South Korea Family Holiday

Hwan-yeong! Welcome to Seoul – South Korea's vibrant capital of high-tech gadgets, impressive skyscrapers and delicious eats. A modern Asian metropolis that blends bold futuristic intentions with strong links to the past, Seoul is one of Asia's great cities. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon. After, join your leader and the other families for a short walk up Naksan Mountain for an awesome view of the city skyline. Then take a stroll around Gwangjang night market with your leader and try some delicious local food for dinner.

After breakfast this morning, join a local guide for a tour of the fascinating Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). From the South Korean side of the Zone, you’ll learn how this peninsula has been divided since the devastating Korean War. You’ll visit the Third Tunnel of Aggression, the Unification Bridge, Imjingak Park and the Dora Observatory. After lunch visit Gyeongbukgung Palace – the impressive main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, then the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Explore Seoul’s many sights at your own pace or simply relax at the accommodation or a nearby café. Make sure to ask your leader for their recommendations on the best place for dinner tonight.

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 a hit of local Hallyu culture, or Hongdae - a popular area for urban art with the young locals. Here, you can see street musicians and artists, wander through the many shops and cafes or, if visiting in summer, you can 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 full-filled day.

After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to Seoul and head east towards the unique city of Gyeongju. On the way you'll step back in time at the Yongin Korean Folk Village, where tradition is not just displayed but lived. Stroll past charming hanok houses that whisper stories of the past, and watch dynamic folk performances that make history come alive before your eyes. Dress in a colourful hanbok (traditional clothing) and capture the perfect moment, take aim with a bow at the traditional archery range, and discover hands-on experiences that bring you closer to the spirit of Korean culture. Your journey comes to a graceful close in Gyeongju, where a peaceful hanok stay lets you end the day surrounded by Korean spirit.

Step out this morning to explore Gyeongju – commonly known as the Golden City because of its 1000-year-old history and many important cultural sites. On your guided walking tour you'll visit the Royal tombs and star observatory to learn more about the rich Silla heritage. Then visit Girimsa temple for a tea talk with a monk to hear tales of Korean folk religion and the connection these stories have to the super popular K-pop Demon Hunters kids film. There will also be an opportunity to get crafty and make your very own Buddhist rosary. Later leave the traditional culture behind and head to South Korea's second-largest city, Busan where you'll spend the next 3 nights.

Explore the best of Busan today starting with a visit to Gamcheon Culture Village – known for its layered streets, twisted labyrinth-like alleys, brightly painted houses and street art. Then visit a local family home for an introduction on how to cook different Korean foods like kimbap and kimchi. After a delicious lunch set off for a scenic, eco-friendly train ride that runs along the Haeundae coast and offers stunning views of the ocean. The rest of the day is then yours to enjoy. You might like to also take a ride on the Sky capsule or just spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach and watch the sun set. Make sure to ask your leader if there's any baseball games in town at the nearby stadium! Heading along to a Korean baseball game is a fun and unique experience you wont want to miss!

This morning you'll have the opportunity to create your own unique family motto stamp – a great keepsake that will always remind you of your time in Korea. Then the rest of your day is free for you to enjoy all the amazing things Busan has to offer. You may like to visit Haedong Yongungsa Temple – a picturesque scene that sits on the coastline, made even more beautiful during cherry blossom season. Perhaps take a walk on the Busan Green Railway – a 4.8 km coastal walking trail, take a ride on a cable car for sweeping views or visit the nearby amusement park to really get the adrenaline pumping! For a more relaxing day there's plenty of beaches nearby to enjoy a swim, Songjeong in particular is well-loved by families and surfers in the summer. This evening come back together for a group dinner to toast to your final night in Korea.

Today after breakfast, make the speedy journey back to Seoul on a KTX fast train – the kids will love watching the views fly past! Your adventure comes to an end upon arrival to Seoul Station at around 2pm. If you would like to stay longer just speak to your booking agent at time of booking so additional nights accommodation can be arranged. Alternatively if flying out today, there is a non-stop service from Seoul Station to Incheon International Airport that takes around 1 hour. We recommend not booking flights that depart earlier than 7pm to allow for travel time and potential delays.