South Korea: Cherry Blossom & Autumn Colours
Palaces beneath the blossom and temples wreathed in maple — Korea at its two most beautiful moments, unhurried and entirely your own
From
£1,995pp
About this tour
There are two moments each year when South Korea becomes one of the most beautiful countries on earth, and this ten-day private journey is timed for both. In spring — late March into April — the cherry blossom sweeps north across the peninsula, turning palace courtyards, riverbanks and the naval streets of Jinhae into tunnels of soft pink. In autumn — late October into November — the same landscapes burn gold and crimson as the maples of Naejangsan and the granite ridges of Seoraksan reach the height of their colour. You choose your season; the route, the hotels and the unhurried rhythm remain the same. The journey moves gently from Seoul to the sea. Three nights in the capital open the trip among the great Joseon palaces — Gyeongbokgung and the garden pavilions of Changdeokgung — and the wooden lanes of Bukchon, all at their finest under blossom or framed by turning leaves. Korea's superb high-speed KTX train then carries you south to Gyeongju, the ancient Silla capital, where royal burial mounds rise from the parkland like green hills and the temple of Bulguksa sits in its forest, transformed by the season. From here you reach either Jinhae, Korea's cherry-blossom capital, in spring, or the maple valleys of Naejangsan and Seoraksan in autumn, before two nights in the lively port city of Busan and a final night back in Seoul. This is a tour designed with the discerning traveller in mind. The hotels are genuine five-star addresses chosen for comfort and calm — The Shilla in Seoul, set against its own wooded hillside; the Hilton overlooking the lake at Bomun in Gyeongju; the Park Hyatt above the harbour in Busan. Your private guide and chauffeur handle every detail, the pace allows for long lunches and afternoon rests, and there is never the sense of being herded. Korean cuisine — refined, varied and famously healthy — unfolds course by course, from the royal banquet dishes of Seoul to the fresh seafood of the southern coast. Blossom and foliage are, of course, governed by the weather, and no honest company will promise a precise day of peak colour. What we promise instead is expert timing, a flexible itinerary that can shift a day either way to chase the best of the season, and a guide who watches the regional forecasts closely on your behalf. Whichever window you choose, you will see Korea at a moment most visitors never witness — and at a pace that lets you savour every petal and every leaf.
Soo-Yeon Kim
Korea Specialist & Tour Manager
Why this works for travellers over 50
- Both seasonal windows — spring blossom and autumn maples — fall in Korea's mildest, most comfortable weather, with cool, dry days ideal for gentle sightseeing
- Korea's high-speed KTX trains make the longest journeys swift, smooth and seated in comfort — no tiring full-day coach transfers
- A private guide and chauffeur throughout means no navigation, no language barrier and a pace set entirely by you
- Palace grounds, temple courtyards and the blossom and maple walks are broadly flat and paved, with benches and rest stops in abundance
- Genuine five-star hotels in every city — The Shilla, Hilton Gyeongju and Park Hyatt Busan — chosen for calm, comfort and accessibility
- Korean food is among the world's healthiest and most varied, beautifully presented and gently introduced course by course by your guide
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Your journey
Day-by-day itinerary
1Arrival in Seoul
Seoul
Arrival dayThe Shilla Seoul
Arrival in Seoul
Seoul
Your private chauffeur and Soo-Yeon meet you at Incheon International Airport — around eleven hours from London — and transfer you to The Shilla Seoul, set against its own wooded hillside in the heart of the city. The rest of the day is yours to rest and settle in: perhaps a stroll in the hotel's sculpture garden, a soak in the spa, or simply a quiet first dinner. In the evening, Soo-Yeon joins you for a gentle welcome meal of Korean royal-court cuisine, introducing the dishes one by one so nothing feels unfamiliar.
2Seoul — Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty
Seoul
GentleThe Shilla Seoul
Seoul — Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty
Seoul
A full but gentle day among Seoul's great royal palaces, at their most beautiful in the season. Gyeongbokgung, the grandest of the Joseon palaces, opens with the changing of the royal guard before its great gate. Nearby Changdeokgung and its UNESCO-listed Secret Garden — a series of wooded ponds, pavilions and ancient trees — is where the season truly shows, with blossom mirrored in the lotus ponds in spring or maples blazing above the pavilions in autumn. A leisurely Korean lunch breaks the day, with an afternoon rest at the hotel before an optional early-evening walk.
3Seoul — Bukchon, Insadong & the Seasonal City
Seoul
GentleThe Shilla Seoul
Seoul — Bukchon, Insadong & the Seasonal City
Seoul
A relaxed day in old Seoul. The wooden hanok lanes of Bukchon Village climb gently between the palaces, their tiled roofs framed by blossom or autumn colour, with viewpoints that look out over the whole historic quarter. The antique shops, tea houses and craft galleries of Insadong make for an unhurried afternoon, with a traditional tea ceremony and time to browse for Korean ceramics and calligraphy. The evening is free to enjoy the hotel or a final Seoul dinner of your choosing.
4By KTX to Gyeongju — Ancient Silla Capital
Gyeongju
EasyHilton Gyeongju
By KTX to Gyeongju — Ancient Silla Capital
Gyeongju
A late-morning transfer to the station for the high-speed KTX train south — a smooth, comfortable journey of around two hours through the Korean countryside, vivid with blossom or autumn colour. Your chauffeur meets the train in the Gyeongju region and you settle into the Hilton Gyeongju, overlooking the tranquil lake at Bomun. The afternoon begins gently among the great royal burial mounds of Tumuli Park — grass-covered hills that rise from manicured parkland — at their most photogenic when ringed by cherry blossom or framed by turning leaves.
5Gyeongju — Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram
Gyeongju
GentleHilton Gyeongju
Gyeongju — Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram
Gyeongju
A full day among Korea's greatest treasures. Bulguksa, the masterpiece of Silla Buddhist architecture, sits in wooded hills that turn rose-pink in spring and fiery in autumn, its stone bridges and pagodas reflected in the season. Higher up, the Seokguram Grotto shelters one of Asia's most serene granite Buddhas, gazing out towards the distant sea. Between them, a leisurely lunch of Gyeongju's celebrated local dishes, and time simply to sit and absorb the surroundings.
6Seasonal Highlight — Jinhae Blossom or Naejangsan & Seoraksan Maples
Jinhae (spring) / Naejangsan area (autumn)
GentleHilton Gyeongju
Seasonal Highlight — Jinhae Blossom or Naejangsan & Seoraksan Maples
Jinhae (spring) / Naejangsan area (autumn)
Today is shaped entirely by your season. Spring travellers head to Jinhae, Korea's cherry-blossom capital, where the famous Gyeonghwa railway street and the Yeojwacheon stream become tunnels and arches of blossom — the most celebrated cherry-blossom scenery in the country. Autumn travellers instead visit the maple valleys of Naejangsan National Park, whose tree-lined temple approach and gentle cable car frame some of the finest foliage in Korea. A relaxed local lunch and ample time for photographs are built in either way.
7To Busan — Harbour City by the Sea
Busan
EasyPark Hyatt Busan
To Busan — Harbour City by the Sea
Busan
A scenic transfer by private car to Busan, Korea's vibrant southern port, and check-in at the Park Hyatt Busan, set high above the marina with sweeping views across the harbour. The afternoon eases you into the city: the colourful, terraced lanes of Gamcheon Culture Village, draped in blossom or autumn colour, and a gentle coastal stroll. Dinner is a Busan speciality — the freshest seafood on the southern coast.
8Busan — Beomeosa, Haeundae & the Coastal Temple
Busan
GentlePark Hyatt Busan
Busan — Beomeosa, Haeundae & the Coastal Temple
Busan
A full day exploring Busan's contrasts. The mountainside temple of Beomeosa, set among ancient trees, is wonderfully atmospheric in both seasons. On the coast, Haedong Yonggungsa clings to the rocks above the sea — one of the few Korean temples built right at the water's edge. A leisurely lunch by the shore precedes free time at elegant Haeundae Beach or the hotel spa, with the afternoon entirely at your own pace.
9Return to Seoul by KTX
Seoul
EasyThe Shilla Seoul
Return to Seoul by KTX
Seoul
A relaxed morning in Busan — perhaps a final coffee overlooking the marina — before the high-speed KTX whisks you back to Seoul in comfort, a journey of under three hours through the changing landscape. Your chauffeur transfers you to your Seoul hotel for the final night. The afternoon is free for any last wishes: a return to a favourite palace, a little shopping in Myeongdong, or simply rest before a farewell dinner with Soo-Yeon.
10Departure from Seoul
Seoul / Incheon Airport
Departure day
Departure from Seoul
Seoul / Incheon Airport
A final leisurely breakfast before your chauffeur transfers you to Incheon International Airport in good time for your flight home — carrying memories of palaces beneath the blossom, temples wreathed in maple, and one of Asia's most beautiful seasons savoured at the gentlest of paces.
Like what you see?
Our specialists can tailor every day to your preferences.
Fitness & mobility
Pacing & accessibility
A gentle, refined pace built around the seasons. Korea's high-speed KTX trains and a private chauffeur carry you between cities, so road time is short and comfortable. Palace grounds, temple courtyards and the blossom or maple walks are taken slowly on broadly flat, paved paths, with frequent benches and rest stops. The one optional hillside — the upper terraces of Seoraksan or the cable car at Naejangsan in autumn — is genuinely optional, and the lower viewpoints are equally lovely. No early starts, no full-day hikes and a maximum of around 4km of walking on the busiest day.
Walking
1–4km per day on broadly flat, paved ground. The busiest day is the seasonal highlight (around 4km on level blossom streets or a flat maple valley). Hillside villages and temples with steps are approached from above by car, so most walking is downhill, and benches are plentiful.
Transport
Private chauffeured vehicle for all excursions and transfers. Two high-speed KTX train journeys (Seoul–Gyeongju and Busan–Seoul) in reserved, spacious seating — smooth, swift and comfortable. No coaches or group transport.
Heat / Climate
Both seasonal windows are mild and dry: spring (late March–April) brings cool, fresh days of 10–18°C; autumn (late October–November) is crisp and clear at 8–18°C. A light jacket and layers are ideal. No extreme heat or humidity at any point.
Accommodation
Your hotels
The Shilla Seoul
★★★★★Seoul · 4 nights
Seoul's most distinguished hotel, set against its own wooded hillside and sculpture garden in the heart of the city. Spacious, calm rooms, an exceptional spa, and several of Korea's finest restaurants make this a serene base from which to explore the capital. The grounds are particularly lovely under spring blossom or autumn maples.
- Wooded hillside garden, beautiful in every season
- Renowned spa and indoor pool
- Award-winning Korean and international dining
- Step-free throughout with lift access
- Calm, refined service in the heart of Seoul
Hilton Gyeongju
★★★★★Gyeongju · 2 nights
A relaxed five-star resort overlooking the tranquil lake at Bomun, a short drive from Gyeongju's ancient treasures. Generous rooms, lakeside grounds and an unhurried atmosphere make it an ideal retreat after days among the royal tombs and temples of the old Silla capital.
- Overlooking Bomun Lake
- Spacious, comfortable rooms
- Indoor pool and leisure facilities
- Close to Bulguksa and the royal tombs
- Peaceful lakeside setting
Park Hyatt Busan
★★★★★Busan · 2 nights
A sleek, glass-fronted five-star tower rising above Busan's marina, with sweeping harbour views from floor-to-ceiling windows. Elegant rooms, a top-floor spa and pool, and refined dining make this the finest address on Korea's southern coast.
- Sweeping harbour and marina views
- Top-floor spa and infinity pool
- Floor-to-ceiling window rooms
- Refined dining and service
- Fully step-free with lift access throughout
Enhance your trip
DMZ & Demilitarised Zone Day Tour
+£245
A full guided day to the Demilitarised Zone north of Seoul — the Third Tunnel, Dora Observatory and the eerie quiet of the border — one of the most thought-provoking excursions in Korea. Soo-Yeon accompanies you throughout.
per person
Korean Royal Banquet & Hanbok Evening
+£195
A private evening of full royal-court cuisine in a traditional Seoul hanok, with the option to wear hanbok (traditional dress) and a quiet introduction to Korean tea and music. A memorable way to mark a special occasion.
per person
Private Photography Morning
+£175
An early start with a specialist photographer at the season's prettiest blossom or maple setting, before the crowds, to capture the colour at its very best. Ideal for keen amateur photographers.
per person
Pricing
Holiday pricing
All prices are per person, based on two people sharing. We arrange departures throughout the year to suit your preferred dates.
Starting from
£1,995
per person · 2 sharing
Travelling solo?
Single supplement: +£895 pp · Solo traveller supplement waived on selected early and late autumn 2026 departures, making this a particularly welcoming choice for those travelling alone.
Full details
What’s included & not included
Included in your price
- Return international flights from your local UK airport
- 9 nights' accommodation in genuine 5-star hotels (The Shilla Seoul, Hilton Gyeongju, Park Hyatt Busan)
- Private chauffeured vehicle for all transfers and excursions
- Soo-Yeon Kim as your dedicated specialist guide throughout
- High-speed KTX train journeys (Seoul–Gyeongju and Busan–Seoul) in reserved seating
- All palace, temple, garden and national park entrance fees
- Seasonal highlight day — Jinhae blossom (spring) or Naejangsan/Seoraksan maples (autumn)
- Meals as specified (10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners)
- Changdeokgung Secret Garden timed-entry tour
- Return Incheon airport transfers
- ATOL-protected booking
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Single supplement (where applicable)
- Gratuities for guide and driver (guidance provided)
- Personal spending, drinks and meals not specified
- Optional add-on experiences
Your specialist
Who will plan your holiday
Soo-Yeon Kim
Born in Seoul and raised partly in Gyeongju, Soo-Yeon has guided visitors through her country for fourteen years and knows its seasons intimately. She studied Korean art history and trained as a licensed national guide, and her great gift is timing — she watches the regional blossom and foliage forecasts obsessively in the weeks before each departure to bring guests to the colour at its best. Warm, patient and endlessly knowledgeable about Korean food, history and Buddhist art, she sets the pace entirely by her travellers and has a particular fondness for the over-50s guests who, she says, savour the season rather than rushing through it.
Tailor-made
Like this tour but want it adapted?
Extra nights, alternative hotels, private transfers — our specialists will build your perfect itinerary from scratch.
What our guests say
Guest reviews
The autumn maples at Naejangsan were beyond anything we imagined
“We chose the late-October departure for the autumn colour and it was extraordinary — the temple approach at Naejangsan was a tunnel of red and gold, and Bulguksa in its turning forest was unforgettable. Soo-Yeon timed everything to perfection and watched the forecasts so closely that we always seemed to arrive on the very best day. We are both in our late sixties and the pace, the KTX trains and the wonderful hotels made it the most comfortable long-haul trip we have ever taken.”
Margaret & Alan Forsythe
Hampshire · 2025-11-12
Cherry blossom in Jinhae — a lifelong wish fulfilled at 71
“I travelled solo and never felt anything other than completely looked after. Jinhae in full blossom was simply magical — the railway street and the stream were exactly the pictures I had dreamed of for years. Soo-Yeon was a marvel: knowledgeable, kind, and so patient with my slower pace. The Shilla in Seoul and the Park Hyatt in Busan were both glorious, and the waived single supplement made it affordable. I cannot recommend it highly enough.”
Jennifer Hartwell
Bristol · 2025-04-22
Palaces under blossom and the gentlest of pacing
“The Secret Garden at Changdeokgung, with the blossom reflected in the ponds first thing in the morning before the crowds, was the highlight of a wonderful trip. Everything was unhurried — long lunches, afternoon rests, no early starts to speak of. Soo-Yeon shifted our blossom day by a day to catch the peak and she was absolutely right. At 68 and 70 we worried Korea might be too much; it was effortless from start to finish.”
Brian & Susan Coleman
North Yorkshire · 2025-04-30
Before you go
Practical information
Visa requirements
No visa required for UK citizens for stays up to 90 days, but a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) must be applied for online in advance. Passport with 6+ months' validity required. We provide full guidance with your booking.
Currency
South Korean Won (KRW). Cards are accepted almost everywhere and ATMs are widely available; UK bank cards work seamlessly. Your guide assists with any cash needs.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Korea and never expected in restaurants or taxis. For your private guide and chauffeur, a discretionary gratuity is appreciated at the end of the tour and we provide gentle guidance on suggested amounts.
Electricity
220V, European-style two-pin (Type C/F) plugs. UK travellers will need a travel adapter, which we remind you to pack.
Health & vaccinations
South Korea has excellent, modern hospitals and pharmacies, particularly in Seoul and Busan. No mandatory vaccinations for UK travellers; routine vaccinations should be up to date. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended.
Flights
Fly to Incheon International Airport (ICN), Seoul — approximately 11 hours direct with Korean Air or Asiana, or via a Gulf or European hub. We can arrange flights from your local UK airport and recommend premium-economy or business cabins for the daytime comfort our guests value.
Local transport
Private air-conditioned chauffeured vehicle and guide throughout. Two high-speed KTX train journeys (Seoul–Gyeongju and Busan–Seoul) in reserved, spacious seating. No coaches; all transfers are private.
Travel with like-minded people
Join a Small Group Departure
Prefer to travel with a small group of fellow over-50s rather than as a couple or solo? Our fixed-departure group tours put you alongside eight to twelve like-minded travellers with a dedicated tour manager for the entire journey.
- Maximum 12 travellers — intimate by design
- Dedicated tour manager throughout
- Social dinners and shared discoveries
- Single supplement waived on selected departures
- Like-minded over-50s travellers
- No single friends needed — just arrive and enjoy
Register Your Interest
Tell us your preferred dates and travel companions — we’ll match you with the right departure and send full details.
Our team will respond within 1 working day.
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Common questions
Frequently asked questions
When exactly does the cherry blossom or autumn foliage peak — can you guarantee I will see it?
Korea's blossom and foliage are forecast-led, governed by the weather, and no honest company can promise a precise day of peak colour. As a guide, cherry blossom moves north from late March (the southern coast and Jinhae) into mid-April (Seoul), while autumn maples turn from mid-October in the mountains and Seoraksan down to early November in the south. We schedule our departures across these windows to maximise your chances, build genuine flexibility into the itinerary so we can shift a day either way, and your guide Soo-Yeon watches the regional forecasts closely in the weeks beforehand to bring you to the colour at its best. What we promise is expert timing and a flexible plan — not a date nature cannot guarantee.
Do I need a visa for South Korea?
British citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays in South Korea of up to 90 days. You will, however, need to apply online in advance for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) before you travel — it is a simple online form completed a few days ahead, and we send full step-by-step guidance with your booking. Your passport should have at least six months' validity remaining. We keep the latest requirements under review and will advise you well before departure.
How accessible is this tour for someone less steady on their feet?
Very manageable. The hotels, KTX trains, palace courtyards and Jinhae's blossom streets are broadly flat and largely step-free, and the private chauffeur means almost no standing or queuing. Some temples and hillside villages do have steps, but we approach them from above by car so most walking is downhill, and there are level alternatives or upper viewpoints throughout. A walking stick is entirely fine, benches are plentiful, and the pace is gentle by design. Please tell us about any specific mobility needs and we will tailor the itinerary accordingly.
What is Korean food like, and will it suit me if I am not adventurous?
Korean cuisine is among the world's healthiest and most varied — beautifully presented, full of vegetables, rice and grilled meats, and far gentler than its reputation suggests. Not everything is spicy: royal-court cuisine, temple food, fresh seafood and mild barbecue are all readily available. Soo-Yeon introduces each dish, orders to your taste, and briefs every restaurant on dietary needs or preferences in advance. Guests who arrive cautious almost always leave converted, and there is no shortage of milder options for those who prefer them.
What should I pack for the season?
Both seasons are mild and dry but cool, so layers are the key. For spring (late March–April) and autumn (late October–November) expect daytime temperatures of roughly 8–18°C, cooler in the mornings and evenings, so pack a warm jacket, a few jumpers and a light scarf. Comfortable, flat walking shoes with good grip are essential for temple courtyards and blossom or maple paths. A small umbrella, a hat and a light waterproof are sensible. Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is appreciated at temples. We send a full seasonal packing list with your booking.
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