Highlights
- Have photos in a traditional Korean hanbok at Seoul's palace, Gyeongbokgung
- Visit the oldest observatory in Asia, Cheomseongdae, in Gyeongju
- Wander Jinhae's blossom-filled former train depot, Gyeonghwa Station
- Hop on Nami Island's Gangchon Railbike for mountain and river views in spring.
- Take in the views from the mountainside Sinheungsa Temple in Seoraksan
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Seoul, Self-guided Springtime Tour of Seoul Forest Park | Seoul |
| Day 2 | Seoul Highlights Tour with Cherry Blossom Spots | Seoul |
| Day 3 | Train to Gyeongju, Historic Gyeongju Tour | Gyeongju |
| Day 4 | Tour Bulguksa Temple, Transfer to Busan, Spot Cherry Blossoms in Jinhae | Busan |
| Day 5 | Highlights of Busan & Cherry Blossom Tour | Busan |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Seoul, Springtime Tour of Nami Island, Transfer to Sokcho | Sokcho |
| Day 7 | Visit Seoraksan National Park, Sinheungsa Temple & Jungang Market | Sokcho |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Seoul via Gangneung, Cherry Blossoms Tour with Gyeongpo Lake | Seoul |
| Day 9 | Depart Seoul |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Seoul, Self-guided Springtime Tour of Seoul Forest Park
Welcome to Seoul, the dynamic South Korean capital with over 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 ginkgo trees. Or, walk through Myeongdong, a skincare and cosmetics hub. Check out the Gwangjang Market for lunch and taste some of the city's best street food while mingling with locals. Choose among dishes such as 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 your introduction to Seoul's seasonal flower scene. A peaceful oasis at any time of year, the park is smothered in pink cherry blossoms during spring. Explore the lanes of blooming trees, then stop by other attractions, including a waterfront marina, an art park, and forest playgrounds.
Day 2: Seoul Highlights Tour with Cherry Blossom Spots
A full-day guided tour of Seoul's highlights awaits you today, with an emphasis on finding the best cherry blossoms in the city. Your day will start in Yeouido Park, which features 1,600 hot-pink Yoshino cherry trees along the Han River. As you wander, you'll be able to spot a host of other spring blooms here, including tulips, azaleas, and forsythia.
Next, you'll visit the beautiful Gyeongbokgung, a 14th-century palace. 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. 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.
Continue on to Gwangjang Market for a tasty perusal of typical street fare such as bibimbap (a rice-based dish) or mung bean pancakes. After checking out the market, follow your guide to Namsan Park, where you can hike or ride the cable car up to the iconic N Seoul Tower for 360-degree city views. Before returning to your hotel, don't miss the love-lock fence on the observatory, a favorite local dating spot that is particularly lovely in the spring.
Day 3: Train to Gyeongju, Historic Gyeongju Tour
After breakfast at your hotel in Seoul, take a two-hour bullet train to Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 BCE to 935 CE). Today, it's nicknamed the "museum without walls." Begin your full-day tour at the beautiful Bomunjeong, a small lake surrounded by blooms with a charming waterside pavilion. Next, tour Tumuli Park to see the historic fifth-century Cheonmachong tomb, offering a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of a Silla king. Continue your visit at the ancient Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest of its kind in Asia, dating back to the seventh century, which comes alive with blossoms in the spring.
Do a deep dive into the rich history of the Silla Dynasty at the Gyeongju National Museum to see artifacts such as a fourth-century gold crown and the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok. In the evening, you'll visit the palace of Donggung and Wolji Pond, where you can walk among trees, small hills, and pavilions once used for state festivals and banquets. Finish with a stroll across the two-story Woljeonggyo Bridge, as seen in the popular K-drama "The King: Eternal Monarch," before heading to your Gyeongju hotel to rest for tomorrow's adventures.
Day 4: Tour Bulguksa Temple, Transfer to Busan, Spot Cherry Blossoms in Jinhae
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Explore the city of Gyeongju today on a half-day tour, beginning at the beautiful Bulguksa temple, an eighth-century architectural wonder and an excellent example of Silla architecture. The temple houses six national treasures, including the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas. Then, continue to the Seokguram Grotto on Mount Toham, home to a monumental Buddha statue facing the sea.
In the afternoon, you'll travel with a private driver the 1.5 hours to Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, nestled among mountain ranges along the coast. The port town is loved for its nearby beaches, International Film Festival, trendy cafés, and extensive fish markets. Settle into your hotel, grab your camera, and then meet your guide and driver to discover the best spots for cherry blossoms in the surrounding area.
Travel for 30 minutes to nearby Jinhae, one of South Korea's most famous springtime towns. Over 360,000 cherry trees are planted throughout the town, making it a fairy tale come to life. Stroll along the Yeojwacheon stream, with its charming cafés and canopy of blossoms over the water, then visit Gyeonghwa Station, a former train depot now converted to a park, with a decommissioned rail line (complete with train) surrounded by pink trees. Afterward, you'll return with your driver to Busan for the night.
Day 5: Highlights of Busan & Cherry Blossom Tour
Grab an early breakfast and meet your guide for a full-day tour of some of Busan's cultural wonders, starting at the 14th-century Buddhist temple Haedong Yonggungsa, set on a rugged coastline. From here, hunt down cherry blossoms at Dalmaji Road, where the rosy blooms stand out against the blue sky. Next, head to Haeundae Beach, a popular summer destination for swimmers and surfers, to walk on the soft white sand or ride the fun Sky Capsule beach train before continuing to Songdo Beach for endless sea views.
Spend the afternoon discovering Gamcheon Culture Village, the "Machu Picchu of Busan," with its brightly colored terraced houses and winding alleys decorated with murals and sculptures by residents. While there, sample the famous local dish, ssiat hotteok (pancake filled with brown sugar). End the day with a visit to Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest fish market in South Korea. Finally, ascend the mountain Hwangnyeongsan for its famous views of cherry trees lining the mountaintop road and to see the Gwangan Bridge's lighting show before returning to your hotel for the evening.
Day 6: Transfer to Seoul, Springtime Tour of Nami Island, Transfer to Sokcho
Check out of your hotel and board a three-hour bullet train from Busan to Seoul. There, you'll join your guide for a half-day trip to the famous Nami Island, which lies in the middle of the North Han River. Beloved in all seasons, spring transforms the island into a fairyland, with blossoms surrounding the pagodas, birch trees, ginkgo trees, and redwoods. After exploring the forests and stopping at the charming pagodas, climb aboard the island Gangchon Railbike for adventure with a side of mountain and river views.
Admire the scenery while you pedal a four-seater bike that runs along train tracks through colorfully lit tunnels, over bridges, and along the river. Afterward, return to Seoul and enjoy a relaxing 2.5-hour journey with your driver to Sokcho, where you'll check into your hotel for two nights.
Day 7: Visit Seoraksan National Park, Sinheungsa Temple & Jungang Market
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 flower-covered landscapes while your guide highlights the rare plant and animal species. When you arrive, admire the scenic vista of Seoraksan, one of Korea's highest peaks at 5,603 feet (1,708 m), then visit the historic seventh-century Buddhist Seoraksan Sinheungsa Temple on the mountain slopes.
Marvel at the Tongil Daebul (Great Unification Buddha) statue, symbolizing 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 spring. After exploring, head down the mountain and back to Sokcho to observe the local lifestyle on a two-hour tour of the Sokcho Jungang Traditional Market. Try local specialties such as odeng (fish cake) or dakgangjeong (fried chicken with sweet-and-sour sauce and a crushed peanut garnish) before returning to your hotel.
Day 8: Transfer to Seoul via Gangneung, Cherry Blossoms Tour with Gyeongpo Lake
Leave Sokcho behind today and join your driver for a one-hour transfer to lovely Gangneung. Your cherry blossom spotting of the day starts at Gyeongpo Lake, where pink and white-blossoming trees line the 2.7-mile-long (4.3 km) lakeside path during spring. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the tunnel of rosy blooms along the lakeshore, then head to one of South Korea's best beaches, Gyeongpo Beach, to enjoy one mile (1.8 km) of white sand, beautiful waters in shades of blue, and pristine views of the East Sea.
Afterward, fill up on a wide range of delicious seafood (both fresh and dried) at a traditional market. While Gangneung is primarily known for squid, you might like to try local specialty foods like Korean beef, fish cake croquettes, and sweet-and-spicy fried chicken as you roam the market. Then, meet your driver for a three-hour transfer back to Seoul for your final night in the country.
Day 9: Depart Seoul
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