Korea in Focus: Seoul, Sokcho, Andong & Busan

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for a tour of the DMZ, visiting the Third Tunnel, Unification Bridge, Imjingak Park, and Dora Observatory. Return to Seoul to explore Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, with the afternoon free for optional activities.

DMZ Exploration and Seoul Heritage Tour

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before departing for an exciting tour of the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). Explore key sites including the Third Tunnel of Aggression, Unification Bridge, Imjingak Park, and Dora Observatory to learn about Korea’s history and division. Continue to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village to experience traditional architecture and royal heritage, with the late afternoon free for optional activities.

An express bus will take you to Sokcho, located on South Korea’s scenic east coast. Your experience begins at Sokcho Central Market, where you’ll explore local flavors and gain insight into regional cuisine and culture.

From there, you’ll travel to Abai Village, a historic settlement founded by North Korean refugees. After crossing the water on a traditional rope-pulled barge, you’ll meet a refugee family who will share their personal stories and heritage. Together, you’ll learn how to prepare oversized Korean dumplings, a local specialty.

Bus from Seoul to Sokcho

You will be in one of these hotels, or similar, depending on availability

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Homm Marina Sokcho – South Korea

Homm Marina Sokcho is a modern 4-star hotel located close to Sokcho’s city center, near Cheongcho Lake and just a short walk from Sokcho Beach, offering easy access to local attractions, markets, and transport. The hotel features stylish, minimalist rooms...

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore Seoraksan National Park, one of Korea’s most iconic mountain destinations, known for its breathtaking landscapes and scenic hiking trails.
Later, spend your free time discovering Sokcho’s highlights, from lakes and viewpoints to local markets and relaxing hot springs.

Seoraksan Hike & Leisure Time in Sokcho

You’ll hike Seoraksan National Park, home to one of Korea’s most famous mountains and among the highest on the peninsula, known for its stunning landscapes and UNESCO-recognized natural beauty. The trails offer rewarding views throughout the day, from rugged peaks to lush valleys. In the afternoon and evening, you’ll have free time to explore Sokcho at your own pace—options include visiting Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion, cycling around Yeongnangho Lake, enjoying a traditional Korean hotpot meal, stopping by Sokcho Expo Tower for panoramic views, strolling along the harbor, or unwinding at Cheoksan Hot Springs.

Enjoy breakfast in the morning before beginning your transfer to Andong to explore its rich heritage. Travel to Andong Hahoe Folk Village, a charming, easy-to-explore traditional settlement where you can stroll through authentic Hanok houses, including the one that hosted Queen Elizabeth II in 1999. Explore the remnants of a traditional Confucian school to see historical study methods, then climb Buyongdae Hill for panoramic views of the village’s classic rooftops. If masked dancers are performing, visit the nearby Hahoe Mask Museum to learn about this vibrant ritual.

Transfer to Andong

Head to Busan, the country’s vibrant second-largest city, where you’ll meet a traditional Haenyeo sea woman diver and visit a local community center to hear firsthand stories about this unique and fading way of life. Continue to the stunning seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of the few Buddhist temples set along the coast, before exploring the colorful lanes and viewpoints of Gamcheon Culture Village. End your day at a scenic viewpoint, taking in a beautiful sunset with your travel group.

Transfer to Busan

You will be in one of these hotels, or similar, depending on availability

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Felix by STX Hotel & Suite, Busan – South Korea

Located in the Haeundae Special Tourist Zone, Felix by STX Hotel & Suite is a modern lifestyle hotel conveniently connected to Haeundae Metro Station, offering easy access to Haeundae Beach, Shinsegae Department Store, and BEXCO. Each room is equipped with...

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a scenic coastal walk at Igidae Coastal Walk, with an optional plogging activity along the shoreline. Later, visit an innovative smart farm site and spend the rest of the day exploring Busan at your leisure, with options like a sunset cruise or the lively Haeundae Night Market.

Busan Coastal Walk & Leisure Time

Begin your day with a scenic coastal walk at Igidae Coastal Walk, with an optional plogging activity combining light hiking and environmental care. Visit a local smart farm incubation site to see how startups grow crops in innovative recycled shipping containers that double as cafés and shops. The rest of the day is free to explore Busan at your own pace—consider an evening cruise for sunset views, browse street food at Haeundae Night Market, or enjoy live performances by buskers along the lively beachfront boardwalk.

Board the KTX bullet train and travel back to Seoul for the afternoon. Enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace—visit the National Museum of Korea, discover contemporary art at the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, or shop in the vibrant Dongdaemun Design Plaza area. In the evening, join your group for a memorable farewell dinner at an all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue restaurant, the perfect way to wrap up your journey.

Train from Busan to Seoul

You will be in one of these hotels, or similar, depending on availability

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Hotel Kukdo : Seoul

Hotel Kukdo is a 4-star, centrally located hotel in Seoul, South Korea, offering modern, spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, a business center, and free on-site parking. It is well-connected by public transport, with multiple subway stations nearby, providing easy...

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to South Korea. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight, taking with you wonderful memories of your journey through this vibrant and culturally rich destination.

Transfer to airport

Fly home!