Highlights
- Don a traditional Korean hanbok for a K-drama-style photo shoot in Seoul
- Spot scenes from popular K-dramas at the Garden of Morning Calm
- Take part in tea therapy with a cup of herbal tea and a therapeutic foot bath in Seoul
- Ride on Busan's brightly colored Haeundae Sky Capsule above the coastline
- Sample authentic Busan cuisine on an evening food tour in Gwangalli
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Seoul, Myeongdong Street Food Tour | Seoul |
| Day 2 | Highlights of Seoul with Hanbok Photo Shoot, Han River Night Cruise | Seoul |
| Day 3 | Discover K-drama Locations in European-style Villages & Nami Island | Seoul |
| Day 4 | Visit Itaewon, Myeongdong & Dongdaemun Markets, Tea Therapy at Local Spa | Seoul |
| Day 5 | Train to Busan, K-drama Spots in Gamcheon Culture Village & Taejongdae Park | Busan |
| Day 6 | Tour Haedong Yonggungsa & Haeundae Beach, Evening Food Tour | Busan |
| Day 7 | Busan Cooking Class, Shinsegae Shopping Spree, Hot Springs Experience | Busan |
| Day 8 | Depart Busan |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Seoul, Myeongdong Street Food Tour
Welcome to South Korea! Touch down in the dizzying capital, Seoul, where your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Get your first glimpse of this futuristic metropolis, a sprawling mass of towering skyscrapers set against decorative Buddhist temples, landscaped sculpture parks, and mazelike street markets. Fashion, tech, and karaoke loom large in Seoul, alongside historical palaces and museums.
Settle in and then spend the rest of the day resting at your hotel or exploring the neon streets of the city. Enjoy a cozy afternoon in one of the many themed cafés, which range from board game venues to cat cafés, wander around the artistic Mural Village, or visit a jjimjilbang (bathhouse) to soak in hot pools.
Save the evening for a self-guided tour of Myeongdong, home to the best street food in Seoul. It's hard to go wrong with the tasty bites along Myeongdong. Still, a must-try is kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup), which is especially delicious paired with garlicky kimchi (fermented and salted vegetables).
Day 2: Highlights of Seoul with Hanbok Photo Shoot, Han River Night Cruise
Today, you'll discover the best of Seoul's culture and history during a full-day immersive city tour. After meeting your private guide, you'll go to the beautiful Gyeongbokgung, a palace dating from the 14th century. Here, you can rent a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) for professional photos, learn about the ancient Joseon Dynasty, and watch the traditional ceremonies, like the Changing of the Royal Guard, that occur daily.
You'll learn more about the Joseon Dynasty from your guide as you stroll through the picturesque Bukchon Hanok Village, with its small streets featuring traditional dynasty architecture, cultural centers, and museums. Then it's time for lunch. Enjoy authentic Korean street food such as bibimbap (a rice-based dish) or mungbean pancakes at Gwangjang Market before visiting Namsan Park, where a cable car ride or hike will bring you to the iconic N Seoul Tower for 360-degree views of the city.
End the day with a cruise along the Han River. Enjoy live musical performances on board while spotting local landmarks and passing under some of Seoul's 27 bridges. Return to your hotel and get ready for a day exploring nearby K-drama filming locations with your guide tomorrow.
Day 3: Discover K-Drama Locations in European-style Villages & Nami Island
Today, travel out of Seoul to discover some K-drama (Korean TV and movie drama) hotspots. Your guide will take you to the Garden of Morning Calm, which comprises 20 different gardens and is home to over 5,000 plants, including Korean winter hazel, katsura trees, maple trees, Japanese larch trees, and ginkgo trees. It's spectacular in every season. Ramble along the paved paths, seeing if you can spot scenes from popular K-dramas like "She Was Pretty."
Next, head to Petite France, a charming village on the coast modeled after the French style, seen in famous dramas including "My Love From the Star." Stick with the European theme in the nearby Italian-themed village Pinocchio & Da Vinci. Browse exhibits, watch performances based on the towns' namesakes, and wander through shops selling authentic Italian furniture and Venetian masks.
Later in the day, stop at the North Han River to explore gorgeous Nami Island. Known for its cherry blossoms in the spring and the fiery foliage of Maple Tree Lane in the fall, the island is also home to a statue commemorating the classic "Winter Sonata," which was filmed here. After exploring the forests and stopping at the charming pagodas, you'll be transferred back to Seoul.
Day 4: Visit Itaewon, Myeongdong & Dongdaemun Markets, Tea Therapy at Local Spa
Spend the morning exploring and shopping in some of Seoul's liveliest neighborhoods on a self-guided tour. Begin in Itaewon, known for its trendy boutiques, hip cafés, and numerous character shops. Then, head back to Myeongdong, the center of Seoul's retail and fashion world. Browse shops and department stores like Noon Square, A-Land, and Aritaum, selling luxury brands, Korean skincare, and cosmetics. Most department stores also have duty-free sections, ideal for purchasing tax-free items, from cosmetics to electronics, to take home.
Finally, visit Dongdaemun Market, a bustling wholesale and retail shopping district with malls and traditional markets. For the latest fashion, head to DOOTA Mall or Hello apM for the best prices. To experience a proper South Korean shopping mall, wander the 12 floors of Hyundai City Outlets.
In the afternoon, you'll experience the world-famous wellness culture of Seoul through a "tea therapy" session at Tea Therapy's Haengnang Branch. First, take part in a simple consultation with a tea expert to determine what type of tea best suits you, depending on your physical condition and emotional state. Then, sit back and enjoy a cup of tea before you begin a foot bath experience. From here, head to SPA 1899 Donginbi and take part in a premium spa treatment incorporating red ginseng oil to enhance your immune system, nourish your skin, and promote relaxation.
Day 5: Train to Busan, K-drama Spots in Gamcheon Culture Village & Taejongdae Park
This morning, check out of your Seoul hotel and ride the three-hour KTX express train to Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, nestled among mountain ranges by the sea. The port town is loved for its nearby beaches, International Film Festival, trendy cafés, and extensive fish markets. Today, you'll discover Busan's cinematic side on a fascinating six-hour guided tour through famous movie and drama locations.
Begin at the Gamcheon Culture Village, known as the "Machu Picchu of Busan," thanks to its colorful houses built up the sides of a coastal mountain. The village, its winding staircases and alleyways, and its vibrant street art were featured in "LUCA: The Beginning" and "A Little Princess." Next, follow your guide to Chowon Apartment, which served as the setting for the exciting chase scene in "Decision to Leave," winner of the Best Director Award at the 75th Cannes Film Festival.
Conclude your K-drama adventure at Taejongdae Park and Taewon Pebble Beach, the filming location for Apple TV's original drama "Pachinko." Afterward, make your way to BIFF Square, one of the best places in Busan, to sample the local street food. The streets are lined with food stalls and vendors selling everything from tteokbokki (simmered rice cake) to hotteok (pancake with brown sugar and nut filling).
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Tour Haedong Yonggungsa & Haeundae Beach, Evening Food Tour
Discover Busan's highlights on a full-day tour. Begin at the beautiful Haedong Yonggungsa Temple on Busan's rugged coastline, then relax with a cup of tea at a local café. Take a walk on the Cheongsapo Skywalk for even more incredible views, then head to Haeundae Blueline Park for a ride on the Haeundae Sky Capsule. You'll travel in a brightly colored capsule, like a retro-style car that seats four, on an elevated railway over the coastline. Enjoy the fun experience with spectacular sea, hill, and city views.
After lunch, stroll along scenic Haeundae Beach and explore Dongbaek Island, a wooded island with beautiful nature trails and camellias. Visit the Nurimaru APEC House, a modern design of a traditional Korean pavilion, for spectacular views of the Oryukdo Islets, Gwangandaegyo Bridge, and Dalmaji Hill from the terrace. Wander the walking trail to take in the scenic beauty along the sandy beach, then follow your guide to Haeundae Traditional Market to immerse yourself in local culture and pick up a few souvenirs.
Day 7: Busan Cooking Class, Shinsegae Shopping Spree, Hot Springs Experience
While in the nation's culinary capital, a Korean cooking class is a must. With a professional chef, visit a local market to taste typical flavors and purchase the necessary ingredients to kick off your half-day workshop. Then, learn to prepare some traditional Korean dishes like bibimbap (rice with mixed vegetables and meat), samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), kimchi, and yachaejeon (savory pancakes). Afterward, you'll sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch.
Your next stop with your guide is Shinsegae Centum City, one of Busan's most famous sights and the largest department store in the world. Spend three hours exploring this shopping and entertainment center's 10 floors filled with luxury brands, Korean beauty stores, electronics shops, and more. While there, stop at the duty-free store for some of the best deals.
In the afternoon, unwind and rejuvenate at Spa Land, a luxurious and spacious Korean-style bathhouse in Centum City with over a dozen themed saunas and hot spring water baths to soothe your body and mind. Soak, steam, and revitalize for three hours before spending your final night enjoying Busan's street food and lights or relaxing in your hotel.
Day 8: Depart Busan
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