Seoul and Beyond: A Comprehensive Cultural Expedition

Explore extensive Korean heritage without frequent relocations, even if you prefer staying in one place.

Multi-Day Tour (Private)
Starting at: $861.00
per personmore
Full
Day 1

Group transfer without a guide for any flight from Incheon or Gimpo airport on the day of arrival or earlier is included in the tour price (you may have to wait for other passengers).

Transfer without guide Incheon Airport-Seoul
12:00
Seoul
night at
Day 2

Seoul city tour (Historical Center)
09:00
duration, hours: approximately 5

During an entertaining and informative tour, which combines short walks and moving on an ordered vehicle, we will get acquainted with the history and modernity of the capital of South Korea - Seoul. (On Tuesdays, the palace we visit is Changdeokgung, Gyungbokkung on other week days.)

Seoul City Hall

A futuristic glass wave rises above the old City Hall, blending past and future in one bold design.
Powered by nature and home to the world’s largest indoor vertical garden, it’s one of Seoul’s greenest landmarks.
Open to visitors — step inside and see the living wall for yourself.

Seoul Anglican Cathedral

In the heart of Seoul stands a hidden architectural gem — a cathedral first envisioned in the 1920s.
A British design, built with Korean devotion, but left unfinished during colonial rule. Then came the miracle: in 1993, the original blueprints were found in an English library.
Finally completed in 1996, the cathedral now stands in its full, intended glory — a story of faith, time, and perseverance.

Cheonggyechon Stream

A blend of nature and urban design, this stream winds through downtown Seoul — though entirely man-made today.
Once a natural river, it was buried after the Korean War and revived in 2005 as a tranquil walkway.
Fountains, illuminated bridges, and the Palgakdam weir make it one of the city’s most beloved evening spots.

Great King Sejong Avenue and the Gwanghwamun Square Ensemble

The complex of the central Gwanghwamun Square in front of the Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace, which is the compositional center of the capital of Korea, offers amazing views of Seoul: on one side is the main residence of the kings of the Joseon state (now a museum). But along the  Sejong-daero Avenue, departing from the square, there are high-rise modern buildings: government, embassies, Kyobo - the largest bookstore in Korea. Further down the avenue we can see the Seoul City Hall and still further - the Great South Gate of Namdaemun (National Treasure No. 1).

Gyungbokgung Palace

The main palace of the Joseon dynasty — rebuilt more than once, but never lost its grandeur.

Its perfect symmetry, royal guard ceremony, and the chance to wear a hanbok turn your visit into a journey through time.

Samchong-dong/Bukchon

Winding lanes, wooden hanoks, hidden cafés — this is where time slows down.
Samcheong-dong charms with its hills and galleries, while Bukchon preserves the everyday beauty of Joseon-era homes.
Together, they offer a quiet, romantic escape — a walk through history lined with soft light and gentle stories.

Insadong. Traditional teahouses, souvenirs, boutiques, galleries...

Insadong is famous for the abundance of souvenir shops, traditional restaurants and tea houses, boutiques.

Insadong-kil Pedestrian Street is the central street of the area.

Often you can see street performances - traditional Korean samul-nori percussion quartet or martial arts tekkyon, taekwon-do or performances of youth groups in the fusion style, etc.

Jogyesa Temple

In the heart of Seoul stands Jogyesa — the head temple of Korea’s largest Buddhist order.
Small in scale but rich in atmosphere, it changes with the seasons: lotus lanterns in spring, bright chrysanthemums in fall, and peaceful stillness in winter.
No matter the time of year, it’s a place of quiet reflection.

Jongno Avenue and Posingak Bell Pavilion

One of the central streets of Seoul, Jongno (literally "Bell Avenue") is named after the pavilion of the same name, which houses the main bell of the country. It is this bell that the best people of the country beat on New Year's Eve.


However, even mere mortals can hit it for good luck: at 12:00 noon, the pavilion is usually opened for visitors. However, a limited number of guests are allowed.

Myungdong

A bustling hub of shopping, street food, and K-beauty.
Amid the trendsetting stores stands Korea’s main Catholic cathedral — a striking symbol of faith and history.
Style meets soul in this lively part of Seoul.

Seoul
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Day 3

Today we move on foot and by public transport.

Changdeokgung Palace
09:00
duration, hours: approximately 3

Changdeokgung Palace, located in the heart of Seoul, is one of the most significant historical sites in Korea. Founded in 1405 during the reign of King Taejong, it is known for its architectural beauty and harmony with the surrounding landscape. A witness to many historical dramas, this palace was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.

Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung - "Palace of Flourishing Virtue", built between 1405 and 1412, was the home for the kings of Joseon throughout most of the kingdom's 500-year history (1392-1897). It was also the residence of the last ruler of the Korean Empire.

The palace was destroyed during the Imjin War (1592-1598) and was restored in 1609. From 1623 to 1868, it served as the official residence of Korean kings. Since 1997, the Palace of Flourishing Virtue has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Entangled story (a walking Gangnam experience)
13:00
duration, hours: approximately 3

Walking tour of Seoul's Gangnam area; OK. 5 km, 4 hours.

During an entertaining tour based on the most popular historical series of Korean cinema in history, Dae Jang Geum ("Pearl of the Palace"), we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the royal graves of Songjeongneung and the Buddhist temple of Poneungsa, located opposite the largest COEX exhibition complex in Seoul.

Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs

The grand mounds, in which the ashes of two kings and one queen of the Li dynasty rest, are carefully guarded by the Koreans to this day; Every year, ceremonies are held here to commemorate the spirits of the ancestors of the kings.

During the tour, we will get acquainted with the symbols of buildings, sculptures and structures located on the territory of burials, with Confician norms that formed the basis of the cult of ancestors, to which most Koreans are faithful to this day.

COEX

The largest exhibition and convention center in Seoul (COEX = Conventions and Exhibitions) boasts not only the most interesting exhibitions of all industries and services, but also interesting sights: a monument to the same handles in the style of a rider from a song about the Gangnam district, where COEX is located; the largest library for the general public Starfield Library - a great place for great insta photos; a monument to the controversial Chang Pogo, ruler of the seas during Silla times; a huge advertising screen with an immersive effect (for example, in an ocean wave) ...

Bongunsa Temple

Temple of Bongeunsa is located in close proximity to the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center.

Originally named Gyeongseongsa, it was built by King Wonseong of the Silla Kingdom in the 10th year of his reign (794 AD).

In 1498, thanks to Queen Jeonghyeon, it was renovated and expanded to the east of King Seongjong's tomb, and at that time it was given its new name - Bongeunsa.

The iconic view of COEX is visible from the Maitreya Buddha statue on the temple grounds.

Seoul
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Day 4

DMZ 3rd Tunnel, Rock-carved Standing Buddhas, Hanging Bridge
07:30
duration, hours: approximately 8

The demilitarized zone is a 4-kilometer zone, 2 km from the military demarcation line (practically, the borders of North and South Korea).

This zone is a legacy of the Korean War, which is not formally over yet (a truce has been signed between the parties).

The demilitarized zone is one of the most popular tourist destinations - several so-called. observatories from where you can observe the territory of North Korea; in addition, you can visit the infiltration tunnels (four of them have been discovered, although there may be tunnels that have not yet been discovered).

Dorasan Observatory

Dorasan Observatory, from where you can see the North Korea's city of Gaeseong

3d infiltration tunnel

The third in a row (count was kept in order of discovery) of the tunnels that the North Koreans insidiously dug under the demarcation line (i.e., practically, the border between South and North Korea).

Two Rock-carved Standing Buddhas in Yongmi-ri

There are 2 huge Buddha statues carved in a large rock; they were not transported anywhere - they seemed to have grown out of the rock from which they were carved by local craftsmen. The fact that the craftsmen are local makes these statues charming in their own way, although somewhat disproportionate. A local legend is connected with the appearance of the statues, but how could it be without it?

Gamaksan Suspension Bridge

On the majestic Mount Kamaksan in the city of Paju, the famous suspension bridge stretches with its grandiose structures. This is a true miracle of engineering and architecture, which delights with its fragile, but surprisingly strong strength.

Overcoming the top of the mountain, you will have to go through narrow paths and winding paths, making your way through dense vegetation and encountering unique wildlife along the way. And now, a majestic arch of the bridge appears before you, as if stretching from the clouds to the very bowels of the earth.

As you walk along the floating walkway, you will feel the breeze and hear the whisper of the leaves, creating the illusion of floating in the air. The bridge, boldly thrown between the two peaks, delights with its grandeur and unusualness. Its steel ropes, which support the thin strip of footpath, seem almost weightless, as if they were created by magic to connect heaven and earth.

Walking across this impressive bridge offers breathtaking views of the majestic mountain scenery that stretches to the horizon. High peaks, covered with lush greenery, rush into the sky, as if striving to reach uncharted heights.

This is a place where you can feel true harmony with nature and bravely conquer the peaks. The Kamaksan Hanging Bridge Adventure in Paju is a journey that requires courage and brings unforgettable emotions. It allows you to plunge into the world of magic, where the boundaries between heaven and earth merge into a single space, shrouded in mysteries and the beauty of nature.

Seoul
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Day 5

Seorak National Park and Makkuksu Master Class
08:00
duration, hours: approximately 6

On the way to Seoraksan National Park, we will visit the city of Chungcheong, where we will have a master class in cooking traditional cold buckwheat noodles "makguksu".

Seoraksan National Park (literally "Snowy Peaks") is considered the most beautiful national park in South Korea. In 1982, the park was included in the list of "Most Important Natural Heritage Sites by UNESCO".

The area of the park is 373 square kilometers, the park is located in the province of Gangwon-do.

 

Master class cooking noodles "Makguksu"

In the city of Chungcheong, we will have a master class for making traditional cold buckwheat noodles "makguksu". They did what they ate! The noodles prepared by us will be our dinner. Delicious sauce of your choice (spicy and slightly spicy, or salty, based on soy sauce, attached).

Seoraksan National Park: cable car, Sinheung-sa, Swaying rock

There is a gondola in the park, which we will use to get almost to the top of one of the peaks of Seoraksan, on which the ruins of the ancient Kwonggeum Fortress (lit., "Kwon Geum Fortress") are located. We get to the peak on foot - it's about 20-30 minutes. From this peak, a magnificent panorama of the East Sea, the resort town of Sokcho and the mountain range of the park opens.

Not far from the lower gondola station is Sineungsa Temple (originally built in the 6th century, but later rebuilt many times). The temple complex includes a statue of the Buddha of Unification (Thonil Buddha), the name of which reflects the desire of Koreans to unite the country.

A picturesque route leads us to Hyndyl Pawi ("swinging rock"). A huge rock will sway at the touch of one person.

Optional, if everybody is in: hiking to the top of Mount Ulsan Pawi; you will have to strain a little - the height of the rock is 873 m.

Seoul
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Day 6

9 Eastern Royal Mounds, Garden of Morning Calm, Bongsunsa Temple
09:30
duration, hours: approximately 8

Excursion to the north of Gyeonggi province: an unusual Buddhist temple, a UNESCO world heritage site - the largest park of mounds (burial places) of the kings of the Li dynasty, a beautiful private garden located in the picturesque mountains of Gapyeong County.

Donggureung

The country's largest Joseon Royal Burial Park, Tongurung - literally "Nine Royal Burial Mounds East [of Seoul]" - is a vast area specially selected for the construction of royal burial mounds according to the principles of Pungsu (Fenshui). Through the mounds in this park you can get acquainted with the intriguing history of the Land of Morning Freshness - Joseon, because kings such as the founder of the dynasty - Taejo; Seonjo - it was under him that the country experienced the largest invasion of Japan; Yeongjo is a long-liver among the kings of the dynasty, and others.

In the park you can meet wild roe deer - there are a lot of them here, but they are cautious, so not everyone has such luck...

The Garden of Morning Calm

Garden of Morning Calm was founded by Mr. Han Sangkyeon in 1996. This private garden is rightfully recognized as one of the most beautiful in South Korea. The name comes from the poetic name of Korea - "Land of the Morning Calm". The founder and his team tried to introduce the natural beauty of Korea, the oriental mystique and the spirit of the Korean people to visitors.

The design of the garden focuses on curved lines, space, balance and asymmetry, unique natural beauty, classic elegance and the uniqueness of Korea.

During each of the four seasons - winter, spring, summer, autumn - you will find in the garden echoes of a particular "theme" of that season...

Bongsunsa

A picturesque Buddhist temple situated a short distance from Seoul. Originally built by National Preceptor Beobin in 969, it was rebuilt many times since.

Seoul
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Day 7

YONGIN FOLK VILLAGE; HWASEONG FORTRESS (UNESCO HERITAGE) AND HAENGGUNG (AUXILIARY PALACE)
09:00
duration, hours: approximately 9

Explore the ethnography of late Joseon-era Korea at the Yongin Folk Village, where every nook and building transports you back in time.

At Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, a masterpiece of Korean military architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we uncover the formidable secrets of the 18th-century Joseon Dynasty court and its unique defensive technologies.

Korean Folk Village

The first and largest Korean folk village in terms of area and exposition.

There are more than 260 buildings in the village, including houses of representatives of different classes, government agencies, pharmacies and mills, and craftsmen's workshops.

The village recreates in detail the atmosphere of rural life of the Joseon era. Buildings were brought from all regions of Korea: here you will also find houses made of volcanic tuff from about. Jeju (and the famous black pigs from there, by the way!), And thatched houses from the southern provinces of Korea, and the house of the provincial governor, and the Confucian village school. You can taste traditional Korean dishes at the village market.

The journey begins with a fascinating walk through the narrow streets surrounded by traditional Korean houses - hanoks. Each house is a living museum that reflects the unique style and architecture of ancient times.

Travelers hungry for knowledge can discover the craftsmanship of folk artisans.

But that's not all! This wonderful complex offers unique shows and concerts featuring traditional Korean dances, music and rituals.

Each show and concert is organized with love for details and leaves a unique impression. You will be delighted with beautiful costumes, incendiary rhythms and incredible talents of artists. The atmosphere will be filled with energy and delight, and you will find yourself a real witness to the beauty and splendor of Korean culture.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Hwaseong is more than just a fortress — it’s a royal dream set in stone. In the late 18th century, King Jeongjo envisioned building a new capital of the Joseon Dynasty here: modern, fortified, and meticulously planned.

The project was designed by the brilliant reformer Jeong Yakyong, one of the leading figures of the “Practical Learning” movement. For the first time in Korean history, both Korean and European engineering techniques were used in construction.

👉 By the way, why did the king never move to his new capital?

Thanks to detailed blueprints from 1800, the fortress has been faithfully restored — and today, it’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Hwaseong Haenggung (Temporary palace)

During such serious campaigns of the ruling king, as, say, visiting the graves of his ancestors, the king had to stop somewhere on the way. In the Hwaseong fortress, such a travel palace has been preserved. Charming and small by the standards of Seoul, however, it is a real intricate maze, which we will dive into to get to know the history of King Jeongjo, his parents and grandfather, as well as the famous banquet he hosted in honor of the anniversary of his mother , Queen Hongyeong.

Starfield Suwon Library

The Starfield Library in Suwon is not only a paradise for book enthusiasts but also one of the most popular photography spots in the area. With its impressive bookshelves stretching from floor to ceiling, the library provides a unique backdrop for your photos, making each capture special. This visually stunning cultural hub will be a highlight of your trip to Suwon.

Seoul
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Day 8

Group transfer without a guide for any flight on the day of departure or later to Incheon or Gimpo airport is included in the tour price.

Transfer without guide Seoul-Incheon Airport
08:00