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Gyeongbokgung Palace in autumn.

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Gyeongbokgung Palace is beautiful in spring, particularly during cherry blossom season, which typically occurs from late March to mid-April.

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Seoul City skyline

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Seoul city nightlife.

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Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

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Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

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Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

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The painted detail of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

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The Gyeongbokgung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a daily reenactment of the changing of the guard procedure that takes place in front of the main palace gate.

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Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

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Military Guard at Sungnyemun gate, Seoul.

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Changdeokgung Royal Palace in Seoul

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The secret garden at Changdeokgung palace in Seoul

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Two ladies dressed in traditional Hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul.

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Bulguksa temple in Gyeongju - the temple is considered as a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the Silla kingdom.

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Prayer lanterns at Bulguksa temple in Gyeongju.

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Haetalgyo bridge in autumn at Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju

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Thousands of colorful prayer lanterns at Bulguksa temple, each one with their own written prayer inside.

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The Woljeonggyo Bridge in Gyeongju, was originally built in 760AD during the Silla period. It was lost during the Joseon period but was painstakingly rebuilt in 2013 and finished in 2018. The restoration project is noted as one of the largest wooden bridge reconstructions in Korea.

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Tumuli Park is home to the Daereungwon Tomb Complex in the ancient capital city of Gyeongju.

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Suyoung Bay Yacht Marina, Busan

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Busan at night.

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The annual Busan Fireworks Festival held every autumn, which features a spectacular show over the ocean with the Gwangandaegyo Bridge (also known as the Diamond Bridge) as a backdrop.

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The arty Gamcheon Culture Village is known for its layered streets, twisted labyrinth-like alleys and brightly painted houses.

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Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan

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The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan.

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Jagalchi Market is one of the largest seafood markets in Korea, selling both live and dried fish.

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Freshly prepared spicy fish stew at Jagalchi fish market.

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Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish (banchan) consisting of salted and fermented vegetables.

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Haenyeo divers, Jeju Island

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The Jeju Olle Trail on Jeju Island is a 437km network of routes that loop around the island. These trails offer a variety of landscapes, from coastal paths to mountain hikes, and allow visitors to explore the island's natural beauty and culture up close.

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Dol Hareubang are Jeju Island's traditional volcanic rock statues known as "Stone Grandfathers".

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Two women in traditional dress at Jeonju Hanok Village.

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Jeonju Hanok Village

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Jeonju Hanok Village in the Snow

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Korean BBQ is an interactive, communal dining experience where diners cook meat at their table.

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Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish of warm white rice topped with seasoned vegetables, beef or tofu, and a fried egg, all mixed together with a spicy gochujang sauce.

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Gyeonggijeon Shrine in Jeonju Hanok Village.

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Pungnammun city gate in Jeonju was built during the Joseon dynasty in 1734.

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Traditional South Korean mask festival, Andong

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Wolyeonggyo bridge, Andong

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Hahoe Folk Village, Andong

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Hahoe Folk Village, Andong

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South East

If you journey to South Korea, you’ll discover a country where ancient spirit and modern sophistication exist in perfect balance. From the glittering skyline of Seoul, where royal palaces and hanok villages sit beside luxury boutiques and avant-garde galleries, to the tranquil coastlines and temple-dotted hills of Busan and Gyeongju, every region offers a distinct window into Korean life. The landscapes are as varied as the culture - volcanic craters and tea fields on Jeju Island, pine-covered mountains and serene temples inland, and vibrant cityscapes alive with music, art and culinary energy. Whether you’re drawn by the serenity of Buddhist shrines, the craftsmanship of traditional artisans, or the buzz of K-pop and K-beauty, South Korea enchants with its contrasts, a place where centuries-old customs and cutting-edge design blend seamlessly to create an experience that is both timeless and thrillingly new.

Local Time 17:32

  • All

Andong

Korean Confucian Academy, Byeongsan Seowon, Andong, South Korea.jpeg

Andong is often described as Korea’s cultural heartland, a quiet riverside city where traditions are preserved not for tourists, but...

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Busan

Busan, South Korea 2.jpeg

Korea’s second city has a character all its own; more relaxed, more rugged and with a strong maritime soul. Stretching...

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Gyeongju

Tumuli park, Gyeongju, Korea.jpeg

Once the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, which ruled much of the southern Korean Peninsula from the 1st to the...

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Jeju Island

Haenyeo divers, Jeju Island, Korea .jpg

A world apart from mainland Korea, Jeju Island is a volcanic outcrop off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula,...

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Jeonju

Jeonju Hanok Village, Jeonju, Korea 2.jpg

Designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Jeonju is a small city of around 600,000 inhabitants located in the southwest of...

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Seoul

Seoul City skyline, South Korea.jpeg

Seoul is energy distilled. This vast, buzzing capital has a skyline that stretches endlessly across the Han River, punctuated by...

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Client Testimonials

Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India

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