South Korea:

• Delight in contemporary art in stunning locations, including the Museum SAN and Busan Museum of Contemporary Art

• Discover Korea’s extensive UNESCO World Heritage sites, from royal palaces and gardens to the ancient capital’s Bulguksa temple complex

• Get to know Korea’s modern art movements, from minimalism to Nam June Paik’s cutting-edge work

• Understand Korean arts and craft, from celadon ceramics to mulberry-paper calligraphy

• Enjoy an exceptional culinary culture: rich stews, the freshest seafood and a dazzling array of side dishes

• Appreciate the natural beauty of Jeju Island, where divers still fish traditionally and where contemporary architecture takes full advantage of the rugged coastline

SUNDAY 12 OCTOBER – ARRIVAL

Flights from Australia arrive in the evening. An arrival transfer from Incheon International Airport is included for all participants, and your tour leader Jackie Menzies will meet you in the lobby of our hotel when you arrive to assist with check-in procedures. Overnight Seoul.

MONDAY 13 OCTOBER – SEOUL – ART, HISTORY AND CULTURE (B, L)

Situated on the Han River, Seoul has been the capital of the Korean Peninsula since 1394, when the Joseon Dynasty took control after a thousand years of dynastic rivalry. This dynasty would rule until 1910, and the beginning of Korea’s modernity. Today we take a closer look at the different faces of the capital – its heritage and modernity, which often sit side by side. We begin with a visit Bukchon Village, an aristocratic residential area from the Joseon Dynasty that has remained largely unchanged since the early 20th century. We then visit the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, where the extensive collection of works by Korean and international artists illuminates contemporary Korea’s connection to a global avant-garde. After a welcome lunch of Korean cuisine enjoyed in a traditional hanok, we visit the Kukje Gallery which has staged solo exhibitions by modern and contemporary international artists such as Louise Bourgeois and Anish Kapoor as well as acclaimed Korean artists Lee Ufan and Park Seo-Bo.  In the early evening, we wander through Gwangjang Market, a bustling hub of food stalls where a variety of delicious street food can be savoured while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Overnight Seoul.

TUESDAY 14 OCTOBER – OLD AND NEW SEOUL (B, L)

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Changdeokgung Palace is the best preserved of all the Joseon Dynasty palace complexes. Our guide introduces us to the sprawling royal residence before we visit the Secret Garden, which was reserved for the private use of the king and royal family members. After lunch, we check into Seoul’s vibrant and burgeoning contemporary art scene, influenced by the city’s pioneering and innovative spirit, with visits to contemporary galleries selected by your tour leader. This evening is at leisure, and your tour leader will be available to assist with your options for dinner. Overnight Seoul.

WEDNESDAY 15 OCTOBER – A DAY IN THE COUNTRY (B, L)

Today we leave the city to explore the countryside to the south, which is renowned for its beauty. Our first stop is the SAN Museum, which was designed by Tadao Ando to showcase the relationship between architecture and the natural beauty surrounding the museum. In addition to special exhibitions, the museum features a flower garden, stone and water garden and five permanent works by light artist James Turrell. After lunch in the countryside, we visit the Mausoleum of King Sejong, who was influential in the development of Korean culture and is credited with creating the phonetic Korean alphabet used today. Returning to Seoul, the evening is at leisure. Overnight Seoul.

THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER –ART AND ARCHITECTURE IN SEOUL (B)

The reputation of contemporary Korean artists has risen extraordinarily quickly, and with good reason. This morning we visit the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art. The museum exhibits traditional and modern artworks by Korean and international artists, across three distinct areas designed by renowned architects Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel and Rem Koolhaas. Museum 1 houses Korean painting, calligraphy, ceramics, wood, and metal craft, while Museum 2 and 3 are used for world-class contemporary art exhibitions. After free time for lunch, we explore the National Museum of Korea, where over 5000 years of art, culture and historic artefacts are displayed in the wide-ranging collection. This afternoon we experience Seoul’s major architectural landmark, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a futuristic design museum and exhibition space by celebrated architect Zaha Hadid. Returning to the hotel the evening is at leisure. Overnight Seoul.

FRIDAY 17 OCTOBER – TO GYEONGJU (B, L, D)

We bid farewell to Seoul and take the two-hour KTX high-speed train to Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom and centre of Korean history and culture for over 1000 years. Arriving in Gyeongju, we have lunch before exploring a selection of the ancient capital’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Woljeonggyo Bridge and Donggung Palace. Later, at the Gyeongju National Museum we discover the many artifacts excavated from the adjacent royal tombs including several intricate gold Silla crowns in pristine condition. This evening, dinner is in the hotel. Overnight Gyeongju.

SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER – HISTORY AND CULTURE IN GYEONGJU AND BUSAN (B, L, D)

This morning we continue exploring Korea’s ancient past at Bulguksa Temple or “Temple of the Buddha Land”. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed complex was designed as an architectural representation of paradise, according to Buddhist doctrine. Stone bridges symbolise leaving the earthly realm behind and lead to the main pavilion, Daeungjeon (Hall of Great Enlightenment), Geungnakjeon (Hall of Supreme Bliss) and two stone pagodas. Nearby is the Seokguram Grotto, a cave temple carved into Mt Tohamsan in the eighth century. Inside is a large white granite statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha, harmoniously seated facing the East Sea. After lunch we transfer to by coach to Dongbaekseom Island off the coast of Busan. Dongbaekseom means “Island of Camellias” in Korean, and we enjoy a gentle walk past camellia groves with views to the Busan shoreline and the Gwangan Bridge, spanning some 7.4 kilometres. We continue to Busan and check in before dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Busan.

SUNDAY 19 OCTOBER – BUSAN (B, L)

This morning we visit the Busan Museum of Contemporary Art, a cultural centre which seeks to highlight the issues of nature and the ecosystem cleverly encapsulated through the building’s façade which is an artwork in itself entitled vertical garden by French botanist and artist Patrick Blanc comprising of 175 species of living plants native to Busan. After a delicious seafood lunch, we head to the Gamcheon Culture Village. Once a slum that housed refugees following the Korean War, it has been transformed into a thriving cultural and artistic hub. We explore the labyrinthine streets, passing pastel-coloured houses to seek out the street art that has revived the local community. Returning to the hotel, the evening is at leisure. Overnight Busan.

MONDAY 20 OCTOBER – TO JEJU (B, L)

Today we check out and transfer with our national guide to Busan airport for our flight to Jeju Island, recognised by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site and biosphere reserve. Upon arrival we have lunch before driving inland to Camellia Hill Botanical Garden an arboretum that is home to 500 different species of camellias, wildflowers and grasses that thrive in the rich volcanic soils of the island. We continue to our ocean front hotel and check in. This evening is at leisure. Overnight Jeju

TUESDAY 21 OCTOBER – EXPLORING JEJU (B, L)

Today we explore some of Jeju’s natural and cultural highlights commencing with a gentle walk through the Japanese cedar trees in Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest before heading to Seongeup Folk Village. The authentic walled village filled with hanok, traditional Korean buildings built with stone walls and thatched rooves, dates to the Joseon period and has been continually inhabited for 600 years. After a stroll through the cobblestone streets and an explanation about life in the village we have lunch in a local restaurant. This afternoon we travel east to the coast where the dramatic Tuff Cone crater Seongsan Ilchubong or sunrise peak emerges from the sea and hear the stories of the famous Haenyeo women divers, some aged in their 80s who continue the tradition of free diving for abalone, shellfish and seaweed. At the Haenyeo Museum we learn more of diver’s important contribution to the local economy and the history and development of Jeju Island. Our final stop is the Folklore and Natural History Museum which showcases the island’s unique traditional culture, natural history and folklore. Returning to the hotel, the evening is at leisure. Overnight Jeju.

WEDNESDAY 22 OCTOBER – ART IN JEJU (B, L, D)

This morning we visit the privately owned Podo Museum whose thought provoking exhibitions have featured works by Louise Bourgeois, Yoko Ono and Chiharu Shiota. A short distance away the Tadao Andao designed Bonte Museum embodies the architect’s philosophy of building in harmony with the landscape. The five permanent galleries range from traditional Korean handicrafts to contemporary art, including a room dedicated to Yayoi Kusama, and works associated with traditional Korean funeral rites. After lunch in the gallery café we enjoy the immersive digital media experience created on the theme of eternal nature at Arte Museum Jeju before returning to the hotel in the afternoon. Tonight we gather for our farewell dinner. Overnight Jeju.

THURSDAY 23 OCTOBER - DEPART (B)

Today we check out and transfer with our national guide to Jeju airport for our flights to Seoul and onward destinations. Tour arrangements conclude upon arrival in Seoul.

Ambassador Seoul Pullman 5* Seoul (5 nights)

https://all.accor.com/hotel/0966/index.en.shtml

A comfortable, modern hotel, with views over the city’s skyline and spacious rooms (27sqm).

The K Hotel 4* Gyeongju (1 night)

https://www.thek-hotel.co.kr/

Simple and spacious rooms (31sqm), in a hotel featuring a swimming pool and the option of a hot spring bath.

Shilla Stay Haeundae 4* Busan (2 nights)

https://m.shillastay.com/haeundae/index.do

Rooms are simply furnished in warm tones, and of a good size (28sqm), with views over the skyline or the ocean.

Grand Hyatt Jeju 5* Jeju (3 nights)

https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/south-korea/grand-hyatt-jeju/cjugh

 Modern hotel in Jeju City with large rooms (65sqm), with views to the mountains, over the city or to the sea and a large variety of restaurants and cuisines.

• 11 nights’ accommodation in 4* and 5* hotels

• All breakfasts and 12 lunches or dinners

• All ground transport, guided tours and entrance fees to sites as mentioned in the itinerary, and tipping

• One-way flights in economy class, from Busan to Jeju and Jeju to Gimpo Airport Seoul

• Expertise and commentary of an Australian tour leader throughout

• Expertise and assistance of a Korean-speaking national guide throughout

A $1,500pp deposit is required at the time of booking to hold your place on tour.

We will invoice you for final payment for the tour, due on 25 July 2025.

When you book on one of tours, we ask you to accept our terms and conditions. You can read our terms and conditions here.