Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Seoul - Yangyang - Mount Seorak - Gangneung
100% customisable for you
Despite being on the opposite side of the world, Korea is well-connected, making a sub-13 hour direct flight possible from the UK. So, gear up and prepare for a long journey traversing the globe. Make your way to the airport and whizz through security before relaxing in the premium lounge with drinks and snacks. With a few K-dramas and K-pop albums in your downloads, time should fly by. Arrive the next day feeling rested and raring to go.
After landing and collecting your bags, a private driver will whisk you to your first hotel in the hip and trendy Myeongdong district.?This is the heart of Seoul, where the flamboyance of neon lights and a shopping paradise reign supreme. After taking a well-earned rest in your hotel, head out and take the pulse of your local area. Kick back and relax in a classic tea house where the traditional roots and herbs of the land capture Korea's quintessential aromas and flavours. Have some fun in a photo booth studio, one of the essentials for a downtown day out. Turn to our coveted destination-specific dossier of places to wine and dine to look for a rooftop bar to gaze upon Seoul’s magnificent skyline.
The next three days are yours to spend discovering the delights of this ultra-modern megalopolis. In recent times, Seoul has developed into one of the trendiest cities in Asia and Myeongdong is at its heart, home to a wonderful abundance of chic boutiques, art galleries and contemporary restaurants.
At some point, you’ll head out for both day and night tours of the city with a knowledgeable local guide who can explain the tales and legends of the city. The beauty of this walking tour is that it’s relaxed, informal and based around your wishes, which means you can be totally spontaneous. Among the many attractions you may wish to explore are the palaces, particularly Joseon-era Changdeok and Gyeongbok; the charming streets of Bukchon village, home to many traditional hanoks houses; the towering N Seoul tower, an unmissable local landmark offering panoramic views of the city and its surrounding mountains; and the upscale neighbourhood of Gangnam, which showcases the best of the nation’s K-pop scene through a succession of monuments. Finally, experience Seoul at night, when buildings glow up with neon lights, locals congregate to share bottles of soju (traditional Korean alcohol) and the sounds of K-pop tunes waft out of quirky norabang karaoke rooms. We particularly recommend making the most of your time with a local to learn more about and, naturally, sample some of the cities street-food delicacies. Some of our favourite dishes include tteokbokki?(rice cakes in a spicy sauce),?odeng?(fish skewers),?gyeranppang?(egg-filled bread) or the popular?kimbap?(a Korean version of sushi).
One final option for your time in the capital is to do a day trip to Suwon to visit the impressive Hwaseong fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was built in the 18th century. Its powerful walls and commanding fortress give insights into the late Joseon era and how it operated before eventually falling into Japanese hands.
Now, it’s time to go coastal. Aboard a convenient and comfortable bus, relax and take in the scenic four-hour route to Sokcho, the go-to beach destination for Seolites. On arrival, pick up your rental vehicle and drive to your next hotel: a Buddhist temple nestled between mountain and sea. Take a walk along the picturesque white-sand beaches of Sokcho and Yangyang, meditate or practice yoga from the comfort of your temple retreat and sample some delicious seafood dishes in local restaurants.
Temporarily swap the coast for the mountain as you drive to Seoraksan National Park for a day of hiking and adventure. The wild landscapes and epic cliffs epitomise one of the great national parks in Korea. A soft, luscious green in the summer, or a golden honey canvas in the autumn, Seoraksan appeases its many visitors year-round. Through enchanting valleys and over precarious ridge lines, immerse yourself in this staggering natural wonder; the pride of all hiking-obsessed Koreans.
As the sun sets over the park, it’s time to head to Gangneung, where you’ll return the rental car before checking into your next hotel. Your home for tonight is a contemporary hotel between the Odaesan National Park and the Sea of Japan. Spend the rest of today relaxing and enjoying the luxurious facilities at the hotel after a day of outdoor adventures.
Located less than a three-hour drive from Seoul, the quaint seaside town of Gangneung has become a charming retreat for city-dwellers needing coastal rejuvenation. Miles and miles of white-sand beaches bordered by upscale cafes, bars and restaurants might have you thinking you’re in Miami’s South Beach, not South Korea. Pair downtime on the beach with the cultural delights of the town. You can stroll through Seongyojang house, the former residence of a noble family and one of the ten best-preserved homes in Korea; explore the exhibitions of the Haslla Museum of Contemporary Art; and admire the paintings and screens that adorn the Ojukheon pavilion, one of the oldest wooden residential buildings in Korea. If you’re not ready to bid farewell to coastal cool, extend your trip with an extra night in the village of Hahoe, near the Confucian city of Andong.
Board the high-speed Korean Train Express (KTX) to Seoul. In a record two hours, you’ll be back in the country’s capital before heading to the city’s north to the quaint village of Bukchon. A peaceful haven, it is made up of characterful wooden townhouses known as hanok, which used to house Korean nobility during the Joseon era (1392–1910) and still have a regal air about them today. Hang your hat up for the night in a charming hanok hotel and spend the rest of today savouring life in this adorable slice of Seoul. Take part in a tea ceremony, sample some locally-made kimchi, treat yourself to a traditional spa treatment or simply roam the network of pretty streets. To feel even more the part, you could even head to a rental store and spend a handful of hours snapping shots in a hanbok, the traditional Korean dress of yesteryear.
Sadly, today marks the final day of your South Korean getaway as you begin your journey home. Enjoy one last morning in Bukchon village before being collected and privately transferred to the airport. After speeding through security, escape the crowds and enjoy some nibbles and refreshments in the airport lounge as you await departure. Flight time can be as short as 14 hours, but may be longer if you have a layover. Either way, you’ll spend tonight in the air and touch down on home turf tomorrow.
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.
ENQUIRE NOW
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
