Korea 7-Day Tour: Hanok Village, Temples & Local Food

Summary

Traditional villages, mountain temples and street food across Korea

You’ll wander ancient fortresses and hanok villages in Korea, taste green tea ice cream on misty plantations and share silent moments with monks over steaming cups. With all hotels arranged and entry covered, you can just focus on soaking up each new scene — whether that’s bustling Busan markets or the hush of temple courtyards.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound of our shoes on old stone at Gongsanseong Fortress — that quiet crunch as we followed our guide, Minji, who kept pointing out tiny details in the walls. She told us how the stones had been stacked by hand centuries ago. The air felt cool and a little damp, like it might rain but never did. By evening we were in Jeonju Hanok Village, where the roofs curve up like smiles and you can smell sweet rice cakes from some side alley. I tried on a hanbok for photos — honestly didn’t expect to feel so giddy about it, but there’s something about seeing yourself in those colors.

One afternoon stands out: drinking green tea ice cream at the Boseong plantation, grass underfoot still wet from last night’s rain. Our driver laughed when I asked if people here ever get tired of tea — “Never,” he said, “but sometimes coffee.” Later that day we wandered Suncheon Bay’s reed fields, wind moving through them like a low hush. It was quieter than I thought it would be; even the birds seemed to tiptoe around us.

Busan was louder — Jagalchi Fish Market full of voices and the slap of fish on metal trays. At one point an older woman handed me a piece of raw octopus with a grin; I ate it mostly out of politeness (chewy, salty, not as scary as I’d feared). There was also this moment at Baegyangsa Temple: sitting cross-legged with a monk over bitter tea, steam curling up between us while he talked about autumn leaves and patience. Honestly, I only caught half of what he said but it stuck with me anyway.

By the time we reached Mount Seorak, I’d stopped trying to keep track of every stop. The valleys were misty and gold in the morning light — you know that feeling when you’re tired but sort of glowing from everything you’ve seen? That’s how it felt riding back toward Seoul at sunset. Still think about that view sometimes when things get too noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Seoul to Jeonju via Gongju

• Travel to Gongju
• Visit Gongsanseong Fortress
• Visit Tomb of King Muryeong
• Visit Gongju National Museum
• Overnight stay in Jeonju

Day 2 — Jeonju Hanok Village and Jangseong

• Visit Jeonju Hanok Village
• Wear Hanbok costume
• Explore Gyeonggijeon Shrine
• Travel to Jangseong
• Tea with monk at Baegyangsa Temple
• Travel to Gwangju for overnight

Day 3 — Gwangju to Busan via Boseong and Suncheon

• Visit Green Tea Plantation in Boseong
• Lunch break
• Visit Suncheon Bay wetland
• Travel to Busan for overnight

Day 4 — Busan city exploration

• Visit UN Memorial Cemetery
• Lunch break
• Explore Jagalchi Market
• Visit Gukje Market
• Ride Songdo Sea Cable Car

Day 5 — Busan to Gyeongju sightseeing

• Visit Nurimaru APEC House
• Travel to Gyeongju
• Lunch in Gyeongju
• Visit Bulguksa Temple
• Visit Daereungwon Tomb Complex
• Visit Gyeongju National Museum
• Visit Cheomseongdae Observatory

Day 6 — Gyeongju to Pyeongchang via Daegu and Andong

• Visit Momyeongjae in Daegu
• Learn traditional teatime snacks
• Visit Andong Hahoe Folk Village
• Travel to Pyeongchang for overnight

Day 7 — Pyeongchang to Seoul via Yangyang

• Visit Jujeongol of Mt. Seorak
• Return to Seoul around 18:00

Top questions

Is hotel accommodation included in this 7-day Korea tour?

Yes, six nights’ accommodation in twin or double rooms are included throughout the tour.

Does this tour include meals or local food experiences?

Yes, you’ll have traditional Korean meals along the way and sample specialties like Boseong green tea ice cream.

Are entrance fees for attractions covered?

All entrance fees during the tour are included in your booking price.

Is there an English-speaking guide provided?

Yes, an English-speaking guide (or driver-guide) accompanies your group throughout the trip.

How much walking or physical activity is required?

You should have at least moderate fitness; some sites involve walking on uneven ground or stairs.

Are infants or children allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams/strollers are permitted and infants must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

What are some highlights of this round Korea tour?

You’ll visit Jeonju Hanok Village, Bulguksa Temple, Jagalchi Fish Market, Mount Seorak and more key sites across Korea.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

The tour includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle (vehicle size depends on group size).

What’s included

Your week includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle each morning (vehicle size fits your group), all entrance fees for temples and museums along the route, six nights’ hotel accommodation in comfortable twin or double rooms plus a welcome kit at arrival. An English-speaking guide leads every step — no shopping stops — so you can focus on exploring Korea’s sights and flavors without worrying about logistics or extra costs along the way.