrast of vivid silk against austere palace architecture makes unforgettable photos. Don’t miss the serene Hyangwonjeong Pavilion reflected in its lotus pond.

Lunch — Abalone Ginseng Chicken Soup

This nourishing specialty marries tender chicken, sticky rice, ginseng, jujube, and premium abalone for a mineral-rich, jet-lag-friendly boost. It’s mildly seasoned, so guests can add salt or pepper to taste; the ginseng aroma is gentle rather than overpowering. The dish is beloved for restoring energy in all seasons. Pair with kimchi for brightness and enjoy a light barley tea. It’s a delicious introduction to Korea’s health-focused cuisine.

Mother-of-Pearl Hands-on Experience

Discover the shimmer of najeon—mother-of-pearl inlay—by crafting a small accessory or hand mirror. You’ll learn how thinly cut shell pieces are arranged into floral or geometric motifs before a protective finish is applied. The play of light across the shell’s iridescence is mesmerizing and uniquely Korean. Instructors guide each step, so no prior art skill is required. You’ll leave with a meaningful keepsake that’s both elegant and personal.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Wander lanes lined with hanok—slender wooden houses with curved tile roofs—set between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. The neighborhood blends artisans’ studios, tea rooms, and scenic viewpoints over downtown Seoul. It’s a living residential area, so quiet voices and mindful photography are appreciated. Pause at designated photo spots for sweeping rooftops and city skyline shots. Try a traditional

tea or seasonal ddeok (rice cake) for a sweet break.

N Seoul Tower (Cable Car)

Ride the cable car up Namsan for panoramic views without the uphill hike; you’ll arrive near the base plaza of the tower. From the terraces, look across a sea of glass towers and the sinuous Han River, especially lovely near sunset. Couples often attach “love locks” on the fences—fun to browse even if you don’t add one. Street performances may pop up in the plaza. If skies are clear, you can identify landmarks from placards along the railings.

National Museum of Korea

Korea’s flagship museum elegantly traces millennia—from Bronze Age artifacts to Buddhist sculpture, calligraphy, and ceramics. Highlights include gilt bronze Buddhas, celadon masterpieces, and royal regalia that reveal the peninsula’s refined aesthetics. Galleries are spacious and well-signed in English, making self-guided visits easy. Temporary exhibitions add contemporary context to the core collection. The museum shop and café are excellent for tasteful souvenirs and a calm finish to the day.

DAY 4 - October 27, 2026 (Tue)

Seoul ➜ Icheon ➜ Cheongju

Icheon Ye’s Park — Pottery Village & Ceramic Painting Workshop

Icheon is Korea’s ceramics heartland, where kilns have glowed for centuries. At Ye’s Park you’ll meet artisans, browse studios, and learn the steps behind porcelain and stoneware. In your workshop, sketch a design and paint directly onto a bisque-fired piece; staff will glaze and fire it after your visit. The results—subtle, glossy, and uniquely yours—will be delivered later. It’s a tactile way to connect with Korean craft heritage.

Lunch — Korean Set Menu

Sample a balanced spread: grilled fish or bulgogi, seasonal vegetable sides (banchan), soup, and fluffy rice. The variety lets you experience multiple flavors in one sitting—sweet, savory, tangy, and fermented notes. Vegetarians can be accommodated with tofu and vegetable dishes. Ask about local pickles or wild

greens in season. Finish with a light citron or barley tea.

Cheongju Early Printing Museum

Dive into the story behind Jikji (1377), the world’s oldest extant book printed with metal movable type—predating Gutenberg by decades. Exhibits illuminate the evolution from woodblock to metal type, including type casting, inking, and press techniques. Models and replicas make the technology understandable even for first-timers. You’ll appreciate how Korea’s innovations accelerated knowledge sharing in East Asia. It’s an eye-opening bridge between craft and science.

Metal Movable Type Training & Experience Center

Roll up your sleeves to set type, ink a form, and pull a clean print the traditional way. The satisfying “kiss” of paper and type is timeless, and the finished sheet is a frame-worthy souvenir. Instructors explain how characters are organized and locked into place—a puzzle that rewards patience. You’ll also see how simple binding turns printed sheets into a booklet. The experience makes history tangible and fun.

DAY 5 - October 28, 2026 (Wed)

Cheongju ➜ (Via Cheongnamdae) ➜ Jeonju

Cheongnamdae (Former Presidential Villa)

Once a private retreat for Korean presidents, Cheongnamdae opens onto manicured lawns, lakeside trails, and photo-ready viewpoints. Exhibits detail presidential history and everyday life at the villa. The setting is tranquil, ideal for a leisurely walk and reflection. Seasonal flowers and foliage frame the buildings beautifully. It’s a rare chance to combine modern history with nature in one stop.

Jeonju Hanok Village & Bibimbap Making for Lunch

Jeonju is the spiritual home of bibimbap and a showcase of traditional culture. In your cooking session, you’ll season rice, artfully arrange colorful vegetables, and crown the bowl with egg or beef (or keep it vegetarian). Learn why sesame oil, gochujang, and vinegared greens must be balanced for harmony. After lunch, stroll past hanok guesthouses, calligraphy shops, and hanbok rental studios. A traditional tea house is perfect for a mid-afternoon pause.

Pansori (A private performance arranged exclusively for our group)

Pansori is a powerful form of traditional Korean musical storytelling performed by one singer and one drummer. The singer uses expressive vocals, dramatic gestures, narration, and character voices to present epic tales that can last for hours. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, pansori showcases the depth of Korean emotions, humor, and humanity.
Watching a live pansori performance offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Korea’s artistic soul and centuries-old oral tradition.

DAY 6 - October 29, 2026 (Thu)

Jeonju ➜Namwon Heritage & Songgwangsa Temple Stay

Traditional Korean Lacquer Craft Workshop
Learn how natural lacquer (ottchil/urushi) creates a deep, luminous finish prized for durability. You’ll prepare a small object, apply base coats, and practice careful layering techniques. Instructors explain drying conditions and why lacquer is both art and science. The sheen is unlike paint—rich, tactile, and protective. Your finished piece is a refined souvenir rooted in Korean craft.

Namwon Maewoldang — Tea Tasting
Savor Korea’s tea culture in a serene hanok setting. You will enjoy a truly special encounter with Korea’s master of fermented green tea — a tea artisan who proudly considers himself the best in the world. During this intimate session, he will personally show you how to brew tea in the most delicious and authentic way, offering a rare and unforgettable experience. Guides explain harvest seasons, leaf grades, and proper water temperature for green and fermented teas. Practice mindful sipping to notice sweetness, umami, and lingering florals. It’s a calming counterpoint to a busy travel day.

Temple Stay — Songgwangsa Temple stay or similar temple

Songgwangsa is one of Korea’s most revered Zen Buddhist temples, nestled in the peaceful forests of Mount Jogyesan in Suncheon.
It is celebrated as the “Temple of the Sangha,” having produced numerous influential Buddhist masters throughout Korean history.

The temple’s wooden halls, quiet streams, and towering pine trees create a serene atmosphere ideal for meditation and reflection.
Visitors can explore centuries-old architecture, engage with Buddhist culture, and enjoy the natural tranquility of the surrounding mountains.
Songgwangsa remains an active training center for monks, offering an authentic glimpse into Korea’s living Buddhist tradition.

Experience Korea’s temple culture and traditional hanok lifestyle as you spend a unique night sleeping on the warm ondol floor instead of a bed. Shoes are removed inside the room, and although there is no bed, you will sleep comfortably by laying a thick blanket on the heated floor — just like the traditional Korean way.

Temple Stay – 1 Night / 2 Days (Sample Program)

Temple Orientation & Tea Ceremony
Learn the history of Songgwangsa and enjoy traditional temple tea with a monk.

Yebul (Evening Chanting Ceremony)
Participate in the rhythmic chanting that fills the temple at dusk.

Meditation Practice
Experience Seon (Zen) meditation guided by a resident monk.

Temple Meals (Barugongyang)
Enjoy a simple yet mindful Buddhist meal rooted in compassion and gratitude.

DAY 7 - October 30, 2026 (Fri)

Morning Temple Life ➜ Boseong ➜ Suncheon

Morning temple stay program

A simple breakfast emphasizes nourishment and gratitude. You’ll learn etiquette like the half-bow and how to hold a balwoo (temple bowl) properly. The atmosphere invites reflection and digital detox. Depart feeling lighter and centered.

Early Morning Chanting (Yebul)
Join the early dawn ceremony and feel the tranquil energy of the temple.

Walking Meditation in Nature
Stroll through the forest paths surrounding the temple and reconnect with nature.

Lunch: Korean Temple Food

Korean temple cuisine is a plant-based meal prepared according to Buddhist principles, using seasonal vegetables, natural ingredients, and no artificial flavorings.
It is light, clean, and deeply nourishing, highlighting the harmony between body, mind, and nature. Guests will enjoy traditional recipes passed down through generations of monastic cooking.

Boseong Green Tea Plantation
Carpeted terraces ripple over hills—one of Korea’s most iconic landscapes. Guides explain how ocean mists and soil create Boseong’s distinctive aroma. Walk a short scenic loop and take balcony-level photos over the fields. Sample green tea or a fun twist like green-tea ice cream. It’s both a visual and culinary highlight.

Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve
Explore boardwalks threading through luminous reeds and tidal flats rich with birdlife. Interpretive centers describe migratory species and how wetlands protect coastlines. Gentle trails lead to an observatory for panoramic bay views—golden at late afternoon. The air smells of salt and grass, a soothing contrast to city life. Nearby gardens and eco-exhibits round out the visit.

Hotel — Suncheon
Check into a comfortable base near the bay. Enjoy local seafood for dinner if you’d like a recommendation. Rest for tomorrow’s countryside-to-capital journey.

DAY 8 - October 31, 2026 (Sat)

Suncheon ➜ Damyang & Sunchang ➜ Seoul

Bamboo Forest (Juknokwon, Damyang)

A short detour takes you to whispering bamboo groves with shady paths and arched footbridges. The air feels cooler and carries a fresh, green scent. Stop at small pavilions for elevated views through swaying canes. Try a bamboo-themed snack or tea at the café. It’s an easy, mood-lifting nature walk.

Sunchang Gochujang Village — Paste-Making Experience

Discover how Korea’s signature red pepper paste is crafted in earthenware jars (onggi) under sun and wind. Mix steamed grains, chili powder, and meju (fermented soybean blocks) while learning fermentation science. Taste differences between young and aged pastes—sweet heat vs. deep umami. The village is photogenic with rows of brown jars against green hills. Take home a small jar as a culinary souvenir if you wish.

Lunch — Tteokgalbi Set (Grilled Short Rib Patties)

Juicy, gently sweet patties made from minced short rib are grilled to a glossy char. Sides may include seasonal greens, pickles, and soybean paste stew. It’s satisfying without being heavy—ideal mid-journey. For variety, ask for lettuce wraps with garlic and ssamjang. Finish with a refreshing omija (schisandra) tea if available.

Signature Rice Bran Wellness Experience

Unwind in a unique treatment using warmed, fermented rice bran. The gentle heat promotes circulation, eases muscle tension, and leaves skin feeling soft. Staff explain the natural benefits and guide breathing for deeper relaxation. It’s a culturally rooted wellness ritual rarely found outside Korea. You’ll emerge revitalized for the return to Seoul.

Evening — Seoul Hotel

Arrive back in the capital and settle into your familiar base. Free time for dinner and a night stroll.

DAY 9 - November 1, 2026 (Sun)

Peace Views, Master Painter & River Cruise

Aegibong Peace Observatory
Travel to the Han River estuary for a sobering yet hopeful view toward North Korea. Exhibits outline the ecology of the borderlands and the history of division. From observation decks, scan with binoculars across tranquil wetlands and distant villages. The contrast between quiet nature and complex geopolitics is striking. It’s a meaningful perspective you won’t get in city centers.

Lunch — Shabu hot pot Buffet
A lively, interactive meal where thinly sliced meats and vegetables are swished in bubbling broth. Customize dips with sesame, soy, garlic, and chili to your taste. Plenty of vegetable and noodle options make it friendly for varied diets. It’s social, warming, and easy to pace after a morning outdoors. Save a little room for dessert fruit or soft-serve if available.

Gyeomjae Jeong Seon Art Museum
Celebrate Jeong Seon, the 18th-century master who pioneered “true-view” landscapes of actual Korean mountains and rivers. Exhibits reveal how he captured granite peaks, twisted pines, and mist with calligraphic brushwork. Side galleries explain pigments, paper, and the dialogue between poetry and painting. Even newcomers to ink art find the compositions meditative and modern-feeling. You’ll leave seeing Korean scenery with new eyes.

Han River Cruise (Relaxing Afternoon)
Glide along Seoul’s central waterway for skyline views without the crowds. Bridges, parks, and riverside bike paths unfold in sequence; golden hour is especially beautiful. Sit on the open deck for breezes or inside for comfort and commentary. Photographers love the slow, stable vantage points. It’s the gentlest way to savor your final full day.

DAY 10 - November 2, 2026 (Mon)

Seoul Walls, Markets & K-Beauty

Seoul City Wall (Hanyangdoseong) & Naksan Park

Walk an accessible section of the 600-year-old city wall with views spanning old neighborhoods and modern towers. Stone ramparts and watchtowers tell stories of defense and urban evolution. Naksan Park’s paths are gentle, dotted with art pieces and overlooks. Morning light is ideal for photos with fewer crowds. It’s a relaxing, historical start to the day.

Ihwa Mural Village

Nearby alleys burst with community-painted murals and quirky installations. Enjoy creative backdrops but be mindful—this is a lived-in neighborhood, so keep voices low. Small cafés and craft shops reward slow browsing. Murals change over time, so each visit feels new. Capture a few playful shots amid the color.

Gyeongdong Traditional Market

One of Korea’s largest herbal/produce markets, famed for ginseng, dried roots, and seasonal fruits. Stalls overflow with intriguing aromas; vendors are friendly and used to curious visitors. Taste a ginseng tonic or traditional tea to experience everyday wellness culture. For lunch, the market’s casual eateries offer noodles, pancakes, or dumpling soups. It’s vibrant, authentic, and wonderfully photogenic.

Ikseon-dong Hanok Café Village

A revived maze of 1920s hanok now housing design-forward cafés, dessert bars, and boutiques. Expect gorgeous plating, artisan coffee, and inventive teas in sunlit courtyards. Shop for handcrafted accessories and small ceramics. Alleyways are compact—part of the charm—so wander slowly to spot hidden gems. It’s a perfect mid-afternoon indulgence.

K-Beauty Experience — Personal Color Match

Learn which undertones and palettes make your skin glow—warm spring, cool summer, vivid winter, and more. Consultants analyze drapes against your face to show instant differences in brightness and harmony. Get tailored tips on foundation shades, blush placement, and lip colors to try in Korea’s beauty mecca. You’ll receive notes to guide future shopping. It’s fun, informative, and confidence-boosting.

Myeongdong Street

Wrap the day in Seoul’s iconic shopping district where flagship skincare brands sit beside street-food stalls. Sample hotteok (syrup-filled pancakes), grilled skewers, or tteokbokki while you browse. Many shops offer duty-free options and multilingual staff. Neon signs and K-pop beats keep the energy high. It’s quintessential modernSeoul.

DAY 11 - November 3, 2026 (Tue)

Seoul

Explore Seoul on your own. Free time

DAY 12 - November 4, 2026 (Wed)

Seoul

Explore Seoul on your own. Free time

DAY 13 - November 5, 2026 (Thu)

Departure Day

Enjoy a final Korean breakfast and check out. Your transfer returns you to Incheon Airport with ample time for tax refunds and last-minute gifts—seaweed, snacks, or sheet masks are easy crowd-pleasers. Review your handmade souvenirs (mother-of-pearl, ceramics, printed booklet) and pack them safely. Say gamsahamnida (thank you) to Korea—until next time. Have a smooth flight home!