Korea
Stylish. Energetic. Surprising.
Classic South Korea
Use the sample itinerary ideas below to create a similar trip or start from scratch. We specialize in creating custom programs based on your available time, interests, budget and preferred pace. Please call or email for a quote and a unique itinerary crafted just for you.
Attractions
- Explore the bustling capitol city of Seoul
- Take a speed train to the country
- Visit museums both modern and traditional
- Learn about ancient culture and architecture
- Stroll through markets and traditional alleyways
- Experience nature, waterfalls, gardens and bamboo forests
- Take a dessert or pottery making class
- Enjoy classic Korean dishes and drink
- Learn about history and significant temples and sites
- Understand Confucianism, Buddhism and Christianity and their place in Korean spirituality
- Famously detailed information and personalized service with every aspect of your trip, from beginning until end
Best Time to Go
South Korea has four distinct seasons. The best time depends on your interests and preferred activities.
Cherry blossoms bloom across the country. Mild and beautiful for sightseeing.
Warm and humid with monsoon rains. Lush green landscapes and vibrant festivals.
Spectacular autumn foliage. Crisp air and clear skies — ideal travel season.
Cold and dry with snowfall. Perfect for ski resorts and winter festivals.
Your Itinerary
Each day carefully curated to showcase the best of South Korea's culture, history and landscapes.
Arrive in Seoul, where you will be greeted and privately transferred to your lovely hotel. Settle in and get your bearings in one of Asia's most dynamic capitals.
Begin your exploration at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of Seoul's five royal palaces. Continue to the beautifully preserved traditional homes of Bukchon Hanok Village, then enjoy a pedicab ride through the city. Stop in Insadong for a personalized stamp before ending the day at bustling Gwangjang Market, one of Korea's oldest and most beloved food markets.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Pedicab ride through the city
- Personalized stamp at Insadong
- Gwangjang Market
Visit the National Museum of Korea, home to one of Asia's finest collections spanning thousands of years of Korean history and art. Continue to Bongeunsa Temple, a serene Buddhist sanctuary amid the skyscrapers of Gangnam, before taking in sweeping city views from the Seoul SKY bridge.
- National Museum of Korea
- Bongeunsa Temple
- Seoul SKY bridge
Board a high-speed train from Seoul Station to Andong, a city renowned for preserving Korea's Confucian traditions. Visit a hanji (traditional paper) factory, cross the graceful Woryeonggyo Bridge known as "Shadow of the Moon," and explore the Tal Museum before arriving at the UNESCO-listed Hahoe Folk Village, where traditional thatched-roof homes line the banks of the Nakdong River.
- High-speed train to Andong
- Hanji Factory
- Woryeonggyo Bridge "Shadow of the Moon"
- Tal Museum
- Hahoe Folk Village
Travel to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom and often called "the museum without walls." Explore the grassy burial mounds of Daereungwon Tombs, visit Cheomseongdae Observatory, one of the oldest astronomical observatories in Asia, and take an evening walk around the serene Anapji Pond.
- Daereungwon Tombs
- Cheomseongdae Observatory
- Walk around the Anapji Pond
Visit two of Korea's most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, representing the pinnacle of Silla Buddhist art and architecture. In the afternoon, try your hand at making traditional Korean desserts or creating pottery in the traditional style.
- Bulguksa Temple
- Seokguram Grotto
- Korean dessert or pottery making class
Journey toward Busan through the tranquil Ahopsan Forest, a bamboo-filled retreat that feels worlds away from the city. Visit the stunning cliffside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of the few temples in Korea built directly on the oceanfront, and close the day with a sunset cocktail overlooking the bay.
- Ahopsan Forest
- Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
- Sunset cocktail on the bay
Explore Korea's vibrant port city. Wander the colorful hillside lanes of Gamcheon Culture Village, take in the dramatic views from Taejongdae Cliff, and dive into the energy of Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea's largest seafood market. Browse the stalls of Gukje Market before unwinding at Centum Spa, one of the world's largest spa complexes.
- Gamcheon Culture Village
- Views of Taejongdae Cliff
- Jagalchi Fish Market
- Gukje Market
- Relax at Centum Spa
Fly to Jeju Island, a volcanic paradise off the southern coast. Explore the tropical gardens and lava caves of Hallim Park, visit the O'Sulloc Tea Museum surrounded by rolling green tea fields, and stop by the Innisfree Jeju House for a taste of the island's natural beauty culture.
- Fly to Jeju
- Hallim Park
- O'Sulloc Tea Museum
- Innisfree Jeju House
Discover eastern Jeju's dramatic landscapes. Hike Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), a UNESCO World Heritage Site formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Explore the windswept Seopjikoji coast and Seongeuop Folk Village before visiting the stunning Cheonjiyeon Falls.
- Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)
- Seopjikoji and Seongeuop Folk Village
- Cheonjiyeon Falls
Visit a local soju factory to learn about Korea's most beloved spirit and sample the craft, then fly back to Seoul for your final days in the capital.
- Soju Factory
- Fly to Seoul
A free day to explore Seoul at your own pace. Your guide will have personalized suggestions based on your interests, whether that's shopping, street food, hidden neighborhoods, or a second visit to a favorite spot.
Private transfer to the airport, or extend your stay to explore more of Korea.
Pricing Note
The estimated daily land cost per person for this sample itinerary using moderately priced first class and boutique style hotels, not including any internal or international flights, starts at:
$950 per person per day · based on double occupancy
Seoul & Gangwon-do
Use the sample itinerary ideas below to create a similar trip or start from scratch. We specialize in creating custom programs based on your available time, interests, budget and preferred pace. Please call or email for a quote and a unique itinerary crafted just for you.
Attractions
- Enjoy VIP arrival in Seoul with luxury transfers, hanbok palace tour, and Michelin-starred dining
- Discover Gangwon-do's natural beauty with a guided Seoraksan hike and traditional tea ceremony
- Experience Pyeongchang's serene temples, seasonal hikes, and starlit glamping
- Explore Gangneung's coastal culture with heritage homes, beach cafes, and a sunset yacht cruise
- Return to Seoul for upscale shopping, hanok village strolls, and panoramic views from Lotte Tower
- Famously detailed information and personalized service with every aspect of your trip, from beginning until end
Best Time to Go
South Korea has four distinct seasons. The best time depends on your interests and preferred activities.
Cherry blossoms bloom across the country. Mild and beautiful for sightseeing.
Warm and humid with monsoon rains. Lush green landscapes and vibrant festivals.
Spectacular autumn foliage. Crisp air and clear skies — ideal travel season.
Cold and dry with snowfall. Perfect for ski resorts and winter festivals.
Your Itinerary
Each day carefully curated to showcase the best of Seoul and Gangwon-do's culture, nature and luxury experiences.
Enjoy a VIP arrival with luxury transfer from Incheon Airport. After settling into your hotel, begin your Seoul experience with a private Gyeongbokgung Palace tour wearing a traditional hanbok, followed by a curator-led visit to the National Museum of Korea. The evening brings a Michelin-starred dinner at Gaon or La Yeon, and a traditional performance at Korea House or the National Theater.
- VIP arrival and luxury transfer from Incheon Airport
- Private Gyeongbokgung Palace tour in hanbok
- National Museum of Korea with curator
- Michelin-starred dinner (Gaon or La Yeon)
- Traditional performance at Korea House or National Theater
Transfer by private car to Gangwon-do, where dramatic mountain landscapes meet traditional Korean culture. Explore Seoraksan National Park with a private guide, then participate in a traditional tea ceremony in Gangneung. The evening offers a Gangwon-style seasonal dinner followed by a private wellness experience.
- Private car transfer to Gangwon-do
- Guided exploration of Seoraksan National Park
- Traditional tea ceremony in Gangneung
- Gangwon-style seasonal dinner
- Private evening or wellness experience
A day of serenity and nature in Pyeongchang, home of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Begin with a private seasonal hike, then visit Woljeongsa Temple for meditation and authentic temple cuisine. Explore Odaesan National Park or the cultural village of Bongpyeong. End the day with local fine dining paired with soju and, weather permitting, stargazing or luxury glamping under the mountain sky.
- Private seasonal hike
- Woljeongsa Temple: meditation and temple cuisine
- Odaesan National Park or Bongpyeong cultural village
- Local fine dining with soju pairing
- Stargazing or luxury glamping
Explore Gangneung's coastal culture, beginning with the historic Ojukheon House and the elegant Seongyojang Mansion. Stroll along Anmok Beach and its famous cafe strip. Try your hand at traditional calligraphy or painting, then sample locally roasted brews at the Gangneung Coffee Museum. The day culminates with a sunset yacht cruise along the coast accompanied by a fresh seafood dinner.
- Ojukheon House and Seongyojang Mansion
- Anmok Beach walk and cafe tour
- Traditional calligraphy or painting workshop
- Gangneung Coffee Museum tasting
- Sunset yacht cruise with seafood dinner
Return to Seoul via scenic KTX high-speed train or private car. Spend the afternoon on a private shopping tour through the upscale neighborhoods of Apgujeong and Cheongdam, then take a guided walk through the traditional charm of Bukchon Hanok Village. Enjoy Korean fusion dinner at Mingles or a similar acclaimed restaurant, followed by panoramic city views from the Lotte World Tower Sky Deck.
- Scenic return via KTX or private car
- Private shopping tour in Apgujeong/Cheongdam
- Bukchon Hanok Village guided walk
- Korean fusion dinner at Mingles or similar
- Lotte World Tower Sky Deck
A day devoted to Korean artistry and self-care. Begin with a herbal spa treatment at the Shilla or Sulwhasoo Spa, then join a private hanji papermaking or lacquer art workshop. Enjoy traditional high tea in a hanok tea house, followed by a private Korean music concert or K-culture immersion experience. The day closes with rooftop fine dining overlooking the Han River.
- Herbal spa treatment (Shilla or Sulwhasoo Spa)
- Private hanji or lacquer art workshop
- Traditional high tea in hanok tea house
- Private Korean music concert or K-culture immersion
- Rooftop fine dining over Han River
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and free time for any final moments in Seoul before your private transfer to Incheon International Airport.
Pricing Note
The estimated daily land cost per person for this sample itinerary using moderately priced first class and boutique style hotels, not including any internal or international flights, starts at:
$950 per person per day · based on double occupancy
Exploring the Arts & Culture of South Korea
From UNESCO World Heritage Sites and traditional craft workshops to contemporary galleries, performance venues, and immersive cultural experiences, this itinerary showcases the diverse artistic identity of modern Korea.
Highlights
- Discover Seoul's royal palaces, including Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung's Secret Garden
- Explore artisan workshops specializing in hanji, mother-of-pearl inlay, and seal carving
- Visit the National Museum of Korea and Leeum Museum of Art
- Experience the UNESCO treasures of ancient Gyeongju, former Silla Kingdom capital
- Meet a master ceramicist in Busan and explore Gamcheon Culture Village
- Discover Jeju Island's tea culture, haenyeo divers, and immersive art museums
- Famously detailed information and personalized service with every aspect of your trip, from beginning until end
Best Time to Go
South Korea has four distinct seasons. The best time depends on your interests and preferred activities.
Cherry blossoms bloom across the country. Mild and beautiful for sightseeing.
Warm and humid with monsoon rains. Lush green landscapes and vibrant festivals.
Spectacular autumn foliage. Crisp air and clear skies. Frieze Seoul Art Fair in early September.
Cold and dry with snowfall. Perfect for museums, galleries, and indoor cultural experiences.
Your Itinerary
Each day curated to showcase the best of South Korea's art, culture, and heritage.
Arrive in Seoul and enjoy a private transfer to your centrally located accommodation. The remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey or begin exploring the vibrant neighborhoods surrounding your hotel.
Discover Seoul's royal heritage beginning with Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest palace of the Joseon Dynasty and one of Korea's most important historic landmarks. Witness the colorful Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony before exploring the National Palace Museum. Continue to Insadong, Seoul's cultural district, known for traditional tea houses, galleries, craft shops, and calligraphy studios. Explore Bukchon Hanok Village, a beautifully preserved neighborhood of traditional Korean homes, and discover artisan workshops. Conclude the day at Changdeokgung Palace and its celebrated Secret Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony
- National Palace Museum of Korea
- Lunch at a traditional market with authentic Korean street food
- Insadong Cultural District
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Artisan workshops: hanji (traditional paper), mother-of-pearl inlay, dojang (seal carving)
- Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Visit the National Museum of Korea, home to one of Asia's finest collections of Buddhist art, ceramics, calligraphy, and royal treasures. Take time to enjoy the museum's tranquil gardens and reflecting ponds. After lunch at one of Seoul's stylish cafes, choose an experience tailored to your interests. In the evening, ascend Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower for panoramic sunset views across the city, or enjoy a traditional Korean head spa: a multi-step scalp therapy focusing on detoxification, deep cleansing, and acupressure.
- National Museum of Korea
- Art Focus: Leeum Museum of Art
- History Focus: War Memorial of Korea
- Cultural venues: National Theater of Korea, Korean National Ballet, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra
- N Seoul Tower sunset views or traditional Korean head spa
Begin at Bongeunsa Temple, a historic Buddhist sanctuary nestled amid the skyscrapers of Gangnam. Continue to Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs, a UNESCO-listed site featuring beautifully preserved royal burial grounds and peaceful woodland pathways. Enjoy a classic Korean fried chicken lunch before visiting Seoul Botanic Park. If traveling in early September, don't miss Frieze Seoul Art Fair, one of Asia's premier contemporary art events attracting leading galleries and collectors from around the world.
- Bongeunsa Temple
- Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Korean fried chicken lunch (vegetarian options available)
- Seoul Botanic Park
- Seasonal: Frieze Seoul Art Fair (early September)
Drive to Suwon and enjoy lunch surrounded by nature, then begin exploration. Suwon blurs the boundaries between art, architecture, and landscape. Rather than displaying artworks in a traditional gallery setting, Suwon uses thoughtfully designed spaces, sculptures, and architectural works integrated into the natural environment to create an immersive artistic experience. Enjoy a cultural experience with music: a vibrant blend of majestic Joseon Dynasty heritage and modern artistic expression before continuing on to Gyeongju.
- Suwon art complex
- Lunch surrounded by nature
- Immersive sculptures and architectural installations
- Cultural music experience blending Joseon Dynasty heritage and modern expression
- Continue to Gyeongju
Start with a visit to Daereungwon Tomb Complex, where grassy royal burial mounds reveal the grandeur of the ancient Silla Kingdom. Visit Cheonmachong Tomb and stroll through the charming cafes and boutiques of Hwangnidan-gil. Walk through the ancient Gyerim Forest before enjoying a traditional Korean lunch in a local restaurant. Explore the Gyeongju National Museum, offering a diverse display of the area's treasures. In the evening, enjoy the illuminated beauty of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.
- Daereungwon Tomb Complex
- Cheonmachong Tomb
- Hwangnidan-gil cafes and boutiques
- Gyerim Forest
- Gyeongju National Museum
- Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond (illuminated evening visit)
Today, visit two of Korea's most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. These sites represent the pinnacle of Silla Buddhist art and architecture. After exploring, drive to Busan (approximately 1 to 1.5 hours). Arrive in time to stroll along Haeundae Beach and explore Gunam-ro Cultural Square, a relaxed introduction to Korea's coastal city.
- Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Seokguram Grotto (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Traditional temple ceremonies and Korean court music performances
- Drive to Busan
- Haeundae Beach and Gunam-ro Cultural Square
Begin at Jagalchi Fish Market and Kkangtong Market, where you'll sample diverse local dishes for lunch. Meet renowned master ceramicist Jiamyo and gain insight into Korea's rich ceramic traditions. Continue to Lee Ufan Space, a celebrated contemporary art museum showcasing the work of one of Korea's most influential modern artists. Explore the colorful hillside lanes of Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its public art, galleries, and creative atmosphere.
- Jagalchi Fish Market and Kkangtong Market
- Master ceramicist Jiamyo: Korea's ceramic traditions
- Lee Ufan Space contemporary art museum
- Gamcheon Culture Village
Fly from Busan to Jeju Island. Visit the O'Sulloc Tea Museum and surrounding tea plantations before enjoying a Jeju tangerine smoothie treat. Continue to Spirited Garden, one of Korea's most celebrated botanical gardens, known for its bonsai masterpieces and interesting familial legacy. Browse a local market before ending the day with Jeju's famous black pork barbecue.
- O'Sulloc Tea Museum and tea plantations
- Spirited Garden botanical gardens
- Local market
- Jeju black pork barbecue dinner
We'll pack a picnic lunch for our day exploring eastern Jeju. Visit Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then experience the remarkable haenyeo diver demonstrations and cultural exhibits at the Jeju Haenyeo Museum. Walk the scenic Seopjikoji Coastal Trail before visiting Jeju Folk Village and the Yumin Art Nouveau Collection.
- Seongsan Ilchulbong / Sunrise Peak (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Haenyeo diver demonstrations and Jeju Haenyeo Museum
- Seopjikoji Coastal Trail
- Jeju Folk Village
- Yumin Art Nouveau Collection
- Optional: Hallim Park Botanical Gardens
Enjoy a free day to experience Jeju according to your interests. For art lovers, a curated combination of Arario Museum (contemporary art), Bonte Museum (architecture + art), Arte Museum (the most memorable immersive experience), and Kim Tschang-Yeul Art Museum (traditional museum experience) gives you contemporary art, architecture, digital art, and a major Korean artist all in one day.
- Arario Museum (best contemporary art)
- Bonte Museum (best architecture + art)
- Arte Museum (must-see immersive digital exhibitions)
- Kim Tschang-Yeul Art Museum (best traditional museum experience)
Fly from Jeju to Seoul for a final evening in Korea. Enjoy free time for last-minute shopping, dining, or cultural exploration.
Private transfer to Incheon International Airport for your onward international flight.
Pricing Note
The estimated daily land cost per person for this sample itinerary using moderately priced first class and boutique style hotels, not including any internal or international flights, starts at:
$950 per person per day · based on double occupancyReady to Explore South Korea?
Every ATJ trip is custom crafted with famously detailed information and personalized service, from beginning until end.
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