South Korea Autumn Highlights: Seoul, Jeonju, Damyang & Sokcho - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Seoul, Seasonal Colors Tour in Seoul Forest Park

Welcome to Seoul, the dynamic South Korean capital with more than nine million residents. Meet your driver at Incheon International Airport to transfer directly to your hotel, which is approximately an hour's drive away. Depending on your arrival time, spend the day exploring the city or resting after your journey. 

Head to the Insadong neighborhood to tour its tea houses, shops, and restaurants, walking along cobblestone streets lined with autumnal yellow ginkgo trees. Or, walk through Myeongdong, a skincare and cosmetics hub, before tasting some of the city's best street food at Gwangjang Market while mingling with the locals. Take your pick from dishes such as dak gangjeong (fried chicken), mandu (dumplings), and kkochi (skewers). Then, see the city skyline views at Seoul Sky, an observation deck with a glass floor above the city. 

In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Seoul Forest Park for an introduction to Seoul's seasonal colors. A peaceful oasis at any time of year, the park is alight with oranges and yellows during autumn. Explore the lanes of autumnal trees, then stop by other attractions, including a waterfront marina, an art park, and forest playgrounds.

Day 2: Transfer to Jeonju, Best of Jeonju Tour, Food & Wine Tasting in Makgeolli 

Leave Seoul today and transfer 2.5 hours south to Jeonju, the birthplace of the Joseon Dynasty's founder, King Taejo. After checking into your hotel, stroll the streets of Jeonju Hanok Village with your guide to see more than 700 traditional Hanok houses and visit the palace Gyeonggijeon, built in 1410 CE, now a shrine to King Taejo. Discover the Royal Portrait Museum within to learn about the history of the Joseon monarchs, then do a deep dive into the area's history at the Jeonju National Museum. Wander the halls, discovering over 40,000 relics, including art, calligraphy, priceless pottery, and archaeological finds. 

In the afternoon, explore the Jeonju Korean Traditional Wine Museum exhibits, covering various Korean liquors and the materials, tools, and machines used in the traditional methods. Sample several of these spirits, like the clear chungju and distilled soju, before making your own bottle to bring home. In the evening, head with your guide to Makgeolli Town, known for producing Korean rice wine called makgeolli. Sample some of this wine, served in kettles, alongside local dishes like kongnamul gukbap (beansprout soup), braised pork, or grilled fish. 

Day 3: Jeonju Church & Temple Tour, Transfer to Damyang, Juknokwon Forest Tour

Check out of your hotel and join your guide for a half-day tour of Jeonju. Begin at the Pungnammun Gate, which once served as the city's south gate and is considered one of South Korea's national treasures. Then, proceed to the 100-year-old Jeondong Cathedral, featuring Roman-Byzantine architecture, before heading to the Omokdae Observatory for panoramic views over Jeonju Hanok Village. Your tour continues to the 14th-century Jeonju Hyanggyo, an ancient Confucian school known for its gorgeous grounds, with 100-year-old ginkgo trees that turn vibrant gold in the autumn. 

After stopping for lunch, continue on the road for an hour to Damyang, where you'll spend three hours exploring the winding trails of the 76-acre (31-ha) Juknokwon (Bamboo Forest) with your guide. As you wander beneath the bamboo canopy, stop to rest at the pavilions to take in the forest's beautiful vista, have your camera ready for the red-orange autumnal foliage of Metasequoia Tree Lane, then step into the small gallery of Lee Lee Nam Art Center. Afterward, check into your hotel in Damyang for the night.

Day 4: Discover Naejangsan National Park, Transfer to Seoul

After a hot breakfast at your hotel, meet your driver for your return transfer to Seoul. Dress warm as you'll stop on the way for a full-day tour of Naejangsan National Park, which hosts scenic views with beautiful waterfalls and cliffs. Ride the cable car up the 2,505-foot-high (763.5 m) mountain Naejangsan, considered the best peak from which to view Korea's autumn colors.

For the more energetic, venture out into the crisp autumn air on a hike along one of the many trails. Soak in the peaceful environs of trees and rewarding views, particularly striking when blanketed in fall foliage. After your walk, relax by the Uhwajeong Pavilion, its lake reflection tempting the photographer in you. Your driver will then take you to Seoul, an approximately 3.5-hour trip, where you'll check into your hotel for the night.

Day 6: Visit Seoraksan National Park & Sinheungsa Temple, Transfer to Seoul

After breakfast at your hotel in Sokcho, explore the beauty of Seoraksan National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Preservation District, with a private guide today. Start by riding a cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress Peak to view the park's diverse landscapes while your guide highlights the rare plant and animal species within the park. When you arrive, admire the scenic vista of Seoraksan, one of Korea's highest peaks at 5,603 feet (1,708 m).

Visit the historic seventh-century Buddhist Seoraksan Sinheungsa Temple on the mountain slopes and marvel at the Tongil Daebul (Great Unification Buddha) statue, which symbolizes the Korean people's wish for reunification. Take photos of green valleys, flowing waterfalls, and rare flora and fauna throughout the park, which is beautiful every season, especially in autumn. After exploring, meet your driver for your return to Seoul, a three-hour drive away. 

Day 7: Discover the Best of Old and Modern Seoul

Discover the best of Seoul's culture and history during today's 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.

Day 8: Depart Seoul

Say farewell to South Korea and pack your bags today. Depending on your departure details, explore more of Seoul before you transfer to the airport for your next destination. Safe travels!