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Anything but typical, Korea is the up-and-coming East Asian travel destination! In Seoul’s fast-paced cityscape, you will find your fair share of high-energy entertainment coupled with tranquil experiences in imperial palaces and temples dotted about the city. Seoul is the epicenter of cultural vibrancy, exemplified by its lively markets and colorful streetscapes. With a festive tradition of craft stands, food stalls, and luxury boutiques, we consider this city to be the “everyman’s marketplace.”
K-Pop music and dance movements have become worldwide phenomena, drawing countless fans to Korea from all over the globe. Music fans of all generations will enjoy the energetic K-Pop scene. Our Lynch family is also fully immersed in the world of K-Dramas, with Misty (2018), Trolley (2022), and Cinderella and the Four Knights (2016) being among our favorites. Balancing Korea’s unique pop culture exports is its rich and complex history. Folk villages, fortresses, and 20th-century historical sites await on this culture-focused private tour.
Each private luxury tour is custom to the wishes of each client. This itinerary is a sample. Our Sister Company, TRAVNET, may provide assistance with mileage points conversion. Do not hesitate to call Randy to create your custom tour.
Fly to Seoul
Through our sister company, premium air provider TRAVNET, we may assist with your international airfare, as well as with mileage points conversion.
Arrive Seoul
Upon arrival in Seoul, you will be welcomed by our local representative and transferred to the Four Seasons Seoul. Here, you will have the remainder of the day to unwind and enjoy the hotel’s amenities.
Meals: —
Accommodations: Four Seasons Seoul
Seoul Private Touring
Following breakfast, embark on a full day of Seoul sightseeing. You will tour Gyeongbokgung Palace, the political center of the powerful Joseon dynasty (1392 – 1910). Constructed in 1395, the palace grounds span 40 hectares (99 acres) and house 500 buildings. Here, try on Hanbok, colorful traditional Korean robes, and explore the 600-year-old complex!
Next, you will visit the historic Bukchon Hanok Village, featuring streets lined with classic Korean-style homes, tea houses, and boutiques. For some light shopping and a bite to eat, stop at the iconic market in Insadong, known for its eclectic food stalls and craftwork stands. Conclude your day at the summit of Mount Namsan atop the observation deck of the N Seoul Tower (776 feet high!).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Four Seasons Seoul
DMZ Excursion & Scenic Seoul Touring
This morning, you will join an organized group visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), established in 1953 by the United Nations. This 160-mile-long strip of neutral land divides North and South Korea, embodying the long history of armed conflicts along the 38th parallel. Although private tours are not offered, the zone is a sobering sight to behold in the company of others.
Upon returning to Seoul, you will visit Hongdae Street. Dubbed the “mural” street, the city has permitted graffiti artists to transform the streetscape into a colorful open canvas. To close out the day, take a scenic, 40-minute ferry ride along the Hangang River through the heart of the city.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Four Seasons Seoul
Yongin Folk Village & Hwaseong Fortress
Following breakfast, travel back in time to a Korean folk village in Yongin. This “living museum” recreates the late Joseon Dynasty and offers a comprehensive cultural experience of rich Korean traditions, including classes centered on Confucian customs, music, and dance. Explore the village farm, workshops, and private residences for complete immersion!
Continue on to Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Suwon. Construction on this fortress began in 1794 under King Jeongio and took over 700,000 man-hours to complete! King Jeongio hoped Suwon would replace Seoul as the country’s capital and envisioned Hwaseong as the next center of power. This expectation is reflected across 320 acres of fortified grounds, featuring massive watchtowers, pavilions, and the largest fortress gate in Korea!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Four Seasons Seoul
Gwangjang Market & Seoul Entertainment
Start your day with a visit to Gwangjang, one of the largest traditional markets in Seoul. Opened in 1905, Gwangjang features over 5,000 unique shops and food stalls. We highly recommend stopping for a bowl of kalguksu (knife-cut noodles), as seen on the Netflix series, Street Food Asia. Foodies will also enjoy tteokbokki (spicy-sweet rice cakes), and other traditional street foods.
Next, continue your shopping spree in the high-end boutiques in the Myeongdong District before a performance of the popular NANTA show. This clever piece of non-verbal cooking theater is both interactive and comedic. Enjoy the thrilling acrobatics and magic tricks coordinated with traditional Korean “Samul Nori” rhythms. Finally, keep the beat alive in a traditional Korean drum class and learn a range of different drumming techniques from a master musician.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Four Seasons Seoul
Korean Culture Classes & Seongsu-dong Touring
Today, show off your dance moves in a K-Pop class! In this introductory lesson, you will learn some of the most popular K-Pop dances in a fun, easy-going studio. Next, discover the art of making piquantly perfect kimchi, a staple side dish of fermented vegetables, chili powder, and additional spices. We found this hands-on class to be incredibly rewarding, especially when we got to taste our hard work!
Finally, you will proceed to Seongsu-dong, the “Brooklyn of Seoul.” Once a shoe factory district, the old brick buildings of Seongsu-dong have found new life in the hands of restaurateurs, cafe owners, and fashion designers. Popular among young Koreans, the streets and businesses in this area are considered the trendiest spots in the city.
After your day of sightseeing, you will be transferred to the Rakkojae Hanok to experience traditional Korean lodging.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Rakkojae Hanok
Fly Seoul/Home
Following breakfast at the Rakkojae Hanok, you will be privately transferred to Seoul Incheon International Airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
We highly recommend this optional extension to Jeju Island, the “Hawaii of Korea!” Located in the Korean Strait, Jeju Island’s temperate climate and rugged volcanic topography imbue it with an almost celestial, otherworldly quality. From Mount Hallasan, its highest peak (at 1,950 meters or 6,400 feet), to its colorful meadows of wildflowers in subtropical gardens, it is Korea’s honeymoon capital and, also, one of the best regions of Asia for hiking.
Highlights of this extension include a scenic island tour on horseback, multiple nature parks and garden stops, and Yakcheonsa Temple—home of Korea’s largest Vairocana Buddha and the center of the Jogye Buddhist sect. You may also witness the ancient diving tradition of Haenyeo, the female divers of Jeju. Watch in awe as these highly skilled divers catch and prepare fresh seafood in a practice that dates back to 434 A.D.!
The 5-star luxury Four Seasons Seoul is our exception to 200+ room-size properties. Located in the heart of the city near Gwanghwamun Square, the rooms here are among the most spacious in Seoul, and all are equipped with modern comforts. The hotel recalls classic Korean design motifs while featuring sleek, contemporary elements. Here, there are several impeccable dining options, including the Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, Yu Yuan. The Four Seasons breakfast buffet is equally outstanding; it is located in The Market Kitchen, an eclectic bazaar of international cuisines with artifacts on display underneath glass floors. Amenities include a gym, pool, indoor golf simulator, and garden terrace. Enjoy!
Four Seasons Seoul
The 5-star luxury Four Seasons Seoul is our exception to 200+ room-size properties. Located in the heart of the city near Gwanghwamun Square, the rooms here are among the most spacious in Seoul, and all are equipped with modern comforts. The hotel recalls classic Korean design motifs while featuring sleek, contemporary elements. Here, there are several impeccable dining options, including the Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, Yu Yuan. The Four Seasons breakfast buffet is equally outstanding; it is located in The Market Kitchen, an eclectic bazaar of international cuisines with artifacts on display underneath glass floors. Amenities include a gym, pool, indoor golf simulator, and garden terrace. Enjoy!
Being big fans of Japan’s luxury ryokans in Kyoto, we are excited to recommend Korea’s version, the “hanok”. Both hanoks and ryokans are traditional inns conceived to provide the visitor with a complete cultural immersion experience. Hanoks and ryokans share similar characteristics: welcoming guests with a hot cup of green tea, a choice of western or Korean/Japanese breakfasts, futon-style bedding, and a sincere sense of hospitality. Resembling an aristocratic home in the Chosun Dynasty (1392-1897), Rakkojae Hanok offers a quiet, tranquil Korean cultural experience, in the midst of the noise and traffic of bustling Seoul.
Rakkojae Hanok
Being big fans of Japan’s luxury ryokans in Kyoto, we are excited to recommend Korea’s version, the “hanok”. Both hanoks and ryokans are traditional inns conceived to provide the visitor with a complete cultural immersion experience. Hanoks and ryokans share similar characteristics: welcoming guests with a hot cup of green tea, a choice of western or Korean/Japanese breakfasts, futon-style bedding, and a sincere sense of hospitality. Resembling an aristocratic home in the Chosun Dynasty (1392-1897), Rakkojae Hanok offers a quiet, tranquil Korean cultural experience, in the midst of the noise and traffic of bustling Seoul.
This 70-room 5-Star hotel is ideally located near Mount Namsan, just 10 minutes from the downtown area. In addition to an incredible 12 dining establishments, The Banyan Tree features two pools, tennis and basketball courts, a golf range, and a fully equipped fitness center. Staying here in January, you may experience the skating rink that is converted from the outside pool during the winter. The Premier Suites are recommended; only two per floor with a 1033-1120 sq. ft. luxury space with nice views (including your own “relaxation” pool) overlooking the forests of Mansan. A major plus for staying here is The Banyan Tree Spa. Having stayed at several Banyan Tree properties throughout Asia, my family and I can attest to the Banyan’s unique, comprehensive spa services. All the therapists here (a number from Thailand) are trained at Banyan Tree Spa academy in Phuket, Thailand.
Banyan Tree Club
This 70-room 5-Star hotel is ideally located near Mount Namsan, just 10 minutes from the downtown area. In addition to an incredible 12 dining establishments, The Banyan Tree features two pools, tennis and basketball courts, a golf range, and a fully equipped fitness center. Staying here in January, you may experience the skating rink that is converted from the outside pool during the winter. The Premier Suites are recommended; only two per floor with a 1033-1120 sq. ft. luxury space with nice views (including your own “relaxation” pool) overlooking the forests of Mansan. A major plus for staying here is The Banyan Tree Spa. Having stayed at several Banyan Tree properties throughout Asia, my family and I can attest to the Banyan’s unique, comprehensive spa services. All the therapists here (a number from Thailand) are trained at Banyan Tree Spa academy in Phuket, Thailand.
Temperature |
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Highs: Low 80’s |
Lows: Low 30’s |
Area |
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99,313 SQ KM |
38,345 SQ MILES |
Capital |
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Seoul |
Population |
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51.7 million |
Language |
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Korean |
Currency |
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South Korean Won |