Highlights
- Wander around art galleries in Samcheongdong, a trendy neighborhood in Seoul
- Visit Hahoe Folk Village to learn more about Korea's traditional art and culture
- Enjoy an immersive encounter with colorful contemporary art at Gallery Miji
- See the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok at the Gyeongju National Museum
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive at Incheon, Transfer to Seoul, Optional Half-Day Art Tour | Seoul |
| Day 2 | Visit Changdeokgung Palace, the MMCA & Art Galleries of Samcheongdong | Seoul |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Andong, Hahoe Folk Village, Traditional Painting Gallery Tour | Andong |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Gyeongju, Visit Gyeongju National Museum & Tumuli Park Tour | Gyeongju |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Seoul, Seokguram Grotto, Gallery Miji Tour & Miso Performance | Seoul |
| Day 6 | Leeum Museum of Art, Bukchon Hanok Village & Dongdaemun Design Plaza | Seoul |
| Day 7 | Return to Incheon, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Incheon, Transfer to Seoul, Optional Half-Day Art Tour
Welcome to Seoul, the dynamic capital of South Korea! Your driver will meet you at Incheon International Airport, and you'll be driven to your hotel. After checking in, relax in your hotel room after your journey or head out to explore. The buzzing neighborhood of Insadong has a wide selection of souvenir shops, art galleries, and restaurants and is the perfect place to start. There's the option to do a half-day tour here today to discover its alternative artistic side with a private guide who will take you around shops selling porcelains, woodcrafts, metalworks, and even earthenware.
Alternatively, the shopping district of Myeongdong is a paradise for those into skincare and cosmetics. Meanwhile, at the first permanent market in Korea, Gwangjang Market, you can dip into the city's street food culture. For an enviable selfie with Seoul's impressive skyline as a backdrop, visit Seoul Sky, the highest glass-floored observation deck in the world.
Day 2: Visit Changdeokgung Palace, the MMCA & Art Galleries of Samcheongdong
You'll explore Seoul today, starting at Changdeokgung, the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. Roam around the palace grounds to appreciate its delicate halls, pavilions, and courtyards in typical Korean palatial architecture style. Next, head to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA), where you'll be awed by Korean and international artists' extensive collection of artworks over different periods.
Afterward, a short drive will take you to the art galleries in Samcheongdong. One of the city's trendiest neighborhoods, Samcheongdong is home to many art museums and galleries. Take pleasure in discovering all kinds of artwork, from unique contemporary pieces to works featuring traditional philosophy and spirit.Day 3: Transfer to Andong, Hahoe Folk Village, Traditional Painting Gallery Tour
It's time to head south today to historic Andong, known as "the capital of Korean spirit." When you arrive, you'll visit Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can learn more about Korea's traditional art and culture. Hahoe Mask Museum in the village is a must-see, displaying a wide range of masks from all over the world, including the Hahoe masks worn in the Hahoe Pyolshin-gut t'al nori ceremony (a mask dance drama), which dates to the 12th century. Afterward, enjoy a spectacular view of the village and its surroundings from Booyongdae Cliff.
Then, head to Hahoe Traditional Painting Gallery for an introduction to the world of minhwa, meaning "folk painting" or "painting of the people" in Korean, which usually features vivid flora and fauna. After a busy day, head back to your accommodation for the night in a hanok. This traditional Korean house features wooden architecture and tiled roofs, creating a quiet atmosphere.
Day 4: Transfer to Gyeongju, Visit Gyeongju National Museum & Tumuli Park Tour
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
You'll be picked up and driven for about 1.5 hours south to Gyeongju this morning. Here, you'll look around Gyeongju National Museum to discover more about the Silla Dynasty's culture and history. From jewelry to weaponry and other ceremonial items, an extensive collection of artifacts is on display here. A gold crown can be dated back to the fourth century, and the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok with elaborate decoration.
Day 5: Return to Seoul, Seokguram Grotto, Gallery Miji Tour & Miso Performance
Head back to Seoul this morning in around three-and-a-half hours. When you arrive, you'll join a tour starting at Bulguksa Temple, a fine example of Silla architecture. The temple has six national treasures, including two stone pagodas: Dabo-tap and Seokga-tap. First built in the eighth century, the temple underwent several restorations in its long history, but these two pagodas are preserved from the original construction. Seokguram Grotto, sitting on the slopes of Mount Toham, is your next stop. Here there's a monumental Buddha statue facing the sea, as well as other portrayals of gods and disciples.
Afterward, head to Gallery Miji and take your time roaming around this two-story building for an immersive encounter with colorful contemporary art. Later, watch a miso performance. Miso is a traditional music and dance show telling the love story of Chunhyang and Mongryong. To fully portray the enduring love between this couple, traditional performing arts are used, including the pansori Korean dance, vocal performances with drums, and samulnori percussion quartets. You'll be immersed in the touching story.Day 6: Leeum Museum of Art, Bukchon Hanok Village & Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Seoul's lively art scene is the theme today, starting at the Leeum Museum of Art. From calligraphy and ceramic art to the works of Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst, the museum's vast collection of traditional and contemporary art is sure to impress. Don't forget to capture a great shot of its three buildings that have fascinating exterior designs. Then, move on to Bukchon Hanok Village. With numerous traditional hanok houses, themed museums and galleries, stylish cafés, and tea houses, it's an ideal place to immerse yourself in traditional Korean culture, and you'll snap some memorable photos.
In the afternoon, head to Dongdaemun Design Plaza to see the beautiful collection of antique art pieces in Gansong Art Museum. Seoul Museum of Art is also a must-visit. Its six exhibition halls display more than 5,000 contemporary artworks by Korean and international artists. Enjoy losing yourself in the world of modern art.Day 7: Return to Incheon, Depart
More Great South Korea Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to South Korea? Check out these other South Korea itineraries, explore different ways to spend a week in South Korea, or discover the best time to visit South Korea.
Map
