16 Day Highlights of South Korea & Taiwan Small Group Tour

Welcome to South Korea! Upon arrival in the vibrant capital city of Seoul, make your way independently to the hotel. This bustling metropolis perfectly blends high-tech skyscrapers and pop culture with ancient temples and traditional markets. Take the rest of your first day to settle in and begin exploring the local neighborhood at your own pace before the tour activities commence tomorrow. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal may offer the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. Hotel check-in time is at 3pm. If arriving prior to this, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion.

After breakfast, we begin our South Korea adventure with a guided city tour of Seoul. Our day starts with a walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, a beautifully restored urban waterway in the heart of the city, before continuing to the impressive Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most iconic of Seoul's royal palaces. We then visit Bukchon Hanok Village, where hundreds of traditional Korean houses offer a glimpse into the city's past, followed by time to explore Insadong Street, known for its galleries, antiques and local crafts. The day concludes with sweeping panoramic views over Seoul from N Seoul Tower. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travellers. Inspiring Highlights Cheonggyecheon Stream Gyeongbokgung Palace Bukchon Hanok Village Insadong Street N Seoul Tower

After breakfast, we depart Seoul and journey south to the lively coastal city of Busan. On arrival, we experience the city's vibrant atmosphere with a visit to Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea's largest seafood market, where the day's catch is traded straight from the harbour. We then explore the nearby Gukje Market, one of Korea's largest traditional markets, known for its local street food, textiles and souvenirs. We also visit the UN Memorial Cemetery, the only United Nations cemetery in the world, offering a peaceful and poignant reflection on Korea's modern history. The evening is at leisure, with time to relax or discover Busan's dining and waterfront precincts at your own pace. Inspiring Highlights Jagalchi Market Gukje Market UN Memorial Cemetery Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours

Today is dedicated to discovering the unique character of Busan. After breakfast, we visit the colourful Gamcheon Cultural Village, famous for its maze-like streets, hillside setting and vividly painted houses, often referred to as the “Machu Picchu of Busan.” In the afternoon, we travel to Haeundae Beach, Busan's most famous stretch of coastline, followed by a leisurely walk around Dongbaek Island, where scenic paths offer beautiful coastal views and city skylines. This evening is free to enjoy Busan at your leisure — whether exploring the city's lively nightlife or sampling fresh local seafood. Inspiring Highlights Gamcheon Cultural Village Haeundae Beach Dongbaek Island

After breakfast, we begin the day at the breathtaking Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a rare seaside temple perched dramatically on the cliffs above the ocean. From here, we journey inland to Gyeongju, often called “the museum without walls” for its wealth of historic treasures.In the afternoon, we explore the city’s rich heritage with visits to the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple, the ancient Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the Royal Tombs, each offering a fascinating glimpse into Korea’s past. Tonight, share a traditional Korean feast before strolling the tiled rooftops and stone walls of Gyochon Village.We then conclude our sightseeing at the elegant Donggung Palace and the serene Wolji Pond, a perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere of this historic city.The evening is free to relax and enjoy Gyeongju at your own pace.Inspiring HighlightsHaedong Yonggungsa TempleBulguksa TempleCheomseongdaeRoyal TombsDonggung Palace & Wolji PondSpecial InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

After breakfast, we journey to Andong, a city celebrated for its deep-rooted traditions and cultural heritage. We begin at the serene Byeongsan Seowon, a historic Confucian academy set amidst peaceful landscapes, before exploring the world-renowned Hahoe Folk Village, where time-honored customs and beautifully preserved hanok houses offer a fascinating glimpse into Korea’s past.From Buyongdae Cliff, enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the village and surrounding countryside, a truly memorable vantage point. Inspiring HighlightsByeongsan SeowonHahoe Folk VillageBuyongdae CliffSpecial InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

After breakfast, we make our way back to the capital. Upon arriving in Seoul, we explore the stylish Gangnam district, strolling along the famous Gangnam Street and visiting the impressive Coex Mall. This is the perfect opportunity to shop, soak up the modern city vibes, or simply enjoy the energy of one of Seoul's most dynamic neighborhoods. Your final evening in Seoul is free to spend as you wish, whether indulging in local cuisine, revisiting a favourite spot, or simply relaxing. Inspiring Highlights Gangnam Street Coex Mall Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

Today provides a deeply moving glimpse into Korea's modern history with a visit to the iconic Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). We will have the rare and unforgettable opportunity to meet a North Korean defector and hear their personal story, offering a powerful and human perspective on the country's past and present. This evening, we gather one last time for a farewell dinner to celebrate the memories made throughout our journey. Inspiring Highlights DMZ Visit Meeting with North Korean Survivor Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

At the appropriate time, you will make your way independently to the airport for your included flight to Taipei. Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be transferred to your accommodation. Special Information Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 23kg, and one 7kg carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your included flight will be unescorted and you'll meet your new tour guide on the day you depart for Sun Moon Lake.

After breakfast, discover Taipei on your own using your 1-Day Taipei Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus ticket. The Red Route takes in Taipei 101, Huashan 1914 Creative Park and similar areas. The Blue Route takes in the Shilin Official Residence, National Palace Museum and similar areas. There is onboard English audio-guide information. Inspiring Highlights Taipei Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus

After breakfast, meet your tour guide and drive to Sun Moon Lake. Drive along the lake to indulge yourself in the natural beauty all around. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit a Holy Monk Shrine, visit Wen-Wu Temple, and see the Tse En Pagoda.Enjoy a relaxing drive along the lake, taking in the surrounding natural beauty, before checking in to your hotel in the late afternoon.Spend your free time wandering Ita Thao Old Street, where small shops and food stalls line the way — perfect for browsing and sampling local snacks.Inspiring HighlightsSun Moon LakeHoly Monk ShrineTse En PagodaWen Wu TempleSpecial InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

After breakfast, meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby and set off for Alishan, where cypress forest and mountain mist give the highlands their character.At Alishan Forest Park, walk among centuries-old trees to see the Brothers Trees, the Sisters Ponds and the Three Generations Tree. Then ride a section of the historic Alishan Forest Railway, laid during the Japanese colonial period to bring timber down from the peaks.Continue to Yuyupas Cultural Park for an introduction to the culture of the Tsou people, set among hillside tea plantations.Your day ends in Chiayi, where you transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.Inspiring HighlightsAlishan Forest ParkYUYUPAS Cultural ParkBrother TreeSister PondThree Generation TreeSpecial InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours

After a relaxed breakfast, meet your guide and wander through Chiayi Traditional Market for a glimpse of everyday Taiwanese life, browsing bustling stalls of seasonal fruit, fresh produce, seafood, local ingredients and traditional snacks. Alternatively, visit Hinoki Village, a historic quarter of Japanese-era wooden buildings now filled with small shops and cafés. Continue to the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, a striking modern building devoted to the artistic and cultural heritage of Asia, with collections spanning Chinese, Indian and Islamic civilisations. You'll arrive in Tainan mid-afternoon and set out on a walking tour of Anping Fort and the surrounding Old Street, one of the city's most historic districts, where Chinese heritage sits alongside contemporary Taiwanese life. Inspiring HighlightsSouthern Branch of the National Palace Museum Tainan Anping Fort Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

After breakfast, we visit the Chihkan Tower and the first Confucian Temple to be built in Taiwan to get an insight into the ancient Confucian ceremonies and rituals.Afterwards, continue on to Kaohsiung and visit Fo Guang Shan Monastery, the largest monastery in Taiwan. Explore the Main Shrine and the Buddhist Museum before enjoying a light vegetarian lunch at the monastery.Check in the hotel in the late afternoon. Tonight, stroll through the Liu He Night Market where you can try a variety of delicious seafood on offer. Bring your appetite and enjoy the downtown energy!Inspiring HighlightsChihkan TowerFonguanshan MonasteryLiu He Night MarketSpecial InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

After breakfast, visit Lotus Pond in Kaohsiung, home to the colourful Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, whose ornate towers mirror perfectly in the water. In the afternoon you'll drive north to Lukang, a former port town of temples and craft workshops. Here you'll visit Lukang Mazu Temple, one of the oldest of its kind in Taiwan, and the Osmanthus Alley Artist Village, where restored Japanese-era houses now hold studios for lion-head carvers, potters and calligraphers.Follow the winding Lukang Old Market Street to traditional Taiwanese styled houses, the narrow alleyways and the array of seafood and traditional foods. After this, your tour guide will take you to Taipei city where the rest of the evening is at leisure.Inspiring HighlightsDragon and Tiger PagodaMazu Temple and Osmanthus AlleySpecial InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 5 hours

Today marks the end of your incredible tour. At the appropriate time, join your transfer to Taipei Airport for your onward journey. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.