South korea lantern festival
South Korea Highlights with Jetset Trips
May 7-14, 2027
Trip Price – $5499
Experience the ultimate blend of cultural celebration, dramatic coastlines, and island wonders on this 8-day journey through South Korea’s most iconic destinations.
Begin your adventure in Seoul, timed perfectly to experience the spectacular Lotus Lantern Festival, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event. Your journey kicks off with an elegant welcome dinner at the renowned Samcheonggak Restaurant. Over the next two days, you’ll step back in time by donning a traditional Hanbok to explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, savor authentic street food at Gwangjang Market, and wander the historic alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village. You will also dive into Korean traditions with hands-on mother-of-pearl art and accessory crafting workshops at Namsangol Hanok Village, browse the antique lanes of Insadong and Ikseondong, and ride the cable car up to N Seoul Tower for sweeping skyline views.
Next, board the high-speed KTX bullet train to the coastal city of Busan. Here, you’ll glide above the shoreline on the Haeundae Blue Line Park sky capsules, visit the breathtaking cliffside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, and catch the sunset from a relaxing Haeundae River Cruise. Your coastal exploration continues with the dramatic views at Oryukdo Skywalk and Igidae Park, the vibrant, artistic alleyways of Gamcheon Culture Village, and a taste of the sea at the famous Jagalchi Fish Market. To top off your time in Busan, you’ll experience the mesmerising Samgwangsa Temple Lantern Festival tucked away in the mountains.
Round out your journey on Jeju Island, a natural paradise of volcanic wonders and pristine landscapes. After a short domestic flight, you’ll explore the underground depths of Manjanggul Cave and hike the magnificent Seongsan Ilchulbong Crater—both UNESCO World Natural Heritages. Your island finale includes visits to the serene Jeju Stone Park, the rushing waters of Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls, the striking hexagonal rock formations of Jusangjeolli Cliff, the lush O’sulloc Green Tea Museum, and a fun stop to witness the gravity-defying Mysterious Road.
This meticulously planned itinerary offers the perfect introduction to Korea’s diverse landscapes and seasonal traditions, providing a seamless, unforgettable mix of history, food, and natural energy.
Your trip package includes 8 incredible days in South Korea, complete with comprehensive travel planning, curated experiences, thoughtful extras, and personalized support every step of the way. You’ll also have an on-site trip leader available 24/7 to ensure a seamless, stress-free adventure.
We begin together in Seoul and conclude on Jeju Island.
TRANSFER & FLIGHT DETAILS: Flight details must be submitted at least 30 days before trip departure to receive included airport transfers. After that point, guests will need to arrange their own airport transportation.
Transfers are only included on the trip arrival and departure dates. Arriving early or staying late? Additional transfers can be arranged for an extra cost—we’re happy to help.
May 7-14, 2027
DEPOSIT $750
TOTAL – $5499
All trips are priced as double occupancy. When available, solo supplements may be offered. If you are traveling solo, it doesn’t mean you need to pay a solo supplement, we’re happy to pair you with a roommate whenever possible.
*flexible payment options available for balance- to pay monthly or in a few equal installments
- 7 nights accomodation – 3 nights in 5* boutique hotel in Seoul, 2 nights in 4* hotel in Busan, 2 nights in 4.5* hotel in Jeju Island
- RT Local flights to/from Jeju Island
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfers from Seoul on arrival and RT for Jeju Island flights
- Welcome dinner at Samcheonggak Restaurant
- Gyeongbokgung Palace (Changing of Guards Ceremony) – traditional dress rental optional (will rent on site)
- Seoul tour – Bukchon Hanok Village, Free time for lunch at Insadong Antique Shopping Alley, Ikseondong Street, Namdaemun Market & Enjoy tasting local street food, N Seoul Tower (Cable car ride + Observatory included)
- Haedong Yongungsa Temple and Blue Line Park (haeundae skyline park sky capsules / One way ticket included)
- Haeundae River Cruise – Sunset Cruise
- Busan tour – Igidae Park & Oryukdo Skywalk, Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Fish Market, Seokbulsa temple
- Half-day Jeju City Tour, including: Manjanggul Cave (UNESCO World Natural Heritage) and Seongsan Ilchulbong Crater (UNESCO World Natural Heritage)
- Full-day Jeju sightseeing, including: Jeju Stone Park, Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls, Jusangjeolli Cliff, O’Sulloc Green Tea Museum, Yongmeori Coast & Mt. Sanbang.
- Transfer to Busan by KTX Bullet Train
- Local tour guide throughout the trip
- Legit Trips tour leader with you 24/7
Deposits are non-refundable (but are transferable to another person or Legit Trip). Any additional payments can be refunded if canceled more than 120 days prior to the trip start date. Deposits may only be transferred one time and incur a $100 rebooking fee.
Please be sure to read the complete booking terms and conditions at checkout. https://legittrips.com/booking-terms/
We recommend a travel insurance plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.
For more information on our recommended providers click here.
Interested in other Jetset Trips?
YOUR HOST
HALEY PLOTKIN
Haley is the blogger behind Ready Set Jet Set, a guide to traveling the world and exploring her hometown of Austin, Texas. She started blogging to share her adventures with the world – from trips and tricks she’s learned while traveling to photo diaries detailing her journeys.
Haley started traveling as a sophomore in college when she took her very first trip overseas to London. The next year, she spent a semester studying abroad in London and another in Glasgow. She became a travel addict and never looked back!
If you’ve ever wanted to travel with her, now’s your chance! She is proud to be a professional photographer, so I promise every guest will come away with some epic shots of themselves on the trip!
Day 1
ARRIVAL IN SEOUL
Arrival at Incheon airport, transfer to Seoul.
Welcome dinner with traditional royal cuisine at Samcheonggak
O/N at L’Escape Hotel
Day 2
SEOUL
We will start by renting Hanboks together before heading in the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace to watch the iconic Changing of the Guards Ceremony. Afterward, we’ll have an afternoon tasting local street food at Gwangjang Market and stroll through the scenic Bukchon Hanok Village. We’ll end the day by experiencing the breathtaking lights of the UNESCO-recognized Lotus Lantern Festival.
O/N at L’Escape Hotel
Day 3
SEOUL
Start your morning at Namsangol Hanok Village, where you’ll enjoy two hands-on experiences. Afterward, head over to explore the antique shopping alleys of Insadong and the trendy streets of Ikseondong, taking time to enjoy lunch on your own. Finally, conclude your day by boarding a scenic cable car up to the N Seoul Tower to admire the panoramic city views from its observatory.
O/N at L’Escape Hotel
Day 4
BUSAN
Travel from Seoul to Busan by high-speed KTX bullet train, then spend the afternoon exploring the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, riding the Haeundae Sky Capsules at Blue Line Park, and ending the day with a scenic sunset river cruise.
O/N at L7 Haeundae
Day 5
BUSAN
Explore the breathtaking scenery of Igidae Park and Oryukdo Skywalk before diving into the colorful alleyways of Gamcheon Culture Village. Afterward, grab lunch while exploring the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market, then head back to your hotel for some free time to relax. Finally, end your day by experiencing the mesmerizing glow of the annual Lantern Festival at Samgwangsa Temple.
O/N at L7 Haeundae
Day 6
JEJU ISLAND
Morning flight to Jeju Island.
After landing and enjoying a local lunch, you’ll dive straight into Jeju’s natural wonders with a half-day city tour. Explore Manjanggul Lava Cave—one of the world’s finest lava tunnels—and Seongsan Ilchulbong Crater, a UNESCO-listed volcanic tuff cone rising above the sea.
O/N at The Suites Hotel Jeju
Day 7
JEJU ISLAND
Visit Jeju Stone Park and the peaceful Cheonjiyeon Waterfall before breaking for lunch. In the afternoon, marvel at the lava-carved Jusangjeolli Cliffs, enjoy a stop at the O’sulloc Green Tea Museum, and end the day exploring the spectacular Yongmeori Coast & Mt. Sanbang.
O/N at The Suites Hotel Jeju
Day 8
DEPARTURE DAY
Fly back all together to Seoul. Continue onwards to your international flight home.
Safe travels and see you soon!
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