South Korea
South Korea Highlights
Seoul is a vibrant blend of cutting-edge technology, rich history and dynamic culture. It’s the perfect place to kick off an exciting family holiday to South Korea! After time in this fun city (including a kimchi-making cookery class), head off to peaceful Nami Island and the seafood haven of Sokcho, gateway to the stunning Seoraksan National Park.
A high-speed KTX train brings you to the historic city of Gyeongju to gain an insight into Korea’s historic past, as well as cooking up a feast with the famous bibimbap dish. The seaside town of Busan provides coastal fun with the Skyline Luge and Haeundae Sky capsule before heading to the island of Jeju. Chill out at the beach and watch a performance of the famous Haenyeo female free divers. With optional visits to the DMZ or K-Pop shows, South Korea is every adventurous family’s dream!
Highlights
Enjoy the 24/7 energy of Seoul
Visit the DMZ or see K-Pop!
Zipline onto Nami Island
Cook bibimbap in Gyeongju
Ride Busan’s Skyline luge
See the Haenyeo female divers
Relax on Jeju’s beaches
15 days from £3,870 pp
Plus international flights from £690
A 15-day holiday in South Korea for a family of four usually costs from £15,480 plus flights, based on good mid-range accommodation.
South Korea Highlights day-by-day itinerary
Day 1, Seoul
Welcome to South Korea! Seoul is one of the great cities of Asia, an exhilarating metropolis teeming with bustling markets, oodles of eateries, intoxicating bright lights, and a treasure trove of historical sites. Seoul’s 24/7 energy is exciting and welcoming – ideal for adventurous families to start their Korean journey.
Day 2, Seoul
Time to check out some of the city’s most iconic attractions and experiences on a guided city tour. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul’s five royal palaces, dating back six centuries to the Joseon dynasty. There is the option to experience dressing in Hanbok clothes as you explore the palace.
Dive into Tongin Market, purchase some Yeopjeong (traditional brass coins) and browse the stalls along the alleyway, filling up your very own personalised bento box as you go. So much fun, and everyone gets what they want!
Try your hand at making some iconic Korean food at a kimchi-making class (delicious), as well as visiting Namsangol. This is a charming ‘recreated village’ made up of traditional Korean buildings and the perfect space in which to escape from the city.
Finish your day with a visit to N Seoul Tower, originally a radio wave tower and nowadays home to a fabulous observation deck – perfect for panoramic views of the city’s immense skyline.
Day 3, Seoul
Just outside Seoul, the ancient city of Suwon is jam-packed with impressive historical remains.
Hwaseong Fortress is a former stronghold dating back to the 18th century. With its imposing gates, watchtowers and extensive fortified walls, this UNESCO World Heritage Site encircles the historic centre and will capture the imagination of children of all ages.
You will then visit the Korean Folk Village, a popular filming location for many Korean dramas and set against a gorgeous backdrop of scenic mountains and river. To come here is to be transported back in time… Catch a glimpse of what daily village life would be like under the Joseon dynasty from centuries ago, watching a variety of performances from dance to theatre.
Finally, look around the colourful Suwon Nammun Market. A hub of nine different markets amalgamated together, the market area sprawls along the boulevard alongside the fortress. From tools to fashion, silk merchants to famous fried chicken, it’s a feast for the senses!
Day 4, Nami Island – Sokcho
Escape the city and head to picturesque Nami Island. The island found fame as a filming location for the popular K-drama ‘Winter Sonata’ and is beautiful year-round. There are several exciting activities on offer here – you could choose to arrive on the island via a fabulous zipline, zooming over the water from an 80m high tower.
Or experience the very unique Gangchon rail bike. These rail bikes allow you to pedal along the old railway, enjoying beautiful views of the Bukhan River as you go. The insides of the tunnels are lit up with coloured effects and some have music playing – fun for big and small kids alike!
Continue to the coastal city of Sokcho, gateway to Seoraksan National Park and perfect for nature lovers and seafood enthusiasts.
Day 5, Sokcho – Seoul
Set off to explore Seoraksan National Park on a guided tour. The park is packed with stunning mountains, gorgeous rivers, dramatic waterfalls and many incredible hiking trails. Take the cable car ride to the top of Gwongeumseong Peak to soak up the amazing views – photo ops galore – before descending and continuing your journey to Abai.
Abai was formerly a village populated by refugees from North Korea, who survived by fishing and manual labour. Taking a gaetbae boat (manually pulled by rope), you’ll sail across the river. Although the town has been modernised, there is still the odd glimpse of history, and the occasional old shack still remains, with nostalgic murals reflecting sorrow and displacement. View the original refugee houses, now restored into the Refugee Village at the Sokcho Museum, before transferring back to Seoul.
Day 6, Seoul – Gyeongju
Taking a high-speed KTX train today, you will head across the country to the historic city of Gyeongju, a key cultural highlight of any family holiday to South Korea. Gyeongju is known as ‘the museum without walls’ and offers a real insight into Korea’s past.
On arrival, you will dive into a fun Korean cooking class, cooking up a feast with the famous bibimbap dish. You will then end the day at the perfect evening location at the Wolji Pond. Site of the impressive Donggung Palace, you will hopefully enjoy a stunning sunset along with some beautifully orchestrated lighting effects.
Read More Day 7, Gyeongju – Busan You will then head to the Daereungwon Tombs, an iconic collection of 23 burial mounds. It is a really peaceful area in which to take a stroll around, not only due to its historical significance but also to absorb the atmosphere of this well-preserved and manicured site, which is still under excavation. Finishing your day at Gyochon Village, a folk village which hosts traditional folk music events and offers an insight into life during the Joseon period. Step inside the ancient hanok houses and visit the Confucian shrine before taking the short transfer to the city of Busan – welcome to the seaside! Day 8, Busan Stroll through Gamcheon Culture Village, dating back to the 1950s and established by thousands of refugees from the Korean War… You will definitely have seen photos of this village, with its layered streets, staircase-fashion houses, twisted labyrinthine alleyways and brightly painted buildings. Everywhere you look, there is art, colour, vibrant murals and striking sculptures. Photo ops galore! You’ll also see the famous (and smelly!) 600-year-old Jagalchi Fish Market, plus the Gukje Market selling a hugely diverse range of items – each of the lanes is named after the goods sold there. End the day with a sunset cruise. Sit back, relax and soak up the views… Bliss. Day 9, Busan Next, it’s time for the kids (and big kids) to blow off some steam and check out the Skyline Luge. Wow, what a ride! Hurtle down 2.4km of track packed with twists and turns – thrilling for all the family. Take the fast lane or the scenic route. Either way, you’re sure to have lots of fun, and the views are great. No visit to Busan would be complete without taking a ride in the Haeundae Sky Capsule, an automated enclosed ride by ‘capsule’ along a 2km elevated track along the coast. Chill out at the Edge Café 993 with its panoramic ocean views. Finally, a real hidden gem – the Dakbatgol Mural Village. Immerse yourselves in the pastels and beautifully painted houses of the village. There is a free tiny cable car that shuttles visitors to the top and bottom. Rides seem to be the theme of the day! Whimsical? Definitely. But not to be missed for its perfect vantage point over this quirky village. Day 10, Busan – Jeju Island On arrival, you’ll meet your English-speaking guide and head straight out to explore. Jeju City is vibrant but relaxed, low-rise, and packed with fascinating museums. Your guide will take you to a few sites, before you later continue to your hotel. After checking in, the rest of the evening is free. Jeju is foodie heaven – don’t miss the ‘Black Pork Street’ – try the barbequed black pork with kimchi and pickled radish, rounded off with peanut ice cream or cups of sweet tangerine tea – absolutely delicious. Day 11, Jeju Next up, continue to Soesokkak estuary, a small canyon with turquoise waters and surrounded by volcanic cliffs. Board kayaks and paddle gently along, admiring the magnificent scenery and the clarity of the water. A real ‘must-do’ on Jeju is to experience Seongsan Ilchulbong and its unique volcanic crater, complete with a Haenyeo (traditional female diver) performance. These women, all over the age of 60 (and some over 80), can put the rest of us to shame with their incredible breath-holding capacity! Truly impressive and fascinating for all ages to see. The Haenyeo Museum tells you more about the lives of these women and how they traditionally made their living; a visit here is well worth it to better understand their unique culture. Day 12, Jeju Days 13-14, Jeju – Seoul You now have some free time – or you could choose between the following options: Visit to the DMZ Lotte World K-Pop Performance Day 15, Departure
Continue your exploration of this ancient city, visiting the Bulguksa Temple, one of the most important UNESCO sites in the country and a beautiful example of Buddhist art.
Busan, also known as ‘Seoul by the Sea,’ is South Korea’s second-largest city. With a more low-key vibe than the capital, its laid-back feel makes for a great base while in this part of the country. Seafood lovers will be in paradise – Busan is home to South Korea’s largest fish market, as well as the country’s best-known sandy bay, Haeundae Beach.
Time to mix culture and fun today! Kick off with a visit to Haedong Yonggunsa Temple. Perched on a seaside cliff, this temple is famous for making wishes come true when you pray earnestly and is considered by some to be the most beautiful in South Korea.
Take the short flight from Busan to Jeju, the jewel in the archipelago of South Korea’s southern coast, and its largest island. Jeju is known for its volcanic coastline, idyllic waters, coral seascapes, golden palm-fringed beaches and famous all-female free divers (Haenyeo). Home to waterfalls, orchards, lava tubes and forests, and dominated by Mount Hallasan (a dormant volcano), this subtropical island is the perfect place for a few days, as busy or relaxing as you wish!
Head out this morning for an active day out exploring the island’s natural wonders. Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, with its three tiers cascading through the forest, is easily accessed via a short hike along pathways and wooden bridges.
A much-needed free day. Jeju is known as the Hawaii of Korea so there are hundreds of stunning beaches to enjoy some R&R – from the famous ‘insta’ spot of Hyeopjae to the more peaceful sandbanks of Geumneung. Or enjoy some mind-bending time at the Alive Museum, the world’s largest optical art illusion theme park – like nothing you have ever experienced before! For a more tranquil activity, visit the Osulloc Tea Museum or indulge in a traditional oriental foot bath – perfect after all that walking.
Fly back to Seoul, where you’ll be met on arrival by your driver and dropped off at your hotel.
Take an official shared trip to visit the DMZ. Typically, this includes Imjingak Park, the Unification Bridge, the DMZ Theatre, the 3rd infiltration Tunnel, the Dora Observatory and the DMZ gondola. A fascinating part of Korea’s history.
South Korea’s answer to Disneyland – this is a large indoor theme park packed with rides and attractions.
Do you have some K-Pop fans in the family? This is an incredible opportunity to go and see K-Pop artists perform live at Inkigayo.
South Korea in pictures
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