Seoul in Depth
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ On Request
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Seoul, the capital of Korea, has over 600 years of history. It is the heart of Korea's culture and education and is unique in that historical sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and modern cultural facilities coexist in harmony. Embrace traditional Korean culture and experience customs and lifestyles of the ancient dynasty.
Seoul is the capital and by far, South Korea's largest city and one of East Asia's financial and cultural centres. It contains a fascinating blend of ancient traditions such as street food vendors, serene Buddhist temples, extraordinary architecture and contemporary lifestyles with its cutting-edge technology and modern character. Seoul is a city filled with stark contrasts which make it all the more interesting.
Start with a full day getting to know the traditional highlights which include the Gyeongbokgung Palace the seat of power for Centuries with its National Folk Museum, the Presidential Blue House, the Jogyesa Temple and the Changdeok Palace with its Secret Garden built in 1405. Then head to Insadong Alley, a narrow street featuring a number of antique shops and the South Gate Open Market with its plethora of merchandise.
The following day travel to the Demilitarized Zone, known as DMZ just outside Seoul where there will be visits to Gaesong City, the old capital of the Goryeo Kingdom and the Exhibition Hall to view the lifestyle of North Korea. You will also be able to see North Korean territory from here. The day ends with a return to the city where time is set aside for shopping in the Itaewon District.
Continue your in depth stay with a visit to Hwaseong Fortress and a Korean folk village to experience the lifestyles and architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries with artisans and others working in the tradition of those times. This is followed by a visit to Nami Island which is famous for its beautiful tree lined roads. You'll finish with a visit to Petite France on the island which appears to most to be a village that belongs on the Mediterranean coast or in a pastoral area of the Piedmont Alps
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- Duration
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ On Request
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arive 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.
Accommodation: Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae
| Duration | 4 Nights |
|---|
Seoul
Get ready to live like a local today as you travel around the city by public transportation with your private guide. Travel to Gwanghwamun plaza where you’ll find the statue of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-Sin. Continue to Gwanghwamun gate, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, through which the kings come. You’ll have a chance to witness the guard changing ceremony there. This tradition has been performed for centuries in Korea and is a symbol of the nation's rich culture and history.
Continue your morning tour with a visit to the National Museum of Contemporary Korean History for insights into how Korea propelled itself from being an agricultural society to the modern economic powerhouse that it is today.
After lunch, proceed to Insadong Arts and Crafts Street, a highly renowned district in Seoul that serves as a vibrant hub for Korean traditional culture and craftsmanship. End your day at Gwangjang traditional market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Korea. The most popular section of the market is the food street that caters to a wide range of menus like Gimbap, Mung Bean Pancake, Tteok-bokki and Eomuk. Walk around the market and sample some traditional Korean dishes.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|
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. Upon arrival, your private guide will be waiting for you.
Then head to Seoul City Wall, the defensive wall was built more than 600 years ago and stands strong as one of Korea’s major historical monuments. Take a walk along the wall, enjoying the surrounding views.
End your day with a visit to Namsan Tower. Located on top of a peak in Namsan Park, the tower offers a panoramic views over the city.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Full Day Fortress and Folk Village Excursion
This morning drive to Suwon, where you will visit Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. This fortress, built during the late Joseon Period (1777-1800), stands as an emblem of the King's devotion to his father and his vision to establish an economically self-sufficient city. Within its walls are an array of unique military structures, setting it apart from other fortresses.
Continue onto a Korean Folk Village. The village is a living museum where visitors can experience daily village life from the Joseon Dynasty, learning about farming, the Confucian academy and workshops. Transfer back to Seoul and the remainder of the day at leisure.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|
Depart Seoul
Enjoy time at leisure until your hotel check out and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers
- 4 nights first-class accommodation in Seoul
- Private-guided Full Day Seoul Tour (by local transit)
- Private-guided Full Day Fortress and Folk Village Excursion
- Shared Full Day DMZ Tour (max 40 guests)
- All admission fees and taxes
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 2 lunches
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Meals not specifically noted in the itinerary
- Beverages unless specified
- All international and domestic airfares and airfare taxes unless specified
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
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 travellers are available on request - please enquire.
5 Dec 2025
