Essential Korea

Essential Korea

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6 Days From

$1391

$1352

Essential Korea

6 Days Starting and ending in Seoul, South Korea

Visiting: Seoul, Busan, Daegu

Tour operator:

Europamundo

Tour code:

2507526

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

36 - 72

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

3-85

Interests:

Cultural, History

From: $1391 $1352 (USD) Tourhub's Discount: -$40

NB: Prices correct on 10-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Essential Korea" tour and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of South Korea. Begin your journey in Seoul, where you'll explore iconic sites like Deoksugung Palace and the bustling Myeongdong district. Travel to Busan via high-speed train, visiting the stunning Haedong Yonggung Temple and the lively Gamcheon Culture Village. Discover the ancient wonders of Gyeongju, including the Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, before heading to Daegu to explore its rich history of oriental medicine. Experience the traditional charm of Hahoe Village in Andong and marvel at the Banpo Bridge's illuminated fountain in Seoul. This tour offers a perfect blend of modernity and tradition, with guided visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant markets, and breathtaking landscapes, ensuring an unforgettable Korean adventure.

Highlights

  • Deoksugung Palace in Seoul, beautifully lit at night, showcasing the blend of tradition and modernity.

  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul.

  • Visit the vibrant Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional historic neighborhood in Seoul.

  • Experience the bustling Gangnam District, known for its shopping and entertainment centers.

  • Discover Haedong Yonggung, a 14th-century Buddhist temple by the sea in Busan.

  • Stroll through the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, with its art galleries and pottery workshops.

  • Visit the ancient Seokguram Buddhist Grotto and Bulguksa Temple near Gyeongju.

  • Explore the traditional Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Andong.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Seoul

Location: Seoul

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Korea! You’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you’ll meet your guide.Later in the afternoon, we’ll begin our introduction to this fascinating country. With our guide, we’ll take the modern and efficient metro (which you’ll be taught how to use) to City Hall, to see outside this impressive tsunami-looking building. Across from City Hall is the Deoksugung Palace, beautifully lit at night, allowing us to appreciate the blend of tradition and modernity in this country. From there, we’ll walk to the Myeongdong district, South Korea’s largest shopping and entertainment area, whose name means “bright town.” Dinner will be included at a local restaurant. Overnight accommodation.

Day 2 : Seoul, Busan

Location: Seoul

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

Today, we’ll embark on an extensive tour of Seoul, which will last approximately five hours. We’ll begin by visiting the Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located within a large park and home to a series of royal palaces. Afterward, we’ll stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional historic neighborhood filled with small houses. Next, we’ll visit the War Memorial, an impressive museum that illustrates Korea’s many historical conflicts, with a particular focus on the Korean War, in which soldiers from numerous countries participated alongside the United Nations. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. We’ll continue to the Gangnam District, one of the most popular areas in the city, with many shopping and entertainment centers. To conclude the day, we’ll stop at the Lotte World Tower, a stunning 550-meter-tall building, where you’ll have free time to either ascend the tower (admission not included) or explore its park and luxury shopping centers. Later, we’ll provide a transfer to the station to board a high-speed train (ticket included) bound for Busan. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 3 : Busan

Location: Busan

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

In the morning, we’ll depart from Busan to visit Haedong Yonggung, a 14th-century Buddhist temple beautifully located by the sea. Afterward, we’ll return to Busan to explore the UN Memorial Cemetery, the resting place for people from many nations. Next, we’ll visit the country’s largest fish market, located by Nampo Port, followed by an included lunch. We’ll then stroll to Yongdusan Park, home to the towering 120-meter pagoda. Later, we’ll head to Songdo Beach, where you can ride the country’s first marine cable car (ticket included, weather permitting) and take in the breathtaking views of the bay. Our journey will continue to the Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its vibrant, colorful buildings, maze-like alleyways, art galleries, pottery workshops, and beautiful cafes. Afterward, we’ll return to Busan for an overnight stay.

Day 4 : Busan, Seokguram, Bulguksa, Gyeongju, Daegu

Location: Daegu

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

We’ll depart for the Seokguram Buddhist Grotto, an 8th-century site nestled on the slopes of the Tohamsan. Afterward, we’ll visit the Bulguksa Temple, considered one of the most beautiful temples in the country. Next, we’ll arrive in Gyeongju, the Korean capital that endured the longest in the nation’s history, with a reign of 992 years under 56 kings. You’ll have the chance to photograph the stunning wooden Woljeonggyo Bridge along the banks of the Namcheon River. Lunch will be included. We’ll then head to Tumuli Park, home to the burial mounds of kings from the ancient Silla Kingdom, which are over 1,500 years old. We’ll visit one of their tombs before walking to the Cheomsongdae Astronomical Observatory, the oldest in East Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey will continue with our arrival in Daegu, the fourth most populous city in Korea. Before heading to the hotel, we’ll see Dongsan Cheongna Hill, a historic area once home to Christian missionaries, and the commercial street of Dongseong-ro, the city’s liveliest street, with its trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants. Overnight stay in Daegu.

Day 5 : Daegu, Andong, Hahoe, Seoul

Location: Seoul

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

We’ll begin our day with a tour of Daegu, with a visit to the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine, renowned for its history of medicinal herbs. Afterward, we’ll take a stroll through the surrounding streets, known as the Herbal Medicine Market, famous for its abundance of herbal shops and the high quality of their products, particularly ginseng. We’ll then head north to Andong, where we’ll visit the outskirts of the traditional Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have time to wander through this rural village, which feels frozen in time. We’ll also visit the Hahoe Mask Museum, showcasing masks from around the world used in dances, medical practices, religious ceremonies, and theatrical performances. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Next, we’ll visit the Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy, founded in the 16th century and set in a peaceful, idyllic landscape along a river. We’ll arrive in Seoul in the evening. Weather permitting, we’ll stop at the Banpo Bridge over the Han River, famous for its fountain that creates a rainbow of water and lights along the bridge’s path. Overnight stay in Seoul.Note: The visit to Banpo Bridge is subject to weather conditions.

Day 6 : Seoul

Location: Seoul

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

What's Included

  • Airport Transfer

    You will be transferred to your hotel upon arrival in Korea.

  • Guided Tour

    A guide will accompany you to explore various attractions in Korea.

  • Metro Instruction

    You will be taught how to use the modern and efficient metro in Seoul.

  • High-Speed Train Ticket

    A high-speed train ticket from Seoul to Busan is included.

  • Marine Cable Car Ticket

    A ticket for the marine cable car at Songdo Beach is included, weather permitting.

What's Not Included

Lotte World Tower AdmissionAdmission to ascend the Lotte World Tower is not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel conveniently with modern and efficient metro systems in Seoul, high-speed train transfers to Busan, and comfortable coach rides between cities, ensuring a seamless journey throughout South Korea.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable overnight stays in various cities across South Korea, including Seoul, Busan, and Daegu, providing a restful retreat after each day's exploration.

Check out our Q&As

  • What will I learn to do on the first day in Seoul?

    On the first day in Seoul, you will learn how to use the modern and efficient metro system with the help of your guide.

  • What is included in the tour of Seoul on the second day?

    The tour of Seoul on the second day includes visits to Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, the War Memorial, and the Gangnam District. You will also have free time at the Lotte World Tower.

  • What unique experience is offered at Songdo Beach in Busan?

    At Songdo Beach in Busan, you can ride the country's first marine cable car, which offers breathtaking views of the bay, weather permitting.

  • What historical sites will be visited in Gyeongju?

    In Gyeongju, you will visit the Tumuli Park, which contains the burial mounds of ancient Silla Kingdom kings, and the Cheomsongdae Astronomical Observatory, the oldest in East Asia.

  • What can I expect to see at the Hahoe Village?

    At the Hahoe Village, you can expect to see a traditional rural village that feels frozen in time, and you will also visit the Hahoe Mask Museum.

  • Is there a special stop planned in Seoul on the last day of the tour?

    On the last day of the tour, weather permitting, there is a planned stop at the Banpo Bridge over the Han River to see its famous fountain that creates a rainbow of water and lights.

Reviews of this operator

Mauro Grasso García (Google Reviewer)  

I have taken a trip...

02-Apr-2024

I have taken a trip with them through Spain and Portugal and everything was very organized. Professional guides and wonderful places. Without a doubt, I will return.

alejandra gonzalez (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic trip...

27-Jun-2023

We had a fantastic trip with EuropaMundo. We visited France, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco and Spain. Gonzalo our guide was incredibly knowledgable and friendly, gave us a fantastic tour throughout the whole trip. We learned about history, art, culture and much more. He kept us entertained, was happy to answer all of our questions, also offered recommendations of things to do, see and places to eat during the tour. Also want to thank our drivers Narciso and Olivier both did a fantastic job driving us safe. Money and time well invested. Highly recommended.

Nimar Sekhon (Google Reviewer)  

I want to let you...

16-Jul-2024

I want to let you guys know your tour guides were excellent Frey, Julie and Alba was very professional. Also hotels in Spain quite clean. Only think you guys need to improve on giving accurate times guides bus because told 8:30 am because told I would little more accurate timings of the tour. I was wondering if guys tours in Greece or Israel plan another vacation next year asking if guys have any tours available in Greece or Israel.

Paul Quan (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished a 3 week...

22-Oct-2023

Just finished a 3 week tour not do long ago. Most of it was great, I couldn't ask for a better experience. Except for 1 tour guide (Maria). First of she and the driver was over an hour late to our hotel to pick every one up, which is fair enough, unexpected things happen. Then I thought that everyone was punished due to them being late. We were rushed everywhere we went. She made us pay for a toilet only to walk us down to the city centre to only allow us 45 minutes to find a restaurant to have so called lunch at around 3:00pm. Then we drove for at least 6 hours with very little breaks, not even to allow everyone to have toilet breaks. I would recommend eurpomando but not Maria as a tour guide. Every other tour guide we had were fantastic.

Julia Macapagal (Google Reviewer)  

We are three from the...

20-Aug-2024

We are three from the Philippines and were set to tour the Czech Republic (June 10). Overall, the tour was satisfactory except we would like to suggest giving more time to the highlights of each city. For instance, we were able to see the exterior of Versailles - but even if we wanted to get in to see more of its beauty, we could not as we were pressured by time to be at the meeting place at a certain point. That is exactly what happened to us during our Eiffel Tower experience as well. The Louvre museum was optional but we finished the cruise at 3:00 PM and the museum would close at 5:00 PM. This schedule was literally just like a tick the box list. Another important thing I would like to say is regarding William or Guillermo. He was our tour guide on June 12 from Pilsen to Germany. We understand that this is a group tour and that time is a big factor such that our punctuality is required. But it is also inevitable that sometimes you get late, you can get lost, but that was not intentional. That is exactly what happened to us, we got lost in Rothenburg and caused us to be late, meters away from the bus, he was yelling at us at the peak of his lungs. Very discourteous and very unethical! He was unlike other guides. Not to mention that he is not so knowledgeable in the topics he was discussing, again, unlike the other tour guides. To think that he has been doing his job for several years “with passion”, it was such a disappointment. His attitude did not show any passion for his work.

Glenn (Google Reviewer)  

We had an incredible time...

12-Dec-2023

We had an incredible time visiting Switzerland and Paris, and there was no need to worry about anything. The organization was perfect, and the hotels were booked and all this was at a resonable cost. But an issue arose with an extremely rude and unpleasant driver(Andres) for one of the days, who abruptly slammed the brakes on a high-speed bus because he was angry at kids talking. This could have been very dangerous for the passengers also. Would have given 5 stars if it wasbt for the driver

Talia Rodriguez (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible agency, total scammers. Booked...

08-Oct-2024

Terrible agency, total scammers. Booked a trip to Europe and didn’t received what was promised. We didn’t have free time (10-30 min in most cases) the whole trip felt rushed, we ate at every gas stations in Europe, not restaurants , we had to drag mas suitcases, couldn’t watch a show/performance because we had to book it advance and according to them this was included until we got to the places and they said “we couldn’t book the show” money was returned. This is false advertisement. Hotels were pure garbage, at some point we found bugs in our bed. To many lies, to many scams, I hated the whole thing. Our group was a gem, they handpicked the most annoying people ever and had to be together from 6 am until 12 pm in the mornings, we couldn’t visit or watch anything in Europe because we were busy 12 h on a bus crossing borders, so what they put in the paper example: “The alps” was literally the view of the alps from a bus, never visited anything that was stated in the world. We were to supposed to visit Switzerland, one of the bests countries and most beautiful places on earth but we were there 1 h, San Sebastián Spain 10 min, what the hell is that? Tourist guides are terrible, while on the bus they won’t tell you the history. We visited France and stayed ij burdeaux (for some reason burdeaux was included but never saw it. Nasty hotels in the middle of nowhere , felt like I was working the whole trip

Pete F (Google Reviewer)  

Poorly organized tours - no...

19-May-2024

Poorly organized tours - no continuity or directions to people on tours. Drivers and guides are often late and, while nice people, are also very disorganized with little support from the home office. We are missing our Versailles tour because the bus driver did not show up. One hotel had no water for the entire hotel. The company is about churning as many people through their tours than providing quality experiences. I plan to report them through our travel agent to prevent more people from using them.

Pedro Rascon (Google Reviewer)  

I had travelled with Europamundo...

24-Jul-2024

I had travelled with Europamundo twice back in 2013 and 2014. This year I decided to repeat a trip with them (Prague-Budapest-Vienna-Innsbruck). In the last 10 years I’ve done about 10 trips to Europe, but this time I decided to go back with them so I could worry less about transportation, hotels, guided tours, etc. I regret so much going with them. After spending about $20K on this trip my vacation got totally ruined by Europamundo. I am never traveling with Europamundo ever again. Rest of my review in screenshots attached...

Arielle Nicole (Google Reviewer)  

The absolute worst. They do...

02-Sep-2023

The absolute worst. They do not follow the itinerary provided. When we arrived in Versailles, tickets are sold out since instead of morning, they changed it to 3-4pm where all the tickets are sold out. Whole day wasted. Most of the museums/sights they state in their itinerary, they will just bring you there, entrance fee is not included. They will only bring you to free places, so just be aware that you will not be getting your money’s worth. Bus is ALWAYS late, today our meetup time is 7:45am, the bus arrived 8:25am, since they had to pick up other guest from a totally different hotel. They frequently change buses, it is a hit or miss. There are times where the airconditioner is good, leg space is acceptable. There are also times, they would rent a bus from a different company, where it is very cramped. Guide: they know the basics but not the nitty gritty details. For example they would just point you “Oh this is blah building, without any further explanation.” Hotels are mostly 4 star hotels with really shitty customer service. Once I had a room (cant remember the hotel in Lyon, France) assigned to me where the room has not been cleaned up. GROSS. One of the other hotel (Dormero Hotel, Zurich), did not have a reception staff at night, so when we were a defective bath tub, we had no one to complain to.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Europamundo requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of europamundo charges.

    Up to 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 20 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.

    At 10 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 2 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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