Highlights
- Sample local delights such as mungbean pancakes in Seoul's Gwangjang Market
- See the Korean art of handmade hanji papermaking at Andong's Hanji Factory
- Watch a traditional Hahoe Byeolsingut mask performance in Andong Hahoe
- Taste signature Daegu dishes on a food tour of Seomun Market, a foodie haven
- Hike through a serene forest in Gayasan National Park to the Haeinsa Temple
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Seoul, Seoul Street Food Tour | Seoul |
| Day 2 | Sightseeing in Seoul, Fine Dining Experience | Seoul |
| Day 3 | Makgeolli Brewing Class, Myeongdong Street Food Tour | Seoul |
| Day 4 | Train to Andong, Andong Distillery & Market Experience | Andong |
| Day 5 | Tour Andong Hahoe Village, Byeongsan Seowon & Andong Hanji Paper Factory | Andong |
| Day 6 | Train to Daegu, Gourmet Experience in Seomun Market & Anjirang Alley | Daegu |
| Day 7 | Visit Gayasan National Park & Haeinsa Temple | Daegu |
| Day 8 | Train to Seoul, Shopping in Dongdaemun Market & Duty-Free Shops | Seoul |
| Day 9 | Depart Seoul |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Seoul, Seoul Street Food Tour
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 resting after your journey or exploring the city. Head to the Insadong neighborhood to tour its tea houses, shops, and restaurants, walking along cobblestone streets lined with ginkgo trees. Or, take in the skyline views at Seoul Sky, an observation deck with a glass floor above the city.
Later in the day, discover South Korea's culinary roots on a four-hour street food tour, beginning in the renowned Gwangjang Market. Wander along the narrow walkways, snacking on dishes such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and tteokbokki (rice cakes). Next on the tour is Namdaemun Market, the country's largest traditional market. Taste traditional mandu (dumplings) and kkochi (skewers), or, if you're feeling adventurous, sample live octopus and beef tartar. End the day with some classic Korean barbecue on Youth Street.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Seoul, Fine Dining Experience
Today, you'll discover the best of Seoul's culture and history during an immersive full-day 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.
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. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then 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.
For dinner, dress in your best and step into your private car for a fine dining experience at one of Seoul's many Michelin-starred restaurants, such as La Yeon on the 23rd floor of the Shilla Hotel for Korean cuisine with a modern twist or Seolgaon to savor the restaurant's traditional vibe and the flavors of a Hanjeongsik, a traditional Korean full-course meal. Afterward, meet your driver for a return transfer to your hotel.
Day 3: Makgeolli Brewing Class, Myeongdong Street Food Tour
This morning, you'll learn the secrets behind one of South Korea's favorite drinks, makgeolli, a sweet-tasting, milky rice wine enjoyed in the country since the Three Kingdoms era (57 BCE – 668 CE). Join a local expert for the 2.5-hour class where you'll be shown the process and techniques used in brewing makgeolli, made with rice, water, and nuruk, the fermentation starter. Then, roll up your sleeves and create your own bottle from start to finish, including steaming the rice and filtering the mash. You'll be able to sample the fruits of your labor and bring home a recipe as a souvenir.
Save the evening for a self-guided food tour of Myeongdong, home to some of the best street food in Seoul. It's hard to go wrong with any of the tasty bites along this bustling shopping street, but a must-try is kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup), especially delicious paired with garlicky kimchi (fermented and salted vegetables).
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Train to Andong, Andong Distillery & Market Experience
It's time to transfer south today to historic Andong, known as "the capital of Korean spirit." Head to the railway station with your driver and board a two-hour train to Andong. Check into your hotel, then meet your guide for a half-day tour beginning at a soju (fermented rice wine) distillery. The ancient city is known to produce some of the best soju in the country. Learn about the history and distilling process of Korea's national drink, made using recipes passed down for generations.
Then, follow your guide to Andong Gusijang (Old Market), a traditional market that sells everything from fresh produce to street food and octopus. In Jjimdak Alley, sample the city's official dish, Andong jjimdak (steamed chicken marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce), which is popular throughout Korea but most authentic in Andong, where it originated. After your tour, return to your hotel in Andong.
Day 5: Tour Andong Hahoe Village, Byeongsan Seowon & Andong Hanji Paper Factory
In the morning, see another side of Andong's past at the UNESCO-listed Andong Hahoe Folk Village, organized around Korean feng shui in a lotus flower shape. Watch a traditional Hahoe Byeolsingut mask performance with dancing, drums, and costumes that date back 800 years. Then, board a boat on the Nakdonggang River to Buyongdae Cliff at the end of the Taebaeksan Mountain Range. For an overhead view of the village, climb to Buyongdae's summit.
For lunch, sample another Andong specialty, heotjesabap, a traditional dish mixed in a rice bowl and made with grilled fish, Korean pancakes, veggies, and ganjang (soy sauce). Then, continue your tour to Byeongsan Seowon, a Confucian academy established in the 14th century. The academy's location near mountains and water was chosen to help students cultivate a connection between their minds and bodies. Make your last stop at Hanji Factory to see how the ancient art of handmade hanji papermaking (from the inner bark of the mulberry) continues.
Day 6: Train to Daegu, Gourmet Experience in Seomun Market & Anjirang Alley
Take a 1.5-hour bullet train this morning to Daegu, a charming city known for its markets, café culture, and intriguing history. Meet your guide and begin your full-day tour with a gourmet experience at Seomun Market, a foodie haven. Wander through the many stalls while you sample signature Daegu dishes such as napjak mandu (flat dumplings) and hotteok (syrup-filled pancakes). Continue your tour at the historic Cheongna Hill, a residential area once settled by Christian missionaries in the early 20th century and home to the Romanesque Gyesan Cathedral.
Have a coffee on the tree-lined Apsan Café Street and enjoy one of the many charming patios under the cherry and ginkgo trees. Then, ride a cable car up to the Apsan Sunset Observatory for sweeping views before ending the evening with a meal of grilled tripe on Anjirang Gopchang Street. Grill the gopchang (beef or pork intestines) yourself over a charcoal grill, just like the locals, and enjoy this Daegu specialty right off the skewer.
Day 7: Visit Gayasan National Park & Haeinsa Temple
Take a day trip one hour west of Daegu to the spectacular Gayasan National Park, known for its many waterfalls, forested valleys, and a plethora of wildlife. It's also an important sacred site in South Korea. Walking through the forest with your guide, you'll come upon Haeinsa Temple on Mount Gayasan. Wander the temple's grounds and woodland, following the sounds of chanting, drums, and temple bells.
When you arrive at 15th-century Janggyeong Panjeon, learn how a 500-year-old ventilation technique preserves the "Tripitaka Koreana," a collection of 13th-century writings engraved onto 80,000 woodblocks. Peer through wooden slats in the building to glimpse these treasures. After a complete immersion in the wonders of Haeinsa Temple, your driver will return you to Daegu for your last night in the city.
Day 8: Train to Seoul, Shopping in Dongdaemun Market & Duty-Free Shops
This morning, take a two-hour train journey back to Seoul. Check into your hotel, then spend the rest of your day as you wish. You might like to set off on a self-guided shopping expedition through the city streets. 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.
Then, visit Dongdaemun Market, a 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, filled with luxury brands, entertainment centers, Korean beauty stores, electronics shops, and more.
Day 9: Depart Seoul
Today, your journey in South Korea comes to an end. Your driver will transfer you to Incheon International Airport in time to board your departing flight. Safe travels, wherever you're heading next!
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