9-Nights Best of South Korea

9 nights from: $5,216

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

• 3 Dinner (D)
• 9 Breakfast (B)
• 2 Lunch (L)

• 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

• 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. 

• 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.

• 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.

• 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. 

Traditionally a center for the yangban (aristocrat) class, Andong and the surrounding area have retained much of Korea's old culture. When the Andong Dam was built in 1976, 111 mi/180 km southeast of Seoul, the resulting lake would have destroyed many cultural relics. Luckily, most were relocated to the Andong Folk Village (Hahoe Maeul) and Folk Museum, both located near the foot of the dam. Some of the houses have been converted to restaurants serving traditional food—definitely worth a stop.Free Andong Travel
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Located north of Andong, Dosan Seowon was one of the country's most famous Confucian institutes. West of the town you will find the Hahoe Maeul, a living folk village with more than 100 traditional buildings. If you want to rough it and see how Koreans used to live, you can even arrange a homestay with one of the villagers there (best to have someone in the Korean Tourism Organization make arrangements for you in Korean, however). A popular Mask Dance Festival is held there each autumn, a combination of dance, drama, satire and traditional shamanistic rituals.