Seoul Highlights

Book a South Korea Holiday of 9 days or longer and save $400 per person or $800 per couple.

Valid for travel up until 30 Nov 2026.

This compact itinerary features all the best attractions of Seoul from historic villages to technological wonders. Also included is an unforgettable experience visiting the DMZ - the Demilitarised Zone bisecting the Korean Peninsula since a ceasefire to the Korean War was declared in 1953.

Day 1: Seoul

Welcome to Seoul! On arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver and transferred by private vehicle to your Seoul Hotel.

Day 2: Seoul (B)

Meet your guide at 8:30am in the hotel lobby. Today’s full day tour will be by public transport. Commence your exploration with a visit to Gwanghwamun Plaza, home to statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-Sin. Watch the traditional Changing of the Guard Ceremony (between the hours of 10:00am and 2:00pm), a centuries old tradition that continues to be performed. Next visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most beautiful of Seoul’s five palaces. Stroll through Insadong’s art galleries, tea houses, and traditional craft shops. Wander Bukchon Hanok Village to see preserved traditional Korean homes. Sample authentic street food at Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s oldest. Try local favourites like Gimbap and Mung Bean Pancakes and ascend N Seoul Tower on Mt. Namsan for panoramic city views. Return to your hotel via a local subway ride.

Note: Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays; Bukchon Hanok Village is closed on Sundays

Day 3: Seoul (B)

Meet your guide at 8:30am for a half-day Seoul tour using public transport.

Begin at Hanyangdoseong, the 600-year-old Seoul City Wall, and take in the scenic city views. Explore Ihwa Mural Village, filled with colourful street art and K-drama filming spots. Capture photos and soak in the creative atmosphere. Visit Heunginjimun Gate (Dongdaemun), a grand relic of the Joseon Dynasty. Stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream, a peaceful escape in the city centre. Relax at a retro-style café filled with nostalgic décor and classic charm. Sip traditional tea or coffee in this cosy time-capsule setting. Return to your hotel by public transport for an afternoon at leisure.

This afternoon (own arrangements) you may like to visit some popular shopping malls such as the Lotte World Mall, spanning over 157,000sq m, famous for its designer brands and unique Korean designers, or Times Square Shopping Centre, a mid-range mall known for its striking architecture and featuring a variety of fashion, Korean cosmetics, home goods, and cafes.

Day 4: Seoul (B)

Around 7am this morning, you will be picked up from your hotel by a shared transfer vehicle and driven to the tour meeting point. Meet the DMZ specialist guide and embark on a regular tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).   This 250 km long and 4km wide stretch of land has split the Korean peninsula in half since the 1953 Korean War ceasefire. Due to the almost complete lack of humans in such a heavily controlled area, this section of land has become an extremely well-preserved wildlife refuge.

Spend time exploring the various sites and exhibitions at the DMZ including Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park and the Dora Observatory.

Transfer back to Seoul by bus, disembarking at City Hall Station and marking the end of this enlightening journey through Korea's complex history. The guide can provide directions for returning to the hotel.

Notes: 

·         You require your passport for this tour

·         DMZ is closed on Mondays and public holidays

Day 5: Seoul (B)

This morning after check out, you will be transferred to the airport by your driver (no guide) for your onward flight.