14 Days - Five Star South Korea

On arrival at Incheon International Airport you will be greeted and assisted through immigration, customs and baggage collection. With two terminals and a concourse, the airport can be busy, but your escort ensures a smooth passage. A porter takes care of your luggage while your guide leads you directly to your waiting vehicle.

Travel by private luxury sedan or van for the hour-long drive into Seoul. Along the way, glimpse the city’s growing skyline before arriving in the historic Jongno district, close to palaces, vibrant markets and the Cheonggyecheon Stream. This location provides immediate access to many of the cultural highlights you’ll explore in the coming days.

Your base for the start of the journey is the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, one of the city’s premier five-star properties. Overlooking Gyeongbokgung Palace, the hotel blends modern elegance with traditional Korean design. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views of the city, while interiors combine contemporary comfort with subtle cultural details.

The hotel offers a choice of acclaimed restaurants, from Italian to modern Korean, and features the renowned Charles H. cocktail bar. Guests can unwind at the full spa, Korean-style sauna or indoor pool, with a fitness centre available around the clock. With polished service and refined amenities, the Four Seasons provides the perfect introduction to South Korea.

Begin the day with a guided drive through central Seoul, passing Seoul Plaza, City Hall and Cheonggye Square. Stop at Gwanghwamun Plaza, where statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin represent two of Korea’s most important historical figures. This orientation offers a useful overview of the city’s modern government quarter and its links to Korea’s historical leadership.

Your next visit is Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of the Joseon dynasty palaces. Built in the 14th century and later restored, it reflects the authority and traditions of Korea’s royal court. The scale of the palace grounds, with its multiple gates, throne hall and pavilions, highlights the significance of this complex in the country’s cultural memory.

Continue to Insadong, an area long associated with art and antiques. Today it remains a hub of traditional culture with tea houses, craft shops and galleries showcasing both historic pieces and contemporary Korean work. It is also one of the few districts where you can find authentic calligraphy supplies and traditional paper, connecting visitors directly to centuries-old practices.

Later you explore Gwangjang Market, established in 1905 and still one of the most atmospheric markets in Seoul. The ground floor is packed with food stalls serving dishes such as crispy mung bean pancakes, handmade noodles and pickled vegetables. Beyond the food, the bustle of vendors and shoppers provides an engaging glimpse of the capital’s social life at street level.

In the evening, enjoy a private dining experience at the Chef’s House. Welcomed into the chef’s residence, you are served a multi-course menu created with seasonal ingredients and presented with personal commentary. The chance to dine in a home setting rather than a restaurant makes this experience both personal and memorable, setting it apart from conventional fine dining.

Begin the day at the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, one of Seoul’s most important cultural institutions. Its three sections were designed by internationally renowned architects Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel and Rem Koolhaas, each contributing a distinct style. The museum houses over 120 examples of traditional Korean art, including celadon ceramics, Buncheong stoneware, white porcelain, Buddhist sculpture and calligraphy. In the contemporary galleries, Korean and international artists are displayed side by side, reflecting both the country’s heritage and its global artistic presence.

Continue south to Gangnam, a district that has become shorthand for modern Seoul. Here cutting-edge commercial architecture, luxury boutiques and cultural landmarks represent Korea’s rapid development and international influence. Walking its streets offers a clear contrast to the traditional areas visited earlier, making it an essential stop for understanding the balance of old and new.

No visit to this part of the city is complete without experiencing the Lotte World Tower. At 555 metres, it is one of the tallest buildings in the world and a defining feature of the skyline. From its observation deck, you can take in sweeping views across the capital and beyond to the Han River and surrounding mountains, underscoring Seoul’s scale and setting.

Nearby, outside COEX Mall, you encounter the Gangnam Style sculpture. Created to mark the global impact of PSY’s viral hit, the bronze fists celebrate the district’s role in shaping Korean pop culture. The location is both playful and symbolic, recognising the influence of music and media in bringing Korea international recognition.

Inside COEX Mall itself you find a wide array of shops and attractions, including the striking Starfield Library. This open public space has thousands of books displayed on towering shelves that reach towards the glass ceiling, creating a dramatic and memorable environment. It is a reminder of Seoul’s commitment to culture and design, even in commercial settings.

In the afternoon, retreat to Chaum, a wellness centre known for blending medical science with luxury treatments. Here you can choose between a facial or full-body rejuvenating massage, each customised following a personal consultation. Using advanced techniques and premium products, services range from stem cell facials to detox therapies, designed to revitalise skin and body. This indulgent session provides balance to the day’s exploration, offering a restorative close before returning to your hotel.

After a relaxed morning and time to pack, transfer to the station for your high-speed train journey south. The two-hour ride crosses rural landscapes and smaller towns before reaching Gyeongju, once the capital of the Silla dynasty from 57BC to 935AD. Known as the “Museum without Walls,” the city is one of Korea’s most important heritage destinations, with UNESCO recognition for its remarkable concentration of cultural treasures.

Your exploration begins at Yangdong Village, a traditional clan settlement that reflects Korea’s Confucian heritage. Set against a natural backdrop of hills and streams, the village is home to over 150 residences and two shrines, many dating back centuries. Walking the narrow lanes reveals tiled-roof houses interspersed with thatched cottages, providing insight into the country’s architectural traditions and class divisions of the time.

Continue with visits to some of Gyeongju’s most iconic landmarks. Cheomseongdae Observatory, dating to the 7th century, is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia and a symbol of the Silla dynasty’s scientific achievements. Nearby, Tumuli Park contains 23 royal burial mounds, including Cheonmachong, which is open to visitors. Inside, you can see how the tomb was constructed and view replicas of treasures excavated there, such as golden crowns and horse trappings.

The historic sites are complemented by the city’s contemporary charm. Stroll through Hwangridan-gil, a lively area where restored hanok houses sit alongside cafés, boutiques and creative spaces. The contrast of traditional architecture with modern design captures the way Gyeongju continues to evolve while preserving its heritage.

In the evening, take part in a hands-on cooking class at Rasunjae, where the focus is on dishes that reflect the legacy of the Silla court. Learn preparation techniques, hear the stories behind each recipe and enjoy a meal that connects you to over a thousand years of culinary history. This experience adds a practical and memorable dimension to your immersion in the region.

Overnight is at the Lahan Select Hotel, one of Gyeongju’s leading properties. Overlooking Bomun Lake, the hotel combines resort-style facilities with comfortable, modern rooms. Guests can enjoy a choice of restaurants, a fitness centre and indoor pool, as well as easy access to both the city’s historic core and the scenic Bomun resort area. Its setting makes it an excellent base for exploring Gyeongju while providing a restful environment at the end of the day.

This morning is devoted to Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set on the slopes of Mount Toham. Built in the 8th century, the grotto houses a remarkable stone Buddha seated in meditation, surrounded by 37 intricate relief figures of Bodhisattvas, guardians and disciples. The site is celebrated not only for its spiritual significance but also for its advanced engineering, combining art, religion and science in a perfectly balanced structure.

A short drive takes you to Bulguksa Temple, another UNESCO-listed site and one of the most important Buddhist temples in Korea. The temple complex is renowned for its elegant design, symbolic bridges, and two celebrated stone pagodas: the simple Seokgatap and the ornate Dabotap. Together, they reflect contrasting approaches to Buddhist architecture while maintaining overall harmony. Bulguksa remains a living place of worship and a striking reminder of the Silla dynasty’s achievements.

After returning to the city, the afternoon is left at leisure for you to rest or explore at your own pace. You may choose to revisit Gyeongju’s bustling streets or take in more of the city’s extensive historical sites, with your guide able to suggest optional visits depending on your interests.

In the evening, visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, once part of a royal complex built during the 7th century. The palace site has been partially reconstructed, and its reflection across the still waters of the pond makes it one of Gyeongju’s most photographed landmarks. At night, subtle lighting enhances the outlines of the buildings and the calm water, offering a memorable way to experience this historic setting.

After the visit, return to your hotel, where you can relax and prepare for another full day of exploration in this city often referred to as an open-air museum.

Begin the day at the Gyeongju National Museum, the best place to gain an overview of Silla culture and its legacy. The museum’s most famous artefact is the Bell of King Seongdeok, cast in the 8th century and recognised as the largest surviving bell in Korea. Admired for its elegant design and deep resonating sound, the bell also carries a poignant legend that adds to its cultural significance. The museum’s collections include gold crowns, jewellery, ceramics, glassware and even a royal barge, all of which illustrate the sophistication of Silla craftsmanship.

Travel onwards to Gampo, where the Gameunsa Twin Pagodas stand as striking examples of ancient Korean architecture. Built on a two-tier foundation with broad eaves and subtle step effects, the pagodas reflect the precision and artistry of their builders. Their scale and symmetry are especially impressive considering their 7th century origins, making them enduring symbols of devotion and technical skill.

Nearby is one of Korea’s most unusual historic sites: the Underwater Tomb of King Munmu. Located about 200m off the coast, this rocky islet marks the resting place of the monarch who wished to be buried at sea to protect his kingdom as a dragon spirit. At low tide, parts of the stone structure can be seen above the surface, with a central pond marking the symbolic grave.

The site combines natural seascapes with legend, offering a unique perspective on how rulers of the Silla dynasty sought to extend their influence even in death. Your guide will explain the history and mythology surrounding the tomb, helping to connect the site’s austere simplicity with its enduring place in Korean cultural memory.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Relax at the property or take advantage of its facilities, reflecting on the richness of Gyeongju’s heritage before continuing your journey south the following day.

This morning depart Gyeongju for Busan, a journey of around 120km taking approximately two and a half hours by road. The route passes through rolling countryside before reaching the port city on Korea’s southern coast. Busan is framed by mountains and the sea, a setting that has shaped it into the country’s largest port and second-largest city, known for both its industry and its cosmopolitan character.

Along the way, stop at Tongdosa Temple, one of Korea’s most revered Buddhist sites. Founded in the 7th century, the temple is distinctive for having no statue of Buddha in its main hall. Instead, a window looks onto a stupa said to hold relics of the Buddha himself. Walking along a pine-lined approach with a stream beside it adds to the tranquil atmosphere, while the temple’s collection of relics and treasures make it a living museum of Korean Buddhism.

Lunch is a unique experience at the temple, where you are invited to try traditional Buddhist temple cuisine. Prepared without meat, garlic or onions, the meal reflects the principles of simplicity and spiritual discipline. Washing your own dishes afterwards may seem small, but it is an integral part of the practice and one that leaves a lasting impression.

On arrival in Busan, spend the afternoon exploring Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Island. Haeundae is one of Korea’s best-known beach resorts, its curve of sand backed by dramatic towers. Dongbaek Island, now joined to the mainland, offers coastal trails and views over the Nurimaru APEC House, built to host the 2005 summit. The combination of city skyline and open ocean makes this a rewarding place for a scenic walk.

Later, you can choose between shopping at Centum City - officially the largest department store in the world, with an array of luxury brands and dining options - or indulging in a wellness session at Lumi Spa in the Park Hyatt Busan. Treatments here use natural ingredients and ocean views to create an atmosphere of complete relaxation, balancing the day’s sightseeing with restorative downtime.

Accommodation tonight is at the Park Hyatt Busan, an architectural landmark overlooking the marina and the Gwangan Bridge. The hotel offers spacious, modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, fine dining restaurants, and one of the city’s most acclaimed spas. Its blend of luxury and location makes it an ideal base for exploring Korea’s southern coast.

Begin the morning with a visit to Yongdusan Park, home to Busan Tower. Standing on a hilltop, the tower provides panoramic views of the harbour, surrounding mountains and the densely packed neighbourhoods that characterise Korea’s second largest city. The park itself is a popular gathering space, with cultural monuments and landscaped paths that offer a calm introduction to the day.

From here, explore nearby Gwangbokro Street, a central shopping area that mixes local boutiques with well-known brands. The surrounding alleys are filled with small shops and eateries, creating a lively contrast of modern retail and traditional markets. Continue into BIFF Square, Busan’s film district, where theatres, handprints of famous directors and actors, and food stalls reflect the city’s global reputation as host of the Busan International Film Festival.

Just across the street lies Jagalchi Fish Market, one of Korea’s best-known seafood markets. Narrow lanes are crowded with vendors selling an extraordinary range of fish and shellfish, from live tanks to dried products upstairs. Small restaurants here prepare dishes on the spot, making it an excellent place to sample Busan’s coastal cuisine while observing the daily bustle of trade.

The tour also takes you to Gamcheon Culture Village, a hillside community transformed from a poor settlement into a colourful neighbourhood of painted houses, murals and small galleries. Winding lanes and stairways lead to unexpected views of the city and sea, while local residents continue to live alongside the art projects. The combination of creativity and lived-in authenticity gives the village a distinctive atmosphere within urban Busan.

In the late afternoon, return to the waterfront for a private yacht excursion from Busan Marina. Sailing along the coast offers a different perspective on the city, with Haeundae Beach, Gwangan Bridge and the skyline visible from the water. As the sun sets, enjoy a light gourmet dinner on board, pairing scenic views with a relaxed dining experience.

Conclude the day back at your hotel, with the option to enjoy its dining or spa facilities after a varied day that has combined markets, culture, architecture and the maritime character that defines Busan.

With leisurely time to pack, take a short one hour flight to Jeju, the most famous of Korea’s 3,300 islands. Towering over the island is Korea's highest peak, Mt. Halla, an extinct volcano topped by a huge crater. Jeju was once a place of exile for those who fell out of favour with the Korean court, but today it has become one of the country’s most sought after destinations.

Begin your exploration with a drive past Gwandeokjeong Pavilion, Jeju’s oldest surviving building, which once served as a government office during the Joseon dynasty. In front of the pavilion stand two Dolharubang statues, carved from volcanic stone and found only on Jeju. Their distinctive features include bulging eyes, rounded noses, pursed lips and mushroom like hats. They are rich in symbolism and believed to provide both protection and fertility. Visitors often stop to touch their noses, a gesture said to bring good fortune.

Continue to Dongmun Market, the island’s oldest traditional marketplace and still a bustling hub of activity. Among its covered stalls you will find vendors offering Jeju specialties such as hallabong oranges, freshly caught seafood, black pork skewers and peanut snacks. The lively atmosphere makes this an ideal place to mingle with locals, sample street food and capture photographs that reflect everyday island life.

Your afternoon includes a visit to the Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum. The displays here explore how the island’s people adapted to their rugged environment, with exhibitions of traditional farming tools, fishing implements and household artefacts that reflect Jeju’s culture of resilience. The museum also highlights the island’s volcanic geology, flora and marine life, from lava formations to coastal ecosystems. Outside, the stone exhibits including tomb guardians, gravestones and millstones reveal the deep connection between the people of Jeju and the island’s basalt landscape.

Depending on timing, a short stop may also be made at Yongduam Rock, or Dragon Head Rock, a striking basalt formation on the coast shaped by lava erosion. The rock resembles a dragon rising from the sea and is entwined with local legends of spirits and guardianship. It is one of the most recognisable natural landmarks near Jeju City.

Your stay for the next four nights will be at The Shilla Jeju, one of Korea’s most celebrated luxury resorts. Overlooking the blue waters of Jungmun Beach, the hotel is surrounded by landscaped gardens and walking trails with sweeping views of the ocean and Mt. Halla. Inside, the rooms are designed for both comfort and elegance, blending natural textures with modern details. The Shilla’s facilities are a highlight in themselves, from heated indoor and outdoor pools to a full service spa, curated art installations and an array of restaurants serving both Korean and international cuisine. With its luxurious seaside setting, The Shilla Jeju is as much a part of your island experience as the sites you will explore, providing a relaxing base for your next three days of discovery.

Today is devoted to exploring the western half of Jeju, an area rich in natural beauty and cultural landmarks. Begin at Hallim Park, a vast subtropical garden that showcases the island’s diverse plant life. The park is arranged into themed sections with palm tree avenues, bonsai collections, water gardens, and colourful seasonal flowers. Its most unusual features are the caves. The first contains striking formations of stalactites and stalagmites, while the second is a rare geological phenomenon known as a cave within a cave, the only example of its kind in the world. The combination of vibrant gardens and unusual underground chambers makes Hallim Park one of Jeju’s most memorable attractions.

Continue to Sanbangsan Mountain, a dramatic trachyte dome that rises almost 400 metres from the sea. Unlike most volcanic peaks, Sanbangsan has no crater at its summit, making it unique among Jeju’s volcanic cones. A climb of around ten minutes up a steep stairway brings you to Sanbanggulsa Grotto. This small cave contains a stone Buddha, flickering candles, and a natural spring that drips steadily into a stone basin. The grotto has long been a site of pilgrimage, and the air is filled with the scent of incense and the quiet murmur of prayers. From here, sweeping views extend across coastal farmland, offshore islets, and the wide blue sea.

Later in the day, visit Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, one of Jeju’s most celebrated natural wonders. The waterfall plunges 22 metres into a deep pool, its waters believed to be home to giant freshwater eels that feature in local legends. The approach to the falls is a gentle walk through a subtropical forest filled with more than four hundred species of plants and animals. The shaded path, the chorus of birds, and the cool spray of the falls create an atmosphere of calm and natural beauty. This is one of the best places on the island to appreciate Jeju’s diverse biosphere and to spend unhurried time surrounded by nature.

The western circuit of Jeju blends geological marvels, cultural sites, and lush natural settings. After a day of exploration, return to The Shilla Jeju to enjoy its seaside gardens, dining options, and resort facilities, with the evening free at leisure.

Today is devoted to the eastern half of Jeju, an area known for its volcanic landscapes, traditional villages and remarkable cultural heritage. Begin at Sangumburi, the only maar crater in Korea. Unlike the usual volcanic cones of Jeju, this is a broad, shallow crater created by an explosive eruption with no lava flow. It measures more than two kilometres in circumference, about 650 metres in diameter and 100 metres deep, so vast it could be mistaken for a natural stadium. The path to the viewing area is easy and offers sweeping views in every direction, from the crater’s lush interior to the eulalia grass fields that sway with the breeze. Panoramas of the ocean and the island’s many volcanic cones stretch across the horizon, making Sangumburi one of Jeju’s most spectacular viewpoints.

Continue to Seongeup Folk Village, where time seems to stand still. This small community preserves around four hundred traditional thatched roof houses that are still functioning today. Walking among the narrow lanes you can step inside several houses, each arranged with everyday tools and household objects that reflect how Jeju islanders lived for centuries. The village is also known for its jeongnang gates, made from three wooden bars set across the entrance. Depending on how many bars are in place, these gates communicate whether the family is home, away for a short time, or away for an extended period. They embody the old saying of Jeju life: no thief, no beggar and no gate. The visit offers a personal glimpse into the values and traditions of this warm and resourceful community.

From here travel to Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and one of Jeju’s most famous landmarks. This dramatic tuff cone was formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions more than one hundred thousand years ago. Rising 182 metres from the sea and surrounded on three sides by ocean, it is an unforgettable sight. Those who climb the steep stairway to the summit are rewarded with a vast crater rim and far reaching views across the island and sea. Even from the base, the peak is one of the best photo spots on Jeju.

Round out the day at the Haenyeo Museum, dedicated to the island’s remarkable women divers. Known as haenyeo, these women free dive without equipment to harvest seaweed, shellfish and abalone, a practice that has been passed down for generations and is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The museum displays their tools, wetsuits and baskets, as well as a full size reconstruction of a haenyeo house. A primitive log raft once used for fishing is also on display. The exhibits tell a story of hardship, resilience and independence, offering insight into one of Jeju’s most enduring cultural icons.

After a rewarding day of exploration, return to The Shilla Jeju where you will continue your stay. The evening is at leisure to enjoy the hotel’s restaurants, relax by the pool, or take a walk through the gardens before another full day of sightseeing tomorrow.

Today offers a very special way to connect with the spirit of Jeju, beginning with a yacht tour alongside the island’s legendary haenyeo. These traditional women divers are icons of Jeju, celebrated for their strength, independence and ability to free dive for seafood without the use of modern equipment. Step aboard a premium yacht and sail along the island’s coastline, where dramatic cliffs and volcanic formations rise from the sea. As you enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and sweeping views, you will be introduced to the living heritage of the haenyeo through demonstrations and storytelling.

During the cruise, the divers share personal accounts of their daily lives, their close bond with the ocean, and the challenges of a profession passed down through generations. You may watch them dive into the clear waters and bring back shellfish or seaweed using traditional techniques, and taste freshly prepared seafood on board. The opportunity to learn directly from these remarkable women makes the experience not just a sightseeing excursion but a cultural voyage that highlights resilience, community and tradition.

In the afternoon, return to The Shilla Jeju for time dedicated to rest and wellness. The hotel’s spa is one of the finest in Korea, set within landscaped grounds that overlook the sea and Mt. Halla. Treatments here draw on both modern therapies and natural ingredients, creating a sanctuary of relaxation. Options include aromatherapy and deep tissue massages, revitalising facials, and body treatments designed to soothe and restore. After days of exploring Jeju’s landscapes and heritage, this is the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence.

The evening is yours to enjoy at The Shilla Jeju. Perhaps unwind with a stroll through the gardens, swim in the heated pool, or linger over dinner at one of the hotel’s acclaimed restaurants before another day of discovery tomorrow.

This morning transfer to Jeju Airport for your return flight to Seoul. On arrival, enjoy a final opportunity to experience the capital from a fresh perspective. You might choose to explore the stylish district of Gangnam, renowned for its designer boutiques, galleries and modern cafés. For those interested in contemporary culture, the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art offers an impressive collection that blends traditional Korean works with pieces by international masters. Another option is to visit the War Memorial of South Korea, an expansive museum and memorial park that provides a moving insight into the nation’s history.

If you prefer a slower pace, you may wish to relax in one of Seoul’s leafy parks such as Namsan, where the walking trails lead to panoramic views from N Seoul Tower. Alternatively, spend time browsing high end department stores or artisan shops for final souvenirs to take home. With your driver and guide available, the afternoon can be tailored to your interests and energy, ensuring your last full day in South Korea is meaningful and memorable.

Your final evening is spent at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, an elegant retreat in the heart of the city. The hotel features spacious rooms, floor to ceiling windows with skyline views and exceptional facilities. Guests can choose from a variety of dining experiences, including acclaimed Korean fine dining, authentic Chinese cuisine and a contemporary Japanese restaurant. The spa and wellness facilities provide an excellent opportunity to rejuvenate before your departure. The Four Seasons is an ideal place to bring your South Korean journey to a close in comfort and style.

After breakfast, your South Korean adventure comes to an end. You will be transferred to Incheon International Airport in good time for your flight. A dedicated VIP agent will assist you through check in, security and immigration, ensuring the entire process is seamless and stress free. The agent will escort you all the way to the boarding gate, leaving you to focus only on the memories you carry with you.

As your plane takes off above Incheon, it is time to reflect on the variety you have experienced - from dynamic Seoul to coastal Busan, and from the volcanic landscapes of Jeju to the traditions of local communities. You return home with vivid memories of South Korea, a country that balances ancient heritage with modern creativity, and where every day offered a new surprise.