Our favourite South Korea routes to inspire your trip - or contact us to start from scratch

There’s no one single way to “do” Korea – even if you stayed here for years, you’d still be discovering new things. However, you can still get a real feel for what this unique place is all about if you only have a couple of weeks – or even just a few days.

Between them, the itineraries in this section cover all of Korea’s most fascinating places, and even its most rewarding experiences – you could be doing anything from giving traditional archery a try in an ancient fortress, to learning how to make kimchi or makgeolli rice wine, to stepping across the North Korean border at the DMZ.

However, we design cultural adventures around your tastes and ideas, so tell us what you have in mind, and we’ll tailor your journey to a T.

Seoul Tower rises above beautiful cherry blossom trees agains vibrant sky background

Essential South Korea

From A$2,057 per person

While not East Asia’s cheapest destination, South Korea isn’t the most expensive either, and a visit to this dynamic and fascinating country doesn’t have to break the bank.

Two traditional folk dancers wearing masks dance in front of hanok houses in South Korea

South Korea Family Adventure

From A$5,232 per person

South Korea is a terrific place for visitors to pursue their active hobbies. Whether it’s hiking, cycling, or even ziplining, the country offers up a plethora of outdoor activities that will appeal to every member of the family, along with loads of fun and enriching cultural experiences.

Image of a Korean city in the rain at night, with neon signs and people walkign

Korean Wave

From A$6,026 per person

When it comes to pop culture, South Korea punches well above its weight, exporting films, TV dramas, and music all over the globe in a phenomenon known as Hallyu, or “Korean Wave.” Over almost two weeks, you’ll see firsthand how this small country has turned into a global entertainment powerhouse.

Front view of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan on a sunny day

Best of South Korea

From A$7,851 per person

South Korea might not look big on a map, but over the course of almost two weeks, this trip will show you that its size doesn’t matter at all – there’s so much to see, and you’ll be hitting all the top spots.

Autumn leaves at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul

Best of Korea & Japan

From A$8,400 per person

Vast cities, lush countryside, hyper-charged pop culture and superlative food: Japan and Korea are a classic combo.

Japanese food stalls and outdoor seating at night

A Taste of Japan & South Korea

From A$9,295 per person

Bibimbap and BBQ take on sushi and ramen in this showdown between Japan and Korea: two giants of the gastronomic world.

Jeju Island Extension

From A$1,627 per person

Whatever you’ve seen during your stay in Korea, a side-trip to Jeju Island will be the cherry on top. Koreans absolutely love the place (if you want proof, Seoul-to-Jeju is the world’s busiest flight route) – and you probably will too.

Ornate temple buildings and bridge on the coast with breaking waves

South Korea Highlights

From A$4,292 per person

If you’d like a trip that’s low on intensity but high on interest, this one’s for you – focusing on three contrasting destinations, it keeps travel time to a minimum. Though you’ll be taken to all the best sights, you’ll also have plenty of time in each place to simply do your own thing.

Panoramic view of Seoul skyline at sunset

Seoul Stopover

From A$2,197 per person

Short on time but keen for a glimpse of South Korea? This trip packs a punch, giving as strong a flavour of the country as you can get in five days. It’s a Seoul stopover, but you’ll get to escape the city too.

Culinary Korea

From A$6,800 per person

From kimchi to KBBQ, this foodie-focused itinerary is the perfect introduction for anyone desperate for a taste of Korea’s culinary culture.

Our favourite places in South Korea

A pine-covered peninsula of undulating mountains and emerald rice paddies, fringed with beaches and surrounded by a confetti-like sprinkling of islands: Korea may be the world’s second-most densely populated country after Bangladesh, but it’s not all ceaseless urbanity (though Seoul and Busan offer city-slicking opportunities aplenty).

Here's our guide to the best known, plus some lesser known favourites.

South Korea places