South Korea Rail Adventure

Day 1 – London to Seoul

Scheduled flight from London to Seoul.

Day 2 – Arrive Seoul

Arrive Seoul and transfer to our hotel for a 3-night stay. A welcome dinner is included at a local Korean BBQ restaurant this evening.

Day 3 – City Tour & Railroad Museum

A morning guided sightseeing tour to include a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the most famous royal palace, and view the Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony. This afternoon we visit the KORAIL Railroad Museum, which showcases over 100 years of Korean railway history with over 12,000 artifacts including historic steam locos, presidential carriage, diesel railcars and train simulators.

Day 4 – Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

After breakfast we will embark on a guided tour of South Korea’s Demilitarized Zone, offering a fascinating insight into the border between North and South Korea. Visit the DMZ Theatre and Exhibition Hall and walk along the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. Later we head to the Hwarangdae Railroad Park featuring historical steam locos, trams, carriages and a station museum. There is also the Nowon Rail Village which includes two pavilions housing model railways that replicate both Swiss and Italian landscapes.

Day 5 – To Gyeongju

This morning we board our first bullet train for the journey to Gangneung, where we change to an ITX service for Gyeongju. The scenic line to Gyeongju travels from the east coast heading inland with views of lush green mountains, valleys and rural villages. Transfer to our hotel for a 2-night stay.

Day 6 – Gyeongju Sightseeing

Gyenongju, once the capital of the Silla Kingdom, has over 1,000 years of history which is visible in the streets today. We visit Yangdong Folk Village, Korea’s largest traditional village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following lunch at a local restaurant (included) we visit the Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, both UNESCO listed and exemplify some of the best Buddhist sculptures in the world. The Bulguksa temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing the rich cultural heritage of South Korea.

Day 7 – To Busan

Today we travel by road to Busan, South Korea’s second city. On arrival we will visit the Gamcheon Culture Village, a hillside village with brightly coloured houses, narrow stairways and colourful murals. The village was formed by refugees of the Korean War. The afternoon will be spent at the popular Jagalchi Market, where you can watch fishing boats unload their daily catch and try the freshest Sashami (spicy fishcakes). We will then transfer to our hotel for a 2-night stay and an evening at leisure.

Day 8 – Busan City Tour

This morning we will take a ride on the Sky Capsule, travelling in quirky miniature, retro cars with spectacular views of the Haeundae coast. There will be time to enjoy Cheongsapo, a charming seaside town, before an afternoon journey on the Haeundae Beach Train, a tourist train that runs along Haeundae Beach, the most beautiful beach in Korea. We conclude the day with a visit to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and its stunning, picturesque setting.

Day 9 – To Gokseong

After a leisurely breakfast we travel by road to Gokseong, arriving midday. We visit the Seomjingang Train Village, a park on a section of the former Jeolla Line including a preserved station, rail bikes, Astronomical Observatory and rose garden. There will be time to explore before you take a return journey by train along the river. Transfer to our hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 10 – To Mokpo

A morning guided visit to the Taeansa Temple. Located at the foot of Dongnisan Mountain, the Temple was built by three monks in 742 during the reign of the Silla King. It was heavily damaged during the Korean War, but it remains open to visitors. We continue by train to Suncheon where we connect to a service for Mokpo for a 2-night stay and an evening at leisure.

Day 11 – Mokpo Sightseeing

Mokpo is a port city in southwestern South Korea close to Yudal Mountain. This morning we will take a ride on the Marine Cable Car. Ascending to the summit of Yudal Mountain it continues over the Dadohae Sea to Gohado Island, affording spectacular views. We then visit the Sky Walk, a partly glazed floor walkway over the Mokpo Sea offering 360-degree views. Afternoon visit to Peace Square where you may opt to visit the National Maritime Museum or Natural History Museum.

Day 12 – Return to Seoul

Travel by bullet train to Seoul, arriving midday and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the capital. We will have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Day 13 – Flight to London

Morning transfer to the airport for our flight home, arriving London same day.