Highlights
- Explore the sprawling Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
- Learn about traditional mask performances in Andong
- Marvel at the temple complex at Seokguram Grotto
- See the peculiar tomb hills in Tumuli Park
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Seoul | Seoul |
| Day 2 | Seoul City Tour, Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village | Seoul |
| Day 3 | Seoul to Gyeongju & Andong | Gyeongju |
| Day 4 | Bulguksa, Seokguram Grotto & National Museum Tour | Gyeongju |
| Day 5 | Return to Seoul, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Seoul
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Head to the Insadong neighborhood for an optional three-hour tour of its tea houses, shops, and restaurants, walking along cobblestone streets lined with ginkgo trees. On a street known for its antique stores, browse porcelain, wood, metal, and earthenware pieces and learn about some of South Korea's traditional handicrafts with your local guide leading the way. For lunch or dinner, head to Gwangjang Market to taste some of the city's best street food while moving among the crowd of locals. Take your pick among dishes such as dak gangjeong (fried chicken), mandu (dumplings), and kkochi (skewers).
End the night with skyline views at Seoul Sky, an observation deck with a glass floor high above the city.
Day 2: Seoul City Tour, Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village
In the morning, meet your private guide, who will customize a day around Seoul according to your interests. Some of the highlights you might consider are Gyeongbokgung Palace to learn about the culture and history of the Joseon Dynasty. The complex was built in 1395 and restored in the 19th century and is considered among the most beautiful of Seoul's five grand palaces. Follow your guide to see some of its more than 50 buildings and 7,700 rooms spanning 90 acres (40 ha). To go deeper into the country's history and traditions, visit the National Folk Museum and National Palace Museum on the palace's grounds and get your camera ready for a guard-changing ceremony reenacting royal traditions.
Take a stroll in Bukchon Hanok Village, among its more than 900 traditional hanoks, the homes of the royal family and high society. Stop in a tea house or restaurant in one of the village's restored buildings for lunch before continuing on your tour and on to Namsan Park, the highest peak in the city, filled with hiking trails and city views. Ride a cable car to the top of the mountain above the Hangang River and spend the evening exploring more of Seoul.
Day 3: Transfer to Gyeongju via Andong
Get your bags ready for your next destination, Andong. The city, about a 2.5-hour drive south of Seoul, was a center of Confucianism during the Joseon Dynasty and is now where visitors can learn about South Korea's folk traditions. Depending on your arrival time, get out of the car at Andong Hahoe Folk Village for a Hahoe Byeolsingut Mask performance and learn about this ritual with dancing, drums, and costumes that date from 800 years ago.
See the same types of masks from the performance on display at the Hahoe Mask Museum. Your guide will explain how the Hahoe masks are also worn in a Hahoe Pyolshin-gut t'al nori ceremony which honors local deities, and point out some of the most significant masks from the collection of pieces from all over the world. Stop for lunch to try grilled Andong salted mackerel or jjim-dalk chicken and vegetable stew with noodles. From Andong, travel 1.5 hours south to Gyeongju, where you can check in to your hotel and relax in the former Silla kingdom.
Day 4: Bulguksa, Seokguram Grotto & National Museum Tour
Bulguksa Temple was founded in the eighth century on Mount Toham and, along with the Seokguram Grotto, is one of South Korea's most significant religious art complexes. Follow your guide as you pass through wood and stone prayer halls and pagodas and learn about the sculptures decorating the vast grounds. As you approach a Buddha looking out at sea in the Seokguram Grotto, take your time to appreciate the details of the artist's craftsmanship.
From the temple, travel about one hour north to Tumuli Park, walking among 23 royal tombs in grassy hills, some of which were built in the fifth century. Visit Cheonmachong Tomb, created for an unknown Silla king, to see some of the ruler's ornamental jewelry. From the park, take a break for lunch, then step into one of the oldest astronomical observatories in Asia, Cheomseongdae Observatory. Then see Silla-era relics such as a fourth-century gold crown at Gyeongju National Museum.
By night, head to Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond to watch lights dance on the water and then have dinner at a local restaurant or return to your hotel.
Day 5: Return to Seoul, Depart
In the morning, meet your driver for a 3.5-hour drive north to Seoul and on to the airport to catch a flight for your next destination.
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