South Korea Family Getaway

Hwan-yeong! Welcome to Seoul – South Korea’s energetic capital, where futuristic skyscrapers, cutting-edge technology and rich traditions exist side by side. Bursting with culture, exciting neighbourhoods and incredible food, Seoul is the perfect place to begin your family adventure through South Korea.
Your journey starts with a welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon, where you’ll meet your local leader and the other families travelling with you. Afterwards, head out for a short walk up Naksan Mountain and enjoy beautiful views across Seoul’s impressive skyline as the city begins to light up for the evening.

Tonight, dive straight into Korea’s famous food scene with a visit to the lively Gwangjang Market. Wander through the bustling market stalls with your leader and sample delicious local favourites for dinner, perhaps trying spicy tteokbokki rice cakes, freshly made hand-cut noodles or other tasty Korean street food specialties.

• It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

After breakfast, set out with a local guide for an eye-opening visit to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) – the heavily guarded border separating North and South Korea. From the South Korean side, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the history and impact of the Korean War while visiting important landmarks such as the Third Tunnel of Aggression, the Unification Bridge, Imjingak Park and the Dora Observatory, where you can look across the border into North Korea.

After lunch, return to Seoul to explore the magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grand royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Surrounded by mountains and traditional architecture, the palace offers a fascinating glimpse into Korea’s royal past.
The remainder of the afternoon is free for your family to enjoy at your own pace. You may wish to continue exploring Seoul’s lively neighbourhoods, visit a local café or simply relax before another exciting day of adventure. Your leader will be happy to recommend great spots for dinner this evening.

Today is a full free day for you and your family to explore Seoul and choose from the many optional activities on offer. Try to keep up with the kids in a fun Taekwondo or K-pop dance class or visit some of the many museums, parks or kids’ cafes dotted around town.

Venture into nearby districts like modern, upscale Gangnam for some shopping, or Hongdae – a popular area with the young locals that’s full of urban art. Here, you can see street musicians and artists, wander through the many shops and cafes or, if visiting in summer, cool off in one of the outdoor swimming pools along the Han River. With so much to see and do, it's guaranteed to be a fun-filled day.

After breakfast, leave Seoul behind and travel east towards Gyeongju – the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom and one of South Korea’s most historic cities. Along the way, step into Korea’s past with a visit to the Yongin Korean Folk Village, where traditional culture is brought vividly to life.

Wander through beautifully preserved hanok houses, watch lively folk performances and discover hands-on cultural experiences the whole family can enjoy. Dress up in a colourful hanbok for memorable photos, try traditional archery and immerse yourself in the customs and daily life of historic Korea.
By evening, arrive in Gyeongju and settle into a peaceful hanok stay, where traditional Korean architecture and warm hospitality create a unique and memorable overnight experience.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Your accommodation tonight is a hanok (traditional Korean house) where you will sleep on a futon-like mattress placed on the floor. While floor bedding can be firm compared to standard western mattresses, the floors are heated and comfortable blankets and pillows provided.

This morning, head out to discover the historic wonders of Gyeongju, often called the “Golden City” thanks to its thousand-year history as the capital of the Silla Kingdom. During a guided walking tour, explore impressive royal tombs and visit the world’s oldest surviving astronomical observatory, learning more about the fascinating heritage and traditions of ancient Korea.

Later, continue to the peaceful Girimsa Temple for a special tea experience with a Buddhist monk. Listen to traditional Korean folk tales and discover how these stories inspired the popular K-pop Demon Hunters children’s film. You’ll also have the chance to create your own Buddhist rosary, making this a memorable hands-on cultural experience for the whole family.
After your temple visit, travel onward to Busan – South Korea’s vibrant coastal city and the country’s second largest. Settle in and prepare to spend the next three nights exploring its colourful neighbourhoods, beaches and exciting attractions.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Discover the highlights of Busan today, beginning with a visit to the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village. Famous for its hillside streets, maze-like alleyways, vibrant murals and brightly painted houses, this artistic neighbourhood is one of the city’s most photogenic and unique spots.

Next, enjoy a special cultural experience as you visit a local family home to learn how to prepare classic Korean dishes such as kimbap and kimchi. After helping create your meal, sit down together and enjoy a delicious homemade lunch.
Later, board a scenic train ride along the beautiful Haeundae coastline, where ocean views and seaside scenery make for a relaxing family experience. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy Busan at your own pace. You might choose to ride the famous Sky Capsule, relax on the sandy beach or simply watch the sunset over the sea.

If you’re lucky, there may also be a local baseball game happening nearby. Korean baseball games are lively, energetic and full of fun crowd traditions, making them a fantastic experience for families wanting to enjoy local culture in a unique way.

Begin your morning with a traditional Korean calligraphy class, where you’ll learn the art of beautiful brush writing and create a special keepsake to remember your family adventure in South Korea. It’s a fun and relaxing cultural activity for both kids and adults alike.
After an included lunch, the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Busan however you choose. You may wish to visit the stunning Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, dramatically perched along the coastline and especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in spring.

For more adventure, perhaps ride a cable car for panoramic views, visit a nearby amusement park or stroll along the scenic Busan Green Railway coastal trail. If relaxation is more your style, Busan’s nearby beaches are perfect for unwinding, with Songjeong Beach being a favourite among families and surfers during the warmer months.
Tonight, why not gather with your group for one final dinner and celebrate the unforgettable memories made during your South Korean family adventure.

Today after breakfast, make the speedy journey back to Seoul on a KTX high-speed train – the kids will love watching the views fly past! Your adventure comes to an end upon arrival at Seoul Station at around 2 pm. If you'd like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. Alternatively, if flying out today, there’s a non-stop service from Seoul Station to Incheon International Airport that takes around an hour. It’s recommended that you don’t book a flight that departs earlier than 7 pm to allow for travel time and potential delays.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.