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Seoul to Busan with Hyunjuny
Dates
Oct 17–23, 2024
Group Size
10–24 Travelers
Duration
7 days, 6 nights
Activity Level
Exploration
About This Trip
Meet Your Host
View Full ProfileHyunjuny
Hi, my name is Hyunjuny (Kenny) and food/sharing music are my love language. I share a lot about lifestyle, cooking, and the life of a homebody, but excited to break out of my shell and go on an adventure with yall!
Trip Activities
Gyeongbokgung Palace & Traditional Hanbok Fitting Experience
Gwangjang Market
Namsangol Hanok Village
Lotte World Tower
Seoul Sky Observatory
Gamcheon Culture Village
Bracelet Making Experience
Shinsegae Centum City
Coffee at the Waveon Cafe
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Color Pool Museum
Ikseon-dong Neighborhood Exploration
Costume Party and Photoshoot
Included in Your Trip
Double occupancy in 3 & 4-star hotels
Local Guide throughout trip
All city transfers
Not Included
International flights
Food and alcohol (except as noted)
Visas and travel insurance
Airport transfers
Tips for Guides
What's included by Your Host
Late Night Convenience Store Hauls
Karaoke Night
Magnate Cafe (Army)
Itinerary
*All durations are approximate
Info
dinner
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included. Your dinner will typically be a set menu of Korean BBQ. Additional drinks and food at your own expense. Restaurants are subject to change based on availability.
Ibis Insadong (or similar)
Overnight in Seoul.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. Ibis Insadong offers a buffet with a combination of Korean and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Gyeongbokgung Palace & Traditional Hanbok Fitting Experience
After breakfast you’ll take a 20 minute private transfer from the hotel to Gyeongbokgung Palace to explore and learn about the history of the palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace is a majestic architectural masterpiece that served as the main royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395, it boasts an impressive array of ornate halls, pavilions, and courtyards surrounded by picturesque mountains. The iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace remains a symbol of Korean history and culture. Then you’ll get to experience a traditional Hanbok fitting, a beautifully crafted and elegant Korean attire, characterized by vibrant colors, intricate embroidery, and graceful lines, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of Korea. It was worn daily up until about a century ago; however, it remains an important part of Korean culture, with people wearing it on special occasions and holidays. With your local Guide, you will be fitted into a traditional Hanbok and take classic photos in Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Gwangjang Market
From Gyeongbokgung Palace take a 20 min transfer to the famous Gwangjang Market. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of stalls, Gwangjang Market offers a sensory feast with its street food vendors, textiles, and traditional Korean goods. The bottom floor serves as a labyrinth of vendors and food stalls. Here you will sample some of the city’s iconic street food staples like bindaetteok, tteokbokki, mayak kimbap, and san-nakji. Be sure to pack some extra cash with you if you want to purchase any additional food,beverages, or souvenirs.
snack
Street food at Gwangjang Market is included. Additional food and beverages at own expense.
Namsangol Hanok Village
From Gwangjang Market is a 15 minute private transfer to Namsangol Hanok Village. Explore the charm of traditional Korean architecture and culture with a guided tour of Namsangol Hanok Village, where visitors are led through well-preserved hanok houses, tranquil gardens, and cultural exhibits, offering a captivating glimpse into Korea's architectural heritage and daily life during the Joseon Dynasty.
Late Night Convenience Store Hauls
There are so many different types of convenience stores in Korea, and I'd love to visit all of them so you can experience the different foods and drinks each one has to offer. Just like the TikToks and Reels, we can do our own convenience store mukbangs! **Transportation is not included; you will be responsible for your subway/taxi fee**
Ibis Insadong (or similar)
Overnight in Seoul.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. Ibis Insadong offers a buffet with a combination of Korean and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Lotte World Tower
SEOUL SKY is located on floors 117-123 of Lotte World Tower, the nation's tallest and the world's fifth tallest building. The observatory offers a panoramic view of the entire capital city, beautiful both day and night. SEOUL SKY is comprised of an exhibition zone, observation deck, sky deck, dessert cafe, sky terrace, lounge, and more. To get to Seoul Sky, visitors have to take the Sky Shuttle, a double-deck elevator that reaches a speed of 600 meters per minute. The one-minute ride feels quite short while watching the videos playing on the walls and ceiling. While waiting for the elevator up, visitors can enjoy art in the exhibition zone in basement levels 1-2. The exhibition includes artwork displaying the history, culture, and pride of Korea's foundation and success over the centuries. Visitors can also purchase Seoul Sky merchandise from the gift shop to remember their trip or give as a souvenir. The observation deck has two story-high glass windows for an uninterrupted view. The Sky Deck, located at 478 meters, holds the Guinness World Record as the highest glass-floored observatory in the world. On days when visibility is limited, visitors can still enjoy a clear sky through the Sky Theater. The 120 floor holds the Sky Terrace, open to the elements. Visitors looking for refreshments can enjoy the one-of-a-kind menu served at the dessert cafe Sky Friends Cafe on level 119, or refreshing wine sold at the premium lounge on floor 123. This cozy space is the highest lounge in Seoul and is perfect for taking in the view in a relaxing ambiance.
Seoul Sky Observatory
Ascend to new heights at the Seoul Sky Observatory perched atop the remarkable Lotte World Tower, soaring to a staggering height of 555 meters (1,820 ft). A swift elevator journey transports you to the observation deck, where expansive floor-to-ceiling windows unveil breathtaking, 360-degree views of Seoul's bustling cityscape, the mountains, and the majestic Han River.
SRT Train: Seoul to Busan
Take the high speed train from Seoul to Busan. There are bathrooms onboard the train. Once you arrive in Busan, you’ll then take a 40 minute transfer to the hotel.
Karaoke Night
Korea is super big on NRB (karaoke), so we'll be enjoying an amazing Saturday night exploring nightlife in the city that never sleeps! **Transportation is not included; you will be responsible for your subway/taxi fee**
Ramada Encore Haeundae (or similar)
Overnight in Busan.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. Ramada Encore Haeundae offers a buffet with a combination of Korean and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Gamcheon Culture Village
Following breakfast, embark on a 45-minute private transfer to Gamcheon Culture Village. Nestled on a hillside in Busan, this lively and whimsical community boasts colorful terraced houses, narrow alleyways, and eclectic street art. The village, often referred to as the "Machu Picchu of Busan" due to its staircase-like architecture on the coastal mountain foothills, features vibrant alleys adorned with murals and sculptures created by the locals. Initially a refuge for Korean War refugees, the village has evolved into a thriving artistic hub, enticing visitors with its distinctive charm and imaginative installations. A journey through Gamcheon Culture Village's narrow streets reveals a captivating blend of history, art, and local culture, enhanced by charming cafes along the way.
Bracelet Making Experience
Then take a 20 private transfer to a local shop to make your own traditional bracelets. Engage in a traditional bracelet making experience where you can immerse yourself in the artistry of crafting unique and culturally inspired bracelets. Guided by skilled artisans, you’ll have the opportunity to select from a variety of materials, including traditional Korean beads and charms, to design and assemble your own personalized bracelets. This hands-on activity not only allows for a creative and enjoyable experience but also provides insight into the cultural significance of traditional accessories in Korean heritage.
Shinsegae Centum City
Take a 30 minute transfer to Shinsegae Centum City, a colossal shopping and entertainment complex located in Busan. Recognized as the world's largest department store by the Guinness World Records, Shinsegae Centum City offers a vast array of luxury and everyday brands across its numerous floors. Beyond shopping, the complex features an indoor ice rink, a spa, a cinema, and a diverse range of dining options, making it a comprehensive destination for retail therapy, leisure, and entertainment. You’ll have a few hours to walk around and shop. Lunch is not included today but you will have plenty of time here to have lunch at your own expense. After, you’ll take a 15 minute transfer back to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Magnate Cafe (Army)
For Army, I wanted to visit Magnate, a cafe owned by Jimin's family! Not only is it aesthetic, but they have super cool merch that I'd love to get with yall. **Transportation is not included; you will be responsible for your subway/taxi fee**
Ramada Encore Haeundae (or similar)
Overnight in Busan.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. Ramada Encore Haeundae offers a buffet with a combination of Korean and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Coffee at the Waveon Cafe
In the morning, you’ll take a 40 minute private transfer out to Waveon Cafe. One of the most popular cafés in Busan, the ocean view is the perfect place to relax and start your day. Note that one cup of coffee of your choice is included. Additional food and drink are at your own expense.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Then take a 40 minute private transfer to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Perched on the northeastern coast of Busan, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple stands as a rare coastal gem, diverging from the mountainous settings typical of Korean temples. Founded in 1376 by the esteemed Buddhist teacher Naong during the Goryeo dynasty, this temple boasts a scenic vista featuring Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (Seawater Great Goddess Buddha), Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, Yongwangdang Shrine, Gulbeop Buddhist Sanctum nestled in a cave, and a meticulously crafted three-story pagoda adorned with four lions. The temple underwent reconstruction in 1970, preserving traditional colors, and features a uniquely designed Buddhist sanctum inside a cave. Notable elements include a symbolic four-lion pagoda, 108 stairs, and stone lanterns along the rocky landscape, creating a serene and picturesque retreat by the ocean.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple to Busan Train Station
Take a private transfer from Haedong Yonggungsa Temple to Busan Train Station.
KTX Train: Busan to Seoul
Take a high speed train from Busan to Seoul. Bathrooms are available on board.
Ibis Insadong (or similar)
Overnight in Seoul.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. Ibis Insadong offers a buffet with a combination of Korean and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Color Pool Museum
After breakfast, take a 20 minute private transfer to the Color Pool Museum. The Colorpool Museum is an art location where you can encounter colors with your five senses. It is a color-themed playground and one of the city's most Instagrammable spots. There are 9 different exhibits within the museum featuring different colors and concepts. Take some time here to play and get some colorful shots!
Ikseon-dong Neighborhood Exploration
After your colorful photoshoot, take a 15 minute transfer to the Ikseon-dong Neighborhood. Ikseon-dong is a historic neighborhood in Seoul known for its traditional Korean architecture, narrow alleyways, and a blend of old and new establishments. When exploring Ikseon-dong, visitors can stroll through its charming streets lined with hanok (traditional Korean houses) converted into trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. The area offers a unique juxtaposition of modern and traditional elements, making it a popular destination for those seeking a taste of both contemporary and historical Seoul. With its vibrant atmosphere, cultural shops, and culinary delights, Ikseon-dong provides a captivating experience for those interested in Seoul's rich heritage and evolving urban culture. You’ll have a chance to roam around and meet the guide at a designated spot. Recommend getting lunch here (at your own expense).
Costume Party and Photoshoot
From Ikseon-dong take a 15 minute transfer to a studio for a cheeky costume party and photoshoot. There will be a variety of costumes to choose from at the studio. What a fun way to capture fun photos of the group and celebrate the awesome week you all have had together!
dinner
Take a 20 minute transfer to Yeouido Hangang Park for a farewell dinner picnic, a staple activity of the locals. Dinner will typically be Korean fried chicken and pizza.
Ibis Insadong (or similar)
Overnight in Seoul.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. Ibis Insadong offers a buffet with a combination of Korean and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Physical Activity Level:Exploration
These trips require some movement, but slow and steady is the name of the game. Maybe a mid-length walking tour or at-your-pace sightseeing. No rush.
Cancellation Policy
We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:
Spot Pending
Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip
Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:
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Accommodations
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Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.
Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.
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