South Korea Cherry Blossom - 9 day tour

Welcome to Seoul and the start of your spring cherry blossom adventure. On arrival, make your way to our hotel in the city and check in. The rest of the day is free for you to head out and explore.
Overnight: Seoul

Today we enjoy a full day of included sightseeing in the South Korean capital. Departing from the hotel lobby, we head first to a local hanbok shop to try on the traditional clothing of the Korean people. Next, we head to the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, which served as the primary royal residence during the Joseon Dynasty. Watch the changing of the guard ceremony here before we visit the National Folklore Museum, located on the grounds of the palace.

After dropping our outfits back off at the shop, we explore the Samcheongdong neighbourhood, where charismatic traditional hanok houses are interspersed with modern cafes, shops and galleries. There's time to browse the shops and stalls of Insadong Street and Gwangjang Market, where you can also try some authentic Korean street food. Then it's back to the hotel. There's an included dinner tonight, and the rest of your evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Seoul  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Seoul - Gyeongju - Busan. Check out of the hotel this morning and transfer to the train station. We are travelling to Gyeongju, and on arrival will head straight to the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple, where some of the original architecture dating back to 774 AD survives today.

Next we head to another UNESCO site, the Seolguram Grotto Buddhist temple, and the Cheonmachong Tomb. No one knows who this tomb was built for, but it certainly dates to the Silla Kingdom, and probably houses the remains of an ancient king. Most likely it is the tomb of King Jijeung, who reigned from 500 - 514 AD. Our final stop is the Cheomseongdae Observatory, which is the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia.

We are heading to the laid back coastal city of Busan for the night.
Overnight: Busan  |  Breakfast, Lunch

We begin today's sightseeing at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, located along Busan's spectacular shoreline. We also enjoy a walk along the Oryukdo Skywalk, which sees you walk out on a glass platform extending over the clifftop - don't look down! Looking back towards land, you can enjoy a nice view of the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Back on firm ground, we head to the Jagalchi Fish Market and the Gukje Market, two of the largest traditional markets in all of South Korea. If you like fresh seafood, then these are great places to enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit Gamcheon Culture Village, which was set up by refugees displaced during the Korean War. We then return to the hotel for some leisure time before heading back out, this time to Haeundae Dalmajigil Road. This is one of the best spots in Korea to admire the spring cherry blossom, and they look even better when bathed in the soft moonlight of the evening.
Overnight: Busan  |  Breakfast

Busan - Jinhae - Busan. This morning we are visiting the Daejeo Eco Park, home to the largest canola flower field in South Korea. As the canola flowers begin to fall, cherry blossoms take their place, creating a stunning blend of pink and yellow. The riverside along the Nakdonggang River is also in full bloom, make sure you have your camera with you!

Later, we head to Jinhae to join the famous Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, Korea's largest cherry blossom celebration, which has been held annually for over 60 years. Jinhae is South Korea's cherry blossom capital, and we'll have plenty of time to take in all the main sights. We head back to Busan for the night.
Overnight: Busan  |  Breakfast

Busan - Seoul. Check out this morning before we head to Beomeosa Temple, one of the most important temples in the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. There is free time to take in the grand architecture of the temple, and to admire the cherry blossoms of Namcheon-Dong Street. Later, we enjoy lunch at Gwanganri Beach before heading to the train station for our return trip to Seoul. You'll be transferred to the hotel and can enjoy a free evening to relax or head back out into the city to explore.
Overnight: Seoul  |  Breakfast, Lunch

There's plenty more for us to see and do in the South Korean capital. We start today in the Gangnam area, before heading up to the top of the Seoul Sky Tower - this is the sixth tallest building in the world, with 123 storeys. After enjoying the panoramic views from the observation deck, we head back down and make our way to Seokchon Lake, where many cherry blossom trees should be in full bloom. There's more cherry blossoms and bright tulips to enjoy in Seoul Forest Park, as well as almost-tame herds of deer. You can get some food from the vending machine and feed them, if you would like. After our day of exploring Seoul, you have a free evening in the city.
Overnight: Seoul  |  Breakfast

This morning, we head to Yeouido Park, one of Seoul’s premier cherry blossom spots. Take a leisurely stroll around the park’s island, shaded by nearly 1,600 cherry trees. Afterward, enjoy a scenic Han River cruise to take in the views from the water.

Next, we visit Changgyeong Palace, one of the best but lesser-known places in Seoul to experience cherry blossoms. This tranquil palace should be free from the crowds that often fill the more famous spots. The cherry trees here were originally planted during the Japanese occupation, and as a result, Changgyeong Palace boasts more cherry trees than any other palace in Seoul.

Spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding area before we enjoy an included farewell dinner. Then it's back to the hotel for your final night in Seoul.
Overnight: Seoul  |  Breakfast, Dinner