Korean Simple Travel
November 28–December 5, 2027Check availability

first snow

Tour
Seoul, Gangneung,
and Suwon

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

Detailed tour plan travel

Seoul

5 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
Location: Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace

The main residence of Korea's monarchs. Mighty gates, graceful pagodas, and the changing of the guard transport you to the Joseon Dynasty era — with its royal aesthetics and spirit of antiquity.

seal-making workshop
workshop on making a seal

Create your own K-drama keepsake — a traditional Korean seal. You won't just carve a symbol into stone — you'll connect with a culture that holds deep respect for one's name and family lineage.

Location: Insadong Street
Insadong Street

Insadong is called the cultural root of Korea. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was home to scholars, artists and craftsmen, and today the neighborhood brings together antique shops, traditional teahouses, galleries, craft stores and contemporary art spaces. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in Korean culture and buy traditional souvenirs.

Location: Namsan Tower
Namsan Tower

An observation tower on Namsan Mountain offering a panoramic view of Seoul. It's the classic final viewpoint of the program, letting you take in the scale of the city before the tour ends.

Location: Nami Island
Nami Island

A small crescent of land in the middle of the Han River, famous thanks to the K-drama "Winter Sonata" — people still come here for those very avenues lined with walls of trees along the road. A walk around the island is more about atmosphere than a list of sights: bicycles, swans on the water, and a silence rarely found so close to Seoul.

Location: Garden of Morning Calm
Garden of Morning Calm

One of Korea's most beautiful private gardens — more than 5,000 plant species tucked away in the mountains not far from Seoul. Winding paths, carp ponds, and arrangements where every corner seems designed for its own photo. The name "morning calm" isn't just pretty words: the garden was created with the idea of silence and harmony, and you can feel it from your very first steps.

Location: Myeongdong Street
Myeongdong Street

One of Seoul's most popular shopping streets, known for its boutiques, cosmetics stores, and street food. It's a great place for shopping, culinary discoveries, and experiencing the city's dynamic urban culture.

Location: COEX Mall + Starfield Library+ Gangnam Style Statue
COEX Mall + Starfield Library

One of Seoul's best-known modern complexes. COEX Mall welcomes guests with shops, cafés and stylish urban spaces. Inside the complex is the impressive Starfield Library — a giant open library with towering bookshelves that has become a symbol of modern Seoul. A walk through these spots is a blend of culture, shopping and urban aesthetics.

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
Location: Hwaseong Fortress
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 travels and state ceremonies.

Gangneung

2 days

Gangneung is a blend of sea, mountains, and unspoiled nature on Korea's east coast. Here you'll find scenic beaches, alpine pastures, charming historic sites, and legendary oceanside railway views.

What awaits you
Ojukheon Historic Complex
Ojukheon Historic Complex

Ojukheon is one of Korea's oldest wooden complexes, preserved since the Joseon Dynasty. It is the birthplace of the eminent historical figures Yulgok and Shin Saimdang, who appear on Korean banknotes. Cozy pavilions, pine-lined paths, and museum exhibits create an atmosphere where it's easy to feel the spirit of old Korea.

Rail bike ride along the coast
Rail bike ride along the coast

This is one of the most scenic and effortless ways to see Korea's east coast. The route runs right above the shoreline: rails beneath you, the sound of the waves beside you, and endless ocean views. It's a relaxed, atmospheric adventure where you can enjoy nature, take beautiful photos, and feel like you're in a Korean travel drama.

Location: Seoraksan National Park
Seoraksan National Park

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 travels and state ceremonies.

Accommodation

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

Seoul night viewSeoul night viewSeoul night viewSeoul night viewSeoul night viewSeoul night viewSeoul night viewSeoul night viewSeoul night view

what's included
in the price

  • K-ETA processing
  • Admission tickets to events included in the program
  • Hotel accommodation for the entire tour
  • Meals as per the program, except dinners on your own on days 2, 6, and 7
  • Transfers along the tour route, including intercity travel
  • Airport pickup and drop-off
  • SIM card setup for staying connected
  • Escort by Korean Simple coordinators
Tour price
US$2,700
A group of travelers on a seaside boardwalk
Gangneung2026
A traveler in a red hanbok in front of a Korean palace
Seoul2026

not included

  • Medical insurance
  • International airfare
  • Dinners on your own on days 2, 6, and 7
  • Transfers and accommodation outside the tour dates
  • Single supplement

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, Gangneung & Suwon Tour

  • Korea is especially beautiful in winter: snow-covered Gyeongbokgung and Hwaseong, the traditional streets of Insadong, and the winter landscapes of Seoraksan. Nami Island with its famous tree-lined paths, the Garden of Morning Calm, and Gangneung's seashore at Jeongdongjin are all worth seeing.
  • This winter journey through South Korea covers three cities at once: dynamic Seoul, seaside Gangneung and historic Suwon. The program includes palaces and traditional neighborhoods, the coastline, Seoraksan National Park and the country's top sights.
  • Late November and early December are a good time to travel to Korea for the first snow. During this period, winter scenery is already appearing in the Seoraksan mountains, though the exact date of the first snowfall depends on that year's weather.
  • In Gangneung, you can look forward to seascapes, nature and a completely different side of Korea. The program includes the Ojukheon historic complex, the Jeongdongjin rail bikes and Seoraksan National Park.
  • We visit Suwon on a separate excursion from Seoul, so you won't have to change hotels for just one day. The program includes Hwaseong Fortress, a walk along its historic walls, and Hwaseong Palace.
  • Nami Island is a picturesque spot on the Han River, known for its long tree-lined avenues, natural scenery and an atmosphere familiar to fans of Korean dramas. The island is especially famous thanks to the drama "Winter Sonata."
  • In Seoul, we'll visit Gyeongbokgung, Insadong, Myeongdong, Namsan, and the modern spaces of COEX Mall and Starfield Library. You'll also enjoy a walk in hanbok and a Korean seal-making workshop.

Practical questions

  • December weather in Korea is already wintry: daytime temperatures in Seoul are usually around 0…+7 °C, and in the mornings and evenings they can drop below freezing. In Gangneung, the sea wind makes it feel colder, and Seoraksan is considerably colder, especially at higher elevations.
  • Winter in South Korea calls for warm layered clothing and comfortable shoes. Bring warm socks, gloves, and a hat; for Gangneung, wind protection (a windbreaker or windproof jacket); and for walks in Seoraksan, an extra warm layer.
  • Yes, the tour program includes free time. We leave hours and days without excursions so you can rest, take a walk, go shopping or explore the cities at your own pace.
  • After payment, you'll receive a booking confirmation and a message from your manager with detailed instructions: tour dates, the list of documents for K-ETA, preparation tips and your guides' contacts. Before the trip, we add participants to a group chat.

Prices and payment

  • 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 conveniently you can spread out the payment.
  • Yes, refunds are available depending on when you cancel. If you cancel 40 or more calendar days before the tour starts, you receive a full refund. For later cancellations, 40% of the amount is retained to cover organizational costs.

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