First-timer’s Korea Travel Guide: Culture and History (The Ultimate 8-day Itinerary)

You've worked hard and are now looking to a perfect getaway. You seriously need to consider (or re-consider if you have been here already) Korea as your next vacation destination. It is one of the most charming Asian countries that you must visit. Especially, now the peace talks are ongoing between South and North Korea. It's prime time to visit to learn about one of the world's most talked-about countries!
This is not just an ordinary tour course. It is rare but special because it includes 4 most important cities to get deep and true understanding about Korean culture: Seoul, Daegu, Andong and Gyeongju. Throughout traveling these cities, you will be able to see from the rural to hyper-urban areas, ancient to most contemporary cultures and everyday Korean lives. Are you ready? Let's get started. 

SEOUL

WHY?

Not to mention it is the capital of South Korea, Seoul is one of the world’s economically powerful city and probably the world’s most wired city. Not only the city is flourishing with its cultural asset and young people’s creative energy, it preserves many historical artifacts and landmarks. Palace tour is definitely what you need to check in Seoul. Also, make sure to experience what this mega city has to offer you.

Gyeongbok Palace

Course Recommendation

DAY 1 Palace

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony → Gyeongbok Palace → The National Folk Museum → The Presidential Blue House from inside car→ Insadong → Namdaemun Market 

DAY 2 City Life
 PreGangnam Station → Sinsadong Garosu-gil Road → Seorae Village → Hongdae 

#PALACE #MEGACITY EXPERIENCE #CAPITAL CITY

DAEGU

WHY?

Seoul is the heart of the peninsula, geographically. Then, where is the heart of South Korea? It’s Daegu, South Korea’s fourth biggest city. Daegu offers visitors chance to learn about Korea’s modern history. Besides, what people love about the city is the rich nature: rivers and mountains surrounding the town. Bonus, transportation is extremely convenient and connects to adjacent cities such as the infamous Andong and Gyeongju.

◆TRANSPORATION: Seoul – Daegu, 95min by KTX train

Image by Young-jo Park

Course Recommendation

DAY 3 Modern History

Dongseongno → Gukchaebosang Memorial Park(Gukchaebosang Memorial Hall) → Modern Culture Street (Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine, Old Jeil Church , Old House of Seo Sang Don, Old House of Lee Sang-hwa, Gyesan Catholic Church, 3.1 Independence Movement Road, Cheongna Hill) → Seomun Night Market → Dongseongno(night life)

Cheongna Hill

DAY 4 Mountainsides

Holy Mother’s Shrine → Apsan Café Street → Apsan Observatory(stay before sunset to after) → Anjirang Gopchang Alley - Suseongmot Lake

DAY 5 Riverside

Daegu Arboretum or Mabijeong Mural Village → Samunjin Village / Hwawon Resort → Take ferry along the river → the Arc 

#MODERN HISTORY #HEART OF S.KOREA #THE NATURE

ANDONG

WHY?

Although far from Incheon Airport, Andong is one of the most popular cities that tourist visit. It self-claims to be “Capital City of Korean Spiritual Culture” and no one really argues about it. You might also recognize this place as where Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain visited to experience the most authentic Korea.

◆TRANSPORATION: Daegu – Andong, 70 min by Intercity bus

Andong Hahoe Mask Dance

Andong Hahoe Folk Village

Course Recommendation

DAY 6 Folk Culture

Andong Hahoe Folk Village

#UNESCO World Hertiage Site #FOLK CULTURE

GYEONGJU

WHY?

Gyeongju is the 1,000-year-old capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom. It is rich with historical heritage. For Koreans, when we are asked to pick the most historical city in Korea, Gyeongju is the first that comes to our mind.

◆TRANSPORATION: Andong – Gyeongju 110min by Intercity bus

Bulguksa Temple

Course Recommendation

DAY 7 Heritage of the Kingdom

Gyeongju National Museum - Cheomseongdae Observatory - Tumuli Park Belt -  Anapji Pond

DAY 8 Buddhist heritage

Seokguram Grotto -  Bulguksa Temple -  Golgulsa Temple -  Gameunsaji Temple Site - Yangdong Folk Village - Underwater Tomb of King Munmu

#a City of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage #BUDDHIST CULTURE