South Korea Wellness Escape - 14 Days

Highlights

• Enjoy a luxury spa treatment in Seoul that incorporates red ginseng oil
• Hike to the Jingwansa temple and participate in a tea and meditation ceremony
• Stay overnight at a center that offers forest activities and wellness therapies
• Walk around the enormous grounds of South Korea's first national garden
• Spend your last few days on Jeju Island with white-sand beaches and coastal hikes

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Seoul, Explore

Welcome to Seoul, the capital and largest city in South Korea! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted by a private driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the city center, about an hour away. After you've had time to check in and get settled, the remainder of the day is yours to recover from jet lag and explore this exciting metropolis at your own pace.

With so many fantastic neighborhoods, it may be hard to know where to begin, but you can get your bearings in walkable Insadong, one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city that's known for its lively art scene. Start at Insadong Street and walk around to find an array of charming teahouses, contemporary galleries, and eateries serving Korean specialties. Then consider a stroll along the banks of the Cheonggyecheon stream, a modern 7-mile (11 km) footpath with manicured gardens and bridges that opened in 2005.

Day 2: Spa Day in Seoul

Wake up feeling refreshed and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Perhaps you want to start the day with a refreshing walk in Namsan Park, Seoul's most significant green space. There is no fee to enter, and you can work up a sweat by climbing the stairs or hitting the nature trails to see a variety of plants and trees. Either way, keep an eye out for excellent city views from above. 

Later in the day, you'll embark on a wellness journey, starting at Tea Therapy in Bukchon Hanok Village within Gyeongbokgung palace. Your first assignment is to take part in a simple consultation with a tea expert to determine what type of tea best suits you, depending on your physical condition and emotional state. Then sit back and enjoy a relaxing cup of tea before you begin a foot bath experience. From here, you'll head to SPA 1899 Donginbi and take part in a premium spa treatment incorporating red ginseng oil to enhance your immune system and promote relaxation.

Day 3: Seoul Full-Day City Tour

Today you'll discover the best of Seoul's culture and history during a full-day immersive city tour. After meeting your private guide, you'll go to the stunning Gyeongbokgung palace, dating to the 14th century, where you can rent a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) and learn about the ancient Joseon Dynasty. While here, watch for traditional ceremonies, like the Changing of the Royal Guard, that occur daily.

You'll learn more about the Joseon Dynasty from your guide as you stroll through the picturesque Bukchon Hanok Village with its small streets featuring traditional dynasty architecture and cultural centers and museums. Then it's time for lunch. Enjoy authentic Korean street food at Gwangjang Market before revisiting Namsan Park, where a cable car ride or hike will bring you to the iconic N Seoul Tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and Han River.

Day 4: Guided Hike in Mount Bukhansan National Park, Visit Jingwansa Temple

After breakfast at your hotel in Seoul, put on your hiking shoes and set off on a full-day adventure that begins with a leisurely hike in Mount Bukhansan National Park. This is one of South Korea's most popular hiking destinations, with various trails for all levels, from easy to advanced.

Follow your guide for a few hours through the park's picturesque valleys, streams, and mountains as you make your way to the historic Jingwansa temple. Here you'll immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of this 1,000-year-old temple, where nature and Buddhism harmoniously coexist. Participate in a peaceful meditation and tea ceremony led by monk masters, and savor a traditional vegetarian monastic meal amid exquisite shrine halls and majestic mountain backdrops.

Day 5: Transfer to Yeongju, Experience the National Healing Center (Day 1)

It's time to head into nature! Today, you'll pack up your belongings and make the two-hour drive east to the city of Yeongju. Upon arrival, you'll head to the National Healing Center in the dense forest of Sobaeksan National Park for your overnight forest therapy program. The center is renowned in South Korea and provides several healing programs that improve people's mental and physical states and immunity levels.

Upon arrival, you'll begin your journey by meeting the staff and exploring the health advancement center, water therapy center, and therapeutic park. Then you'll have free time to immerse yourself in activities like healing hikes, hammock relaxation, forest-related meditation, and massage therapy—all tailored to your needs for a truly revitalizing experience.

Day 6: Experience the National Healing Center (Day 2)

Wake up in nature this morning and enjoy a relaxing breakfast. You'll have the entire day to participate in health programs at the National Healing Center, including forest activities and DIY therapies. You can also dive into aquatic therapy with quality time at the Bade Pool Spa, designed to ease muscle pain and strengthen your back and ankles. This activity is also said to alleviate high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis. Top off your visit with a session in the thermotherapy room or a dip in the open-air spa. 

Day 7: Transfer to Busan, Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple & Haeundae Beach

Now that you've felt the healing power of forests and mountains, it's time to take a 2.5-hour drive from Yeongju to Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea. Upon arrival, you'll have the rest of the day to explore this coastal city on the Sea of Japan.

Begin your Busan adventure with a serene visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a stunning Buddhist temple on the cliffs surrounded by bridges and statues. Continue to the picturesque Dongbaekseom Coastal Promenade, an island-turned-peninsula due to years of sedimentation. You can also hop on the colorful Sky Capsule at Haeundae Blueline Park for beautiful views of the ocean, hills, and cityscape, and finish the day with a stroll on the famous Haeundae Beach, a haven for swimmers and surfers during summer.

Day 8: Busan Full-Day City Tour & Spa Experience

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll have a free morning to explore the vibrant city of Busan, perhaps starting with a visit to the colorful Gamcheon Cultural Village, where you'll admire street art and indulge in delicious treats called ssiat hotteok (deep-fried dough stuffed with nuts and seeds). Next, discover the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest fish market in the country, and immerse yourself in the buzzing local lifestyle. Look at the prominent displays of fresh catch and enjoy a casual lunch at one of the stalls. 

In the afternoon, you'll unwind and rejuvenate at Spa Land, a luxurious and spacious Korean-style bathhouse in Centum City with over a dozen themed saunas and hot spring water baths to soothe your body and mind. Return to your hotel in Busan in the late afternoon. 

Day 9: Songdo Cloud Walk & Cable Car Experience, Transfer to Suncheon

You'll have a chance to see more scenic landmarks in Busan before departing in the afternoon. Start the morning with a stroll along the Songdo Cloud Walk, where you'll feel like you're walking on top of the ocean, thanks to the clear glass walkway. Then soak in the views of Songdo Beach before hopping on the Songdo Ocean Cable Car that takes you to Amnam Park, where towering cliffs await. Complete the adventure with a visit to the 417-foot (127 m) Yonggung Suspension Bridge, and soak in the panoramic ocean views, unique rock formations, and contemporary architecture.

Day 10: Wellness Tour at Suncheon Bay National Garden & Wetland Reserve

Today you'll embark on a guided wellness tour in Suncheon, starting at the Suncheon Bay National Garden, Korea's first. You could spend an entire day exploring the different walking paths, zones, and art installations offering hundreds of thousands of plant, tree, and flower species. Make sure to ride the SkyCube for a scenic journey through the park and enjoy a peaceful walk through swaying reeds in the Wetland Zone, home of the Suncheon Bay Nature Preserve.

You'll have free time to explore other attractions, including the Lake Garden, the Suncheon Bay Herbarium, and a traditional Korean medicine center. This is where you can receive a health recommendation, sip herbal tea, and participate in activities like crafting incense pouches that make great souvenirs to take home.

Day 11: Day Trip to the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest

After breakfast at your hotel in Suncheon, embark on a scenic one-hour drive northwest to Damnyang, where you'll discover tranquil Juknokwon. This is South Korea's most famous bamboo forest, which opened in 2003. Once you've arrived, you can wander through trails at your own pace through lush bamboo groves while stopping to rest your legs at one of the picturesque pavilions.

From here, continue to Metasequoia Tree Lane, one of South Korea's most beautiful driving routes. The path is lined with Metasequoia trees, a type of redwood. Depending on the season of your visit, you'll find incredible photo opportunities here among either vibrant green foliage in spring or striking red-orange hues in autumn. In the afternoon, return to your hotel in Suncheon, where you'll have the rest of the evening free.  

Day 12: Fly to Jeju Island, Tea & Meditation at Chuidasun Resort

It's time to say goodbye to the Korean Peninsula as you head for the volcanic landscapes of Jeju Island, located off the south coast. First, you'll make a 20-minute drive from Sunchon to the airport in Yeosu for a one-hour direct flight. Upon arrival on Jeju Island, get into a tranquil state of mind at the Chuidasun Tea and Meditation Resort, where you'll spend a few hours participating in tea ceremonies and meditation courses.

From there, you'll have free time to enjoy optional activities, such as hiking to the coastal outlook called Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), which takes about an hour. You can also relax on Woljeongri Beach or explore Manjanggul Cave, one of the oldest lava tunnels in the world with unique stalactites and stalagmites.

Day 13: Jeju Island Full-Day Tour

It's your last full day in South Korea! After breakfast at your hotel, you'll have the entire day to enjoy the beauty of Jeju Island. Starting with the picturesque Hyeopjae Beach, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk along the soft white sand while you take in the views of nearby Biyangdo Island.

Next, join a tour of O'Sulloc Green Tea Plantation, the largest tea field on the island, and stroll through rows of fragrant tea leaves. Finally, rejuvenate your body and mind at Seogwipo Healing Forest by participating in the signature "Forest Healing" program. Finish with a cup of tea as you take in the panoramic views from Hallasan mountain. Another great activity is to observe the island's haenyeo (female divers), who make a living by free diving and harvesting seaweed and mollusks, like sea urchins, from the ocean.

Day 14: Depart Jeju Island

It's time to say goodbye to South Korea! Enjoy a few more hours of Jeju Island's breathtaking scenery and laid-back atmosphere before heading to the airport by private car. From here, catch your flight home or to your next destination. Safe travels!

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