South Korea · UNESCO Heritage Sites

9-Day South Korea UNESCO Heritage Tour with Hiking and Busan

9 Days Round trip from 대한민국 서울특별시 Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites including Buseoksa, Dosan Seowon, Hahoe Village, and Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
02 Immerse in nature with valley trekking in Mt. Juwangsan National Park
03 Explore Gyeongju's UNESCO treasures, including Seokgulam Grotto, Bulguksa Temple, and Mt. Namsan
04 Experience Busan's temples, coastal scenery, and vibrant markets
05 Enjoy a scenic 4-5 hour trek through the Korea Alps

Embark on this 9-day tour through South Korea's UNESCO World Heritage sites, from Buseoksa and Dosan Seowon to the historic treasures of Andong and Gyeongju. Along the way, enjoy valley trekking in Mt. Juwangsan National Park, hike Mt. Namsan, and take on a 4-5 hour trek in the Korea Alps. The journey continues to Busan for temple visits, coastal sights, and lively markets before ending with cultural experiences at Korea Folk Village and the UNESCO-listed Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.

Along the way, enjoy valley trekking in Mt. Juwangsan National Park, hike Mt. Namsan, and take on a 4-5 hour trek in the Korea Alps.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Suwon, Busan, Seoul, Gyeongju, Andong, Yongin

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Seoul to Yeongju and Andong Heritage Tour

9:00: Meet at the hotel in Seoul and travel to Yeongju.
13:00: Tour the ginseng market in Poonggi, or skip this stop.
14:30: Visit Buseoksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site under "Sansa".
16:00: Tour Dosan Seowon in Andong, a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Confucian academy "Seowon".
18:00: Check in at a Hanok stay, a traditional Korean house with an ondol under-floor heating system.

Day 02

Andong UNESCO Heritage Tour

9:00: Travel to Bongjeongsa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by Elizabeth II and her grandson.
13:00: Visit Byeongsan Seowon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Confucian academy Seowon.
14:30: Explore Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also visited by Elizabeth II and her grandson.

Day 03

Mt. Juwangsan Trekking and Gyeongju Transfer

9:00: Travel to Mt. Juwangsan National Park in Cheongsong for 3-4 hours of valley trekking.
15:30: Travel to Gyeongju.
16:30: Visit Oksan Seowon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Confucian academy "Seowon".

Day 04

Gyeongju UNESCO City Tour

All of Gyeongju is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9:00: Travel to Seokgulam Grotto and Bulguksa Temple.
13:00: Visit Gyeongju National Museum and Donggung Palace with Wolji Pond.

Day 05

Gyeongju Tour and Mt. Namsan Hiking

All of Gyeongju is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9:00: Trek Mt. Namsan for 4-5 hours.
14:30: Visit Daereungwon (Tumuli) and Cheomseongdae Observatory.

Day 06

Korea Alps Hiking and Busan Transfer

9:00: Check out and travel to the Korea Alps trailhead.
10:00: Trek to Mt. Ganwolsan or Cheonwangsan for 4-5 hours.
15:30: Travel to Busan.

Day 07

Busan Temples, Coast, and Leisure

9:00: Travel to Beomeosa Temple or Yonggungsa Temple.
11:30: Visit Blueline Park for the capsule or train package.
13:00: Hike on Camelia Island with the APEC House for 1 hour and visit Haeundae Beach.
15:30: Centum City shopping and a Spa Land experience are optional.

Day 08

Busan Markets and Memorial Sites

9:00: Visit Gamcheon Culture Village.
11:30: Explore Jagalchi Fishery Market.
13:00: Visit the International Market.
15:00: Stop at UN Memorial Park.

Day 09

Busan to Seoul via Suwon

9:00: Check out and travel to Suwon.
13:00: Visit Korea Folk Village.
15:30: Tour Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
18:00: Check in at the hotel in Seoul, and the tour ends.

Where this trip takes you

Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Haeundae Beach

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Seoul guide
Transport
Hotels (2/3-star budget hotels or Hanok stay)
Lunches
Entrance fees

What's Not Included

Dinners
Insurance
Drinks
Tips

What to bring

Trekking gear, including shoes
A backpack bigger than 30L per person
Trekking sticks
Clothes
Gloves
Sunglasses

Know before you go

Available for adults only. Not suitable for differently abled people, people with chronic diseases, and others.
All hotels provide double or twin rooms for two persons.
No vegan or Halal food is available; only local food and, in some cases, instant food.
Minimize your luggage.

Logistics