Day 1 – Arrive Seoul (South Korea) (D)

This morning, passengers travelling from Brisbane will meet with the Tour Host at Brisbane International Airport for the flight to Seoul. Interstate passengers can meet the host and group en route in Singapore, at Seoul Airport or at the hotel. Today, we begin our Springtime in South Korea tour. Upon arrival in Seoul, we are met by our local representative and enjoy a city sightseeing tour and lunch before being transferred to our hotel for check-in. This fascinating city blends centuries-old palaces and historic neighbourhoods with modern architecture, fashionable shopping districts and a dynamic cultural scene. Following time to settle in and freshen up, we come together for a Welcome Dinner in the hotel restaurant, the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers and look forward to the journey ahead. . Please check with reservations before booking your flight. There will only be one group arrival transfer.

Day 2 – Seoul – Jeju Island (B-D)

This morning, we transfer to the airport for our short flight to beautiful Jeju Island, renowned for its volcanic landscapes, picturesque coastline and relaxed atmosphere. Upon arrival, we visit bustling Dongmun Market, one of the island’s oldest and most popular traditional markets. Wander through its lively laneways, where colourful stalls display fresh seafood, seasonal produce, local street food and Jeju specialities, alongside clothing, handicrafts and handmade souvenirs offering an authentic glimpse into everyday island life. In the afternoon, we travel to picturesque Aewol Beach, celebrated for its clear blue waters, dramatic volcanic shoreline and sweeping coastal views. Enjoy free time to stroll along the waterfront, browse the area’s stylish cafés and boutiques, or simply relax and take in Jeju’s spectacular seaside scenery. Tonight, we gather for dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Day 3 – Jeju Island (B-L)

Today, we discover some of Jeju Island’s most spectacular natural attractions. Begin with a visit to a traditional tea plantation, where neat rows of vibrant green tea bushes stretch across the landscape. Learn about the island’s tea-growing traditions and enjoy time to explore the peaceful surroundings. We continue to Songaksan Mountain, a scenic volcanic cone set against Jeju’s rugged southern coastline, where we follow coastal pathways and take in magnificent views across the ocean, surrounding islands and dramatic volcanic landscape. After lunch, we travel to the remarkable Jusangjeolli Cliffs, where powerful waves crash against towering, hexagonal rock columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. Our day concludes at tranquil Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, reached via a picturesque walking trail through lush subtropical forest. Tonight, dinner is at our own expense, with the Tour Host on hand for anyone who would like company.

Day 4 – Jeju Island – Busan (B-D)

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our short flight to Busan, South Korea’s lively coastal city. Upon arrival, we discover Gamcheon Culture Village, a colourful maze of hillside lanes filled with vibrant murals, quirky sculptures, artisan workshops and charming cafés. Enjoy time to explore its winding streets and admire panoramic views across the village’s brightly painted rooftops towards the sea. Next, take to the skies aboard the Songdo Marine Cable Car, travelling high above the sparkling waters of Songdo Bay and enjoying sweeping views of the coastline, rocky cliffs and city skyline before arriving at Songdo Sky Park. Our final stop is bustling Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood market and one of Busan’s most iconic attractions. Wander among lively stalls displaying an extraordinary variety of fresh fish and shellfish while experiencing the sights, sounds and flavours of local life. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Day 5 – Busan (B-L)

Today, we discover some of Busan’s most iconic attractions, beginning at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Dramatically positioned along the rocky coastline, this striking Buddhist temple offers a unique combination of traditional architecture and sweeping ocean views. We then board Busan’s famous Sky Capsule for a memorable journey along the coast, travelling in colourful elevated capsules while admiring uninterrupted views of the sparkling ocean, rugged shoreline and modern skyline. Following lunch, we visit Haeundae Beach, one of South Korea’s best-known seaside destinations, before exploring Haeundae Traditional Market, where stalls are filled with fresh seafood, local produce, tempting street food and regional specialities. We conclude our day at Nurimaru APEC House on scenic Dongbaekseom Island, surrounded by coastal walking paths and pine trees with beautiful views across the sea, Gwangan Bridge and Busan’s skyline. Tonight, dinner is at our own expense, with the Tour Host on hand for anyone who would like company.

Day 6 – Jinhae (B-D)

Today, we enjoy a full-day excursion to Jinhae, a charming naval city renowned for hosting South Korea’s most celebrated spring festival. Each year, the city is transformed by thousands of flowering trees, creating a spectacular display of soft pink blooms along its streets, parks and waterways. Our first stop is beautiful Yeojwacheon Stream, where we stroll beneath arching canopies of delicate blossoms lining the waterway. Admire the picturesque bridges, seasonal decorations and petals reflected in the stream, creating one of Jinhae’s most enchanting springtime scenes. We then visit Gyeonghwa Station, a former railway station surrounded by long rows of flowering trees. Enjoy time to walk along the historic railway tracks, experience the festive atmosphere and capture photographs of one of South Korea’s most recognisable seasonal landscapes. Tonight, we return to Busan and gather with our fellow travellers for dinner in the hotel restaurant. Please note: Due to the unpredictability of nature, we cannot guarantee the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom.

Day 7 – Busan – Gyeongju – Bulguksa Temple – Seoul (B-D)

This morning, we travel to the ancient city of Gyeongju, once the capital of the powerful Silla Kingdom and often described as a “museum without walls”. We begin at magnificent Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled among the forested slopes of Tohamsan Mountain, where we explore ornate prayer halls, graceful stone terraces, historic pagodas and peaceful courtyards reflecting the artistry of the Silla period. We continue to the UNESCO-listed Seokguram Grotto, an eighth-century Buddhist sanctuary overlooking the surrounding mountains and coastline, where we see a serene stone Buddha surrounded by beautifully carved guardians and Buddhist figures. Next, we visit Daereungwon Royal Tombs, a tranquil park filled with enormous grass-covered burial mounds belonging to Silla kings, queens and nobles. We also see Cheomseongdae, a distinctive seventh-century stone observatory believed to be the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia. Later, enjoy time exploring Hwangridan-gil, where traditional hanok houses have been transformed into inviting cafés, restaurants, boutiques and artisan stores. At the end of our visit, we board the KTX high-speed train for our journey back to Seoul. This evening, we gather with our fellow travellers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Day 8 – Korean Demilitarized Zone (B-L)

Today, we travel to one of the world’s most fascinating and closely guarded borders for a thought-provoking tour of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). We begin at Imjingak Park, a deeply symbolic site featuring monuments, memorials and exhibits dedicated to the Korean War and families separated by the division of Korea. Here, we see Freedom Bridge, which was crossed by thousands of prisoners of war returning to South Korea following the conflict. We continue to the Third Infiltration Tunnel, discovered beneath the border in 1978, offering a powerful reminder of past tensions between North and South Korea. Where access conditions permit, we can descend into a section of the tunnel and experience this historic site firsthand. At the DMZ Exhibition Hall, we view photographs, maps, artefacts and informative displays detailing the Korean War, the creation of the DMZ and its ongoing significance, while learning how this restricted area has become an unexpected sanctuary for wildlife. Our final stop is Odusan Unification Observatory, situated high above the meeting point of the Han and Imjin rivers. From the observation areas, enjoy sweeping views across the border towards North Korea. Following lunch, we return to central Seoul, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight, dinner is at our own expense, with the Tour Host on hand for anyone who would like company.

Day 9 – Seoul (B-D)

Today, we explore the highlights of Seoul, discovering the royal heritage, traditional neighbourhoods and lively markets that make South Korea’s capital so captivating. We begin at magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most impressive of Seoul’s five grand palaces. Once the principal residence of the Joseon dynasty, the complex features elegant throne halls, ornate pavilions, peaceful courtyards and beautiful gardens set against the backdrop of Bukhansan Mountain. During our visit, we witness the colourful Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony, where guards dressed in vibrant traditional uniforms recreate an important Joseon-era ritual accompanied by ceremonial music, flags and precisely choreographed movements. We then wander through the atmospheric laneways of Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic neighbourhood filled with beautifully preserved hanok homes, before visiting Insadong, a lively cultural district known for its art galleries, antique shops, craft boutiques and traditional tea houses. This afternoon, we conclude our sightseeing at bustling Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s oldest traditional markets, where we can experience local life while exploring stalls selling textiles, handicrafts and authentic Korean street food at our own expense. Tonight, we come together with our fellow travellers for a special Farewell Dinner, sharing memories and celebrating the unforgettable experiences of our journey through South Korea.

Day 10 – Depart Seoul (B)

After a leisurely breakfast, we enjoy some free time before checkout. This afternoon, we transfer to Incheon International Airport for our onward flights, bringing our unforgettable springtime journey through South Korea to a close. Please check with reservations before booking your flight. There will only be one group departure transfer.

* Please note that tour itineraries are subject to change at any time by the tour company and are not guaranteed