The Great Korean Loop
Between Seoul's palaces and Jeju's volcanoes, South Korea reveals its contrasts over 3000 kilometers of discoveries.
Duration
20 days
From
€3,300/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, Honeymoon
The spirit of travel
Embark on a grand adventure in Corée du Sud, designed as an immersion into culture, nature and local experiences.
From Seoul to the south coast, this itinerary immerses you in a contrasting Corée du Sud: palaces and urban traditions, lively neighborhoods, but also authentic villages such as Andong and Hahoe.
You will then experience the maritime atmosphere of Busan with its markets, seaside temples and beaches, before heading to Jeju Island, a volcanic land perfect for relaxation and hiking.
The rest of the journey reveals a greener and more exclusive Corée du Sud, with temples, gardens, coastal wetlands and tea hills in Suncheon and Boseong.
Finally, you return to Seoul to end on a gentle note, with possible excursions and a deeper discovery of the capital.
A complete itinerary, between adventure, landscapes and local immersion, accompanied with dedication by the team on the ground.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in the Korean capital
Airport pickup by a private driver, who will accompany you to your accommodation. Upon arrival, an English-speaking member of our local team will be waiting for you to review your trip details and provide you with your essential documents.
Round-trip transfers from airports to city centers in a private vehicle
Seoul is an essential stop for discovering South Korea. Located on the banks of the Han River, the capital and largest city in the country, is home to numerous monuments and cultural sites, three of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This includes the Changdeokgung Palace and its secret garden, the Jongmyo Shrine, as well as royal tombs dating from the Joseon dynasty. Seoul is also one of the birthplaces of K-pop, which developed there before gaining international recognition.
Depending on your arrival time in the land of the morning calm, you may be able to start your first visits with the Jogyesa Temple, then discover the Insadong district, renowned for its art galleries and souvenir shops.
Seoul and the Vestiges of the Joseon Dynasty
You will also discover theBuckchon hanok village and its famous hanoks, traditional Korean houses.
You can spend your evening in the trendy Jongno district, or along the Cheonggyecheon stream, after a good traditional meal at the Gwangjang market.
Recommended optional activity: The "Local friend" day: you can spend this day with an English-speaking local living in Seoul who will introduce you to Korean culture and local life. You can also choose to take a cooking class, participate in a tea ceremony or attend a traditional show.
Visit of Traditional Neighborhoods of Seoul
Start your day with the changing of the guard and a visit to the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Continue your discovery with the square Gwanghwamun, where you can admire a statue of King Sejong, then head to the Namdaemun Market.
Enjoy your evening at the Namsan Seoul Tower. From there, you can enjoy an incredible view of Seoul.
Heading to Andong
A member of our team will accompany you to the bus station, present you with the rest of your stay itinerary and provide you with additional documents, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.
You will then take the bus to Andong, an emblematic city of the Joseon dynasty and Confucianism. Even today, it retains many testimonies from this era, which make all the charm of this traditional destination.
Near Andong, go discover the village of Hahoe as well as its Hahoe Mask Museum. You will be able to watch the mask dance which takes place from 2 pm to 3 pm, a traditional performance unique in South Korea.
Enjoy the rest of the day to discover the Byeongsan Seowon Confucianism School.
On the road to Busan
Head to the coast and the city of Busan. The train journey from Gyeongju will allow you to enjoy beautiful landscapes along the coastline.
The country's second largest city, Busan is appealing for its beaches, its large parks, as well as its department stores and luxury restaurants, offering a particularly pleasant urban and seaside atmosphere.
Once settled in your accommodation, you can enjoy a typical dish made with raw fish at the fish market. Then, as you stroll around the area, you will discover the artistic district Gamcheon Cultural Village, the Busan Tower, as well as the Busan Film Festival street.
Enjoy, in the evening, the Gwangalli Beach and the waterfront atmosphere, with its illuminated bridge.
Recommended optional activity: Night yacht tour in Gwangalli Bay.
Under the Charm of Busan
Start your day at the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of the rare temples built by the sea.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Haeundae Beach and on the Dongbaek peninsula. If you wish, you can also visit the Busan Aquarium.
Recommended optional activity: Hanji paper decoration craft workshop.
Heading to Jeju Island, the island of lovers
The Jeju Island is known as a destination associated with romance and lovers. Many newlyweds come here to share a getaway for two, drawn by the island's special atmosphere. Its landscapes offer an inspiring setting, between moments of rest by the beach and opportunities for hiking on volcanoes. Jeju can be discovered in any season, with panoramas that change colors throughout the year.
The flight from Busan lasts about 1 hour. Once at Jeju airport, you will reach the city of Seogwipo, in the south of the island, by limousine bus.
Take advantage of the rest of the day to discover the surroundings, by visiting for example the Cheonjiyeon waterfalls, or by exploring marine fauna and flora aboard a submarine. You can also taste the local gastronomy at the Seogwipo market.
The Beauty of Jejudo
Early in the morning, take a stroll on the Jungmun Saekdal Beach. You might be lucky enough to encounter the famous Haenyos, these divers inscribed in UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage.
Continue your discoveries by crossing the Seonimgyo Bridge, called the bridge of nymphs, to reach the Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls and its turquoise pool.
Then head to the Jusangjeolli Cliffs, formed after the eruption of the volcano Hallasan.
Your last stop of the day will be the Yakcheonsa Temple, one of the island's most iconic Buddhist sites.
Jeju Island, a volcanic island
Follow the traces of volcanoes, starting with Seongsan Ilchulbong, an ancient volcano located by the sea. The climb to the summit takes about twenty minutes and will allow you to enjoy a beautiful view of Jeju's landscapes.
You can also visit the Manjanggul Lava Tunnel, an impressive lava tunnel.
Finally, you will discover the Sangumburi crater, formed by a secondary volcano on the island, and known for hosting very rich biodiversity.
Haeinsa, Guardian of Buddhist Tablets
Domestic flight to reach the city of Daegu.
In Daegu, you will take possession of your rental car with a pre-programmed GPS, then head towards the Temple Haeinsa.
This Buddhist temple holds a major place, as it preserves the famous Tripitaka Koreana, sacred Buddhist texts engraved on wooden tablets.
Suncheon and its Bay
Start your day by visiting the International Garden, which, as its name suggests, brings together gardens designed according to the specificities of different countries.
Continue your visit with Suncheon Bay, a 40 km long coastal marsh surrounded by 54 km² of reeds. This site is an essential ecological resource for migratory birds and offers a beautiful seaside walk.
You will end the day with a visit to Songgwangsa Temple, located on Mount Jogyesan. Many monks have been trained there, which is why it is considered one of the three jewels of Buddhism in Corée du Sud.
Boseong and its tea plantations
Today, head out on an excursion to Boseong.
Along the way, you will stop at the village of Nagan, to discover its fortress and traditional houses.
You will arrive at the tea plantations, among the largest in South Korea. Nestled on hillsides, they create a harmonious landscape, between the green of the leaves and the bluish hues of the sea and sky.
Mount Maisan and Tapsa Temple
Today, heading to Maisan Mountain, the Mountain with Horse's Ears, for a hike through its landscapes.
You will also discover the Tapsa temple and its many stone pagodas, which make the uniqueness of the place.
Night in Jeonju.
Jeonju, South Korea's West
In the downtown area of Jeonju you will find a hanok village, featuring traditional Korean houses.
You can stroll through its 800 typical dwellings, and learn more about the lifestyle and local culture. Whether by day or night, the atmosphere is particularly conducive to wandering.
You can notably visit the Hyanggyo of Jeonju and the sanctuary Gyeonggijeon Shrine.
And above all, don't forget to taste a bibimbap.
Back in Seoul
You will take a comfortable express bus to return to Seoul.
Once settled into your accommodation, go discover the vibrant atmosphere of the Myeongdong Market.
Excursion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
Option 1
Excursion to discover the DMZ, to better understand the recent history of the Korean peninsula. You will be able to see Imijingak, the Bridge of No Return, Camp Bonifas, the border between North and South Korea, as well as the JSA.
Option 2
Many visits are possible in the Gangnam District, from the COEX Mall shopping center to the royal tombs of Seonjeongneung, passing through the Bogeunsa Temple.
You can also go shopping on Apgujeong Rodeo Street, then finish the day with a walk in Seoul Forest.
Suwon Fortress in the suburbs of Seoul
This excursion outside Seoul, to Suwon, will allow you to discover one of the must-see sites in the region: the Hwaseong Fortress, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Return to the city.
Yeouido Island
Enjoy a leisurely day on Yeouido Island, along the Han River.
Walking or cycling tours will allow you to discover beautiful landscapes along the river.
And to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Seoul, head to 63 Tower.
Good return and see you soon!
Time to head back: you're heading to the airport after experiencing a culturally rich stay in Corée du Sud, which has allowed you to discover many facets of the land of the morning calm.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights and related taxes
- The various options offered in the program, as supplements
- Personal expenses
- Other transportation not mentioned as included
- Tips (guides, assistants)
- Insurance
- Entrance tickets to sites (except palace pass in Seoul)
Included
- Round trip transfer from Incheon Airport in a private taxi
- Travel briefing at your arrival at the first accommodation
- Accommodations with breakfast included (if available)
- The transport card (T-money)
- The Access Pass for visiting the 4 Palaces in Seoul + Jongmyo Shrine
- A Korean SIM card with unlimited internet + 10 minutes of local calls
- KTX (Korean high-speed train) journeys between the different stages, Seoul - Andong, Gyeongju - Busan and Jeonju - Seoul
- The regional train route between Andong - Gyeongju
- The round-trip transfer from the railway station to the accommodation in Andong
- The round-trip transfer from the railway station to accommodation in Gyeongju
- Domestic round-trip flights in economy class between Busan - Jeju and applicable taxes
- Car rental for 4 days on Jeju Island and for 3 days from Suncheon to Jeonju
- Travel documents
- Organization and optimization of travel with an advisor based in South Korea
- 24/7 telephone support
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
• More than 45 days before departure: 30% of the total price of the trip and/or the canceled service;
• Between 45 and 22 days before departure: 50% of the total price of the trip and/or the canceled service;
• Between 21 and 8 days before departure: 75% of the total price of the trip and/or the canceled service;
• Less than 8 days before departure and after the departure date: 100% of the total price of the trip and/or the canceled service.
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to South Korea for tourism purposes. Entry regulations may change, so we recommend verifying information with official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter South Korea, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay and have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa-exempt tourism stay
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada are eligible for visa exemption for tourism stays.
This exemption allows stays of up to 90 days on South Korean territory. This period is generally not extendable on site for tourism purposes.
Authorities may also request:
an outbound travel ticket (return flight or onward travel),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation address in South Korea.
Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)
Nationals eligible for visa exemption must in principle obtain a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before departure.
However, South Korea has implemented a temporary suspension of the K-ETA requirement for many countries eligible for visa exemption, including EEA member states, Switzerland, and Canada. This suspension has been extended multiple times; you should verify its current status before departure on the official South Korean authorities website.
When K-ETA is required, the application is submitted online and requires:
passport information,
a recent photograph,
flight and accommodation details in South Korea.
The application must be submitted at least 72 hours before departure. A digital confirmation is issued upon approval.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should contact the embassy or consulate of South Korea in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation and repatriation assistance and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy outlining all coverage and claim reporting procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
For a tourist stay, you must obtain a K-ETA authorization online before departure (approximately 10,000 won). Your passport must be valid. Before booking your trip, check the entry requirements applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 180 and 280 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros round-trip) are additional. South Korea combines urban modernity and rural authenticity at reasonable rates.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each trip to match your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on-site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Seoul Region
Travel Consultant, based in Seoul
What I love about Korea is this constant contrast between Seoul's energy and the serenity of places like Jeju. You can experience several journeys in just one trip.
— Magali
