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James’ Comprehensive Research Journey Through South Korea
14 days from £12,350 for 2026 per person
This itinerary is based on the exact route James travelled during his in-depth research journey through South Korea, refined and rebalanced to suit the pace, comfort and flow of a luxury tailor-made holiday. It offers an insider’s perspective on the country, shaped by first-hand experience and curated to allow time for both discovery and reflection.
This thoughtfully paced journey offers an immersive introduction to South Korea, revealing a country where ancient tradition and contemporary confidence exist in effortless harmony. From royal capitals and Confucian heartlands to volcanic islands and sacred mountains, it is an exploration of culture, craftsmanship and place, shaped by history but firmly rooted in the present.
Begin in Seoul, a city of striking contrasts where palace courtyards and hanok villages sit beside cutting-edge architecture, galleries and design studios. Explore the legacy of Korea’s royal past at Gyeongbokgung Palace, wander the atmospheric lanes of Bukchon, and gain insight into the city’s dynamic creative energy before travelling south to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom. Here, royal tombs, Buddhist temples and quiet gardens offer a serene counterpoint to modern urban life.
Continue to Busan, Korea’s vibrant port city, where mountains meet the sea and daily life unfolds with energy and colour. Explore bustling fish markets, coastal neighbourhoods and cultural enclaves before flying to Jeju Island, a UNESCO-listed landscape of lava cliffs, forested trails and powerful matriarchal traditions shaped by the Hanyeo. Time here is slower and more elemental, shaped by nature, ritual and the rhythms of the sea.
From the coast, travel inland to the spiritual heart of Korea in the Jirisan Mountains, where ancient temples sit quietly among forested peaks. The journey then unfolds through Jeonju and Andong, regions celebrated for their living traditions, refined cuisine and beautifully preserved folk villages. Staying in traditional hanok accommodations offers an intimate connection to Korea’s architectural heritage and a deeper sense of place.
The journey concludes back in Seoul, allowing time to reflect, indulge and explore at a more personal pace. Whether through contemporary dining, wellness experiences or private cultural encounters, this final chapter brings together the many threads of the journey, a Korea that feels assured, generous and quietly compelling, offering a richly layered experience for the curious and culturally minded traveller.
This is purely a suggested itinerary, it can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your own luxury tailor-made holiday to South Korea.
Itinerary details
14 days from £12,350 for 2026 per person
- Day 1 - Four Seasons Seoul - Seoul
Arrive in Seoul and transfer to your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure to unwind from your travels. - Day 2 - Four Seasons Seoul - Seoul
Morning guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace followed by lunch and private cooking class. Afternoon walking tour around the Bukchon Hanok area with Korean history expert. - Day 3 - Lahan Select Gyeongju - Gyeongju
Morning train to Gyeongju. Be met on arrival by your guide and spend the day exploring the Shilla Tumuli tomb complex, Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO masterpiece of Buddhist art and the tranquil grounds of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. - Day 4 - Park Hyatt Busan - Busan
Morning scenic drive to Busan. Afternoon visit the UN Memorial Cemetery, followed by head spa and wellness treatment. - Day 5 - Park Hyatt Busan - Busan
Morning visit Gamcheon Culture Village followed by lunch at Jagalchi Fish Market. Afternoon at leisure followed by an evening yacht trip around the bay. - Day 6 - JW Marriott Jeju - Jeju Island
Morning fly to Jeju Island. Spend the afternoon at leisure or visit to a Jimjilbang, a traditional Korean spa. - Day 7 - JW Marriott Jeju - Jeju Island
Morning walk along the Seogwipo trail, and meet the female divers, Hanyeo. Afternoon visit the Bonte Museum designed by Tadao Ando. - Day 8 - Hwaeomsa Temple - Jirisan National Park
Morning fly back to the mainland and travel inland to the Jirisan region, one of Korea’s most sacred landscapes. Visit Hwaeom Temple followed by tea with a Buddhist monk and an evening of stillness and reflection. - Day 9 - Lahan Hotel Jeonju - Jeonju
Morning sunrise mountain walk and meditation, before travelling to Jeonju. Afternoon Jeonju Hanok Village walking tour and evening private bibimbap cooking class. - Day 10 - Lahan Hotel Jeonju - Jeonju
Morning visit the Hanji Museum followed by a traditional paper workshop. Afternoon at leisure to explore or visit the Gyeonggijeon Shrine. - Day 11 - Rakkojae Hahoe Hanok Hotel - Andong
Morning travel to Andong. Afternoon visit the Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO site, followed by a traditional mask dance performance. - Day 12 - Rakkojae Hahoe Hanok Hotel - Andong
Spend the morning visiting the Confucian academies. Afternoon guided tour of Bongjeongsa Temple followed by Weolyeonggyo Bridge at dusk. - Day 13 - The Shilla - Seoul
Morning travel back to Seoul. Afternoon visit Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden followed by evening dinner at La Yeon on the 23rd floor of The Shilla. - Day 14 - The Shilla - Seoul
Spend the day at leisure to explore Seoul at your own pace. Possible options include fashion consultation, K-beauty clinic or spa experience, or specialist-led contemporary art and design tour.
Places of Interest
AccommodationThe traveller sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.
G. K. Chesterton
