Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Destinations

Treat your body to a refreshing, relaxing and authentically Korean vacation. In Korea, health is a national obsession, which has led to the creation of numerous facilities, methods, and elixirs to treat the body. Begin in the capital of Seoul, which features the finest Korean medicine and traditional healers in the nation. Embark on a hike in the scenic Bukhansan National Park, embracing the Korean belief that hiking is one of the keys to longevity. Venture to Busan to indulge in the country’s largest jjimjilbang, or spa, a truly revitalizing and authentically Korean experience. Travel to the southern Jellado-province, where you will indulge in the verdant green tea fields and unique spas of Boseong on your way to the city of Yeosu, renowned for possessing one of the most beautiful coastlines in Asia. Cap off the trip with an island getaway to Jeju, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the New Seven Wonders of the Nature, and a pride of Korean people.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Jjimjilbangs: Indulge in traditional Korean health and spa treatments throughout your journey, including visiting the famed communal healing experience of jjimjilbangs for massages and skin revitalization.
  • Bukhansan National Park: Heal your body with Korea’s favorite pastime: hiking. Just outside of Seoul, explore Bukhansan National Park where travelers will find stunning city vistas and, according to locals, the secret to longevity.
  • Boseong Tea: The tea at the Boseong plantations has been cultivated since the second century BC and is famed for its restorative properties.
  • Jeju: Volcanic rock, clear waters, and white sand beaches — Jeju is Korea’s perfect getaway. Here, travelers can mix their healing with exercise as they hike the mountains, explore the countryside, swim, dive, or fish in Korea’s most exciting island destination.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Seoul

Begin your Korean revitalization journey in Seoul. Today, you will meet with a traditional Korean healer, who will provide you a number of herbal remedies native to the Korean peninsula. Dine at one of Seoul’s finest seafood restaurants, where you will be presented with a plethora of banchan (Korean side dishes), specially designed for a healthy digestive system. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

History: For the first time, the Four Seasons brings its decades of quality hospitality to Seoul.

Location: The hotel enjoys an ideal position in Gwanghwamun district, in the very heart of the city.

Service: Guests will be delighted by the intuitive and comprehensive service, synonymous with the name that’s trusted around the world.

See Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

· Access to Seoul’s Top Attractions: Signiel Seoul is located within easy access of Seoul’s most striking examples of modern architecture, as well as its notable historic sites like ancient Buddhist temples. The LOTTE World Tower and Mall itself, which ranks among the top 10 tallest buildings worldwide and houses Signiel Seoul, is worth exploring in its own right. The Olympic Park facility and well-manicured Songpa Naru Park are also nearby tourist attractions recommended by the hotel.

· Expertise and Attention to Detail: As a landmark hotel representing Korea for the LOTTE Hotels & Resorts brand, Signiel Seoul offers the ultimate in high-end hospitality for luxury travelers. The hotel’s operations are backed by the LOTTE brand’s more than half a century of experience in the industry.

· Unforgettable Fine Dining: Between STAY – the brainchild of multi-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alleno – and other offerings like the Michelin-starred Korean restaurant BICENA, some of Seoul’s top food and beverage options are housed within the LOTTE World Tower.

See Hotel
Signiel Seoul Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Seoul

Spend the day on a health-centric culinary excursion with an expert epicurean who will escort you on a journey of Korean food and drink designed to boost stamina and fight disease. Later, take a shopping tour, hitting both traditional and contemporary markets for upscale cosmetics and medicine. End the day with an evening cruise along the mighty Han River.

Seoul
Seoul

Day 3

Seoul

Head outside the city limits for a hike in Bukhansan National Park, a favorite activity among Koreans who claim it the secret to longevity. Choose from a variety of routes, ranging from light walks to intense treks, all of which culminate in a stunning vista of Seoul’s skyline. When finished, return to the city and decompress in the spa.

Day 4

Yeosu

Fly to Yeosu, a southern coastal city with a breathtaking coastline. Explore the Hyangiram Temple, where you can take part in some light hiking. Next, visit the small island of Odongdo, a fantastic destination to refresh in the clean, coastal air. Golfing, boating, and fishing options are also available.

Hotel Options
About

The shiny Sono Calm Yeosu (formerly MVL) towers over the South Korean town of Yeosu, with views stretching across to the plethora of islets dotted around the South China Sea. This five-star hotel provides sleek and modern rooms, and also some less conventional ‘themed’ rooms, such as the Spanish-Style Double (with bright red and yellow décor), as well as Korean and Japanese options, both of which feature low floor-style beds.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Yeosu
Yeosu

Day 5

Yeosu

Take an excursion to the nearby Boseong Green Tea fields. These almost alien-green fields produce some of the country's best green tea, which is widely known to be very beneficial for your health. Spend the morning hiking, biking, or simply cruising past these stellar vistas (especially in the springtime). Cap-off your experience with a visit to the green tea sauna, a rare experience for visitors to be treated to this revitalizing skin treatment. Return to Yeosu for the night.

Day 6

Jeju

This morning, visit thte Arte Museum. After lunch, fly to Jeju, the largest island and honeymoon capital of Korea. This gorgeous isle recently joined the list of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Take the day to unwind and explore the beaches surrounding the resort.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The resort’s elevated location on Jeju Island ensures that the natural landscapes, from rolling hills to the coastline and panoramic ocean vistas, create a perfect backdrop for relaxation and a tranquil escape.

Style: The rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley. His signature style combines luxury with the natural beauty of Jeju, incorporating elements of the island’s stunning landscapes into each room.

See Hotel
JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa Preferred Hotel
Jeju
Jeju

Day 7

Jeju

Experience the island paradise at your leisure. Hike the mountains, explore the countryside, golf, swim, dive, fish, or just stroll the beaches of this stunning locale. If you wish, Remote Lands can schedule an appointment with an acupuncturist, a method of healing popular in Korea.

Day 8

Jeju

Enjoy your final day on Jeju Island as you wish. We recommend a trip to Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as “Sunrise Peak,” a volcanic crater ideal for viewing the sunrises (or sunsets) of this island escape.

Jeju
Jeju

Day 9

Departure

Fly back to Seoul and board your international long-haul flight, refreshed and ready for life back at home.

Suggested Hotels For Days 1–3

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
Preferred Hotel

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

Reflecting the unique city it sits in the center of, the Four Seasons in Seoul is a combination of traditional Korea and modern cool. Located in the central business district and yet within walking distance of the city’s historic sites, it’s the ideal choice for those traveling for work or pleasure. Fully equipped with a range of beautiful new facilities, guests may opt to stay in the hotel, making use of the pools, sauna and spa, not to mention state-of-the-art 3D golfing range.  The rooms, studios and suites are decorated with chic design features and all the modern conveniences, providing a welcome retreat after a long day of leisure, meetings or sightseeing. Fine dining is available in the selection of on-site restaurants, serving delectable cuisine from Asia and beyond. Thanks to the expert chefs and the hotel’s stylish bars, the hotel is a nightlife destination in itself and a go-to hotspot in Seoul. 

See Hotel
Signiel Seoul
Preferred Hotel

Signiel Seoul

Seoul may have its fair share of five-star options when it comes to lodging, but Signiel Seoul brings luxury travelers unsurpassed expertise and premium hospitality services in a complete package that also features some of the city’s top dining and wellness facilities. Signiel Seoul’s 235 rooms all have panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape, and the extra-spacious accommodations also have modern, tasteful furnishings and incorporate Super Premium Bedding Systems that have been co-developed with Simmons Bedding for maximum comfort. Where facilities and services are concerned, the hotel boasts some of the most prestigious establishments citywide with its Evian Spa, sauna, gym, swimming pool, and boutique Salon de Signiel. The spa, which draws inspiration from the purity of the snow-packed Alps, includes six private treatment rooms with their own locker and shower rooms, a relaxation lounge with an “Evian Aquabar,” and a VIP suite room for couples with a private jacuzzi. Dining choices at Signiel Seoul range from gourmet French cuisine to traditional Korean-style food, and there’s even a classical French pastry salon serving artisan deserts by three-star Michelin chef Yannick Alleno.
See Hotel

Suggested Hotel For Days 4–5

Sono Calm Yeosu

Sono Calm Yeosu

The shiny Sono Calm Yeosu (formerly MVL) towers over the South Korean town of Yeosu, with views stretching across to the plethora of islets dotted around the South China Sea. This five-star hotel provides sleek and modern rooms, and also some less conventional ‘themed’ rooms, such as the Spanish-Style Double (with bright red and yellow décor), as well as Korean and Japanese options, both of which feature low floor-style beds. Perched on the very southern tip of Yeosu, views from the floor-to-ceiling windows in every room are about as good as you’ll find in the city, and similarly handsome vantage points can be enjoyed from Hotel MVL’s range of dining options. The inclusive buffet breakfast runs daily from 07:00-22:00, and there’s an on-site spa, sauna, fitness center, 24-hour reception desk and laundry facilities on the ground floor.

Suggested Hotel For Days 6–8

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa
Preferred Hotel

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa

The JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa is located in the center of Seogwipo, it’s clifftop setting providing beautiful vista views while being a convenient 7-minute walk to Soggol Beach. The 197-room retreat is the work of architecture studio WATG with interiors by the award-winning Bill Bensley. Rooms feature plush furniture, marble bathtubs, with many including balconies with ocean views. Guests can enjoy four distinctive dining venues to choose from that offer extravagant brunch experiences, afternoon tea sets, wood fire BBQ, Korean flavors and fresh seafood gathered from Jeju’s women divers. Additional facilities include a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, and spa center offering facials and hot stone and deep tissue massage treatments. This hotel is a 1-hour drive from the Jeju International Airport (CJU).
See Hotel

Similar Itineraries

All Itineraries
Multi Country
Intrepid
Classic South Korea

Classic South Korea

Discover the best that South Korea has to offer on this fascinating 9-day luxury tour of the country’s must-see destinations. You’ll stay in some of the country’s best hotels as you visit ancient temples and palaces in Seoul, explore Gyeongju National Park, learn to make kimchi, and explore lava cave tubes.

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,500
See Itinerary
Busan and Seoul By Night

Busan and Seoul By Night

Indulge in the energetic nightlife in two of South Korea’s trendiest cities, Seoul & Busan. Dine on kimchi and BBQ pork belly, belt out K-pop songs at a norebang (Korean karaoke), hop around the many pojangmachas (drinking tents) and discover the unique flavors of makgeolli and soju, staple Korean spirits.

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $11,900
See Itinerary
Culture, Food, and White Sand Beaches: A Honeymoon to South Korea and Okinawa

Culture, Food, and White Sand Beaches: A Honeymoon to South Korea and Okinawa

Embark on an exhilarating honeymoon through South Korea and the Okinawa islands of South Japan, two fascinating destinations for newlyweds to experience together. From the high-energy cities of South Korea to the secluded semi-tropical islands of Okinawa, this 12-day itinerary promises a spectacular mix of adventure, relaxation, and romance.

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $16,700
See Itinerary
Korean Winter Sports Vacation

Korean Winter Sports Vacation

Experience the best winter activities South Korea has to offer on this exhilarating 7-day luxury trip. You’ll carve up the slopes at the nation’s largest ski and snowboard park, Yongpyong Ski Resort, skate on the massive rink at Lotte World, and soak in hot springs surrounded by snow and ice in Asan. 

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,200
See Itinerary
Pursue Your Passion: Celebrate the Arts in Five of Asia's Most Captivating Capitals

Pursue Your Passion: Celebrate the Arts in Five of Asia's Most Captivating Capitals

In just 12 days, experience Asia’s most influential art capitals in resplendent style – stunning galleries, world-class collections and irresistible exhibits awash in history. Join us for a one-of-a-kind adventure to five beautiful, classic Asian capitals, where ambitious travel meets celebrated art culture, and inspiration abounds.

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $66,200
See Itinerary
Seoul: Riding the Korean Wave

Seoul: Riding the Korean Wave

Bring your friends and form your very own K-pop group on this jam-packed four day deep-dive into South Korea’s dominating pop culture. Discover the depths of the entertainment industry that delivers picture-perfect entertainment, taste your way through popular street food markets, dabble with the latest Korean skincare, and shop in Korea’s trendiest and finest neighborhoods. 
 

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary
See Itinerary
The Ultimate Korean Cultural Experience

The Ultimate Korean Cultural Experience

Gain deep insight into the culture and history of the two Koreas on this fascinating 14-day luxury journey. You’ll step inside age-old palaces and temples, visit the famous Demilitarized Zone, roam the world’s largest shopping complex in Busan, and relax on the UNESCO-listed island of Jeju in luxury. 

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $20,300
See Itinerary
South Korean Summer Adventure

South Korean Summer Adventure

Frolic under the warm South Korean sun on this exciting 8-day luxury adventure. You’ll windsurf in the Han River, camp in Gangwondo, skydive in Ansan, dive at a famous site in Jeju, and visit age-old cultural relics, all while you rest your head in some of South Korea’s best hotels, like The Shilla. 

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $13,800
See Itinerary
Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

LGBT Travel in South Korea

Author
Remote Lands
A fascinating land of ancient traditions, cutting-edge modernity and a chequered past, South Korea boasts a rich tapestry of culture and its LGBT history is no less interesting.
Read Article

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

Friends from Washington DC and New York

Friends from Washington DC and New York

The guides they selected were very good and, in three cases (Seoul, Hoi An/Hue, and Angkor Wat) simply outstanding.

South Korea, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia

Peter and Maria from London

Peter and Maria from London

We are extremely demanding and we don't give 'perfect 10s' but this trip was close.

Japan

A Couple from San Francisco

A Couple from San Francisco

I think you are thorough and you listen to the client's desires.

More Testimonials
Press
Travel + Leisure
Financial Times
The Wall Street Journal
The New York Times
Departures magazine
Condé Nast Traveler