Highlights
- Explore the major attractions in Seoul and find peace alongside the Han River
- Take in sea breezes at Daecheon Beach before admiring Jeonju Hanok Village
- Wander amid the bamboo forests and metasequoia trees at Juknokwon
- Hike along mountain trails at Jirisan Mountain for extraordinary views
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Seoul, Optional Han River Experience | Seoul |
| Day 2 | Seoul City Tour | Seoul |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Jeonju via Taeanhaean National Park & Boryeong Sky Bike | Jeonju |
| Day 4 | Jeonju Hanok Village & Byeonsanbando National Park, Transfer to Gwangju | Gwangju |
| Day 5 | Day Trip to Juknokwon Bamboo Forest & Naejangsan National Park | Gwangju |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Suncheon via Hiking in Jirisan National Park | Suncheon |
| Day 7 | Fly to Seoul, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
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.
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
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
This morning a driver will be waiting to take you southwest to Jeonju, stopping along the way to visit Taeanhaean National Park. Comprising land and sea, the park has over 20 beaches dotting the 142 miles (230 km) of coastline stretching over the Taean Peninsula. See unique landscapes with beautiful beaches, rock formations, cliffs, mountain peaks, and expansive valleys with your knowledgeable guide.
Continue your journey south to Boryeong to experience the Sky Bike at Daecheon Beach, another way to enjoy the sea and sky views. Supported by tall columns, the track is high in the air, running along Daecheon Beach and the nearby hills, offering a sweeping view of the ocean and the coastline. When the tide is high, you'll feel as if you're peddling directly atop the waves. Take in the sunset from Daecheon before getting in the car to reach Jeonju, where you'll stay for the night.
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.
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.
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.
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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