Best South Korea Tours from Seoul

Best Time to Start Your South Korea Tour from Seoul

The most popular times to visit South Korea are spring, from April to June, and autumn, from September to November. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and lower humidity.

Spring averages temperatures between 7-20°C (45-68°F), offering opportunities to admire cherry blossoms. Autumn averages temperatures between 10-23°C (50-73°F), featuring clear skies ideal for viewing autumn foliage.

Transportation from Seoul

There are several transportation options available for traveling from Seoul to major cities in South Korea. You may consider the following alternatives.

● Korea Train eXpress (KTX): The high-speed KTX train is the fastest way to travel from Seoul to major cities. For example, the journey from Seoul to Busan takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. The trip from Seoul to Daegu takes only 1 hour and 42 minutes. It is the most popular choice for long-distance travel, but advance ticket booking is recommended, especially during holidays and weekends.

● Express Buses: Buses can take you to more destinations, though naturally they aren't as fast as KTX. For example, the fastest bus from Seoul to Busan takes 4 hours and 30 minutes. The bus from Seoul to Gwangju takes 3 hours and 40 minutes.

● Domestic Flights: For longer distances, such as traveling to Jeju Island or Busan, flying is a viable option. Seoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP) offers frequent flights to domestic destinations, significantly reducing travel time. The flight from Seoul to Jeju takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. Traveling to Busan takes just 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Major Cities and Attractions in South Korea

Seoul is the capital of South Korea and its political and economic center. It is also typically the first stop on a trip to South Korea.

Popular Attractions in Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most grand of the five Joseon Dynasty palaces. Namsan Seoul Tower provides a 360-degree view of the city. Bukchon Hanok Village offers a glimpse into traditional Korean life with its historic houses. There's also Lotte World, a family-friendly theme park featuring marine life exhibits.

Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, and a major port.

Popular Attractions in Busan: Haeundae Beach is famous for its wide sandy shore. Gamcheon Culture Village, with its colorful houses built into a hillside, is known as the "Machu Picchu of Busan." Jagalchi Fish Market is a sprawling market where you can choose fresh seafood and have it prepared on-site. Oryukdo Skywalk offers breathtaking views of the ocean and features a glass walkway, adding an extra thrill to the journey.

Jeonju, home to traditional hanok villages and distinctive local cuisine, is a major city in southwestern Korea.

Popular Attractions in Jeonju: The Jeonju Hanok Village is a main highlight, with over 800 traditional houses. The area is known for its delicious food, especially the city's signature dish, bibimbap. Visitors can also rent a traditional Hanbok to wear while exploring the village.

Jeju Island is South Korea's largest island and a renowned local resort destination, with beautiful scenery and distinctive local agricultural products.

Popular Attractions in Jeju Island: Hallasan is South Korea's highest peak, ideal for sightseeing and hiking. At Seongsan Ilchulbong, a volcanic crater formed by eruptions, you'll find the best spot to watch the sunrise. Seongeup Folk Village preserves traditional thatched-roof houses and an ancient village layout. While on Jeju Island, be sure to sample the famous local delicacies: black pork and mandarins.

Classic South Korea Tours from Seoul

Tours in South Korea typically begin in the capital before visiting historical and cultural sites in other regions. We have compiled a classic itinerary for your reference.

7-Day Itinerary: Seoul, Gyeongju & Busan

Days 1-3: Seoul. Explore key landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. Discover a modern side of the city by visiting Gangnam or Hongdae. Take a day trip from Seoul to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the border between North and South Korea. This is one of the most popular tours from Seoul, providing a unique historical experience.

Days 4-5: Gyeongju. Take the KTX train to Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom offers a glimpse into Korea's rich history, featuring attractions such as Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and the royal burial mounds at Tumuli Park.

Day 6-7: Busan. From Gyeongju, it's a short bus or train ride to Busan, South Korea's second-largest city. Explore Gamcheon Culture Village, relax on Haeundae Beach, and experience the lively Jagalchi Fish Market.