After breakfast, meet your guide and set off to tour some of Seoul’s highlights - visiting the classic and the contemporary. The quickest, most convenient way to travel around the city is by subway and, in true local style; this is predominantly how you will get around during the day.

Your first stop of the morning is Gyeongbokgung Palace – the largest of the five Grand Palaces and the main palace of the Joseon dynasty (the last monarchy in Korean history). Built in 1395, the palace has endured fire and years of abandonment, survived Japanese occupation and Korean War, yet it remains one of the most beautiful palaces in the country. Arrive in time for a behind-the-scenes glance at the royal guards in traditional costume rehearsing before the changing of the guards ceremony which takes place at the main gate at 10am.

Following the ceremony, venture inside the palace walls and explore the grand, opulent palace interiors. It’s an interesting insight into how life must have been for Korean royalty in their heyday. In complete contrast, a ten minute walk will lead you to Bukchon Hanok Village: home to around 900 traditional wooden homes that date back to the Joseon dynasty. Traditionally built using natural materials (predominantly wood and clay), with distinctive curved roofs, many of these hanoks still provide housing for Seoulites; others have been converted into guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses. Stroll through the narrow streets and alleyways, stopping for lunch, where you will have the opportunity to try Bibimbap – a well-known South Korean one-pot wonder.

After lunch, visit Jongmyo Shrine, one of Seoul’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Jongmyo is the oldest and best preserved royal Confucian shrine, housing ‘spirit tablets’ (plaques inscribed with ancestral names) of the kings and queens of the Joseon dynasty. Confucian rituals and cultural performances continue to take place here.

Continue on to Gwangjang Market, which is one of the largest and oldest traditional markets in the country, dating back to the early 1900’s. Packed with stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to vegetables it’s arguably the best place in Seoul for Korean street food. The Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) are well worth sampling.

Final stop of the day is N Seoul tower – the highest point of Seoul - from where you can enjoy panoramic views over the city.

Return to your hotel around 5pm, and your evening is at leisure.

After an early breakfast you will be met by your guide for a tour of Korea’s infamous DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). Created in 1953 to separate the North from the South, and home to the May 2018 landmark meeting of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean president Moon Jae-in, this 260km strip of land is the most heavily militarised border in the world - lined by tank traps, barbed-wire fences, landmines and troops on both sides.

On arrival, having passed through two checkpoints, you will enter a briefing room for an introduction to the DMZ and its history. An official bus and guide will then transport you through this highly sensitive area. The tension is palpable. You will make a stop at the Bridge of Freedom, which South Koreans crossed when they returned to their home country from North Korea following the signing of the Armistice Agreement. And visit the Third Tunnel of Aggression – a tunnel under the DMZ that was built by the North apparently in preparation for an attack. It’s a fascinating, yet unsettling and slightly surreal morning!

Back at base, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, before transferring back to your hotel in Seoul. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure.

Morning departure from Seoul, swapping city for countryside as you journey south towards Songnisan National Park.

Around 20 miles outside Seoul make a stop at Suwon, which is well-known for its 18th century fortress. Intending to move the capital from Seoul to Suwon, King Jeongjo ordered the construction of Hwaseong Fortress to surround and protect the city. Incidentally the king died and Seoul remained the capital. Suwon has now outgrown the fortifications, but the walls, turrets and observation towers still exist and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Another notable historical attraction in Suwon is the Haenggung Palace, which was built within the fortress walls as a residence for King Jeongjo when he was away from Seoul. Sadly much of the palace was destroyed by the Japanese, but restoration work took place in the 1990’s and the interiors have been set up to offer an insight into traditional royal life.

Having explored Suwon’s historical treasures, continue your journey to Songnisan National Park along the expressway. Meaning ‘remote from the ordinary world’ this particularly scenic national park comprises of craggy granite mountains and deep valleys that are awash with pink azaleas in springtime.

On arrival, proceed to Beopjusa Temple, one of the country’s most beautiful and culturally cherished temples. Founded in the 6th century, it was rumoured to be home to as many as 3,000 monks during the Silla dynasty and contains a number of historical and cultural treasures. Beopjusa is well known for its 33 metre high, gilded bronze Buddha statue that stands in the centre of the temple compound. Other notable highlights include Palsangjeon - a five storey wooden pagoda and one of the oldest pagodas in the country; Daeungbojeon - one of three major Buddhist halls in South Korea and the Two Lion Stone Lamp.

Take time to explore the temple before transferring to your hotel in the national park, arriving late afternoon.

Enjoy a morning exploring the picturesque Songnisan National Park on foot.

Meet your guide at 8am and begin walking from your hotel, passing beside Beopjusa Temple. It’s a straightforward scenic walk, following a predominantly flat forest trail, offering glimpses of the park’s craggy peaks. You’ll be walking for around 2.5 hours with plenty of photo opportunities on the way. If you prefer a more challenging or a longer trek discuss the options with your guide who will be happy to tailor-make your programme.

Return to your hotel around 11am, where there is time to relax and take a shower before your departure for Jeonju along the expressway.

The charming city of Jeonju boasts one of the largest collections of ‘hanok’ in the country and a long, cultural heritage that continues to thrive. But it’s the city’s burgeoning food scene that draws in the visitors and it was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2012.

Arrive into Jeonju mid-afternoon and check in to your hotel. There is time to freshen up and relax before proceeding to Martyr’s Mountain in time for sunset. Thirteen crosses dot the hillside marking the final resting place of Korean Catholics who were executed in the late 18th century and there is a small church at the peak.

After enjoying the views – locals claim this is the best sunset spot in town - head back downhill and visit Nambu Market. Opened in 1905, this traditional market was allegedly influential in determining the national market price of rice and continues to thrive with stalls offering everything from spices and herbal medicines to fresh vegetables and household products. At night (particularly at weekends) the market comes alive with street food stalls selling typical Korean dishes of skewered chicken, hatteok (pancakes), fried fish, hot pots…your guide will be able to identify anything you don’t recognise and will assist if you would like to sample any of the offerings.

Take a morning walk around the Hanok Village with your guide. Comprising of over 800 traditional houses with their gently curving roofs, there is a real sense of history as you stroll along the cobblestone lanes. Whilst some of the hanok remain private homes, many have been converted into eateries, boutiques and guesthouses.

Make a stop at the Gyeonggijeon shrine which houses portraits and ancestor tablets of the Yi family who founded the Josean dynasty; and the striking Romanesque style Jeondong Catholic Cathedral that was built in honour of Korean Catholic martyrs.

Time for lunch – which you have to make yourself! Ask any South Korean where the best bibimbap is to be found and 99% of the time the answer will be Jeonju, which is allegedly the birthplace of this traditional dish. So much more than a one-pot rice dish, the creation of bibimbap is taken seriously here, using locally sourced produce and ingredients unique to Jeonju. Under the watchful eye of an experienced local chef you will learn how to make bibimbap.

After ‘enjoying’ your efforts for lunch, return to your hotel where the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Jeonju is a substantial producer of makgeolli (unfiltered rice wine) and the city has a number of bar strips dedicated to this locally produced tipple which you may wish to visit in the evening. At most makgeolli bars you pay for your drink, which is served in huge copper kettles, and the accompanying food is free, so you get to sample various side dishes as you drink.

Your morning is at leisure until your departure for Gyeongju.

Often referred to as South Korea’s cultural heart, Gyeongju was capital of the Silla dynasty for close to a thousand years and is home to more temples and tombs, pagodas and palaces than anywhere else in the country. On arrival, check in to your hotel and the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Enjoy a full day tour of Gyeongju’s historical highlights.

Gyeongju is well known for its abundance of ‘tumuli’, huge grassy mounds under which lie ancient royal tombs from the Silla era, and your first stop of the day will be Daereungwon Tomb Complex (also known as Tumuli Park). There are over two dozen large tombs located here, thought to be those of kings and high-ranking officials. The most well-known, and the only tomb you can step inside, is Cheonmachong, which when excavated in the early 1970’s yielded astonishing treasures including a gold crown and impressive horse painting on the tomb walls.

Continue on to the 7th century Cheomseongdae Observatory, reputedly the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. Huge importance was placed on astrology in ancient Korea and it is likely that this observatory was an integral place in the community.

After lunch, a short walk will take you to Banwolseong, the site of the palace fortress during the Silla dynasty and now an attractive park area, where a handful of ruins can still be seen. Continue on to the nearby Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond, which were part of the palace complex. An excavation project in the 1970’s unearthed a treasure-trove of ancient relics beneath the waters, ranging from unique roof tiles to gilt bronze Buddha figures.

Your final stop of the day is Gyeongju’s excellent National Museum, which houses an impressive collection of archaeological treasures and royal artefacts such as intricate jewellery and hand-crafted pottery that bring South Korea's history to life.

After an early breakfast check out of your hotel and proceed to Seokguram Grotto. Located on Mount Toham overlooking the Sea of Japan, this 8th century Buddhist cave temple houses a 3.5 metre tall, seated Buddha statue constructed from white granite. The delicately-sculpted statue and surrounding sculptures of bodhisattvas and disciples have been incredibly well preserved and are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From the grotto, walk back downhill to Bulguksa Temple. Built in the 6th century, this Buddhist temple complex comprises of wooden halls, pagodas and shrines on raised stone terraces. It is still to this day a practising place of worship and home to Buddhist monks. Following a tour of the temple, you will have the opportunity to meet and take tea with one of the resident monks. With your guide acting as translator, he will teach you the basics of Cham-Seon meditation and explain the importance of the Da-Seon (tea ceremony). It’s a unique experience and a fascinating insight into the life of a Buddhist monk.

After an insightful couple of hours bid farewell to your monastic host and depart Gyeongju heading south towards the seaside city of Busan. South Korea’s second largest city, Busan is famous for its beaches and seafood, and is frequently referred to as ‘Seoul by the sea’, but enjoys a more laid back vibe. Arrive mid-afternoon, check in to your hotel and the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Enjoy a full day tour of Busan.

First stop of the day is Beomeosa Temple. Located in a picturesque setting on the slopes of Mt. Geumjeongsan, Beomeosa is one of the largest Buddhist temples in South Korea and is home to around 150 monks. Originally constructed in the 7th century the temple was virtually destroyed by the Japanese in the late 16th century, and most of the present buildings date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Several of the buildings within the temple complex have been designated National Treasures: notably the One-Pillar Gate, the Three Story Stone Pagoda and the delicately decorated Daeungjeon (main temple hall). Spend some time exploring and soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.

In complete contrast your next stop is the Jagalchi Fishery Market, the largest, most popular seafood market in the country. It’s a noisy, frantic place full of tanks containing a mind-blowing array of freshly caught seafood. There’s also a sizeable section dedicated to dried fish. Rather interestingly, most of the vendors are ‘ajumma’ a tough breed of middle aged women.

This is a good time to stop for lunch and your guide will be able to recommend a place to eat.

Following lunch, make a short stop at the nearby BIFF Square, the original location for the prestigious Busan International Film Festival and now a cultural tourist attraction, before continuing on to the 120-metre high Busan Tower. Take a high speed lift to the viewing deck from where you can enjoy panoramic views over the city.

Stunning views can also be enjoyed from your last stop of the day: Taejongdae. At the southernmost tip of the Busan region Taejongdae is allegedly named after King Taejong who enjoyed shooting arrows off the cliffs here. From the rocky clifftops you can enjoy unobstructed views out to sea and on clear days may be able to see Japan’s Tsushima Islands.

Transfer back to your hotel, arriving around 5pm.