Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Seoul - Busan - Jeju
100% customisable for you
Travelling half way across the world is no easy feat, but our team will do everything to make the journey as smooth and speedy as possible. Priority check in, access to the airport lounge and a direct flight are just a few of the things that will make today fly by, quite literally. A 13-hour flight separates the UK from South Korea’s airport hub of Incheon, so get comfortable and snooze the night away.
Wake up to wildly different landscapes of green mountains and clusters of skyscrapers below as you prepare to land. Whizz through arrival formalities and meet your private driver, who’ll be leading you into the heart of the central and historic Jongno district. Hang up your hat for three nights in a fabulous architectural hotel that breathes the contemporary and minimalist aesthetic of today’s South Korea. The rest of today is then yours to spend as you please. You could head out and take the pulse of your new surroundings with a neighbourhood stroll, or simply kick back, relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel ahead of a busy day tomorrow.
What better way to get a full immersion into the soul and spirt of Seoul than exploring its lively neighbourhoods in the footsteps of a passionate local guide. Today’s walking tour is relaxed, informal and based around what you want to see and do, so you can be totally spontaneous and as picky as you please. Discover the futuristic projects of daring architects with a visit to Zaha Hadid’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza, as well as Ewha University or the Arario Museum; soak in the regal air of the past with a visit to Gyeongbokgung and the nearby traditional neighbourhood of Buckchon; shop ‘til you drop in the luxury stores of Gangnam; get to know local cuisine with a stroll through the street food stalls of Myeong-dong; or simply let yourself be guided to some hidden gems that only a true Seolite knows about. For those with a penchant for fine dining, our team will be happy to help you reserve a table in one of the most fashionable and sought-after restaurants in the capital.
Today is yours to spend soaking in the highlights of Seoul at your own pace. You’ll be armed with a handy prepaid transport card, so you can make use of the well-oiled metro system. Some of our favourite things to do here include strolling along the Cheonggyecheon waterfront promenade, trying picture-perfect sweet treats in a desert cafe; taking refuge and reflecting at the Jongmyo Confucian shrine; and tackling the hike up to N Seoul Tower. When it comes to the foodie side of things, you can turn to our coveted destination-specific Dossier, filled with our top picks for wining and dining. For dinner tonight you’ll have the option to round off your time in Seoul in true style with a Michelin-starred dinner in the tallest tower in Korea.
Kick off the coastal chapter of this getaway today as you wave goodbye to the capital and make your way to the oceanside city of Busan. Experience the comfort and efficiency of South Korea’s enviable high-speed KTX train, which gets you to the nation’s second city in less than three hours. Your home for the next two nights here is a glamorous hotel nestled inside a shimmering skyscraper on the marina. Enjoy your first evening in Busan soaking in the privileged ocean panorama with a stroll along the powdery white sands of the nearby beach. You could also make the most of the hotel’s lovely facilities, which include a pool, spa and restaurant.
While it might be tempting to retire to the comfort of a sun lounger, there’s too much to see and do in Busan to let the day slip by. After a restful morning, you’ll be met by a friendly local guide for an insider’s tour of the city. The walk follows the same formula as it did in Seoul: nothing is planned in advanced, so you can be as spontaneous as you like. Despite the golden expanses of Haeundae Beach, Busan has much more to offer than its well-known image as a seaside resort. The colourful cliffside neighbourhood of Gamcheon is awash with viewpoints, cafes and local handicraft stores; the Beomeosa temple, established in 678, is one of the treasures of the region; and the likes of Busan Museum of Art, Trickeye Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art remind us that South Korea’s second city is as much an epicentre of culture as its big sister. Despite what we said earlier, relaxation certainly does have its spot on today’s agenda. This afternoon, head back to your hotel and settle in for a soothing treatment at the luxurious on-site spa.
Wave goodbye to Busan and to the mainland of South Korea as you head back to the airport via private transfer and embark on a sub one-hour flight to Jeju Island. Gaze across the rich blue of the ocean as you prepare to land at the oceanside airport. You’ll then be met by a private driver, who’ll be winding you along the scenic forested journey to the south of the island and to your next hotel. A contemporary sea-fronted hotel is yours to call home for the next three nights. Everything here was designed with luxury in mind, from its spacious outdoor pool to the high-end restaurant. Spend the rest of today relaxing and recharging your batteries in your new paradisiacal setting.
Nestled at the meeting point of three countries and three seas, Jeju is much more than just an island retreat. The coast is dominated by dramatic volcanic rock cliffs, pristine stretches of sand and the delightful Olle Trail, a coast path circumnavigating the entire island. Inland you’ll find beautiful waterfalls hidden among vegetation, lime-green tea fields that invite tea lovers to enjoy a cuppa with a view, and several trails leading to the jagged crater of Jeju’s iconic dormant volcano: Hallasan. Behind this original topography lies a cultural heritage that is just as unusual: from curious myths and legends, to historic landfalls by foreign invaders and, more recently, a burgeoning array of art and architecture that reflects the creativity of the islanders.
The next two days are yours to spend soaking up every bit of this exceptional slice of South Korea at your own pace. Savour the scent of flowers at Camellia Hill; catch a glimpse of the Haenyeo free divers, Jeju’s real-life mermaids; undertake a challenging hike to the peak of Hallasan, the highest point in the country; watch the waves crash against the curious volcanic formations at Jusangjeolli; sip local teas overlooking the gardens at the Osulloc Tea Museum; walk barefoot along the soft sands of Hyeopjae Beach; let yourself be cooled by the spray of Jeongbang waterfall; or delve into the caves hidden within Hallim Park.
After one last morning savouring the ocean panorama of your hotel, gather your things and get ready to head off to your final destination: the charming village of Bukchon, in northern Seoul. Private transfers each side and a speedy one-hour flight means you’ll have all afternoon and evening for one last bit of sightseeing in the capital. Bukchon is known and adored for its charming collection of traditional hanok homes, one of which will be your hotel for the final night of your trip. These homes reflect the elegance of the old nobility, with wood-fired underground heating (ondol), rich wooden furnishings and spacious courtyards. Once you’ve settled in and freshened up, head out on foot to discover the cultural treasures of this beautiful neighbourhood. As for dinner, the village has plenty of good dining options or you could choose to spend the evening sampling monastic cuisine: the traditional food eaten at temples.
Savour one last morning in and around Bukchon village: enjoy your last bit of Korean food, do some last-minute souvenir shopping or simply relax and enjoy your serene hanok home. A private driver will collect you and transfer you back to the international airport, where you’ll once again have access to the premium lounge after passing quickly through security. Direct flights back to the UK tend to depart in the afternoon and take around 14 hours, making it possible to arrive home the same day you set off (thanks to the time difference).
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
