Korean Simple Travel
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond in Gyeongju at dusk
September 6–13Check availability

road of kings -
travel

in South Korea

Tour
Seoul, Gyeongju,
Busan and Suwon

duration
7 days/6 nights
format
fully organised
age limit
no restrictions

An immersion in Korean culture and an introduction to Korea's ancient history: UNESCO sites, historic places, and seascapes that reveal the country through its past and present

Detailed tour plan travel

Suwon

Suwon is a historic city south of Seoul, known for its Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The fortress was built in the late 18th century during the Joseon Dynasty and is considered an outstanding example of Korean military architecture.

1 day
What awaits you
Hwaseong Palace
Hwaseong Palace

A historic palace complex located inside Hwaseong Fortress in the city of Suwon. Hwaseong Haenggung Palace was built in the late 18th century during the Joseon Dynasty as a temporary residence for the king during his travels and state ceremonies.

Gyeongju

1 day

Gyeongju – one of the most historically significant cities in South Korea, often called a "museum without walls." Gyeongju was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla for almost a thousand years.

A walk through Gyeongju lets you literally touch the history of ancient Korea and see what one of the most powerful cultural centers on the Korean Peninsula was like.

What awaits you
Cheomseongdae Observatory
Cheomseongdae Observatory

It is considered the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, and possibly in the world. Modest in size but grand in significance. It was built for watching the stars, and standing beside it, it feels as if time has stopped here too.

Tumuli Park (Daereungwon)
Tumuli Park (Daereungwon)

A historic park that is home to the ancient royal tombs of the rulers of the Silla kingdom. Daereungwon is a large green park with dozens of hills — burial mounds concealing tomb chambers more than 1,500 years old.

Seokguram Grotto with the Buddha statue
Seokguram Grotto with the Buddha statue

An ancient Buddhist grotto temple set on a mountainside near the city of Gyeongju. Built in the 8th century during the Silla kingdom, it is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Buddhist art in Korea. Today Seokguram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country's most significant cultural landmarks.

Bulguksa Buddhist Temple
Bulguksa Buddhist Temple

One of the most famous Buddhist temples in South Korea. It was built in the 8th century during the Silla kingdom and is considered a masterpiece of Korean Buddhist architecture. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important spiritual and cultural monument of Korea.

Expo Park and Gyeongju Tower
Expo Park and Gyeongju Tower

A modern cultural park where art, technology and the region's historical heritage come together. It features exhibition pavilions, museums, art spaces and scenic walking areas. The park's main symbol is a striking architectural tower that echoes the silhouette of the ancient pagoda of Hwangnyongsa Temple. The observation deck offers panoramic views of Gyeongju and its surroundings. The park shows how modern culture and architecture can blend harmoniously with the history of the ancient Silla kingdom.

Busan

2 days

Busan — the southern capital of South Korea, where the sea meets skyscrapers and the rhythm of the city blends with the ease of coastal life.

It's a place of freedom and light: beaches, art streets, bustling markets and sunsets over the bridges. Here you'll want to shake off the stress, watch the waves and simply be — vibrant, delicious and real.

What awaits you
songdo cable car
songdo cable car

One of Busan's most impressive viewpoints. The Songdo Cable Car runs over the sea, connecting the shore with scenic cliffs and a park. During the ride, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the coastline, the ocean and the cityscape. Flying over the water gives a feeling of lightness and lets you see Busan from a completely new, breathtaking perspective.

gamcheon village
gamcheon village

One of Busan's most colorful and recognizable neighborhoods, known as the "Korean Santorini." It's a maze of narrow lanes, multicolored houses, art installations and observation decks. A walk through the village offers an atmosphere of creativity, street art and charming views, and photos taken here always turn out truly picturesque and memorable.

Sky Capsule railway ride
Sky Capsule railway ride

A slow, cinematic journey between the sea and the cliffs. Glass walls, a gentle breeze, the sound of the waves and the feeling that you're the star of a K-drama. The route passes scenic views you'll want to photograph nonstop.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

A rare seaside Buddhist temple perched right on the rocks by the ocean. Waves crash at the foot of the temple, while golden Buddha statues, stupas and arches rise among the rocks, leading to lookout points over the endless sea. It's a place of energy, silence and incredible beauty, where the ocean becomes part of the temple.

Art museum
Art museum

Contemporary exhibitions, installations, paintings and sculptures displayed in cozy halls create an atmosphere where every corner invites reflection. With its minimalist design and ambiance, the museum itself is a perfect match for the artworks on display.

Walk along Haeundae Beach
Walk along Haeundae Beach

A wide shore, soft sand, salty air, and lazy waves. Everything here breathes freedom and ease — from the city's morning awakening to the golden sunset over Gwangan Bridge. You can stroll barefoot along the water's edge, stop by a seaside café, or simply sit on a bench and listen to the sound of the sea.

Seoul

4 days

Seoul is the city where Korea reveals itself in all its glory. Here, skyscrapers stand beside ancient palaces, street food sits alongside fine dining, and trendy districts neighbor cozy little streets.

In Seoul, you'll feel the rhythm of modern Korea, stroll through K-drama filming locations, step into the world of K-pop and, of course, see a city you'll never forget.

What awaits you
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon is a living pause between Seoul's past and present. Narrow alleys, tiled roofs, and neat wooden hanok houses sit side by side with cozy teahouses, galleries, and workshops.

Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung — the heart of royal Korea. Marble staircases lead to the throne hall, palace roofs are mirrored in the glassy surface of the ponds, and the changing of the guard feels like stepping into a K-drama. Put on a hanbok, stroll along the ancient paths — and feel like the hero of an old legend.

Seal-making master class
Seal-making master class

The subtle scent of wood, the warm glow of lamps, and your hands carving unique characters into stone. In this master class, you'll create your own personal Korean seal — a symbol of identity and a keepsake of your trip.

Namsan Tower
Namsan Tower

The best lookout point in the capital. The hilltop is crowned by N Seoul Tower, which offers a breathtaking view of the metropolis.

National Museum of Korea
National Museum of Korea

The museum's bright halls hold thousands of years of artifacts: golden crowns, Buddhist statues, ceramics, paintings and rare scrolls. Each hall is a separate era of history, told with respect and love for the culture. Panoramic windows look out over the park and Namsan Mountain, where you can take a break after exploring the exhibits.

Myeongdong
Myeongdong

The heart of shopping and street food in Seoul. Bright shop-window lights, endless Korean cosmetics stores, trendy boutiques and the aroma of fresh hotteok and street waffles. This is a place where you'll want to wander until midnight, tasting, trying things on and falling in love with the city again and again. Be careful — you risk trying every Korean dessert and accidentally ending up with an overweight suitcase.

Accommodation

SeoulBusan
we stay in 3-4★ hotels close to the center

Heunginjimun Gate lit up at night amid Seoul trafficHotel building in Seoul at nightHotel restaurant with booth seatingHotel lobby with reception deskTwin hotel room with a sitting areaDouble hotel room with a lounge area and kitchenetteTwin hotel room with a desk by the windowTwin hotel room with a breakfast tray on the bedHotel room vanity area and glass shower

Gyeongju
We stay at a Hanok hotel

Courtyard of a hanok hotel in GyeongjuHanok hotel buildings at sunsetHanok hotel room with wooden beams and a double bedTwo-storey hanok hotel building behind a stone wallHanok hotel courtyard with a lawn at duskHanok hotel bedroom with lattice windowsHanok hotel courtyard garden at dusk

what's included
in the price

  • K-ETA processing
  • entrance tickets to every event in the program
  • hotel accommodation
  • three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • accompanied by guides
  • transfers throughout the entire program
  • airport pickup and round-trip transfers
  • SIM cards to stay connected
  • gifts from Korean Simple
Tour price
US$2,300
A traveler on a boat with a bridge and skyscrapers in the background
Busan2025
Two travelers in hanbok, seen from behind, at a palace
Seoul2025

not included

  • International flights
  • Medical insurance
  • Transportation and accommodation outside the camp dates

Good
To Know

  • US and Australian passport holders can generally visit South Korea visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days. The temporary K-ETA exemption runs through 31 December 2026. For travel in 2027, check the rules for your passport and arrival date before departure; do not assume the exemption continues.

    We help you check the documents for your programme and assist with K-ETA when required. Language study, longer stays and other passport types may have different requirements. Entry approval is decided by Korean immigration.

    Official guidance: US passport holders · Australian passport holders · K-ETA

  • You purchase your plane tickets yourself. Once the group is confirmed, we'll send you a list of recommended flights with convenient connections and arrival times. That way, you can choose and buy your ticket directly from the airline or through whatever service you prefer, keeping flexibility and control over the price.
  • For personal spending (souvenirs, cafes, cosmetics, street food), $200 to $400 for the whole trip is usually enough. The amount depends on your habits and plans for the trip — Korea is generous with pretty little things and tasty temptations 😊
  • Participants arrange their own medical insurance. Throughout the tour, a guide will always be with you to help in any situation and, if needed, accompany you to a clinic or pharmacy.
  • Throughout the tour, participants stay in 4★ hotels in double rooms with separate beds. Rooms are assigned by gender. Single occupancy is available for an additional fee.

Recap
videos

Spring tour Seoul + Jeju

2025

Fall tour Seoul + Jeju

2025

What do
participants say?

answers to the most frequently asked questions

Seoul – Gyeongju – Busan – Suwon autumn tour

  • The route covers South Korea's key attractions: Gyeongbokgung Palace, the traditional Bukchon Village, the National Museum of Korea, UNESCO sites — the Silla royal tombs, Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto — as well as Busan's seascapes and modern cultural spaces.
  • The route passes through South Korea's key historical and cultural cities: the capital Seoul, Gyeongju — the ancient capital of the Silla kingdom, the seaside metropolis of Busan, and the historic city of Suwon. This South Korea tour gives you a well-rounded picture of the country and its cultural layers.
  • The South Korea route is designed for comfort: travel between regions is by tour bus, with no transfers or complicated logistics. This lets you relax and enjoy your journey through South Korea while seeing the country's diverse landscapes: from modern megacities to historic towns and the seaside.
  • An autumn tour to Korea is one of the most comfortable seasons for travel. At this time, South Korea's nature is especially beautiful: red and golden leaves, soft sunlight and pleasant weather without exhausting heat, which is ideal for walks and a busy program.
  • The autumn Korea tour takes place during one of the most beautiful natural seasons of the year — the season of red maple leaves and nature's vibrant colors. At this time, a South Korea tour plan truly comes into its own: cities, parks, and natural landscapes look at their most striking and vivid.
  • Yes. You can join from the United States, Australia or another country. Arrange your international flights to Korea separately. Your chosen tour plan will confirm the arrival airport, start date and meeting arrangements.

Practical questions

  • Yes, absolutely! We deliberately leave free hours and 1–2 days without excursions so you can rest, go shopping, eat at your favorite café or simply enjoy South Korea's autumn scenery at your own pace.
  • All tours listed on the website are guaranteed. If the dates ever have to change due to force majeure, we will be sure to notify participants personally. So far, this has never happened 🙂 — everything goes according to plan!
  • After payment, you'll receive a booking confirmation and a message from a manager with detailed instructions: tour dates, the list of documents for K-ETA, guide contacts, and preparation tips. 2 months before the trip, we'll add you to the group chat, where you'll meet the other participants and get all updates on the autumn tour.

Prices and payment

  • Yes, the price of the autumn Seoul – Gyeongju – Busan – Suwon tour package to South Korea is set in advance and depends on the chosen program, hotel, number of days and season. We provide full information on the tour cost before booking so you can plan your trip with no surprises.
  • Yes, we offer an in-house installment plan. The number of payments depends on how much time is left before the tour starts: the earlier you book, the more installments you can split the payment into and the easier it is to spread out the cost.
  • Yes, we issue refunds depending on when you cancel. If you cancel 40 or more calendar days before the tour, you receive a full refund of the tour package. If you cancel later than 40 days before, 40% of the price is withheld — this covers organizational costs and bookings that have already been paid for.

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