Itinerary:
Day 1: A Trip’s Beginning
Leave your home and head to the airport. Pack a pillow, it’s going to be a long flight!
Day 2: Arrive in Seoul, South Korea
We will use the first day to gather ourselves and explore. Seoul is a massive city, larger than any in the US. We will take it slowly and just find the highlights, starting with a walk in our neighborhood for some food.
Day 3: Modern Seoul
Our morning will start with a guided tour into the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone. I have been on this tour and really enjoyed it as I thought it was very informative and not too scary. You will not be crossing any borders into North Korea, but you may be able to see little people walking around through telescopes, if the weather is good. If you would prefer not to take this tour, you can stay back with me in Seoul (I will not be taking it again) and I will deduct it from the price of your trip. In the afternoon you will have the option to visit Namsan Tower, Seoul’s Iconic high point, for iconic views. We will end the evening with a guided food tour of a local market. Korean food is full of varieties and flavors and a guided tour is an excellent introduction.
Day 4: Historically Seoul
We will continue our time in Seoul with a historical perspective, renting a Hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) for a free ticket to Gyeongbokgung Palace. From there we will visit the Korean Folk Museum, Bukchon Village, and Insadong, hilly neighborhoods with Hanok style buildings and countless small shops and eateries. We will end our day with with a classic Han River picnic Mapo Bridge Park, complete with a lights and water show and street food, weather permitting.
Day 5: Off to Gyeongju
We will start our day with a train to Gyeongju, visiting its UNESCO heritage sights, including the ancient Silla tombs (from 600 AD), roaming the Hanok lined streets, and enjoying the night views of Wolji pond. We will then take our turn at staying in a Hanok (traditional) house, complete with sleeping on the floor. (It’s not as bad as it sounds, I promise!) If you are certain that you are in need of a bed, we can accommodate, but I want you to at least have the option. Korean homes were historically warmed with floor heat by placing heated rocks, and then coals, under the floorboards of the house. This has resulted in a culture of floor sleeping and sitting. Koreans will often opt to sit on the floor, even using the couch as a back rest rather than a chair. This is your opportunity to experience it for yourself!
Day 6: Off to Busan
Busan is South Korea’s second largest city and the only city that wasn’t overtaken by North Korea during the Korean war. We will make our way to the coastal city by train in the morning and spend the afternoon exploring Amnam Park, complete with hiking trails, views of the city, and a cable car. In the evening we will jump on an optional yacht ride for iconic night views of Busan’s skyline.
Day 7: Explore Busan
We will join a local tour guide for the expedited views of Busan, with stops at the unique coastal temple of Yonggungsa, Gamcheon culture village, and a seaside suburb for Busan’s specialty, seafood. Depending on our energy levels, we will spend our evening at Gwangalli Beach and/or Hwangnyeongsan Mountain (views here are amazing!).
Day 8: Bullet Back to Seoul
We will head back to the capital to finish out our time in South Korea. This day will be mostly a breakfast, travel, dinner day, but if you’d like, we can make it back in time for a market tour and cooking class. In the evening we will explore Hongdae, a college neighborhood in Seoul, known for its small shops, eateries, karaoke rooms, selfies booths, and street performers.
Day 9: Nami Island, Garden of the Morning Calm, and Rail Bike Day Trip
If you select the 10 day trip option, this will be your last full day in Korea. We will spend it on Seoul’s most popular day trip option, visiting Nami Island, the Garden of the Morning Calm, and catching a rail bike ride. Nami Island is a land of whimsy and our day will be filled with curated nature and art.
Day 10: Two Paths Diverge in the Woods (or Sky)
If you select the 10 day trip option, your itinerary will involve breakfast and flying home.
If you select the extended trip option, your itinerary will start with a morning flight to Jeju Island, South Korea’s Hawaii. Known for its volcanic soil, waterfalls, beaches, and sunsets, Jeju is a popular vacation spot for tourists and locals. Upon arrival, we will pick up a rental car and head to our lodging. My main goals for this day are to find a stellar sunset view and black pork bqq, a Jeju specialty.
Day 11: West to East
For our first full day in Jeju, we will cross the island by car, stopping at a tea plantation, waterfalls, and coffee shops.
Day 12: Island Life
This will be a day of your choosing. You can spend it on the beach with pure relaxation, or you can jump in for more adventure. My favorite option in this area is a half day trip to Udo Island, just off the eastern coast of Jeju. It’s a fun little island known for peanut ice cream and scenic views. You can join the masses by renting a little car, or you can catch a bus. Sunrise Mountain is also nearby. It’s a short hike for beautiful views of the island.
Day 13: Back to the mainland
We will wrap up the vacation time of our trip with brunch before heading to the airport and back to Seoul. For our last full day, we will fit in as much of the city as we can (or want to). A few options include: a guided hike along the historical city wall and through the Ihwa Village murals, visiting the Cheonggyecheon Stream and Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or crossing Seoul’s largest river, the Han River, to explore the other side, including the COEX Mall in the neighborhood of Gangnam (of the infamous ‘Gangnam Style’ song). The mall houses many great stores, an aquarium, and a beautiful library. We will choose one or two things to round out our time.
Day 14: Fly home, from Seoul
It’s our last day! Breakfast and flights are what is in store for us.
Special Note: This is the proposed itinerary for the South Korea Group Trip 2024. Everything is weather permitting and flexible according to the preferences of the group. For more details of the trip, follow this link. Or you can sign up here!
Trips by Camille 
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