Korea for Families

Upon your arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be welcomed by a local English-speaking guide and then transferred to Seoul.

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a harmonious blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge innovation. As a sprawling metropolis, it boasts historic palaces, bustling markets, futuristic architecture, and a vibrant arts scene, making it a cultural, technological, and historical hub in East Asia.

The rest of the day is free to relax or explore on your own.

Set out for a full day exploring Seoul. Start your morning by visiting one of the hanbok rental shops near Gyeongbokgung Palace. The traditional Korean dresses, known as ‘hanbok’, date back to the Joseon era but today are only worn for special occasions. Choose the hanboks that appeal to your family and get dressed. Available in a variety of colours, renting a hanbok is a fun way to experience a taste of Korean culture and capture memorable photos from your palace visits.

Next, visit Gyeongbokgung (Gyongbok) Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Originally built in 1395, it was expanded in 1867 to become the largest, and arguably most beautiful of Seoul’s five palaces, with 330 buildings in total.

During your visit to the palace, you may wish to see The National Folk Museum. Located within the palace grounds, the museum contains interesting exhibits about the history of Korean people and their culture. If time allows, witness the ceremonial changing of the guard which takes place at 10:00 and 14:00 at Gwanghwamun Gate.

Afterwards, head back to the hanbok rental shop to return your outfit, concluding your morning tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

From there, take a short walk to Bukchon Hanok. This village dates back to the Joseon period and features traditional Korean houses, called hanok, many of which are still inhabited today. Spend time exploring the area, getting a closer look at the unusual architecture and learning about traditional village life.

The last visit today is Changdeokgung Palace, another palace from the Joseon dynasty.  In addition to being one of the best preserved palaces, this UNESCO site is known for its Secret Garden where man-made structures were built in harmony with the natural surroundings.

Return to your hotel to freshen up and head out for dinner on your own. You may wish to stroll through Insadong District, an area known for its art galleries, traditional tea rooms, and souvenir shops.  For kids, Insagdong’s Alive Museum is a fun place to visit as it is full of optical illusions and other unusual art.

Today, you will be exploring the locations related to the biggest K-pop stars including ones from YG & HYBE in Seoul.

Meet the guide at the hotel and begin your journey with a guided walking tour along the picturesque Cheonggyecheon Stream. Dive into the bustling streets of Myeongdong, visiting Kyobo Book Centre's Hottracks for the latest K-pop albums.

Next, continue to the Hongdae area for the iconic YG building of YG Entertainment that has worked with many superstars including BLACKPINK, BIGBANG, 2NE1 and Psy. Make a stop at the SameE Cafe, selling their artists’ limited merchandise and infamous Old Ferry Donuts. After browsing the store, take a stroll around the block passing by the X Academy, the dance and vocal academy of YG Entertainment.

This afternoon, continue your K-pop journey to HYBE Entertainment, home to K-pop superstars BTS, and known as the most successful K-pop company in the industry today. (Note:HYBE Insight Museum is currently closed)

Head out to the Gangnam area and take a stroll along the K-star Road, a high end shopping area filled with  cafes and luxury brands along the road. Take a snap with Gangnam bear dolls, symbolising the K-stars, before continuing to the old Big Hit Building around the block, following the memories of early days of BTS.

Enjoy a moment of relaxation and reflection at Cafe Hyuga, the previous dorm of BTS members, recently renovated into a cafe and bakery, where fans and coffee lovers alike can come to appreciate its drink and food offerings.

After an early breakfast, your driver (no guide service) will pick you up and transfer to Geumsansa Temple for a memorable experience. Geumsunsa Temple is a mountain temple located in Bukhansan National Park, surrounded by beautiful nature, yet located in the middle of Seoul City.

Upon arrival, enjoy a healthy vegetarian lunch with the simplicity of temple cuisine. Next, begin the temple orientation tour around the compound for a unique opportunity to experience the simple, yet rewarding lifestyle of Korean Buddhist monks. Participate in the craft making activity or Buddhist ritual practice of the day such as Singing Bowl meditation, making lotus lanterns or making Buddhist prayer beads, etc.

End your relaxing day with a tea with monks and the opportunity to talk with the monks about temple life. Afterwards, transfer back to the hotel and the remainder of the evening is at leisure. 

Today is free and at leisure. Choose to visit Lotte World and Namsan Tower, or other sites. 

Transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Jeju Island, a volcanic island renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes.

Upon arrival, meet with your guide and driver and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. If your hotel isn’t available for an early check in, you can start the day of touring directly with a visit to Jusangjeolli Cliffs, known for their unique hexagonal basalt columns formed through volcanic activities. Through designated paths and platforms, you can enjoy the scenery and take photographs of this geological marvel.

This afternoon, your exploration of Jeju Island continues with a drive along the southern coast line. Take an easy 20-30 minute hike to Sanbanggulsa Temple, a cliffside rock cave. Take time to explore the cave and enjoy the views from the cliffside before continuing on foot to nearby Bomunsa Temple and Sanbangsan Mountain Park.

Your final stop of the day is a three tier Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls. As the water plunges down the three tiers, it creates a mesmerizing spectacle of cascading falls and tranquil pools. Then transfer back to the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Geomum Oreum for a hike through the largest lava tube system on the island.  Prior to the hike, get an overview of the terrain and its geological history with a short visit to the Jeju World Natural Heritage Center, conveniently located across from the Geomum Oreum information desk.

Take the summit course trail for a 1 hour trek (1.8 km) that will give you a closer look at Jeju’s fascinating lava tubes and volcanic cones, called oreums.

After the trek, continue your geological exploration with a visit to Manjaggul Cave. Take a walk inside this massive lava tube, admiring the stalactites, stalactites and stone pillars found in the natural cave.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by a break at the hotel to relax and freshen up.

This evening, visit Dongmun Market, a vibrant market that blends the elements of a street market, night market, traditional market, and seafood market. Take a walk through the market and sample an array of delectable treats before continuing to a local restaurant for dinner. 

After breakfast, your driver (no guide service) will pick you up and begin your morning at Shinhwa World Theme Park. Spend a couple of hours exploring the various rides and attractions, which cater to all ages. Enjoy the themes centered around popular characters, and don't miss the thrilling rides.

After your time at Shinhwa World, take a short drive to the Teddy Bear Museum. Marvel at the wide array of teddy bears in different settings and themes. The museum is a fun and unique experience, showcasing teddy bears in artistic and historical contexts.

Transfer back to your hotel and the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. 

Day at leisure until your transfer to Jeju airport for your onward departure flight.