South Korea

The countdown has begun and your mind is already there… Naturally, since the trip of your dreams to fascinating Korea is about to begin! The experience starts at the airport, where you’ll meet the rest of the group who will share this adventure with you. From wandering through picturesque traditional villages and the futuristic streets of Seoul to the high-energy atmosphere of K-pop nights, every moment promises to be unique. Pack your suitcase, grab your passport, bring your best mood and get ready for takeoff!

And yes, the moment has arrived! You’re now in the heart of South Korea, bustling Seoul, a city full of contrasts. We board the coach and check in at the hotel, and then our first introduction to the city begins right away, starting with Insadong. It’s a picturesque, atmospheric neighborhood with a strong traditional character, full of narrow alleys, ceramics workshops, authentic souvenirs and cozy teahouses that are perfect for a relaxing stop.

Then the city’s pulse picks up as we move on to famous Myeongdong. Here the scenery changes: bright neon signs, countless cosmetics shops and an explosive variety of street food that dares you to try everything. The ultimate taste experience of the evening is authentic Korean BBQ. It’s a favorite local habit where you grill your own meat on the table’s built-in grill, served with traditional banchan (small side dishes of kimchi, vegetables and sauces). There’s no tastier or more fun way to get into the spirit of Korean culture!

Right after breakfast, we begin exploring Seoul’s most iconic sights. Our first stop is the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most important of the city’s five royal palaces. Built in 1395, it became known as the “Northern Palace” because of its location relative to the neighboring Changdeokgung and Gyeonghuigung. Despite severe damage by the Japanese in the early 20th century, it has been fully restored and today captivates every visitor with its architectural splendor.

Next, we head to the atmospheric Bukchon Hanok traditional village, a living open-air museum. Walking the uphill cobbled alleys among preserved hanok (classic Korean houses) feels like traveling back in time. The area offers a unique panoramic view of modern central Seoul. Its old mansions now house elegant galleries, craft workshops, boutique shops and atmospheric restaurants. It’s the ideal spot for photos and a taste of old aristocratic Korea.

The afternoon is yours to plan as you wish:

• Korean Cooking Class: A great chance to learn the secrets of one of the world’s most popular cuisines, so you can host your own Korean night when you get home.
• Stroll around Seokchon Lake: An ideal choice for a relaxed walk in one of the city’s most beautiful and peaceful settings.

For modern history lovers, today offers the option of a striking optional excursion to the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone that separates South from North Korea:

• Imjingak Park & Freedom Bridge: The first stop is a place heavy with memories, where prisoners of war returned from the North.
• 3rd Infiltration Tunnel: A descent 73 meters underground into a rock-carved passage built by North Korean forces and discovered in 1978.
• Dorasan Observatory: A climb up the slopes of Mount Dora. On clear days you can see across the North Korean landscape even with the naked eye.
• Dorasan Station: A visit to South Korea’s northernmost railway station, the last one before the line to Pyongyang.

If you prefer to stay in Seoul, the alternatives for your free time are just as exciting:

• Lotte World: Explore the iconic theme park, listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest indoor park. Besides the rides, you can join in a favorite local custom: renting and wearing a traditional Korean school uniform!
• K-Culture & Anime: Spend the day discovering the hangouts of K-POP culture and Korean comics (webtoons).
• K-Beauty & Shopping: Treat yourself at an authentic Korean spa and shop for skincare products, since South Korea is considered the ultimate beauty capital of the world. Just make sure you have room in your suitcase!

After breakfast, we board the ultra-modern KTX high-speed train to Busan. It’s South Korea’s second-largest city, a major coastal hub with the country’s biggest port (and the 5th largest in the world).

Our introduction to the city starts at the famous Jagalchi Fish Market, a paradise of colors, aromas and local flavors. Here you’ll wander among countless stalls of fresh seafood, traditional delicacies and mouth-watering street food that will stimulate every sense.

Next, we move on to the impressive Gamcheon Cultural Village. Its story begins in the 1920s and 1930s, when local authorities relocated disadvantaged social groups there, creating a community near the port to supply labor. In the post-war period of 1955, around 800 families settled in the area, founding the distinctive Taegeukdo religious community. Today the village stands out for its colorful little houses, artistic touches and special atmosphere.

Then comes a breathtaking experience: a ride on the Songdo Marine Cable Car (extra charge). You’ll enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the ocean and the jagged coastline, with the feeling of floating above the waves.

The afternoon is free to plan as you like. A great suggestion is a stroll around the famous BIFF Square, the heart of Korean cinema, full of life, lights and excellent street food.

After breakfast, the day is dedicated to the historic area of Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla dynasty. We’ll discover two top UNESCO World Heritage Sites (listed since 1995):

• Seokguram Grotto: On the slopes of Mount Toham stands one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in Asia, created in the 8th century. It isn’t a natural cave but an artificial architectural masterpiece carved into the rock with mathematical precision. At its center is an imposing statue of the Buddha in meditation, surrounded by relief carvings of deities and guardians. It’s a symbol of perfect harmony between art, nature and spirituality.
• Bulguksa Temple: Next, we visit the ultimate symbol of the region. The temple is considered the pinnacle of Buddhist architecture from the “golden age” of the Silla kingdom, and it captivates visitors with its elegance, gardens and intricate stone structures.

Full of images and awe at Korea’s cultural heritage, we return to Busan for the night.

After breakfast, we get ready to say goodbye to Busan and set off toward Namwon. Today you’ll have the chance to take unique photos, so we hope you’ve come prepared and practiced your poses! We’ll visit the enchanting Juknokwon Bamboo Forest in the city of Damyang. There we’ll walk through a lush green landscape full of tall, dense bamboo that creates an atmosphere of peace and calm. After the forest, we continue on to the beautiful city of Jeonju, where we’ll spend the night.

Today we explore Jeonju. This traditional village is known as the cultural capital of Korea, and Jeonju’s slogan even says that here you can “Feel Korea.” It ranked 3rd on Lonely Planet’s “Best Attractions in Asia” list in 2016, something still proudly mentioned on its tourist map. Every lane is full of beautiful Korean corners waiting to be discovered. Optionally, you can dress up in a traditional hanbok and take unique photos on the picturesque cobbled streets. The cost depends on how much you want to… “dress up.” After so much walking, we’d suggest relaxing in one of the traditional teahouses. Although coffee is a popular drink in Korea, the country has kept its ancient tea rituals and traditions alive. In the early afternoon, we board the bus and head to Seoul, where we’ll spend the night.

The last day in Seoul is dedicated to two of its most iconic but completely different sides. We start in youthful Hongdae, an artsy neighborhood full of street art, street musicians, alternative cafés and vintage shops. Then we move on to glamorous, cosmopolitan Gangnam, known worldwide from PSY’s “Gangnam Style.” There, inside COEX Mall, we’ll visit the impressive Starfield Library, whose 13-meter-high bookshelves and tens of thousands of titles captivate every visitor. In the evening, we head to the airport for the flight back to Greece. We say goodbye to South Korea with full suitcases, countless memories and new friendships that will last forever!