Seoul & Nami Island Getaway
Six days pairing Korea's capital with its countryside — Seoul's palaces and neon streets, then the tree-lined paths of Nami Island and the green hills of Gapyeong — with your transfers, hotels and guided sightseeing handled from arrival to departure.
Seoul's energy, then the calm of the countryside
South Korea's capital rewards travellers who see beyond the neon. On this six-day escape you move from Seoul's 14th-century royal palaces and hanok villages to its cutting-edge shopping districts, then out to Gapyeong in Gyeonggi-do for the tree-lined paths of Nami Island — a crescent-shaped river island that's become one of Korea's most photographed places, and the setting for the K-drama "Winter Sonata."
It's built for first-time visitors, couples and families who want both sides of Korea done well: the Joseon-era grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace and its changing-of-the-guard ceremony, the traditional alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village, the view from N Seoul Tower, and then a full day among Nami Island's metasequoia and ginkgo avenues, with the Korean countryside as a backdrop. Airport transfers, a centrally located hotel, daily breakfast and guided sightseeing are arranged for you.
Prefer it fully private, extended by a night, or paired with another region? Every element here can be tailored — this itinerary is the starting point, not the ceiling.
What you'll actually see
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The largest of Korea's Five Grand Palaces, first built in 1394 for the Joseon Dynasty. Time your visit for the changing-of-the-guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate, held twice daily except Tuesdays.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Six centuries of history in a single neighbourhood, between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung — hundreds of traditional hanok houses, many still lived in, with quiet lanes and city views.
Nami Island
A crescent-shaped island on the Bukhangang River, reached only by ferry — famous for its metasequoia and ginkgo tree avenues, planted from the 1960s, and as the setting of the K-drama "Winter Sonata."
N Seoul Tower & the city's neon streets
Panoramic views over Seoul from the 236-metre communication tower atop Namsan, then an evening among the shopping and street food of Myeongdong.
Your 6-day itinerary
City first, countryside after — with breakfast daily and all listed transfers included.
You're met at Incheon International Airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Settle in, then ease into the city at your own pace — Myeongdong's shopping streets and street food are an easy first evening, just minutes from most central hotels.
After breakfast, a guided tour through royal Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, timed where possible for the changing-of-the-guard ceremony, then the traditional lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village and the craft shops and teahouses of Insadong.
A cable car ride up Namsan to N Seoul Tower for panoramic city views, then time in Myeongdong for shopping, skincare stores and Seoul's famous street-food stalls. The evening is left free to explore at your own pace.
A drive out to Gapyeong in Gyeonggi-do, then a short ferry crossing to Nami Island. Spend the day walking or cycling the island's tree-lined avenues — the metasequoia and ginkgo lanes made famous by "Winter Sonata" — before the ferry back and return transfer to Seoul.
A day left open by design. Explore a neighbourhood you haven't seen yet, add an optional K-pop, DMZ or cooking-class experience, or simply relax before your onward journey.
Enjoy a final breakfast and, depending on your flight, a little free time for last-minute shopping. You're then transferred to Incheon International Airport for your onward journey — or, if you'd like to extend, we can add nights in Seoul or link this trip to another region of Korea.
Indicative itinerary. The exact order of activities, sightseeing and transfer times is confirmed at the time of booking and may adapt to flight schedules, ferry timetables, opening hours and local conditions. Gyeongbokgung Palace and the guard ceremony are closed on Tuesdays.
What's included — and what's not
Clear from the start, so there are no surprises when you travel.
Included
- Accommodation for 5 nights
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- Intercity transfers where applicable
- Sightseeing as listed in the itinerary
- Selected entrance fees
- Local assistance throughout
Not included
- International flights (unless stated)
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Meals not stated in the itinerary
- Optional activities & hotel upgrades
- Tips & gratuities
Before you go
Best time to visit
Korea has four distinct seasons. Spring (April–May) brings cherry blossoms and autumn (October–November) brings the foliage Nami Island is famous for; both are popular. Summers are hot and humid, winters cold — we'll advise on timing for your dates.
Currency
The South Korean Won (KRW). Cards are accepted almost everywhere in Seoul, including small shops and markets; carry a little cash for street food stalls and Nami Island's ferry ticket.
The Nami Island ferry
The island has "No Bridge" by design — the ferry crossing from Gapyeong Wharf is part of the experience. A zipline option also exists for the adventurous. Ferry and island entry are typically ticketed together.
Getting around
Seoul's subway is extensive, efficient and English-signed, making it easy to explore independently on your free day. We handle the transfers between cities and to Gapyeong.
What to pack
Comfortable walking shoes for the palaces and Nami Island's tree-lined paths, layers appropriate to the season, and a light jacket for cooler evenings — even in warmer months.
Visas & documents
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Many nationalities enter South Korea visa-free for short stays, but please check based on your nationality — we're happy to point you in the right direction.
Seoul to Nami Island
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Good to have answered
Is the US$1,199 price per person? What does it cover?
Yes — that's a starting price, per person, for the 6-day itinerary based on twin-share accommodation. It covers your hotel, daily breakfast, airport and listed transfers, the sightseeing in the itinerary, selected entrance fees and local assistance. The final figure depends on your travel dates, hotel choice, group size and whether you'd like it private, so we confirm an exact quote when you enquire.
Are international flights included?
No — international flights aren't included unless we've specifically stated so in your quote. We can advise on convenient arrival times into Incheon and arrange your airport transfers to match your flights.
What if we visit on a Tuesday, when Gyeongbokgung is closed?
Gyeongbokgung Palace and its guard ceremony are closed on Tuesdays. If your dates fall on a Tuesday, we simply reorder the itinerary or substitute another palace, such as Changdeokgung, so nothing is lost from the trip.
Can this itinerary be customised?
Absolutely — this is a template, not a fixed package. Add nights, upgrade the hotel, run it fully private, or extend it with another region of Korea or a stop elsewhere in Asia. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll shape the trip around it.
Is it suitable for families and first-time visitors?
Very. The pace is comfortable, Seoul's subway and English signage make the city easy to navigate, and Nami Island's flat, walkable paths suit all ages. The only thing to plan around is Gyeongbokgung's Tuesday closure, which we build into the itinerary from the start.
Do I need a visa for South Korea?
It depends on your nationality. Many travellers can enter South Korea visa-free for short stays, but requirements change, so please verify based on your own passport before you travel. We're glad to point you to the right official source.
How do I book or get a quote?
Send us an enquiry with your rough dates and traveller numbers and we'll come back with a tailored quote and next steps. There's no obligation, and no payment needed to get a proposal.
Let's plan your Seoul & Nami Island getaway
Tell us your dates and who's travelling. We'll send back a tailored itinerary and a clear, all-in quote — with the flexibility to make it exactly the trip you want.