Example Itinerary

The Ultimate Korean Cultural Experience

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Heritage, UNESCO
Destinations
South Korea

Here is an opportunity to experience authentic Korean life and learn firsthand about the history and culture of this wonderful place. Each day has been thoughtfully cultivated by Remote Lands to ensure that your time is spent embracing the most unique and meaningful elements of this country with the assistance from expert guides and incorporation of specialty locations and insider experiences. Begin in Seoul, the vibrant capital, exploring its diverse cityscape alongside three accomplished guides. Each will provide you with their distinctive insights into this fascinating urban environment. Travel outside the city limits to the DMZ, where you will be given an opportunity to pass by military checkpoints and view the isolated nation of North Korea. Visit the old capital of the Silla dynasty, a city called Gyeongju, dotted with Buddhist temples and millennium-old edifices. Beach-laden Busan is next, featuring Korean favorites of Spa Land and the Haeundae boardwalk. In the Jeollado province, you will discover the verdant tea fields of Boseong and the fascinating recent history of Gwangju. Your final locale will be the breathtaking Jeju Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the New Seven Wonders of the Nature, and a pride of the 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

  • The DMZ: Journey to the famous Demilitarized Zone, commonly called the DMZ, through the Joint-Security Area security checkpoint, or JSA, where you will be able to view North Korean soldiers protecting their border.
  • Gyeongju: A massive open-air museum scattered across a swathe of lush land in Korea’s southeast, Gyeongju features hundreds of historical remains from imperial mausoleums to temples, pagodas, castle sites, and statues. For almost 1,000 years, this city was the capital of the Silla Kingdom.
  • Busan Boardwalk: Stroll Haeundae Beach’s impressive boardwalk for dining and nightlife. Mall fans will also want to explore Shinsegae Centum City, the world’s largest shopping complex.
  • Jeju: Volcanic rock, clear waters, and white sand beaches — Jeju is Korea’s perfect getaway. Here, travelers will visit the volcanic crater of “Sunrise Peak” and hike the mighty Mount Halla.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Seoul

Begin your exploration of Korea in its capital Seoul, the pulsating mega-city. Here, you will be met by a published author and noted Korean cultural expert, who will escort you through the nation’s recent transformation from third world country into economic powerhouse. See the majesty of Gyeongbokgung Palace and the neon-filled streets of downtown Gangnam, the subject of Psy’s mega-hit ''Oppa Gangnam Style." For history, stop by the Changdeokgung Palace Complex, a UNESCO designated world heritage site. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Set in one of the four towers of Seoul’s International Finance Center, in the heart of Yeouido Business District, and attached to a subway system and an international lifestyle mall, this hotel is truly in the center of the action, and ideal for business and lifestyle travelers.

Service: Apple-based in-room technology provides guests with state-of-the-art entertainment and multimedia equipment.

History: Guests will be fascinated by Yeouido’s transformation from a plot of land thought to be useless, to what is now known as Korea’s Wall Street.

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Conrad 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.

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Signiel Seoul Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Seoul

Today, go on a curated culinary tour of Seoul. Food is intrinsic to the Korean identity and, contrary to popular opinion, many of the dishes are very accessible to foreigners. An expert epicurean will escort you through your culinary adventure, as you masticate your way through exciting locales, ranging from traditional fish markets to upscale Korean dining destinations.

Seoul
Seoul

Day 3

Seoul

Venture outside the city limits to the Demilitarized Zone, commonly called the DMZ. This region bisects the Korean peninsula into North and South, two nations still technically at war with one another. Your tour will take you through a number of security check points, including the Joint-Security Area, or JSA, where you will be able to view North Korean soldiers protecting their border. Return to Seoul this evening.

Day 4

Seoul

Enjoy a bespoke shopping session accompanied by an expert fashion designer. Scour traditional Korean markets and upscale shopping districts alike. Be sure not to miss Garosugil, the Fifth Avenue of Seoul, featuring products from top Korean and international designers. Cap the night off with a private boat cruise along the Han River.

Day 5

Gyeongju

Travel to the Gyeongju province, the former capital of the Silla Dynasty. With millennium-old structures adjacent to a rapidly urbanized city, this southeastern coastal region is a fascinating destination. Visit relics of Buddhist Temples and resplendent edifices of former kings, all the while uncovering the cultural heritage of the Korean people.

Hotel Options
About

Gyeongju Hilton provides a comfortable base from which to explore the historic area of Gyeongju. Situated on the edge of Lake Bomun and surrounded by beautiful parks, countryside and majestic mountains, this hotel boasts glorious views of the surrounding environment.

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.

About

Situated in the center of the majestic Bomun Lake in the historic Shilla Kingdom capital of Gyeongju, the Lahan Select Gyeongju is an interesting building architecturally with an S-shape tower. The hotel is composed of 430 guest rooms and suites, the majority of which are Western style, but a small portion are Korean style.

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.

Gyeongju
Gyeongju

Day 6

Gyeongju

Continue your exploration of the old capital by taking part in traditional Korean rituals. The UNESCO protected areas encompass the ruins of temples and palaces, outdoor pagodas and statuary, and other cultural artifacts left by the Silla Kingdom. The historic areas are sometimes known as one of the largest outdoor museums in the world. Practice taekwando with a martial arts master, don a hanbok (the Korean ceremonial dress), and eat a bowl of kalguksu (a tasty Korean noodle dish).

Day 7

Busan

Venture to Busan, Korea’s second largest city, known for its delectable seafood and sandy beaches. Explore this coastal locale, sampling the tastes, sounds, and sights of Haeundae Beach’s elaborate boardwalk, saturated with street food and nightlife.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Service: Part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection, Paradise Busan's attentive service is top-tier

Spa: While enjoying stunning views of the Haeundae waters, guests can enjoy a variety of hot spring tubs, dry-wet saunas, and other specialized treatments.

Location: The resort is positioned right alongside the lively beach in South Korea’s second largest, but oft-overlooked, city of Busan.

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Paradise Busan Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Harbor Views: Many guest rooms and suites in the Signiel Busan enjoy ocean views out to Haeundae Beach and Mipo Harbor. The large outdoor infinity pool and extensive fitness center & spa also make the most of the pretty panoramas.

Expertise and Attention to Detail: Under the LOTTE umbrella, Signiel Busan is the sister property of Signiel Seoul, and the Signiel brand aims to integrate modern design with high-end service and facilities, as well as traditional aspects of Korean culture.

Fine Dining: The Signiel brand is synonymous with gourmet experiences, and the drinking and dining venues at the Signiel Busan are culinary playgrounds for Michelin-accredited chefs and creative kitchen teams.

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Signiel Busan Preferred Hotel
About

This internationally acclaimed brand hotel is located in central Busan next to Busan Marina, and provides a superb luxury base from which to explore this exciting city. The hotel is conveniently located near to landmark sites such as Dongbaek Station, Nurimaru APEC House and Dongbaek island.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 8

Busan

Today, you will experience the Shinsegae Centum City, the world’s largest shopping complex. This massive building features an abundance of shops and restaurants, along with several amazing facilities including: a driving range, ice skating rink, CGV Multiplex Cinema, and Spa Land. Spa Land is often hailed as the pinnacle of Korean jjimjilbangs, or saunas, offering twenty-two spas, thirteen jjimjilbangs, and a full staff of professional masseuses.

Busan
Busan

Day 9

Gwangju

Travel to the capital of the fertile Jeollado province, the city of Gwangju. Renowned among Koreans for possessing some of the best food and political fervor, Gwangju is most famous for 1980’s 5/18 Democratic Uprising. The 5/18 Memorial Park, while small, is provocative, compelling, and surely worth a visit.

Hotel Options
About

The conveniently located, the Ramada Plaza is the best available in Gwangju, and a 15-minute drive from Gwangju Airport. Room amenities include a master remote panel on the nightstand, where one can control all the lights in the room, thermostat and air conditioning; high-speed Internet connection; mini-refrigerator; down pillows and comforters and flat-screen television.

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.

Day 10

Yeosu

Explore the Boseong Green Tea fields on your way to Yeosu. These almost alien-green fields are famous for the tealeaves they produce. 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 foreigners and a revitalizing experience for your skin. The night will conclude in Yeosu, the southern city featuring a breathtaking coastline.

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.

Day 11

Jeju

Fly to Jeju, the largest island and honeymoon capital of Korea. This gorgeous isle recently jointed the list of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the day to unwind and explore the beaches surrounding the resort.

Hotel Options
About

Those looking for a hotel room with individual character look no further than Lotte Hotel, with its own Hello Kitty themed floor. Though don’t be put off if you’re not in favor of the kitsch Japanese cat - the majority of rooms are decorated in classic luxury.

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.

About

Experience the perfect Korean beach escape at the luxurious Shilla hotel. From the hotel, guests have direct access to the beach just a few short steps away.

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.

Jeju
Jeju

Day 12

Jeju

Head to Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as “Sunrise Peak,” a volcanic crater ideal for viewing the sunrises (or sunsets) of this island escape. Spend the rest of the day hiking Hallasan, one of Korea’s favorite mountains and traversing the island.

Day 13

Jeju

Enjoy your last full day in Jeju at your leisure. You may fish, rent ATV’s, view the Jeju diving women (called haenyeos), sample the Jeju black pig, or just take a stroll along the island’s gorgeous beaches.

Day 14

Departure

Depart for Seoul and connect your long haul flight home with memories of your Korean cultural adventure.

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.

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