South Korea Luxury Itinerary - July 2023

1. Day 1: Seoul
   30 minutes (19 miles) from Incheon International Airport

   Explore the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. Enjoy a luxury lunch at Jungsik, a two Michelin-starred restaurant known for its Korean haute cuisine. Take a stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream and end the day with a walk around the Bukchon Hanok Village.

2. Day 2: Jeju Island
   1 hour 10 minutes (279 miles) flight from Seoul

   Visit the Seongsan Sunrise Peak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the island. Take a walk along the Jeju Olle Trail and enjoy the scenic views of the ocean. Unwind with a soothing massage at the Jeju Hana Hotel Spa, known for its luxury treatments.

3. Day 3: Busan
   1 hour 40 minutes (267 miles) KTX train from Jeju Island

   Visit the Gamcheon Culture Village, also known as the "Santorini of Korea" for its colorful houses built on the foothills. Enjoy a seafood lunch at the Jagalchi Market, the largest seafood market in Korea. Take a walk along the Haeundae Beach and end the day with a visit to the Beomeosa Temple, a Buddhist temple founded in 678 AD.

4. Day 4: Gyeongju
   3 hours 20 minutes (207 miles) KTX train from Busan

   Visit the Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous temples in Korea. Explore the Gyeongju National Museum and learn about the history and culture of the Silla Kingdom. End the day with a visit to the Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia.

5. Day 5: Andong
   2 hours (76 miles) KTX train from Gyeongju

   Visit the Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a traditional Korean village located in the foothills of Hwasan Mountain. Enjoy a traditional Korean lunch at a local restaurant and learn how to make Andong's famous mackerel dish at the Andong Mackerel Cooking Experience Center. End the day with a visit to the Bongjeongsa Temple, a Buddhist temple founded in the 9th century.

6. Day 6: Suwon
   1 hour (21 miles) KTX train from Seoul

   Visit the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Korean architecture. Enjoy a traditional Korean lunch at the Suwon Galbi restaurant, known for its delicious beef short ribs. Take a stroll along the Paldalmun Gate and end the day with a visit to the Korean Folk Village, an open-air museum showcasing Korean traditional culture.

7. Day 7: Incheon
   1 hour (30 miles) KTX train from Seoul

   Visit the Songdo Central Park, a 1.8 million square meter park located in the heart of Songdo International Business District. Enjoy a seafood lunch at the Incheon Fish Market, known for its fresh seafood and bustling atmosphere. End the day with a visit to the Incheon Chinatown, an area filled with traditional Chinese architecture and delicious street food.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Gyeongbokgung Palace (2-3 hours, KRW 3,000)
• Jungsik restaurant (2-3 hours, KRW 200,000)
• Seongsan Sunrise Peak (2-3 hours, KRW 2,000)
• Jeju Hana Hotel Spa (2-3 hours, KRW 200,000)
• Gamcheon Culture Village (2-3 hours, free)
• Jagalchi Market (1-2 hours, KRW 50,000)
• Haeundae Beach (1-2 hours, free)
• Bulguksa Temple (2-3 hours, KRW 5,000)
• Gyeongju National Museum (2-3 hours, KRW 3,000)
• Cheomseongdae Observatory (1 hour, KRW 1,000)
• Hahoe Folk Village (2-3 hours, KRW 3,000)
• Andong Mackerel Cooking Experience Center (1-2 hours, KRW 50,000)
• Bongjeongsa Temple (1-2 hours, KRW 1,000)
• Hwaseong Fortress (2-3 hours, KRW 1,500)
• Suwon Galbi restaurant (2-3 hours, KRW 50,000)
• Korean Folk Village (3-4 hours, KRW 18,000)
• Songdo Central Park (2-3 hours, free)
• Incheon Fish Market (1-2 hours, KRW 50,000)
• Incheon Chinatown (2-3 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: KRW 634,500

Recommendations

If you have a bit more time, consider visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to learn about the history and tensions between North and South Korea. You could also take a day trip to the island of Nami, known for its beautiful scenery and filming location for the popular Korean drama "Winter Sonata". To maximize your fun, try some traditional Korean activities such as wearing a hanbok, learning to make kimchi, or attending a K-pop concert. Lastly, don't forget to try some of Korea's famous street food such as tteokbokki, hotteok, and bungeoppang!