From Coast to Capital by KTX: A Korean Grand Tour

Duration 6 days
Destination South Korea

Begin your grand tour in the vibrant coastal city of Busan, exploring the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village, the stunning seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, and enjoying a scenic rail bike ride along the Nakdong River. Travel north in style aboard the KTX high-speed train to Seoul, where you’ll discover the royal grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace and the romantic, tree-lined paths of Nami Island. Conclude your adventure with panoramic views from Namsan Tower, a hands-on kimchi-making class, and world-class shopping in Myeongdong before your final departure from Incheon.

 

DAY 1: Hanoi – Busan

21:00: The bus and tour guide pick up the group at the meeting point in the city and transfer to the airport.
22:00: Guests arrive at the meeting point at Terminal 2, Noi Bai International Airport, to check in for the flight to Busan.
Guests will spend the night on the plane.

 

DAY 2: Busan

07:00: Upon arrival at Busan International Airport, the group will complete immigration procedures. The local guide and bus will welcome the group and take you for breakfast. After breakfast, the group will visit:
● Bokbunja Wine Tunnel: Enter a magical world of colorful LED lights artistically displayed inside a mountain tunnel. Enjoy a glass of Bokbunja (Korean black raspberry) wine, fermented using traditional methods.

● Rail Bike over Nakdong River: Experience a unique adventure in Gimhae—leisurely pedaling along the railway bridge over the Nakdong River while enjoying the peaceful scenery and fresh air.

Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue with:
● Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: One of the oldest and most sacred seaside temples in Korea, known for its unique cliffside architecture and tranquil ocean views.

● Free time at Haeundae Beach: The largest and most famous beach in Busan, ideal for relaxing and taking in the coastal atmosphere.

● Dinner at a local restaurant.

● Jagalchi Market: Visit the largest fresh seafood market in Northeast Asia, where locals and tourists alike come to experience Busan’s vibrant seafood culture.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Busan.

 

DAY 3: Busan- Seoul

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
Then, visit:
● Gamcheon Culture Village – A vibrant hillside village restored by local artists, often referred to as the “Santorini of Korea” thanks to its colorful houses, murals, and artistic atmosphere.

After the visit, depart for Seoul by KTX high-speed train – one of the fastest trains in the world, reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h. The journey from Busan to Seoul takes approximately 2.5 hours, significantly reducing travel time by 4 hours compared to traveling by car.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, the group will:
● Visit and shop at the Korean Ginseng Center and famous Korean cosmetics store.

● Enjoy free shopping time at the DUTY FREE center, offering a wide selection of both domestic and international brands.

Afterward, check in at the hotel and rest.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Seoul.

 

DAY 4: Shopping – Nami Island

● Enjoy a free health check-up using modern methods at the Red Pine Essential Oil Center and local agricultural product store.

● Kimchi-making experience and try on the traditional Korean costume – Hanbok for photo opportunities.

Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon:
● Visit Nami Island – the filming location of the famous Korean drama Winter Sonata. This is one of the most beautiful and romantic spots in Korea, known for its golden ginkgo trees and red maple leaves. Enjoy free time to explore, sightsee, and take memorable photos on the island.

Dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening:
● Visit Myeongdong Street – one of the most vibrant and bustling shopping districts in Seoul.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Seoul.

DAY 5: Seoul- Incheon

Guests have breakfast at the hotel. Then transfer for sightseeing:
● Lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, continue to visit:
● Gyeongbok Palace (Gyeongbokgung) – A prime example of Eastern architectural art influenced by Chinese culture and a symbol of Korean national pride. Built as the first palace of the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongbokgung is considered the grandest palace in Korea.

● National Folk Museum of Korea – The only national museum dedicated to Korean folk culture, showcasing approximately 4,000 artifacts representing the historical lifestyle and traditions of Korean people.

● Photo stop outside the Blue House (Cheongwadae) – The Presidential Residence of Korea. It serves as the workplace and official residence of Korean presidents. The Blue House is situated on a large site and features a combination of traditional Korean and modern architectural styles.

Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Transfer to Namsan Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city and photo opportunities (elevator ticket to the top is self-funded).
Then head to Incheon, the third-largest city in South Korea after Seoul and Busan, with a population of about 3 million. A bustling and modern port city, Incheon is located in the greater Seoul metropolitan area.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Incheon.

DAY 6: Incheon- Hanoi

The group has breakfast and checks out of the hotel.
The bus transfers guests to Incheon Airport.
On the way, the group will stop at a department store for last-minute shopping and to pack luggage.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, the group lands at Nội Bài Airport, where the bus and guide will pick up and transfer guests back to the original meeting point.

 


 

Why choose this tour ?

 

● Discover the three largest cities of South Korea: Busan, Seoul, and Incheon.

● Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple – one of the most beautifully located and sacred temples in Korea, perched by the sea.

● Explore Gamcheon Culture Village – known as the gentle Santorini of South Korea, with colorful murals and art-filled alleyways.

● Enjoy the unique experience of rail bike riding across Nakdong Bridge, offering peaceful views over the river.

● Admire the stunning beauty of Nami Island, famous for its golden ginkgo trees and fiery red maple leaves.

● Join a kimchi-making class and try on the traditional Korean Hanbok costume.

● Indulge in shopping and culinary delights in the vibrant land of kimchi.

 


 

Inclusions :

● Round-trip group flight ticket with Vietnam Airlines: Hanoi – Busan/Seoul – Hanoi, including 23kg of checked baggage + 7kg of carry-on baggage.

● 3–4 star hotel accommodations as per itinerary, 2 guests per room (triple room arrangement applied for solo male/female travelers). Children share a room with their parents.

● Meals included as per the program.

● Translation and notarization fees, Korean visa application fee.

● Modern transportation throughout the trip: airport transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary.

● Experienced, enthusiastic Vietnamese-speaking tour guide throughout the trip.

● Admission fees to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary (first entry only).

● International travel insurance as per tour policy.

● KTX high-speed train ticket.

● 1 bottle of water per person per day during the tour.

 

Exclusions:

● Passport issuance fees.

● Tips for tour guide and driver: 6 USD/person/day × 6 days = 36 USD/person.

● Single room supplement (if requested): 80 USD/room/night.

● Re-entry visa to Vietnam (for overseas Vietnamese or foreign nationals).

● Personal expenses: phone calls, laundry, transportation outside the program, beverages during meals, and any other personal expenses not mentioned above.

● VAT (Value Added Tax).