The Gems of South Korea
Between royal palaces of Seoul and thousand-year-old tombs of Gyeongju, a journey to the heart of the Korean soul.
Duration
11 days
From
€2,290/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Discover South Korea through a tour rich in culture, encounters and contrasts, between living traditions and urban modernity.
In Seoul, you immerse yourself in the country's history in hanbok, between royal palaces, hanok villages, Buddhist temples and lively markets where you can taste local street food.
Then, the journey takes you to a more authentic heart, to Andong, where traditions are still passed down, before reaching Gyeongju, the true memory of the Silla dynasty, dotted with UNESCO sites and peaceful evening atmospheres.
The tour continues south, to Busan, between colorful alleyways, a lively port and immersion in the fish market.
Finally, it's time for nature and the sweetness of life in Suncheon, then the preserved elegance of Jeonju and Suwon, to conclude this adventure between culture, nature and local immersion.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to South Korea!
Arrival at Seoul Incheon airport.
Depending on your preferences, you can opt for a transfer to your accommodation to reach your stay location with peace of mind and begin your discovery of Corée du Sud at your own pace.
Double rooms, Twin (Two single beds) or Single rooms
Discovery of Seoul in Hanbok
Start the day by putting on a hanbok, the traditional Korean outfit, before heading to visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace, emblem of the Joseon dynasty. Then continue with a pleasant stroll through the Bukchon district, famous for its Buckchon hanok village and its traditional houses full of charm.
Continue with the discovery of the Jogyesa Temple, an iconic place of Korean Buddhism. Then, enjoy a stroll at your own pace through the alleys of Insa, renowned for their artistic atmosphere and their craft shops.
Then treat yourself to a pleasant break along the Cheonggyecheon stream, a true breath of fresh air in the heart of the city. Then, head to the Gwangjang Market, ideal for experiencing a 100% local immersion, close to the atmosphere and flavors of everyday life in Seoul.
End your day with a visit to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, an iconic place in Seoul, appreciated for its contemporary architecture and unique evening atmosphere.
Double rooms, Twin (Two single beds) or Single rooms
Panoramic tour of Seoul
Start the day by gaining some height with a visit to the Lotte Tower: at 555 meters high, it offers stunning panoramic views of Seoul and its surroundings.
Continue with a visit to the Bogeunsa Temple, a true moment of calm in the heart of Seoul. Then take time to stroll through the Namdaemun Market, one of the oldest markets in Korea, to discover its lively atmosphere and local life.
Next, enjoy some fresh air at Namsan Mountain (Gyeongju). Access via cable car allows you to easily reach the heights and enjoy stunning views of Seoul (tower not included).
End the day at Myeongdong Market, one of Seoul's most lively neighborhoods. Between shopping, cosmetics boutiques and street food, you experience a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for concluding the day beautifully.
Double rooms, Twin (Two single beds) or single rooms
Living Treasures of the Heart of Corée du Sud
On the way to Andong, the cultural cradle of the country.
You will attend the famous mask dance (closed on Mondays), before exploring the traditional village of Hahoe, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
There, discover period houses, an atmosphere inherited from the Joseon dynasty and traditions still very much alive.
Double rooms, Twin (Two single beds) or single rooms
Gyeongju, Open-Air Museum
Head to Gyeongju, the former capital of the Silla dynasty, to discover the remains of this city often nicknamed a true open-air museum.
You will explore several iconic sites, including the Daerungwon Royal Tombs, Asia's oldest observatory, as well as the Choi residence, a testament to the aristocratic life of the era.
In the evening, enjoy a stroll to admire the Woljeonggyo Bridge and Anapji Pond, where the moon's reflections create a particularly pleasant atmosphere.
Double, Twin (Two single beds) or Single rooms
Spiritual Immersion in Gyeongju
Start your day by discovering the Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram grotto, two gems from the classical Silla period listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the Golgulsa temple, carved into a rocky hillside, in a peaceful and timeless setting. On the agenda: meditation, introduction to Sunmudo, a traditional martial art, tea ceremony with monks and archery.
End your day with a vegetarian dinner.
Double rooms, Twin (Two single beds) or single rooms
Exploration of South Korea
Head south, with a stop at the Tongdosa Temple, a Buddhist treasure listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned for housing Buddha relics.
Upon arrival in Busan, explore the Gamcheon Cultural Village, nicknamed the "Machu Picchu of Korea" for its colorful houses clinging to the hillside.
Optional: fly over Songdo Bay by cable car to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view. End the day at the famous Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest in Corée du Sud, for an immersive and exotic local experience.
Double rooms, Twin (Two single beds) or Single rooms
Discovery of the Suncheon region
Departure for the Suncheon region, recognized for its preserved nature.
Start with the Suncheon Botanic Garden, a true treasure trove of biodiversity housing millions of rare plants and flowers, before exploring the Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve, a vast marshy area home to more than 140 species of migratory birds.
At the end of the day, head towards Yeosu for a peaceful night by the sea.
Immersion in Korean culture in Jeonju
Discovery of Suwon
On the outskirts of Seoul, discover Suwon, a UNESCO-listed city. You will visit the Hwaseong Palace, a former royal residence.
Then continue with the Hwaseong Fortress, an impressive defensive wall punctuated by its four original gates, a true symbol of the military expertise of the Joseon dynasty.
Double rooms, Twin (Two single beds) or Single rooms
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights and related taxes
- The various options offered as part of the program, as supplements
- Personal Expenses
- Other transport not mentioned as included
- Tips (guides, assistants)
- Insurance
Included
- 10 nights accommodation in comfortable hotel, equivalent 3*
- Double rooms, Twin rooms (two single beds) or single rooms
- Air-conditioned coach trips with wifi access, as indicated in the program
- T-Money Prepaid Transport Card
- Breakfasts (10)
- Lunches (8)
- Dinners (8)
- Visits as indicated in the program
- On-site assistance
- English-speaking State-licensed guide present throughout your stay
- Organization of the trip by an English-speaking team on site
- Necessary Information for Preparation of Travel Documents
- English-speaking telephone support from our team 24/7 throughout your trip
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to South Korea for tourism purposes. Entry regulations may change, so we recommend verifying information with official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter South Korea, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay and have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa-exempt tourism stay
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada are eligible for visa exemption for tourism stays.
This exemption allows stays of up to 90 days on South Korean territory. This period is generally not extendable on site for tourism purposes.
Authorities may also request:
an outbound travel ticket (return flight or onward travel),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation address in South Korea.
Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)
Nationals eligible for visa exemption must in principle obtain a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before departure.
However, South Korea has implemented a temporary suspension of the K-ETA requirement for many countries eligible for visa exemption, including EEA member states, Switzerland, and Canada. This suspension has been extended multiple times; you should verify its current status before departure on the official South Korean authorities website.
When K-ETA is required, the application is submitted online and requires:
passport information,
a recent photograph,
flight and accommodation details in South Korea.
The application must be submitted at least 72 hours before departure. A digital confirmation is issued upon approval.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should contact the embassy or consulate of South Korea in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation and repatriation assistance and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy outlining all coverage and claim reporting procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
For a tourist stay, you must obtain a K-ETA authorization online before departure (approximately 10,000 won). Your passport must be valid. Before booking your trip, check the entry requirements applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 180 and 280 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros round-trip) are additional. South Korea combines urban modernity and rural authenticity at reasonable rates.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each trip to match your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on-site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Seoul Region
Travel Advisor, based in Seoul
Every trip to South Korea is a meeting: with a fascinating culture, living traditions and incredibly generous people.
— Lini
