Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Seoul - Jeonju - Gwangju - Jeju - Incheon
100% customisable for you
Your adventure through the beautiful landscapes of South Korea begins today with a flight to the other side of the world. Head to the airport, speed through security and enjoy a glass of bubbly in the airport lounge as you await departure. Most direct flights to the airport hub of Incheon depart in the evening and take about 13 hours, so you’ll spend tonight onboard and touchdown tomorrow. And what with this trip being all about the arts, why not take the time in the air to binge watch some of the nation’s most highly-acclaimed movies – a Bong Joon-Ho movie is a must for cinephiles.
Rise and shine to views across uniform skyscrapers poking out of rolling green hills as you prepare to land in Incheon, South Korea’s main international airport. After heading efficiently through airport formalities you’ll be met by a private driver and whisked off to Seoul and to the traditional neighbourhood of Seochon. Your home for the next three nights here is a beautiful wooden hanok home that’s been skilfully modernised to become a charming guesthouse. After taking the time to settle in and freshen up, head out and spend your first afternoon and evening admiring the traditional air of Seochon. A network of cobblestone streets are bordered by hanoks that have stood the test of time, a nod to the skilled architects of the Joseon era. Browse through handicrafts in local shops, sip on a crisp glass of soju (grain-based spirit) in a bar or tuck into some traditional food in one of the neighbourhood’s many enticing restaurants.
The capital of Korea for several hundred years, Seoul effortlessly combines its rich history and heritage with a growing spirit of hyper-modernity. Palaces and century-old residences rub shoulders with dizzying buildings across the capital’s collection of charming neighbourhoods, which unfold along the banks of the beautiful Han River.
You have two days here to discover the highlights of Seoul’s varied architecture and exciting art scene at your own pace and, at some point, with a clued-up local guide. You’ll be equipped with a handy pre-paid transport card, so you can make use of the city’s efficient and comfortable metro system. Art can be appreciated both indoors and outdoors, through the many art centres and galleries that dot the city, as well as countless architectural points of interest. The Changddeokgung Palace is a good introduction before tackling more daring architecture: the Dongdaemun Design Plaza by Zaha Hadid deploys its futuristic silver curves; At Ewha University, Dominique Perrault seemingly split the Earth in two; as for the Arario Museum and the Coex, they each prefigure, in their own way, the world of tomorrow. You can also fill your agenda with gallery-hopping in Insa-dong, mingling with the trendy Seoulite youth in Hongdae, admiring the city from the top of the N Seoul Tower, sampling the best of Korean street food in Gwangjang Market and browsing the high-end minimalist boutiques of Gangnam.
Swap the bright lights of Seoul for the calm of the countryside as you embark on a two-hour train ride to the small city of Jeonju. The journey is seriously scenic, hugging the rugged west coast of the peninsula and passing through farms and hamlets untouched by modernity. On arrival at the station, a private driver will be ready to transfer you to your next hotel: a beautiful hanok house nestled in the heart of nature just outside the city. The collection of hanoks that make up the hotel have been skilfully updated by architects to combine centuries of heritage with the contemporary edge of today’s trends.
The rest of today is yours to spend relaxing and recharging your batteries in this privileged setting: explore the picturesque rural surroundings, contemplate the intricacies of the architecture or head into nearby Jeonu for a spot of sightseeing. It is here that you can visit the Jeonju Hanok Heritage Village with its charming collection of sake museums, traditional food stalls and craft stores. You could also head to Gyeonggijeon Hall to visit King Taejo’s portrait and to rub shoulders with the thousands of Koreans who come here every day to pay their respects to the founder of the nation's last dynasty: Joseon.
After a night of disconnecting from the modern world in the serene Korean countryside, it’s time to jump straight back into it. Your next destination is Gwangju, a modern and trendy city located a two-hour train journey from Jeonju. On arrival, check in for two nights in a modern hotel nestled in the vibrant city centre and spend the rest of today settling back into the rhythm of city life.
Gwangju is popularly thought of as the archetype of Korean renewal and the cradle of its democracy. On May 18th, 1980, fierce demonstrations broke out in response to General Chun Doo-Hwan's coup d’état. Repression was swift and violent, leading to countless Gwangju residents losing their lives. Exactly 15 years later, the first Gwangju Biennale was held, with the aim of honouring those souls through various creative spaces. The city is now a major cultural and artistic centre and a great place to understand the meaning and power of art in modern Korea.
Today you’ll be following in the footsteps of a passionate local who knows and understands this fascinating cultural hub. The walk is relaxed, informal and based around what you want to see and do, so you can be totally spontaneous when it comes to the itinerary. Walk along the ‘Street of Art’, where virtuosos perform one after the other; stroll around Mudeungsan Park and visit the beautifully-curated Uijae Museum of Korean Art; and admire Gwangju’s many curious ‘follies’, pieces of functional yet artistic architecture integrated into public spaces.
Bid goodbye to mainland South Korea as you make your way to the airport ready for a speedy southbound flight to Jeju Island. On arrival, collect your spacious and comfortable rental car and wind your way around the forested foothills of Mount Hallasan, to the south of the island. This portion of the coast has long acted as a playground for architects and creative types; Dominique Perrault, Kengo Kuma and Jongho Yi are just some of the names that have left their mark here. Hang up your hat for three nights here in an architect-designed hotel and spend the rest of today relaxing and enjoying the laid-back coastal vibe of your new home.
Nestled at the meeting point of three countries and three seas, Jeju was born from the lava flows of the Hallasan volcano. Now deeply asleep, the giant watches over this seaside escape with its patchwork geography: to the south, the Jusangjeolli cliff stacks stone columns like a volcanic organ; to the east, the green cone of Seongsan Ilchulbong clings to the islet via a thin strip of land; inland, beautiful waterfalls emerge from the plant matrix; and, on the shore, long strips of sand welcome sun worshippers.
The next two days are yours to spend exploring this beautiful island at your own pace. Beyond winning the lottery with its natural landscape, Jeju is also a treasure chest of history, art, culture and architecture. The intricate tiers of Yakcheonsa Temple rise beautifully from tropical greenery; the curves of the Wal Chong Art Museum, siting at the top of Jeongbang waterfall echo Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona; and the architect-designed building of the Artists’ Village house some excellent galleries, including the Jeju Museum of Contemporary Art.
Wake up bright and early this morning as you prepare to maximise your final full day in South Korea. After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be collected and privately transferred to the hotel ahead of a speedy flight back to the mainland. Incheon is about an hour’s flight away, so you’ll be there before you know it. A private driver will be waiting for you in arrivals to guide you to your final hotel: a contemporary hanok complex nestled in the Songdo-dong district, an artificial stretch of land borrowed from the Yellow Sea. After settling in and freshening up, head out in the company of a friendly resident-guide to experience the highlights of this underrated city. Tuck into local delicacies at Sinpo Market, browse the curious stalls of Chinatown and soak in the fragrant smells of the blooming rose bushes of Grand Park. And since this trip was all about experiencing the arty and architectural side of the country, why not round off your trip the way it began: under the futuristic curves of a Zaha Hadid masterpiece? The G-Tower, with its sharp angles, is a worthy final image of South Korea.
Unfortunately, the time has come to bid South Korea a warm farewell and make your way back across the globe. Incheon is home to the nation’s top international airport, so a short private transfer lands you right where you need to be. After speeding back though security, enjoy some peace and quiet in the airport lounge as you get ready for take-off. 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 (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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