After breakfast, board a high-speed train for a two-hour journey to Andong. Often considered the spiritual and cultural heart of South Korea, Andong is known for its preservation of traditional Korean culture, customs, and architecture.

Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the train station and transfer you to the first stop on your Andong tour: Bongjeongsa Temple. One of the oldest wooden buildings in South Korea, the temple is also the country’s largest. Gain insight into Korea’s Buddhist culture as you explore the temple and its peaceful surroundings, admire its collection of Buddhist relics, and observe local worshippers.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll head to the Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy. Established in 1574, this UNESCO World Heritage site has played a pivotal role in education and Confucian scholarship for more than four centuries.

Next, visit the iconic Woryeonggyo Bridge, the longest wooden bridge in Korea. Take a walk along the pedestrian span, enjoying views of the Nakdonggang River and the surrounding hills.

After dinner, transfer to Hahoe Hanok Village for a memorable overnight stay in a traditional Korean house.

This morning, your exploration of Andong continues with a tour of Hahoe Village and its surroundings.

Hahoe Village is renowned for its impeccably preserved architecture from the Joseon Dynasty, featuring charming thatched-roof houses and elegant tile-roofed mansions. Begin with a leisurely 30-minute walk to the breathtaking Buyongdae Cliff, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Hahoe Village, the Nakdonggang River, and the surrounding mountain landscape.

Continue to the Hahoe World Mask Museum, home to an extensive collection of over 800 masks from more than 50 countries.

In the afternoon, attend an enthralling Hahoe Mask Dance performance—a traditional Korean art form brought to life by performers wearing vibrant, ornate masks. This dance is not only widely celebrated but also serves as an important cultural tradition, offering insight into Korean history and values.

The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore on your own. This evening, you’ll once again stay in a traditional hanok, enjoying a full cultural experience.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning in Andong, choosing to relax at the hanok or take a walk along the Nakdonggang River. Around midday, take a 1.5-hour car journey to Gyeongju.

Once the capital of the 8th-century Silla Kingdom, Gyeongju is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Revered as an open-air museum, it is a treasure trove of history, filled with palaces, temples, and royal tombs.

Upon arrival, your Gyeongju discovery begins with a visit to the Daereungwon Tomb Complex. Also known as Tumuli Park, this area contains more than 20 tombs from the Silla period. If time allows, continue with a walk along Woljeong Bridge, a historical gateway that once connected the royal palaces of Silla to the southern regions. End the walk at Wolji Pond, an artificial body of water that was part of the ancient Silla palace complex.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, your exploration of Gyeongju continues with a visit to the religious architectural complex of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple. Built during the Silla Kingdom, these sites showcase the extraordinary craftsmanship of the architects and artists of that era. Admire the intricate Buddhist carvings and statues of Seokguram, along with Bulguksa’s elegant wooden buildings and stone terraces.

After lunch, visit the Gyeongju National Museum. With its vast collection of artifacts, relics, and royal treasures, the museum provides a comprehensive insight into the art, culture, and history of the Silla dynasty.

Wrap up the day with a sunset walk through the charming streets of this picturesque small town.

Enjoy another full day to explore Gyeongju. The day begins with a private car journey along the Hyeongsan River to visit Yangdong Folk Village, a traditional yangban (Korean aristocracy) village from the Joseon Dynasty.

Yangdong is home to more than 160 traditional-style houses, along with other buildings from the Joseon era. Set against a backdrop of beautiful natural scenery, visit the village shrine, Confucian school, and the noble house of the village head. Before returning, stroll along the village trail to admire the well-preserved traditional hanoks.

In the afternoon, set out on a half-day hike on Namsan Mountain, home to more than 100 temples, 80 stone Buddha statues, and 60 stone pagodas. The three-hour hiking route follows a well-maintained trail and offers plenty of opportunities to admire cultural relics and scenic views along the way. After watching the sunset from the top of Namsan Mountain, return to the base and transfer back to your hotel for the evening.

After breakfast, check out and travel by private car to Busan, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours.

Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is a coastal metropolis known for its stunning beaches, vibrant seafood markets, and scenic harbor views. Your Busan adventure begins with a visit to Gamcheon Village, originally settled by refugees during the Korean War. Today, the area has been revitalized by the Village Art Project. Stroll through its winding streets, admiring colorful houses, art installations, quaint shops, and galleries.

Next, enjoy a walk along Haeundae Beach, a white sandy stretch beloved by locals. Continue with a leisurely 30-minute walk up Dalmaji Hill, passing cafes and art galleries on your way to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views.

As daylight fades and the city lights begin to glow, Busan’s streets come alive. Return to the Haeundae area and prepare your palate for an array of traditional Korean delicacies. Sample a variety of street food dishes, gaining insight into the maritime bounty that fuels Busan’s rich culinary traditions.

After this evening’s culinary experience, return to your hotel.

This morning, you’ll join a local cooking class, where you’ll learn how to prepare authentic regional specialties. The class includes English-language instruction and demonstrations, as well as an opportunity to taste local rice wine.

Following lunch, head to Jagalchi Market, South Korea’s largest seafood market. Observe the wide variety of seafood on display and experience the bustling energy as storekeepers showcase the day’s fresh catch.

Before the day ends, take a cable car ride across the sea. During the 15–20 minute journey, enjoy spectacular views of the ocean, Songdo Beach, Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, Namhangdaegyo Bridge, and the Songdo Coastal Dullegil Road with its dramatic rocky cliffs. Before your return trip, stop at the Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge for more panoramic views of the ocean and nearby islands. If time and energy allow, take a short hike along the Songdo Coastal Bolle-gil Trail, a scenic 20-minute walk along the coast.

After this exciting day out, return to your hotel and enjoy your final evening in Busan at your leisure.

Bid farewell to Busan and transfer to the airport for a short morning flight to Jeju Island, a volcanic island renowned for its breathtaking landscapes.

Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver, then set out for lunch and the day’s tour. Your exploration of Jeju Island begins with a visit to the Jeju Haenyeo Museum, where you’ll learn about the island’s legendary women divers who harvest seafood using traditional, breath-hold diving techniques. After exploring the museum’s insightful displays, you’ll have the opportunity to attend a Haenyeo demonstration and witness these remarkable divers in action.

Continue to Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, for a hike up this striking geological formation. The leisurely 30-minute hike rewards you with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding coastline and dramatic volcanic terrain. After enjoying the scenery, return on foot to the base of the peak.

This evening, enjoy a Haenyeo-themed dinner, sampling the fresh flavors of the sea and learning more about the culture and traditions of these extraordinary women.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Geomun Oreum for a hike through the largest lava tube system on the island. Before the hike, gain an overview of the terrain and its geological history with a short visit to the Jeju World Natural Heritage Center.

After the hike, continue your geological exploration with a visit to Manjanggul Cave. Walk through this massive lava tube, admiring its impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars.

In the evening, visit Dongmun Market—a vibrant destination that combines elements of a street market, night market, traditional market, and seafood market. Stroll through the lively stalls, sampling an array of local treats before heading to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

Spend the day exploring Jeju’s southern coast. The day begins with a visit to Jeongbang Falls, one of the few waterfalls in Asia that flows directly into the sea. Admire the falls and the spectacular surroundings, with dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and the sound of crashing waves from the nearby shore.

Continue to Jusangjeolli Cliffs, known for their striking hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. After a traditional Korean barbecue lunch, your exploration of Jeju continues with a scenic drive along the southern coastline. Enjoy a 20–30 minute hike to Sanbanggulsa Temple, a cliffside rock cave. Take time to explore the cave and enjoy the views before continuing on foot to the nearby Bomusa Temple and Sanbangsan Mountain Park.

The final stop of the day is Sanbangsan Carbonated Hot Springs, a popular natural hot spring. Relax with a soak in the mineral-rich waters, which are believed to offer health benefits such as improved circulation, skin nourishment, and stress relief.

After your time at the springs, return to your hotel for the evening.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to the airport or ferry for your onward travels.