Imagine starting your morning sipping green tea among rolling emerald hills, spending the afternoon wandering a thousand-year-old royal tomb park, and ending the day with street food in a neon-lit market. Welcome to South Korea, a country where ancient tradition and cutting-edge cool sit side by side, and where every day brings something new.
If South Korea is high on your travel wish list, you're in good company. From soaring skyscrapers in Seoul to misty peaks in Seorak, it's one of Asia's most rewarding destinations, and one of the easiest to explore on a guided tour. Here's why our 14-day Scenic South Korea tour is the perfect introduction to this captivating country.
Why Visit South Korea?
South Korea is a land of contrasts; in one trip you can explore UNESCO-listed temples and royal palaces, hike through a national park, ride cable cars over sparkling coastline, and sample some of the most delicious food in Asia. It's friendly, remarkably safe and wonderfully easy to get around, which is exactly why it suits so many travellers, from first-timers to seasoned explorers.
Best of all, our Scenic South Korea tour takes you well beyond the capital. You'll journey from Seoul down to the south coast, across to Busan and Gyeongju, up to the dramatic East Coast, and back to Seoul again, so you see the whole country, not just one corner of it.
Seoul: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow
Your adventure begins in Seoul, a dazzling capital of skyscrapers, nightlife districts and colossal shopping malls, yet it's also home to magnificent palaces and busy teahouses. Ride the cable car up Namsan Peak for panoramic views from N Seoul Tower, roll up your sleeves in a hands-on Korean cooking class (and enjoy your creation for lunch!), then watch the Changing of the Guards ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Don't miss the UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Shrine, which houses the spirit tablets of the royal Joseon Dynasty. And later in the tour, you'll return to Seoul for the high-energy, non-verbal Nanta performance, a feel-good showcase of Korean music, rhythm and comedy that needs no translation.
Gardens, Bamboo and Tea
On this tour, we go beyond the city. Wander the peaceful bamboo forest at Juknokwon, then discover Soswaewon in Damyang, a 16th-century private garden designed to bring harmony through flowing water, trees and grasses.
Next up is Boseong, famous for its green tea plantations. Stroll the rolling hills, enjoy a tasting, and then step back in time at Naganeupseong Fortress Village, where thatched-roof hanok houses offer a glimpse of traditional Korean life. The day finishes at the 6th-century Seonamsa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its tranquil atmosphere.
Coastal Cool: Yeosu and Busan
South Korea's coastline is a delight. In seaside Yeosu, glide over the water on the Marine Cable Car and explore the wildflower-dotted Odongdo Island. Then it's on to Busan, a laidback port city set between hills and sea.
Here you'll take in sweeping views from Diamond Tower, graze your way through the street food stalls of BIFF Street, step out onto the glass Oryukdo Skywalk suspended above the ocean, and stroll the coastal boardwalk at Dongbaekseom Island beside Haeundae Beach. It's the kind of city that's easy to fall in love with.
Gyeongju: The Museum Without Walls
For history lovers, Gyeongju is a highlight. As the capital of the Silla Kingdom for more than 1,000 years, it's often called "the museum without walls", and with so many tombs, temples, statues and ruins, it's easy to see why. Explore the magnificent UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, wander the grassy royal burial mounds of Tumuli Park, and take an evening stroll around the beautiful Anapji Pond.
Mount Seorak: South Korea's Natural Showstopper
Head to the East Coast and the scenery turns dramatic. En route, visit Naksansa Temple, a 1,300-year-old complex overlooking the East Sea. Then it's on to Mount Seorak National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of high, cloudy peaks, craggy bluffs and fragrant pine forest.
Take the cable car up the mountain, hike to Gwongeumseong Fortress, enjoy a valley walk to Biryong Falls, and finish at Sinheungsa Temple. With a physical rating of 2, you'll be on your feet a fair bit, but the views make every step worthwhile.
A Day at the DMZ
No trip to South Korea is complete without a visit to the Demilitarised Zone, the buffer zone between North and South Korea and one of the most heavily militarised borders in the world. It's a fascinating, thought-provoking experience that brings the country's modern history to life. Your day includes the DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and a walk through the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, followed by a wander through the buzzing Gwangjang Market. (Tickets are limited and special conditions apply, so an early start is needed. Check your tour dossier for details.)
When Is the Best Time to Visit South Korea?
South Korea shines in every season, but many travellers love spring (April to May) for mild weather and blossoming landscapes, and autumn (September to November) for crisp, clear days and golden foliage. Summers are hot and humid with heavy rainfall in July and August, while winters can be very cold, particularly in Seoul. As a general guide, October is one of the driest months, with comfortable temperatures across the country.
Why Travel to South Korea With Wendy Wu Tours?
South Korea is easy to love, and even easier to explore when someone else takes care of the details. Our fully inclusive Scenic South Korea tour includes:
- International flights and current taxes
- 11 nights in 3 to 4 star accommodation
- 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 11 dinners
- Guides and entrance fees
- A small group of no more than 28 travellers
- Dedicated solo departures, with a single room included
You'll travel with a friendly National Escort who knows the country inside out, and you'll feel looked after from the moment you land. Our travellers regularly tell us that their guide made their holiday, and with a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Feefo, we like to think they're onto something.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travelling to South Korea
How long is the Scenic South Korea tour?
The tour runs for 14 days, including flights from Australia.
Is South Korea a good destination for first-time Asia travellers?
Absolutely. It's safe, clean, well organised and full of variety, which makes it a wonderful choice for first-timers and seasoned travellers alike.
What is included in the tour price?
International flights, accommodation, all meals, transfers, sightseeing and activities, touring with expert local guides and entrance fees.
Can I extend my trip?
Yes! Add a relaxingJeju Island extension or a Taiwan Express stopover. Call our team on 1300727998 to book.
Ready to Explore South Korea?
From palaces and temples to tea fields and mountain trails, South Korea has a way of surprising and delighting everyone who visits. Ready to see it for yourself?
Explore the Scenic South Korea tour or call our friendly team on 1300727998 to start planning your adventure.