Highlights
- Taste classic Korean barbecue on a street food tour through Seoul
- Wander the narrow streets of Bukchon Hanok Village from the Joseon dynasty
- Ride the cable car up Naejangsan, then hike past waterfalls to pavilions & peaks
- Dine on vegetarian cuisine with monks during a temple stay at serene Hwaeomsa
- Hike to the peaks of the mountainous Jirisan National Park, South Korea's largest
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Seoul, Seoul Street Food Tour | Seoul |
| Day 2 | Highlights of Seoul with Myeongdong Street Food Tour | Seoul |
| Day 3 | Hiking Tour of Bukhansan National Park with Seunggasa Temple | Seoul |
| Day 4 | Explore Han River, Train to Gwangju | Gwangju |
| Day 5 | Hiking in Naejangsan National Park | Gwangju |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Gurye, Hwaeomsa Temple Stay - Day 1 | Gurye |
| Day 7 | Hwaeomsa Temple Stay - Half Day, Hiking in Jirisan National Park | Gurye |
| Day 8 | Train to Seoul, Explore at Your Leisure | 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 exploring the city or resting after your journey.
Later in the day, discover South Korea's culinary roots on a half-day 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 Kochi (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: Highlights of Seoul with Myeongdong Street Food Tour
Meet your guide this morning for a full-day city tour. Step back in time at the palace, Gyeongbokgung, a complex built in 1395 CE and restored in the 19th century. Considered among the most beautiful of Seoul's five grand palaces, you'll tour some of its grounds, including 50 buildings, 7,700 rooms, and over 90 acres (40 ha), uncovering the history of South Korea and its former rulers. Learn more about this history at the National Folk Museum and National Palace Museum, and get your camera ready for a guard-changing ceremony reenacting royal traditions.
Next, you'll visit Bukchon Hanok Village just outside the palace for another view of the past. Explore narrow streets where more than 900 restored, traditional hanoks (once the homes of the royal family and high society during the Joseon Dynasty) now function as guesthouses, tea houses, and restaurants. Stay in the village for lunch and then hike up to Namsan Park, the largest park in Seoul, where you'll find the city's landmark, N Seoul Tower. After a cable car ride or a hike to the top of the mountain, Namsan, enjoy a 360-degree unobstructed view of the city and the Han River.
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. A must-try is kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup), especially delicious paired with garlicky kimchi (fermented and salted vegetables).
Day 3: Hiking Tour of Bukhansan National Park with Seunggasa Temple
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
After breakfast at your hotel in Seoul, lace up your hiking shoes and set off on a full-day adventure that begins with a hike in Bukhansan National Park. This is one of South Korea's most popular hiking destinations, with various trails for all levels, from easy to advanced. Follow your guide for a few hours through the park's picturesque valleys, streams, and mountains as you make your way to the historic temple, Seunggasa.
Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of this 1,000-year-old temple, where nature and Buddhism harmoniously coexist. Enjoy the far-reaching views of Seoul and the surrounding landscape before returning to Seoul in the late afternoon for some rest before dinner. Enjoy your last night in the city by visiting the multicultural Itaewon neighborhood, which has a wide range of international restaurants and rooftop bars.
Day 4: Explore Han River, Train to Gwangju
This morning, head to the shores of Seoul's Han River. The riverside parks offer a peaceful retreat away from the buzz of the capital. Make your way to a nearby park for a morning stroll or a picnic, or rent a bike to cycle the bikeway—an ideal way to view the city. Then, hop on a boat for a cruise along the Han River, spotting local landmarks and passing under some of Seoul's 27 bridges.
After lunch, check out of your hotel and head to the station. There, you'll board a 2.5-hour bullet train from Seoul to charming Gwangju, known for its culture, art, and history. The city is also famous for its many nearby national parks. Settle into your hotel, where you'll be spending the next few nights.
Day 5: Hiking in Naejangsan National Park
Today, dress warmly for a six-hour hiking 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, although it's gorgeous in every season. On your return to the car park, venture out in the crisp air on a guided hike along one of the many trails, starting with the short 1-mile (1.6 km) trek to the ancient Baegyangsa Temple, founded during the Baekje Dynasty (632 CE).
While there, see the beautiful Ssanggyeru Pavilion reflected in the surrounding pond before continuing your hike uphill to Sangwangbong Peak, the second-tallest peak in the national park at 2,431 feet (741 m). You'll walk this moderate 4.5-mile (7 km) hike for around three hours before reaching the top. Once there, soak in the peaceful environs of trees and panoramic views. For a more challenging trek, consider hiking to Naejangsa Temple and Sinseonbong Peak instead. After your trek, your driver will return you to your accommodation in Gwangju.
Day 6: Transfer to Gurye, Hwaeomsa Temple Stay - Day 1
Meet your driver this morning for a 1.5-hour transfer to Gurye, a small farming town. Take in views of the countryside as you continue to the nearby Hwaeomsa Temple, on the southwestern slope of Jirisan (Mount Jiri), your accommodation for the night. On arrival at the temple, settle into your sleeping quarters and change into your temple-stay outfit (usually a vest and trousers). Afterward, you'll receive an orientation on temple etiquette before setting off on a tour of the temple (originally built in 544 CE).
Learn about the temple's history and place in the development of Buddhism in South Korea as you walk through the grounds. Then, seek out the Sa-saja Samcheung Pagoda, one of South Korea's National Treasures. You may take part in guided meditations and other sacred rituals before enjoying a fresh, vegetarian evening meal. Observe the evening prayers, have a cup of tea with the resident monks (where you can ask questions and gain insight into the Buddhist way of life), and then head to bed early for a peaceful night's rest within the temple grounds.
Day 7: Hwaeomsa Temple Stay - Half Day, Hiking in Jirisan National Park
Wake up early to join the Buddhist monks during their morning prayers at 4 am, followed by a serene walk in the temple grounds. Enjoy a vegetarian breakfast, then participate in a relaxing, traditional meditation session guided by one of the monks. Afterward, visit one of the eight hermitages on the grounds of Hwaeomsa, such as Yeongiam Hermitage in the northern section or the ancient Gucheungam Hermitage, built at the end of the Silla Period (57 BCE – 935 CE), to learn more about Buddhism.
After an early lunch at the temple, pack your kit and pull on your boots for today's hike through Jirisan National Park, South Korea's first and largest mountainous park. Jirisan covers over 10 peaks, great valleys, cascading falls, towering cliffs, and other natural attractions. Begin your hike from the beautiful Hwaeomsa Temple to the top of Nogodan Peak, a moderate-to-difficult trail that covers about 5.5 miles (9 km) and will take four to five hours.
If you're in the mood for a longer, more challenging hike, leave the temple after breakfast and opt for the path up Cheonwangbong Peak, South Korea's highest peak at 6,282 feet (1,915 m). The 8.6-mile (14 km) loop begins in the charming Jungsanri Village, passes the beautiful Beopgyesa Temple, and generally takes eight hours to complete. After your day's hiking, return with your driver to picturesque Gurye and check into a hotel for the night.
Day 8: Train to Seoul, Explore at Your Leisure
Today, you'll board the 2.5-hour northbound train back to Seoul. 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 Insadong, with its plethora of souvenir shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
To take in the impressive skyline, head to Seoul Sky, the highest glass-floored observation deck in the world. 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
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