Blossoms and Beaches: A Journey through Seoul and Busan

Day 1: Arrival in Seoul & Welcome Arrival & Check-in: Welcome the group and assist with check-in at the accommodation in Seoul. Exploration in Myeongdong: After some rest, we’ll head out to explore Myeongdong, a lively district known for its shopping and street food. We’ll also leave room for discovering hidden gems along the way. Dinner: We’ll gather for a group dinner to start off the journey, and together we’ll experience some authentic Korean cuisine for the first time.

Day 2: Discovering Seoul’s Culture and History Yeongbokgung Palace: Start the day with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of Seoul’s most famous landmarks. We’ll also explore the grounds together and learn as we go. For free entrance to the palace, we can rent Hanbok (traditional Korean attire) and take some memorable photos in this beautiful setting.

Bukchon Hanok Village: We’ll continue to Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional area with beautiful Korean houses. I’ve read about the cultural significance of this area and will guide you through, but we’ll also explore freely and take in the scenic views.

Insadong: Afterward, we’ll visit Insadong, a street known for art, craft shops, and traditional tea houses. We'll feel free to explore and experience this vibrant neighborhood together. Evening: Cheonggyecheon Stream: We’ll end the day with a peaceful walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream. It’s a serene urban stream that offers a break from the busy city life. Let’s enjoy a relaxing evening as we take in the city’s nighttime atmosphere.

Day 3: Blending the Old and the New in Seoul Namsan Seoul Tower: We’ll visit the famous Namsan Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city. I’ve found that it’s a popular spot for tourists, and we’ll take the time to explore the area, including the Locks of Love, where visitors leave padlocks as a symbol of love and wishes. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): After lunch, we’ll head to Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a futuristic building that hosts exhibitions and events. I’m excited to see the impressive architecture firsthand, and we can explore the nearby Dongdaemun Market for fashion and street food.

Hongdae: In the evening, we’ll head to Hongdae, famous for its youthful vibe and street performances. I’ll show you around, but we’ll also leave time to explore and soak in the area’s vibrant energy.

Day 4: A Historical Trip to the DMZ DMZ Tour: Today, we’ll take a guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), an important historical site between North and South Korea. We’ll visit significant spots like Imjingak Park and the Dora Observatory. Since it’s my first time as well, we’ll be learning together about this crucial aspect of Korea’s history. Return to Seoul for some free time. Relax or explore more of the city together.

Day 5: Enjoying Seoul’s Nature Yeouido Hangang Park: We’ll spend the morning at Yeouido Hangang Park, a popular spot for cherry blossoms in spring. I’ve heard that it’s one of the most beautiful parks in Seoul, so we’ll take our time strolling along the river and enjoying the natural scenery.

Hangang Bridge: After spending time at the park, we’ll take a leisurely walk across the iconic Hangang Bridge, which offers fantastic panoramic views of the river, Seoul’s bustling city skyline, and surrounding nature. This will be a relaxed day for us to enjoy the beauty of the city, take photos, and soak in the unique atmosphere of Seoul, blending modern life with the calm of the river. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind and appreciate the city's vibrant yet peaceful charm.

Itaewon: In the evening, we’ll head to Itaewon, a vibrant neighborhood known for its diverse international cuisine. There are some fantastic restaurants in the area, and we can enjoy a fun group dinner while reflecting on our experiences in Seoul.

Day 6: Traveling to Busan KTX to Busan: We’ll take the KTX train to Busan, which I’ve heard offers amazing views of the countryside along the way. It’s a comfortable 2.5-hour ride, and I’ll make sure everyone is settled in.

Gwangalli Beach: Once in Busan, we’ll check in and head to Gwangalli Beach. I’ve read that the view of the Gwangan Bridge at night is breathtaking, so we’ll spend time enjoying the beach and relaxing. Dinner by the Beach: We’ll dine at a local restaurant near the beach, sampling fresh seafood and other Busan specialties.

Day 7: Exploring Busan’s Coast Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: We’ll start the day with a visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, which I’ve researched as one of the few temples located by the sea. The views are said to be spectacular, and we’ll take our time exploring this unique spot.

Haeundae Beach: Next, we’ll visit Haeundae Beach, Busan’s most famous beach. We’ll take a relaxing walk along the sand and visit Dongbaekseom Island nearby, which offers great walking paths and views. Optional: For those interested, we can explore the Haeundae Night Market and try local street food.

Day 8: Discovering Busan’s Culture Gamcheon Culture Village: In the morning, we’ll visit the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village. Known for its vibrant street art and murals, I’m excited to explore this artistic area with you and take in the beautiful views from the hillside.

Jagalchi Fish Market: We’ll head to the famous Jagalchi Fish Market to explore the stalls and enjoy fresh seafood for lunch. This market is a Busan landmark, and we’ll dive into the bustling atmosphere.

Taejongdae Resort Park: After lunch, we’ll head to Taejongdae Resort Park, a beautiful coastal park known for its dramatic cliffs, lush greenery, and breathtaking ocean views. We’ll explore the scenic walking paths, visit the lighthouse, and enjoy the fresh sea breeze as we take in the natural beauty of the area together

Beomeosa Temple: We’ll start the day with a visit to Beomeosa Temple, a peaceful temple located in the mountains. I’ve read that it’s one of Busan’s most important temples, and we’ll have a chance to experience its tranquil atmosphere.

Songdo Sky Park & Skywalk: Next, we’ll visit Songdo Sky Park and walk along the Skywalk, a glass-bottomed path over the sea. I’ve heard that the views are incredible, so let’s enjoy this unique experience.

Busan X the Sky Observatory: In the late afternoon, we’ll visit Busan X the Sky Observatory for panoramic views of the city. This is one of the highest viewpoints in Busan, and I’m excited to share this experience with you.

Day 10: Final Exploration & Farewell in Busan Oryukdo Skywalk: Start the day with a visit to the Oryukdo Skywalk, a breathtaking glass-bottom walkway that stretches out over the cliffs, offering a stunning view of the ocean below. I’ll guide you along this scenic walk, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and the five islands of Oryukdo. We’ll take plenty of time for photos and to soak in the beauty of Busan’s natural landscape. After the morning excursion, we’ll head to a local restaurant nearby for lunch, where you can enjoy traditional Korean cuisine or fresh seafood. Free Time The afternoon is free for you to enjoy as you wish. We can explore Seomyeon or Nampo-dong for last-minute shopping, take a relaxing stroll along the beach, or revisit any favorite spots in Busan together. Farewell Dinner We’ll gather for a special farewell dinner at one of Busan’s renowned restaurants. I’ll help you experience some final flavors of the city, whether it’s Korean BBQ, seafood, or another local delicacy. During dinner, we’ll reflect on the highlights of the trip and share our favorite memories.

Morning Check-out: I’ll assist with check-out, and then it will be time for you to continue your journey. We’ll say our goodbyes at the AirBnB, reflecting on the wonderful memories we’ve made together in Korea. Though it’s always hard to say goodbye, I hold onto the hope that our paths will cross again in the future!