South Korea, Seoul

South Korea's 1,001 Contrasts 3^*

On arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Lunch and dinner are not included, overnight in Seoul

Sightseeing suggestions: Seoul will reveal a fascinating contrast between modernity, technology and tradition. You’ll step back in time at Bukchon Hanok Village, amidst its charming traditional houses, before discovering the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, a testament to the history of the Joseon dynasty. You’ll continue your exploration in Gangnam, the capital’s iconic and bustling district, renowned for its luxury boutiques and vibrant atmosphere. Finally, you’ll immerse yourself in the creative atmosphere of Hongdae, with its trendy cafés, bars, clubs, street art and street performances.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have two full days at leisure for your own discoveries, with lunch and dinner at your own expense. You will spend both nights in Seoul.

Suggested sightseeing: You can stroll through the cobbled streets of Insadong, lined with craft shops and traditional art galleries, to discover the richness of Korean culture. Continue your walk to Itaewon, a cosmopolitan neighbourhood renowned for its international restaurants, trendy bars and fashionable shops.

For a relaxing break, take a stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream before admiring the futuristic lines of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Discover local flavours at Gwangjang Market, before rounding off the day with a trip up the N Seoul Tower, where you’ll enjoy a superb panoramic view of Seoul all lit up.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will take the train to Andong. Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Andong.

Suggested sightseeing: Discover Andong, regarded as the ‘spiritual capital’ of South Korea and the true cradle of Korean traditions. You can stroll across Weolyeonggyo Bridge, the country’s longest wooden bridge, and enjoy its lovely views of the river and the surrounding countryside. Continue your exploration through the historic districts, amongst traditional hanoks, temples and local markets, before visiting Dosanseowon, a former Confucian academy.

A few kilometres away, explore Hahoe, a charming village listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll discover traditional thatched-roof houses and well-preserved alleyways, set in a peaceful setting surrounded by mountains and the Nakdong River.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will take the train to Gyeongju. Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Gyeongju.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have a full day at leisure in Gyeongju, with lunch and dinner at your own expense. You will spend the night in Gyeongju.

Suggested sightseeing: Discover Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, a truly open-air museum brimming with nearly a millennium of history. You can explore Daereungwon Park and its impressive royal burial mounds, then admire Cheomseongdae, one of the oldest astronomical observatories in Asia. As night falls, you can take a stroll around Anapji Pond and soak up the magical atmosphere of its illuminated palaces.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will take the train to Busan. Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Busan.

Suggested sightseeing: Explore Busan, with its mix of modern skyscrapers and long sandy beaches, then follow the coastline to Dongbaekseom Island for a pleasant stroll by the sea. Continue your exploration with a visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Buddhist Temple, majestically perched overlooking the ocean.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have a full day at leisure in Busan, with lunch and dinner at your own expense. You will spend the night in Busan.

Suggested sights: You can head up to Gamcheon Culture Village and lose yourself in its colourful alleyways, lined with houses featuring multicoloured façades. You can then continue on to explore Beomeosa Temple, before stepping into the lively atmosphere of Seomyeon as night falls. For a relaxing break, why not enjoy one of Busan’s many beaches and sample the local specialities at Jagalchi Market, a real institution in the city.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will take the train to Suncheon. Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Suncheon.

Suggested attractions: Discover Suncheon Bay, a true haven of unspoilt nature in the south of South Korea. You can admire its vast wetlands and reed-lined landscapes, then explore Suncheonman Garden, home to a rich variety of local plants and animal species.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have a full day at leisure in Suncheon, with lunch and dinner at your own expense. You will spend the night in Suncheon.

Suggested sightseeing: You can explore Naganeupseong, a historic village that has been remarkably well-preserved since the Joseon Dynasty and is still inhabited today. Surrounded by stone ramparts, it features traditional thatched-roof houses and picturesque alleyways, offering a real journey back in time. You can then head to Suncheon and visit its famous film set – the largest in South Korea – exploring its many backdrops that will immerse you in the world of cinema.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will take the return train to Boseong, then continue by bus or taxi to the tea plantation, with the fare to be paid locally. Lunch and dinner are not included, overnight in Suncheon.

Suggested sightseeing: Discover Boseong, renowned as the green tea capital of South Korea. You can explore the Daehan Dawon plantation, where lush green hills and rows of tea bushes create a spectacular landscape. Follow the paths through the heart of the terraced plantations, then take a detour via the bamboo grove before visiting the tea museum to learn more about this iconic tradition of Korean culture.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will take the train to Jeonju. Lunch and dinner are not included, overnight in Jeonju.

Suggested sightseeing: Visit Jeonju and its famous Hanok village, where you can truly experience traditional Korea. Stroll through its cobbled streets lined with over 800 traditional houses, whose elegant roofs create an authentic and charming setting. As dusk falls, let yourself be enchanted by the peaceful and welcoming atmosphere that envelops the village.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have a full day at leisure in Jeonju, with lunch and dinner at your own expense. Overnight in Jeonju.

Suggested sightseeing: You can explore Nambu Market and sample the famous bibimbap, a must-try speciality of Jeonju. Continue your exploration with the historic sites of Omokdae and Gyeonggijeon, before strolling through the colourful alleyways of Jaman Village, famous for its many murals.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will take the train to Seoul. Lunch and dinner are not included,overnight in Seoul.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Seoul Airport for your return flight.

ACCOMMODATION

For technical reasons, hotels may be replaced by accommodation of the same category.

Any specific request regarding the type of bedding (double bed, twin beds) is subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.

In South Korea, hotel rooms are often quite small and the beds are relatively small.

Check-in is generally in the mid-afternoon (3–4 p.m.).

Check-out is usually in the morning (10 a.m.).

The accommodation included in this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or for babies (under 2 years old). For more information, please contact customer services.

In South Korea, official hotel classifications are less common and not widely listed. The “comfort” category is an intermediate and comfortable range defined by our destination experts.

Tourist taxes are payable locally.

MEALS

Bed and breakfast package.

If, due to airline schedules, the first and last days are shortened by a late arrival or early departure, no meal refunds will be issued.

PROGRAMME

The order of the stops and the itinerary may be adjusted according to local operational requirements.

TRANSPORT

PRIVATE TRANSFER
With a private transfer, the driver will meet you in the arrivals hall at the airport and take you directly to the hotel (and vice versa). The driver will be waiting with a sign showing your name.

RAIL TRANSPORT
In South Korea, the rail network is very well developed. As South Korea is a relatively small country, the train is one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to travel.

BUS TRANSPORT
In South Korea, local buses are a practical and efficient way to travel between stations and city centres, as well as between different regions. They serve the vast majority of urban and rural areas. Fares can be paid in cash directly on the bus or with prepaid transport cards, such as the T-money card, which can be purchased and topped up in underground stations.