Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
South Korea – Seoul – Jeonju – Gwangju – Jeju – Incheon
100% customisable for you
Your adventure through the beautiful landscapes of South Korea begins today with a direct flight to Seoul. Head to the airport, speed through security and enjoy a glass of bubbly in the airport lounge as you await departure. Most direct flights depart in the evening and take about 13 hours, so you’ll spend tonight on board and touchdown tomorrow. Since this trip is all about the arts, why not binge-watch some of the nation’s highly acclaimed films while you’re in the air? (Anything from director Bong Joon-Ho is a must for cinephiles).
Rise and shine to views across uniform skyscrapers poking out of rolling green hills as you prepare to land in Seoul. After breezing through airport formalities, you’ll be met by a private driver and whisked off to the city centre to the historical neighbourhood of Seochon. Your home for the next three nights is a beautiful wooden hanok (a traditional Korean house) that’s been skilfully modernised into a charming guesthouse.
After settling in and freshening up, head out to spend your first afternoon and evening admiring the storied beauty of Seochon. Its cobblestone streets are bordered by a series of hanoks that have stood the test of time, a result of the skilled architects of the Joseon era. Here, browse through handicrafts in local shops, sip on a crisp glass of soju (a grain-based spirit) in a bar or tuck into some traditional food in one of the neighbourhood’s many enticing restaurants.
Seoul, the capital of South Korea for several hundred years, effortlessly combines its rich history with a growing spirit of hyper-modernity. Palaces and century-old residences rub shoulders with modern skyscrapers across the capital’s collection of charming neighbourhoods, which unfold along the banks of the beautiful Han River.
You have two days here to discover the highlights of Seoul’s varied architecture and exciting art scene at your own pace – with a clued-up local guide on hand, too. Equipped with your trusty T-money card (a rechargeable smart card used for public transport across the city), you’ll be free to make the most of your time here. Seoul’s aesthetics can be appreciated both indoors and outdoors, through the many art centres and galleries that dot the city, as well as countless architectural points of interest.
Start at Changdeokgung Palace before tackling the more daring architecture of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza by Zaha Hadid. At Ewha Womans University, you’ll find the work of Dominique Perrault, whose sunken valley seemingly splits the earth in two. As for the Arario Museum and the Coex, each offers a glimpse into the future. You can also fill your time gallery-hopping in Insa-dong, mingling with the trendy Seoulite youth in Hongdae, admiring the city from the top of the N Seoul Tower, sampling the best of Korean street food in Gwangjang Market and browsing the high-end minimalist boutiques of Gangnam (birthplace of the eponymous song).
Swap the bright lights of Seoul for the calm of the countryside today as you embark on a two-hour train ride to the small city of Jeonju. The journey is seriously scenic, hugging the rugged west coast of the peninsula, passing through farms and hamlets untouched by modernity. When you arrive in the northern province of Jeolla, a private driver will be ready to transfer you to your next hotel: a beautiful collection of hanoks nestled among nature just outside the city. The hanoks that make up this hotel have been skilfully updated by architects to combine centuries of heritage with the contemporary edge of today’s trends.
The rest of today is yours to spend relaxing and recharging in this serene setting. Explore the picturesque rural surroundings, contemplate the intricacies of its architecture or head to nearby Jeonju for a spot of sightseeing. Here, you can visit the Jeonju Hanok Heritage Village with its charming collection of sake museums, traditional food stalls and craft stores. You could also head to Gyeonggijeon Hall to visit King Taejo’s portrait and rub shoulders with the thousands of Koreans who come here every day to pay their respects to the founder of the nation's last dynasty: Joseon.
After a night of disconnecting from the (ultra) modern world in the serene Korean countryside, it’s time to jump straight back in. Your next destination is Gwangju, a trendy city located a two-hour train journey from Jeonju. When you arrive, check in for two nights in a modern hotel nestled in the vibrant city centre and spend the rest of the day settling back into the rhythm of city life.
Gwangju is popularly thought of as an example of Korean renewal. In 1980, fierce demonstrations broke out in response to General Chun Doo-Hwan's coup. Repression was swift and violent, and countless Gwangju residents tragically lost their lives. Exactly 15 years later, the first Gwangju Biennale was held, with the aim of honouring those souls through various creative spaces. The city is now a major cultural and artistic hub – a great place to understand the meaning and power of art in modern-day Korea.
Today, follow in the footsteps of a passionate local who has their finger on the pulse of this fascinating cultural centre. The walking tour is relaxed and tailored to your interests, allowing for total spontaneity (lucky you). Walk along the ‘Street of Art’, where virtuosos perform one after another; stroll around Mudeungsan Park and visit the beautifully curated Uijae Museum of Korean Art; or admire Gwangju’s many curious ‘follies’ – pieces of functional yet artistic architecture integrated into public spaces.
Bid goodbye to mainland South Korea this morning as you make your way to the airport for a speedy (one-hour) southbound flight to Jeju Island. On arrival, collect your rental car and wind your way through the forested foothills of Mount Hallasan to the south of the island. This portion of the coast has long acted as a playground for architects and creative types – Dominique Perrault, Kengo Kuma and Jongho Yi are just some of the names that have left their mark here. Hang up your hat for three nights in an architect-designed hotel to spend the rest of your time relaxing and enjoying the laid-back coastal vibe of your new home.
Bordered by three seas and three countries (China, Japan and South Korea), Jeju was born from the lava flows of the Hallasan volcano. Now sound asleep (thankfully), the geographical giant looms over the various sites of this seaside escape. To the south, the stone columns of Jusangjeolli Cliff are stacked like a volcanic organ; to the east, the green cone of Seongsan Ilchulbong clings to the islet via a thin strip of land; inland, beautiful waterfalls emerge from the plant matrix; and on the shore, long strips of sand welcome a steady stream of sun seekers.
The next two days are yours to spend exploring this beautiful island at your own pace. Beyond winning the lottery with its natural landscape, Jeju is also a treasure chest of history, art, culture and (of course) architecture. The intricate tiers of Yakcheonsa Temple rise beautifully from tropical greenery; the curves of the Wal Chong Art Museum, sitting at the top of Jeongbang waterfall, echo Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona; and the architect-designed Artists’ Village is home to several spectacular galleries, including the Jeju Museum of Contemporary Art.
Wake up bright and early this morning as you prepare to maximise your final full day in South Korea. After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be collected and privately transferred to the airport for another one-hour flight back to the mainland. A private driver will be waiting when you arrive, ready to whisk you away into the heart of Incheon, where your final hotel awaits. Tonight, stay in a contemporary hanok complex nestled in the Songdo-dong district – an artificial stretch of land borrowed from the Yellow Sea.
After settling in and freshening up, head out with a friendly local guide to experience the highlights of this underrated city. Tuck into local delicacies at Sinpo Market, browse the curious stalls of Chinatown and soak in the fragrant smells of the blooming rose bushes of Grand Park. And since this trip is all about experiencing the arty and architectural side of the country, why not round off your trip the way it began: under the futuristic curves of a Zaha Hadid masterpiece? The G-Tower, with its sharp angles, is a worthy final image of South Korea.
Unfortunately, the time has come to bid South Korea a fond farewell and make your way back across the globe. After speeding through security, enjoy some peace and quiet in the airport lounge as you prepare for boarding. Direct flights to the UK tend to depart in the afternoon and take around 13 hours, so you can arrive home the same day (thanks to the time difference). During take-off, don’t miss the chance to take one more look at South Korea’s magnificent metropolises – the extent of their dizzying expanse can be truly appreciated from above.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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