South Korea Holidays

Planned by Aleem Raheem, Earth Trip co-founder and South Korea specialist · Updated October 2026

South Korea Bespoke Holidays

South Korea is one of Asia’s most rewarding and easy-going countries to travel in. In two weeks you can explore royal palaces and street-food markets in Seoul, walk through a village of traditional hanok houses, see the temples and royal tombs of Gyeongju, hike in Seoraksan National Park and finish by the sea in Busan or on Jeju Island. Fast trains, excellent food and very low crime make it easy to enjoy.

Every trip is planned privately around you, with expert local guides, hand-picked hotels and a mix of modern cities and traditional stays. For practical information before you go, read our South Korea travel guide.

Why Choose Our South Korea Bespoke Holidays?

• Private guides: English-speaking local guides who bring Korea’s history, food and culture to life.
• Easy travel: we book your KTX train tickets, private transfers and domestic flights, so everything runs smoothly.
• Modern and traditional stays: stylish city hotels combined with a night in a hanok or a Buddhist temple. Browse our South Korea hotels.
• Financial protection: every booking is protected through the Travel Trust Association. Read about our financial protection.

Where to Go in South Korea

Seoul

Korea’s capital mixes royal palaces with glass towers and some of Asia’s best street food. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Changing of the Guard, Changdeokgung and its Secret Garden, and the UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Shrine. Wander the alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong, eat your way around Gwangjang Market and see the city from N Seoul Tower. A guided day trip takes you to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) on the border with North Korea.

Suwon and Jeonju

South of Seoul, Suwon’s Hwaseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with walls you can walk around. Further south, Jeonju has a village of more than 700 traditional hanok houses and is the home of bibimbap, which you can learn to make in a cooking class.

Gyeongju

Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla kingdom for nearly a thousand years and is often called a museum without walls. See the grassy royal burial mounds, the ancient Cheomseongdae observatory, Bulguksa Temple and the stone Buddha of Seokguram Grotto, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Seoraksan National Park

In the north-east, Seoraksan is Korea’s most famous mountain park, with granite peaks, waterfalls and temples. Take the cable car or hike through the forest, especially beautiful in October when the leaves turn red and gold.

Busan

Korea’s second city and biggest port sits between mountains and the sea. See the seaside temple of Haedong Yonggungsa, the colourful hillside houses of Gamcheon Culture Village and Jagalchi Fish Market, and relax on Haeundae Beach.

Jeju Island

A short flight from Seoul or Busan, Jeju is a volcanic island with lava tubes, waterfalls and coastal walks. Climb Seongsan Ilchulbong for sunrise, hike on Hallasan, South Korea’s highest mountain, and watch the haenyeo, women divers who still harvest the sea.

Temple Stays, Food and Culture

Some of the most memorable moments of a trip to Korea are the experiences. Spend a night in a Buddhist temple and join the monks for early-morning chanting and meditation. Take a cooking class to learn to make kimchi and bibimbap, try Korean barbecue and street food with a local guide, and dress in a traditional hanbok to visit the palaces of Seoul.

South Korea at a Glance

Our South Korea Itineraries

Each of these is a starting point that we tailor around your interests, dates and budget:

• South Korea Classic Holiday: 14 days, from £3,790 per person. Seoul, the DMZ, Suwon, Jeonju, Gyeongju and Busan.
• China, South Korea and Japan Holiday: 23 days, from £8,990 per person.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit South Korea?

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times, with mild, clear weather, cherry blossom in early April and autumn colours in October. Summer is hot and humid, with the monsoon in late June and July, and winter is cold but dry and good for snowy palaces and skiing.

How long do I need in South Korea?

We recommend around two weeks. That’s enough for Seoul, Jeonju, Gyeongju and Busan without rushing. Add three nights for Jeju Island or two for Seoraksan National Park. With only a week, focus on Seoul and Gyeongju.

How much does a tailor-made South Korea holiday cost?

Our 14-day South Korea Classic Holiday starts from £3,790 per person, including hotels, private transfers, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees and breakfast, but not international flights. The final price depends on the season, your hotels and how long you stay.

Can I visit the DMZ from Seoul?

Yes. The Demilitarised Zone on the border with North Korea is a day trip from Seoul with an official guide. Visits can include observation points and tunnels, and you will need your passport. Tours are sometimes cancelled at short notice for security reasons.

Can I combine South Korea with Japan or China?

Yes. Short flights link Seoul and Busan with Japan and China, and our 23-day China, South Korea and Japan holiday combines all three. Many clients pair South Korea with Japan for a two- to three-week trip.

Who plans my South Korea holiday?

Your trip is planned by Aleem Raheem, Earth Trip’s co-founder and South Korea specialist, with our trusted local partners in Korea. Every booking is protected by the Travel Trust Association (member Q059X).

Plan Your South Korea Holiday

Read our South Korea travel guide for visas, weather and money, browse our South Korea hotels, or see our other East Asia destinations. South Korea suits our culture and heritage and family holidays. To start planning, request a video call with our specialist.