- South Korea Rail Journeys
- Flavours of South Korea
Combining war-time monuments, culinary delights and ancient imperial palaces, this 11-day tour of South Korea delves into its fascinating past and politically charged present. Travel from the modern charms of Seoul and coastal Busan to the historic treasures of Gyeongju and Andong, with exquisite meals and a visit to the North-South Demilitarised Zone completing your quintessential South Korean experience.
Depart on your scheduled, overnight flight to Seoul.
On arrival in Seoul, you will be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel for the evening.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast, embark on a tour of South Korea's Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the no man's land that forms the highly secure frontier between North and South Korea. Visit Dorasan train station, which connects north and south, and the Dorasan Observatory which overlooks the DMZ. Explore the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, a secret passageway built by North Koreans trying to tunnel into the south, and view the heavily guarded Bridge of Freedom which links the two nations.
After lunch, return to Seoul for a city tour. Seoul has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last five decades, with the ravages of the Korean War making way to sleek skyscrapers and neon-lit districts. The city still retains several remnants of its imperial past and today's walking tour takes in these centuries-old structures, using Seoul's world-class underground system to move between sights. Starting at the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changing of the Palace guard, onward to Insadong Antique Street and browse through the wares on display in elegant, wooden shopfronts. then stop in at the Buddhist temple of Jogyesa.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, start your day at Changdeokgung Palace, built by the kings of Korea's Joseon Dynasty, explore the pavilions and rooms of this imperial residence before touring its Secret Garden, where the pond, greenery and pavilions combine to create a tranquil setting. Continue onward to the Bukchon Hanok Village, teeming with charming, traditional 'hanoks' or wooden houses and then on to the Kimchi Museum where you will learn more about how this local fermented cabbage dish grew to its current popularity. This afternoon you will travel to the N. Seoul Tower which rises above the city skyline and provides panoramic views over the city, visit a Korean cooking school where you will learn how to make Korea'sdelectable beef barbeque and dine on your culinary masterpiece. End your day with a browse through the stalls of Gwangjang Food Market.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning, transfer to the train station and board your bullet train to the coastal city of Busan. On arrival in Busan, set out on an afternoon driving tour of the city, stopping first to wander through Gamcheon Cultural Village with its pastel-coloured houses set in the slopes of a mountain. Next, pay your respects to the soldiers killed in the Korean War at the UN Memorial Cemetery then visit peaceful APEC Nurimaru Park and the soft sands of Haeundae Beach. Climb 108 steps to picturesque Haedong Yonggungsa temple and explore this sacred Buddhist site which boasts a stunning setting on Busan's coastal cliffs. Transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, embark on a morning tour, moving between sights by metro. Wander through bustling Jagalchi Fish Market and haggle with the hawkers of Kukje Market, where you'll stop for a delicious lunch. Visit nearby BIFF Square, Korea's answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and continue on to the soaring Busan Tower. Next, transfer to Busan Train Station and embark on your rail journey to Gyeongju, taking in rural landscapes and urban skylines along the way. On arrival, enjoy dinner and a night-time tour of Anapji, the site of a spectacular palace and pond.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A full-day tour of Gyeongju takes in the major sites of Korea's ancient former capital, known as the 'Museum Without Walls. Journey from the immense Buddha statue which lies in Seokguram Grotto to UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple where you'll explore its Buddhist relics, pavilions and gardens. After lunch, continue onward to the age-old observatory of Cheomseongdae before taking in the greenery of Tumuli Park and browsing through ancient artefacts in the Gyeongju National Museum.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transfer to the train station for your train to Andong, a city renowned for its open-air heritage museums. On arrival, journey to Hahoe Village where you'll discover hundreds of ceremonial masks on display in the Hahoe Mask Museum. Soak in sweeping views of the village from nearby Buyongdae Cliff then wander through the local market. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and dinner, followed by an evening at leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Depart Andong this morning and travel by road to Poonggi where you'll visit the city's sprawling ginseng plantation and the area's oldest ginseng market. Marvel at the amazing variety of ginseng products on display then journey onward to Daegang Makgeolli (Rice Wine) Brewery in Danyang. Here, you can learn about and taste this unique alcoholic drink and see samples of homebrewed Korean liquor that date back to the Japanese colonial era. Continue on to Seoul, where a night of entertainment awaits. Re-join your group for a farewell dinner and a trip to see 'Nanta', one of the most famous theatrical performances in the country.
Breakfast
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore this bustling metropolis at your own pace. Alternatively, a number of optional excursions are available (at a fee). Make stir-fried glass noodles and seafood pancakes at a cooking class, join a workshop, and learn how to make kimchi (Korea's traditional fermented cabbage dish), or enjoy a show at the Jeongdong Theatre.
Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or continue on to your chosen extension.
Use discount code TOUR200 at the checkout to save £200 per person on selected tours departing in October 2026, November 2026, February 2027 and April 2027
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The excursions were the highlight; DMZ, the palaces we visited, the theatre performance, and our guide Kevin was a highlight, he is a very informative yet entertaining and a great host. It was the first time I had done an escorted tour and I was on my own, he put me at ease. All the other travellers on the tour were also great, we got along very easily despite being a group of mixed ages.
Lucy Pye
06 OctoberThe meals provided were excellent - high quality and varied. The service provided by our guide Susan was outstanding - one of the best guides I have had anywhere in the world.
Alan Hewison
02 JuneI would like to say Sarah our tour guide made it a fantastic holiday. She worked so hard to make people happy and went above the call of duty. She listened to what we wanted. Absolutely amazing.
Trevor Parish
09 OctoberThe tour guide was excellent. Stefano was very knowledgeable and organised. He was very helpful with everyday questions could not have asked for better. He was professional, patient, and a credit to Mercury and South Korea. For myself, having a great tour guide makes the holiday.
Karen Davie
16 SeptemberThe tour guide was excellent and made the trip. His enthusiasm for the country, historical knowledge, friendliness, and helpfulness were amazing.
Natasha Mort
15 SeptemberThe order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
You do not need a visa to visit South Korea as a tourist for up to 90 days. You will need to fill in an arrival card at Seoul airport. However, from 2025 this arrival card will need to be done online at least 72 hours in advance at https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/guide/viewetaapplication.do. The fee for the arrival card will be USD 10 per person. We strongly advise you to check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity.
Flights are with Asiana from London Heathrow. Each passenger is entitled to 23kg of hold luggage. There is also an allowance of one cabin bag not exceeding 25cm x 45cm x 56cm in size and one personal bag not exceeding 45 cm x 36 cm x 20 cm that you can take on the aircraft as hand luggage. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your final documents. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay an additional fee for this at check-in. Heathrow Airport advises that you should arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to your flight time for international departures. IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves climbing of steep stairs and getting on and off coaches, trains and metro trams. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The currency in South Korea is the South Korean won, known as KRW. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. . Credit, debit and prepaid cards from international brands are accepted at a wide variety of places in the major cities within South Korea. Outside of these, cards may not be widely accepted, although you will be able to withdraw cash in the local currency across the country at ATMs. It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in local currency.
As normal practice you may be asked for your card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay.
You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, any meals not included in the itinerary as well as drinks and any additional snacks. We recommend you bring along a minimum of GBP £350 per person to change to local currency. It is a good idea to try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency for tipping or small purchases.
It is customary to tip your guides and drivers approximately £1-£2 per person per day. This is a total of £20 per person to budget for tips on your trip. Tips are collected in the local currency South Korean won.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10 and the maximum will be 35. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your Tour Guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. Your guide will be on hand for the duration of your tour and will be able to provide you with some general information on each of the destinations/ attractions that you visit
Trains
During this tour you will travel on various trains. All train carriages are booked with comfortable seats and air conditioning.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and China. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs. If you have booked a triple share please note that your room will be a twin room with a rollaway bed or sofa bed added. This may limit the floor space in the room.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner will be taken in local South Korean restaurants. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information. Vegan, vegetarian options are available, all meal requests need to be sent over to our suppliers before travel.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way. 1 bottle of water is supplied per day.
During the official holidays, offices and banks are closed but palaces, museums, most restaurants, department stores, and amusement facilities are open. Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) are the most important traditional holidays for Koreans, so millions of people visit their hometown to celebrate with their families.
On your arrival in Seoul you will be met by a representative from our local agent in South Korea, LOTTEJTB, holding a sign displaying ‘Mercury Holidays’. The Mercury Holidays/ LOTTEJTB representative will transfer you to your hotel on arrival where you will spend your first night. Your guide will be able to answer any queries you may have.
If you need to contact LOTTEJTB during your stay the details are: LOTTEJTB.
Seoul office address: Central Place 13F, 50, Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Telephone 09.00am-18.00pm: 0082-2-6313-8105.
Emergency contact information:
Please find below the emergency contact details for LOTTEJTB’s 24-hour hotline (after working hours): Mobile: +82) 10 8745 5307 *Whatsapp available
