Best of South Korea
Tour, Escorted tour
Best Of South Korea
Experience the Best of South Korea, from Seoul’s royal palaces to Busan’s coastal charm, uncovering centuries of history, bold flavors and local traditions. Ride high-speed trains, taste street food at Gwangjang Market and sample traditional rice wine, or makgeolli, with an official registered makgeolli master. With every stop, you’ll get to know the true spirit of this dynamic country.
Dining Summary
Whats Included
Experience the Best of South Korea, from Seoul’s royal palaces to Busan’s coastal charm, uncovering centuries of history, bold flavors and local traditions. Ride high-speed trains, taste street food at Gwangjang Market and sample traditional rice wine, or makgeolli, with an official registered makgeolli master. With every stop, you’ll get to know the true spirit of this dynamic country.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch (L)
- Andong: Join your host Jongbu Kim Do-Eun for an experience that celebrates Korea’s rich culinary heritage. Inspired by Soowoonjapbang, a Joseon-era cookbook passed down through generations, this home-hosted dinner brings traditional recipes to life. You'll enjoy authentic flavors and dishes that have been part of Korean culture for centuries.
- Seoul: Step into the past at Gyeongbokgung Palace for the Changing of the Guard but this is no ordinary ceremony - it’s a full display of royal tradition, just as it was centuries ago in the days of the Joseon Dynasty. Expect guards in colorful uniforms, traditional weapons in hand, and the rhythmic beats of drums in a ceremony once held to protect the king.
- Seoul: Join a tasting tour through the buzzing Gwangjang Market, one of the capital’s oldest and liveliest street markets. Snack your way through crispy nokdujeon, bite-sized mayak gimbap, spicy tteokbokki, and of course, Korea’s iconic kimchi - this is street food at its best.
- Seoul: Step into history at the Korean Demilitarized Zone, one of the world’s most heavily guarded borders. A powerful experience offering you a rare glimpse into Korea’s divided past and hopes for the future.
- : This centuries-old performance mixes humor, history and tradition with bold masks and sharp satire. You’ll be right in the action, watching the stories unfold before meeting the performers for a private lesson - learning the moves and getting a real feel for this unique Korean tradition.
- : Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been home to the Ryu clan for over 600 years. Tucked into a bend of the Nakdong River, its thatched and tile-roofed houses sit beneath a 600-year-old tree, believed to protect the village. It’s a true step back into Korea’s past.
- Gyeongju: Discover the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple, a masterpiece of Silla-era Buddhist architecture, home to intricate pagodas and national treasures. Nearby, see the Seokguram Grotto, where a 3.5-meter-tall granite Buddha has stood since 774 AD, regarded as one of the finest in the world.
- Busan: Glide above the coastline on the Skyline Park Sky Capsule, a colorful elevated railway with panoramic views over Busan’s waterfront. Sit back and watch the city and ocean unfold from this fun, retro-style ride.
- Busan: Explore the colorful streets of Gamcheon Cultural Village, where a once-forgotten hillside settlement has become a lively mix of murals, cafes and local art shops. Built by Korean War refugees in the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood is now one of Busan’s most unique and creative spots to visit.
- Busan: Soar 86 meters above the sea on the Songdo Sea Cable Car, gliding from Songnim Park to Amnam Park with unbeatable views over Songdo Beach and the coastline. Sit back and enjoy a whole new perspective of Busan’s stunning waterfront.
- : A hands-on dining experience that’s as much about the atmosphere as it is the food. You’ll sizzle up meats like bulgogi, galbi or pork belly right at the table, paired with a spread of banchan (side dishes) like kimchi and pickled vegetables. A favorite across South Korea and beyond, it’s a must-try meal that brings people together over bold flavors and good company.
- Busan: Meet Yoo Cheong-gil, the sixth-generation owner of Geumjeongsanseong Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine, and the only officially recognized makgeolli master in South Korea. Step inside his brewery to learn about the centuries-old rice wine tradition, taste the difference from mass-produced versions, and hear why preserving this craft matters as he searches for the next generation to carry it forward. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- Explore Seoul, Andong, Gyeongju and Busan
- Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong Street, Gwangjang Market, Changdeokgung Palace, the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Bongjeongsa Temple, Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy, Hahoe Village, Hahoe World Mask Museum, Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple, Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Donggung Palace, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Dongbaekseom Island, Gamcheon Cultural Village and Gukje Market
- See Gwanghwamun plaza, Woljeonggyo Bridge and The United Nations Memorial Cemetery
- Scenic Train Ride on the Skyline Park Sky Capsule
- Visit the Songdu Sea Cable Car
- Gyeongju: In Gyeongju, you’ll stay overnight at this award-winning hotel, a striking S-shaped architectural feat built using cutting-edge techniques. Designed by Hyundai Engineering & Construction, its 360-degree curved facade offers a unique view from every angle. A landmark of modern design, blending innovation with comfort in the heart of Gyeongju.
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Interests
- Brews and Spirits
- Culinary and Cooking
About Trafalgar
Get ready for a trip like no other. Since 1947, more than five million happy past guests have discovered our difference. You’ll see top destinations, iconic sites, and get treated to exclusive local experiences – all with our team taking care of all the details. You’ll also discover the ways WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®, and how your journey leaves a positive impact. Do good, feel good, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Your bucket list moments
You’ll tick off not-to-miss iconic sights, local culture and unmissable natural wonders – all handpicked, planned and vetted by our Travel Experts who carefully craft your tour behind the scenes. Unlock the best of every place you visit and learn secrets from our local friends along the way.
Make unforgettable memories
Connecting you to experiences you wouldn’t otherwise have is what we do best. On all our tours you’ll be invited to the homes and businesses of locals for an exclusive Be My Guest experience, as well as a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. And on many itineraries, you will be enjoying a Stays with Stories accommodation experience, in some of the world’s most interesting locations.
Travel with complete ease
With Trafalgar everything is planned, vetted, booked and organized before you start. And, when you’re on your tour, Your Travel Director and Driver team handle all your logistics, bookings, tickets, transport and more – so all you have to do is enjoy your vacation and the freedom of living in the moment.
Mar 05, 2027 through
Mar 19, 2027
Mar 16, 2027
12:00 AM GMT
9 Nights
from
$5,333.00
(USD)
Per Person
Book by 2026-11-05 to receive $592.00 Last Minute Deal Discount. Airfare not included, Various departures
|
9346681
|
Mar 05, 2027 through
Mar 19, 2027
Mar 16, 2027
12:00 AM GMT
9 Nights
from
$7,493.00
(CAD)
Per Person
Book by 2026-11-05 to receive $832.00 Last Minute Deal Discount. Airfare not included, Various departures
|
9346680
|
Apr 02, 2027 through
Oct 29, 2027
Oct 26, 2027
12:00 AM GMT
9 Nights
from
$5,925.00
(USD)
Per Person
Airfare not included, Various departures
|
10743567
|
Itinerary
| Day | Destination | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Touch Down in Seoul | ||
| 2 | Explore Cultural Seoul | ||
| 3 | Into Korea’s Demilitarized Zone | ||
| 4 | Buddhist Heritage in Andong | ||
| 5 | Explore Historic Andong | ||
| 6 | Discover Ancient Korea in Gyeongju | ||
| 7 | Onwards to Busan | ||
| 8 | Sea Views, Rice Wine and Markets in Busan | ||
| 9 | High Speed Return to Seoul | ||
| 10 | Farewell Seoul |
