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    Luxury South Korea
    Tours made for you

    Inspired luxury travel to South Korea, designed for you
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    Seoul

    futuristic and cultural

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    Bulguksa Temple

    one of South Korea's UNESCO World Heritage Site

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    Gyeongju City

    known as a museum without walls

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    Busan

    is an energetic port city

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    Jeju Island

    dominated by the Hallasan volcano

    A diverse country full of charm

    Futuristic cities, a booming economy, traditional villages and over 5,000 years of history and tradition – there are few places that blend the old and the new in quite the same way as South Korea. The north and south may have parted ways in 1953 after the Korean War, but while the former remains off limits, South Korea is very much open for business.

    It is small, especially in comparison to some of its colossal neighbours, but South Korea is one of Asia’s most diverse nations. On a SouthKorea luxury tour you’ll find intoxicating cities, serene countryside, volcanic islands, traditional villages, lush rice paddies and three different seas lapping at its shores.

    The capital, Seoul, is an exciting metropolis of neon lights and non-stop activity. This is most people’s first introduction to South Korea and it doesn’t disappoint. It is the country’s economic powerhouse and while its frenetic ways are part of its charm, this is also a city packed with history and tradition.

    In the south, second city Busan enjoys a pleasant seaside setting backed by mountains and is slightly more relaxed than the capital though still has everything that makes South Korea so fascinating. It is also within easy reach of Gyeongju, the former capital of the great Silla dynasty, and is now known as the museum without walls thanks to its proliferation of fascinating historic temples, shrines and tombs.

    Well over half of South Korea is forested which makes it a great destination for lovers of the outdoors. The mountains are a hiker’s dream in spring and autumn, then come winter they are transformed into ski slopes. Rugged peaks give way to coastal plains and a scattering of islands, most notably the popular volcanic Jeju, lay just off its southern shores.

    Aside from its cities and countryside, there is another major reason to travel to South Korea: its food. Spicy, sour and sweet, Korean food is a pure delight and you’ll be spoiled for choice with street stalls and markets everywhere you go. For the dedicated foodies, we suggest a traditional ‘hanok’ homestay in Jeonju, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy home of bibimbap. And of course there’s the people. Koreans are renowned for their friendliness and your lingering memories are bound to include the people you met along the way.

    Highlights

    Gyeongju, the former capital of the Silla kingdom and once the largest city in the world. Delve deep into the ancient history of this ‘museum without walls’

    Discover the delights of Korean cuisine on foodie tours. Taste traditional delicacies, such as bibimbap, dumplings, pancakes, makgeolli rice wine and many different types of tea

    Visit Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden in Seoul during sakura season (cherry blossom)- one of the most picturesque places to see the blossoms

    South Korea will always hold a special place in my heart having spent time living there. I love the people, the food and the exciting combination of futuristic cities and ancient culture. I’m not sure there is anywhere else quite like it in the world. I highly recommend a South Korea adventure for anyone looking for a unique experience.

    Rachel O'Leary headshot

    Rachel O'Leary

    Senior Travel Designer

    Luxury accommodation in South Korea

    There are many incredible places to stay in South Korea. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

    Why book with Jacada?

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    Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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    Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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    Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your South Korea luxury tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Where to go

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    Seoul

    Home to over half the population and a city of stimulating contrasts. Modern and ancient, energetic and peaceful. Skyscrapers and serene Buddhist temples give way to a hikers paradise in the nearby mountains.

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    Busan thumbnail

    Busan

    One of the busiest port cities in the world, Busan’s energy is palpable. A city of stark variations with brightly decorated houses, ancient temples, buzzing restaurants and bars, lively fish markets and plenty of opportunity to hike in the surrounding countryside.

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    Gyeongju

    Gyeongju seems almost covered in historical buildings and ruins, including the 8th century Bulguksa Temple and nearby Seokguram Grotto. Let your expert guide bring the ancient lives of the Silla dynasty to life here.

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    Jeju Island

    An island of natural beauty, exciting hiking and some of the most delicious seafood in the world. Watch in awe as the haenyeo ‘sea women’ free dive for clams, abalone, octopus, squid and seaweed.

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    Jeonju

    Hancock Village is the traditional neighbourhood of Jeonju City. Wooden houses form a maze of cobbled streets with an atmosphere of a bygone era. The food scene here draws Koreans from far and wide who spend the day wandering the hundreds of food stalls.

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    Meet your Asia team

    When to visit

    Although exact dates for the cherry blossom cannot be guaranteed, your best chance of seeing it is to visit from late March to mid-April. If you travel on a South Korea private tour from September to November, you’ll be treated to an explosion of autumn colour, while winter is great for winter sports enthusiasts. July to August is South Korea’s monsoon season, so we suggested avoiding this time of year.

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    Cherry blossoms

    March - April

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    Winter sports

    December - February

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    Rainy Season

    July - August

    When is the Best Time to Visit South Korea?

    When is the Best Time to Visit South Korea?

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    Plan your trip to
    South Korea

    Whatever you want from your adventure in South Korea, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Plan with peace of mind

    When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.

    If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.

    Find out more
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