Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
South Korea – Seoul – Sokcho – Seoraksan National Park – Gangneung
100% customisable for you
Despite being on the other side of the world, South Korea is well-connected, meaning you can get there on a direct flight from the UK in 13 hours. So, gear up and prepare for a journey across the globe. Make your way to the airport, whizz through security and relax in the lounge, tucking into some drinks and snacks, before boarding your overnight flight. With a few K-dramas and K-pop albums in your downloads, your time in the air should fly by. Arrive the next day feeling rested and raring to go.
Once you’ve landed and collected your bags, a private driver will whisk you away to your first hotel in the hip and trendy Myeong-dong district. This is the heart of Seoul, where the flamboyance of neon lights and shopping paradise reign supreme. After unwinding and unpacking in your room, head out to explore the local area. Kick back and relax in a classic tea house where the traditional roots and herbs of the land capture Korea's quintessential aromas and flavours; have some fun in a photo booth studio, one of the essentials for a downtown day out; and turn to our coveted destination-specific dossier of places to wine and dine to look for a rooftop bar, where you can gaze upon Seoul’s magnificent skyline and toast (Geonbae!) to the start of an epic adventure.
The next three days are yours to spend discovering the delights of this ultra-modern megalopolis (T-money cards at the ready). In recent years, Seoul has developed into one of the trendiest cities in Asia, and Myeong-dong is at its heart, home to a wonderful abundance of chic boutiques, art galleries and contemporary restaurants.
At some point, you’ll head out for both day and night tours with a local guide who can explain the tales and legends of the city. Among the many attractions you may wish to explore are the palaces, particularly Joseon-era Changdeok and Gyeongbok; the charming streets of Bukchon Village, home to many traditional hanoks; the towering N Seoul Tower, an unmissable local landmark offering panoramic views of the city and its surrounding mountains; and the upscale neighbourhood of Gangnam, which showcases the best of the nation’s K-culture scene through a succession of monuments. Finally, experience Seoul at night, when buildings glow with neon lights, locals congregate to share bottles of soju (traditional Korean alcohol) and K-pop tunes waft out of quirky noraebang (karaoke rooms). We particularly recommend sampling some of the city’s street-food delicacies – our favourites include tteokbokki (rice cakes in a spicy sauce), odeng (fish skewers), gyeranppang (egg-filled bread) and the popular kimbap (a Korean version of sushi).
Now, it’s time to go coastal. Aboard a convenient and comfortable bus, relax and take in the scenic four-hour route to Sokcho, the go-to beach destination for sun-seeking Seoulites. On arrival, collect your hire car, dial up the tunes (K-pop, anyone?) and drive to your next hotel, nestled between the mountains and the sea.
After some post-journey-stretching, take a walk along the picturesque white-sand beaches of Sokcho and Yangyang, meditate or practice yoga from the comfort of your hotel, or sample some delicious seafood dishes in a local restaurant.
This morning, temporarily swap the coast for the mountains as you drive to Seoraksan National Park for a day of outdoor adventures. Carpeted in soft, luscious greens in summer and a golden, honeyed canvas in autumn, Seoraksan is a delight year-round. Hike through enchanting valleys and over precarious ridgelines, immersing yourself in this staggering natural landscape – the pride of all hiking-obsessed Koreans.
As the sun sets over the park, it’s time to head to Gangneung, where you’ll return your hire car before checking into your next hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the hotel’s luxurious facilities after your hike-heavy day (you’ve earned it).
Located less than a three-hour drive from Seoul, the quaint seaside town of Gangneung has become a charming retreat for city-dwellers seeking coastal rejuvenation. Its miles and miles of white-sand beaches bordered by upscale cafes, bars and restaurants are reminiscent of Miami’s South Beach. Pair downtime here with the cultural delights of the town further inland. You can also stroll through Seongyojang House, the former residence of a noble family and one of the ten best-preserved homes in Korea; explore the exhibitions of the Haslla Museum of Contemporary Art; or admire the paintings and screens that adorn Ojukheon, one of the oldest wooden residential buildings in Korea.
And if you’re not ready to bid farewell to coastal cool just yet, don’t fret. We can arrange for you to extend your trip with an extra night in the UNESCO-listed village of Hahoe, near the Confucian city of Andong.
This morning, bid a fond farewell to the coast as you board the KTX (Korean Train Express) to Seoul. In just two hours, you’ll be back in the country’s capital before heading north to the quaint village of Bukchon. A peaceful haven, this Seoul neighbourhood is made up of characterful hanoks, which once housed Korean nobility during the Joseon era (and still retain a regal air today). Hang your hat up for the night in a charming hanok hotel and spend the rest of the day savouring life in this adorable slice of Seoul. Take part in a tea ceremony, sample some locally made kimchi, indulge in a traditional spa treatment or simply roam the network of pretty streets. For an even deeper immersion in K-culture, head to a hanbok rental store and spend time trying on this traditional Korean dress, snapping shots of yourselves as you go.
Sadly, today marks the final day of your South Korean getaway as you begin your journey home. Enjoy one last morning in Bukchon Village before your private transfer to the airport. After speeding through security, escape the crowds and enjoy some nibbles and refreshments in the lounge while waiting for your departure. The return flight is also 13 hours, so you’ll spend tonight in the air and touchdown in the UK tomorrow – but don’t worry, thanks to K-pop and K-dramas, you can keep riding the Korean wave as long as you please.
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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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
