Classic Korea: Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju
Duration : 10 days
Route : Seoul (4 nights, optional DMZ) → KTX Gyeongju (2 nights) → Busan (2 nights) → return Seoul flight (1 night)
Custom travel to South Korea
South Korea is one of Asia's most fascinating destinations — a country blending 5,000 years of history (Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla kingdoms, 500-year Joseon dynasty) and ultra-connected modernity (5G everywhere, K-pop, K-drama, Samsung and LG technologies). 51 million inhabitants on the Korean peninsula, separated from North Korea since 1953 by the DMZ (demilitarized zone). Seoul (capital, 10 million, 25-million metropolis with suburbs) — Gyeongbokgung Palace (1395, Joseon dynasty), Bukchon hanok village (traditional houses), ultra-modern districts (Gangnam, Hongdae, Myeongdong). Busan (2nd city, southern port, beaches, Jagalchi fish market). Jeju (UNESCO volcanic island, Mount Hallasan, beaches, lava tubes). Gyeongju ('open-air museum', former Silla capital, UNESCO, royal tombs, Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto). DMZ (border with North Korea, one of the world's most monitored). Iconic cuisine (kimchi, bibimbap, bulgogi, Korean BBQ). One of the most complete destinations for a tradition-modernity Asia trip.
Highlights
- Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon, Gangnam
- Busan: south coast, Haeundae beach, Jagalchi market
- Jeju: volcanic island (UNESCO), Mount Hallasan
- Gyeongju: Silla capital (UNESCO), Bulguksa
- DMZ: border with North Korea
- Gastronomy: Korean BBQ, kimchi, bibimbap
Sample itineraries
Korea and Jeju: tradition and volcanic nature
Duration : 12 days
Route : Seoul (4 nights) → KTX Gyeongju (2 nights) → Busan (2 nights) → Jeju flight (3 nights) → return Seoul flight (1 night)
Exclusive Seoul: palaces and K-culture
Duration : 7 days
Route : Seoul Four Seasons or Signiel (6 nights) → DMZ → return flight
When to go
April-May (cherry blossoms, 15-22 °C) and September-November (red maples, 10-25 °C) are ideal. Avoid July-August (humid monsoon 30 °C+, possible typhoons) and December-February (very cold -5 °C to -10 °C in Seoul, snow).
- Spring (cherry blossoms) (April – May) — Cherry blossoms (Korean sakura April 1-15 waves)
- Humid summer (June – August) — Beaches, festivals, to avoid for cultural visits
- Autumn (maples) (September – November) — Red maples (mid-October to late November)
- Winter (December – February) — Yongpyong, Pyeongchang ski resorts
Practical information
One of the world's safest countries (almost zero crime). K-ETA mandatory before departure (online, 10,000 KRW, ~€7, 3-year validity). Cards accepted everywhere, Apple Pay/Samsung Pay omnipresent. Tap water drinkable (but Koreans prefer filtered). No tipping custom (sometimes frowned upon). Hangul alphabet easy to learn in 1 h (24 phonetic letters). Limited English outside tourist zones — Papago (Naver translation app) very useful.
Frequently asked questions
When?
April-May (cherry blossoms) and September-November (maples). Avoid July-August (monsoon) and winter (-10 °C).
How long?
10 days for Seoul + Gyeongju + Busan. 12 days to add Jeju.
Budget?
€2,600-€3,600 per person for 10 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €4,200-€6,000. Flights: €700-€1,100.
Visa?
K-ETA mandatory (online electronic authorization, €7, 3-year validity). No visa < 90 days.
English spoken?
Limited outside Seoul and tourist zones. Learn a few Korean words. Papago (Naver app) very useful for translation.
Family?
Yes, from age 6. Total safety, theme parks (Lotte World, Everland), Korean BBQ fun for kids.
How to get around?
KTX (TGV) between major cities (Seoul-Busan 2 h 30). Seoul metro one of the world's best. Jeju domestic flights 1 h.
DMZ: should I go?
Yes, unique geopolitical experience. Half-day from Seoul. Premium JSA (Joint Security Area) option to see the demarcation line.
Combine?
Yes: Korea + Japan (Seoul-Tokyo 2 h 30 flight), Korea + Taiwan, Korea + Vietnam.
Tips?
No, not customary. Sometimes frowned upon. Service included in prices.