South Korea14 days
South Korea: Cycling, Mountains & Temple Stays — 14 Days
Seoul to Jeju via Seoraksan and Tongdosa, with cycling routes along the Han River and Jeju's northern coast
This 14-day route moves between Seoul's urban landscape, the granite peaks and valleys of Seoraksan National Park, the Buddhist monastic life at Tongdosa Temple, and Jeju Island's volcanic terrain. The itinerary anchors on three distinct modes of travel: hiking the forested trails around Seoul and the mountain passes of Seoraksan; cycling along the Han River and Jeju's coastal roads; and two overnight stays—one in a traditional hanok house in Andong, one in a Buddhist temple—that ground the journey in lived South Korean practice rather than observation. The route follows a clear geography: start in Seoul, move northeast to Sokcho and the mountains, drift south through Andong's folk villages, settle into Busan's coastal energy, then cross by ferry to Jeju for cycling and coastal exploration. Guides are English-speaking locals; all transport, entrance fees, and meals mentioned in the itinerary are included.
Highlights
- Inwangsan Mountain hike above Seoul with views toward Gangnam, Namsan, and the city's historic palaces
- Hands-on kimchi-making class in Bukchon Hanok Village with a local expert
- Sunset bike ride along the Han River through Yeouido and Banpo Hangang Parks
- Full day in Seoraksan National Park: granite cliffs, mountain streams, cable car access, and the option of the 15 km trek to Daecheongbong Peak
- Night in a traditional hanok house in Andong with dinner; option to see a Mask Dance performance at Hahoe Folk Village
- Temple stay at Tongdosa Temple: pre-dawn chanting, 108 prostrations, meditative forest walk, and silent Buddhist breakfast
- Igidae Coastal Trail walk overlooking Busan's skyline and Gwangan Bridge
- Haedong Yonggungsa Temple set on seaside cliffs
- Two-hour-40-minute ferry crossing from Wando Port to Jeju Island (or domestic flight option)
- Cycling Jeju's northern coast: 22 km roundtrip from Gueom Port through Hagari Village to Aewol Café Street, with optional 60 km extended route along the Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road
- Gotjawal Forest, a lush ecosystem grown over ancient lava flows
- O'sulloc Tea Plantation with views of emerald-green fields
- Yongmeori Coast: wind-sculpted rock formations where cliffs meet sea
- Jeongbang Waterfall, one of Asia's few waterfalls cascading directly into the ocean
- Hado Fishing Village meeting with Haenyeo (female divers) and their sea-harvesting traditions (April–October)
Day by day
1Arrival in SeoulSeoul
Arrive in Seoul and settle into your accommodation. The first day is unhurried—use the afternoon and evening to acclimate to the city and get a sense of the landscape you'll spend the next two days exploring on foot and by bike.
2Inwangsan Hike and Seoul's Historic CenterInwangsan Mountain · Seochon · Gyeongbokgung Palace · Cheonggyecheon Stream · Myeongdong
Begin with a hike up Inwangsan Mountain, where the vantage reveals Gangnam to the south, Namsan Mountain, Seoul Tower, and the city's palace compounds. Descend into Seochon, a neighborhood of narrow alleys and small restaurants, for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grand seat of the Joseon Dynasty, then walk through Gwanghwamun Square past statues of Korea's historical figures. Continue along Cheonggyecheon Stream, an urban waterway restored as a public refuge, and finish the day in Myeongdong, where Korean fashion boutiques and street-food vendors occupy narrow shopping streets.
3Bukchon Hanok Village, Kimchi-Making & Han River Sunset CycleBukchon Hanok Village · Han River bike path through Yeouido and Banpo Hangang Parks · Banpo Bridge · Jamsu Bridge · riverbank
Spend the morning in Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional Korean tile-roof homes line alleyways. Participate in a hands-on kimchi-making class with a local instructor, learning the technique and seasoning that varies by region and season. In the late afternoon, cycle the Han River bike path through Yeouido and Banpo Hangang Parks. If the season permits, time your ride to see the Rainbow Fountain Show at Banpo Bridge, then cross Jamsu Bridge for night views of the city's illuminated skyline. End the day with warm ramyeon by the riverbank. (Cable-car access, fountain viewing, and meal included.)
4Nami Island and Transfer to SokchoNami Island · Sokcho Central Market · hotel at the base of Seoraksan National Park
Leave Seoul for Nami Island, a crescent-shaped preserve known for tree-lined pathways and as a filming location for Korean television. Stroll through its landscapes, or opt for a zipline crossing above the Bukhan River for aerial views (additional cost applies). From the island, travel to the coastal town of Sokcho, stopping at Sokcho Central Market to sample fresh seafood and street food. Transfer to your hotel at the base of Seoraksan National Park, arriving in the late afternoon.
5Full Day in Seoraksan National ParkSeoraksan National Park · Jujeongol Valley · Daecheongbong Peak · Sinheungsa Temple
Spend a full day exploring Seoraksan National Park, where granite cliffs, mountain streams, and forest define the landscape. Take a cable car for elevated views (fee included), then hike trails suited to your fitness level: either the easier Jujeongol Valley route or the more demanding 15 km trek to Daecheongbong Peak, which reaches views across the mountain range. Visit Sinheungsa Temple, a Buddhist sanctuary in the forest, before returning to your hotel to rest. (Optional: cable car only, or cable car plus one of the two hikes.)
6Andong: Hahoe Folk Village and Byeongsanseowon AcademyBuyongdae Cliff · Hahoe Village · Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy · hanok
Travel south to Andong through rural landscape. Arrive at Buyongdae Cliff for a panoramic view of Hahoe Village across the river, then walk through the village itself, a UNESCO-protected site with well-preserved traditional Korean architecture. Visit Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy, a historic site housing rare texts and manuscripts. Mask Dance performance available if scheduled (check local availability). Spend the night in a hanok, a traditional Korean house with ondol floor heating, and dine on locally sourced food. (Mask Dance attendance optional.)
7Journey to Tongdosa Temple and Temple Stay OrientationTongdosa Temple · Andong · Seongbo Museum
Depart Andong and drive south for approximately three hours to Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan, listed in the UNESCO Mountain Temples network. Arrive around 2:00 PM and begin your Temple Stay program. After orientation and a tour of the grounds, visit Seongbo Museum, which houses Buddhist relics. At 5:00 PM, join the monks for Barugongyang, a silent meditative meal eaten in the traditional manner. Evening chanting ceremonies follow, accompanied by Buddhist instruments. The day ends with either a reflective walk or a dharma talk with a resident monk. (Schedule varies by temple operations.)
8Temple Morning Rituals and Transfer to BusanTongdosa Temple forest · Tongdosa Temple · Tongdosa Temple to Busan
Rise before dawn for Yebul chanting between 3:30 and 4:30 AM and 108 prostrations, a core monastic practice. Follow with a meditative walk through the forest in cool morning air and a simple Buddhist breakfast. Participate in Ullyeok, light community work that sustains temple life, then visit a quiet hermitage. The farewell ceremony takes place at 10:00 AM. Travel to Busan afterward, arriving within the hour, and spend the evening at leisure.
9Busan's Coastal Walks and Mountain VillagesIgidae Coastal Trail · Haedong Yonggungsa Temple · Haeundae Beach · Gamcheon Culture Village · Gukje Market · Sky Capsule at Blueline Park
Walk the Igidae Coastal Trail, a clifftop path offering sea views and views of Busan's skyline and the Gwangan Bridge. Continue to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, sited on seaside rocks with waves below. Relax at Haeundae Beach, then visit either Gamcheon Culture Village or Gukje Market—both filled with street food, local art, and shops. Optional: take the Sky Capsule at Blueline Park for additional coastal perspectives (advance booking required; additional cost applies).
10Ferry Crossing to Jeju IslandJeju Island · Busan · Wando Port
Depart Busan in the morning for a scenic four-hour drive to Wando Port on the southern coast. Board a 3:00 PM ferry for a two-hour-40-minute crossing to Jeju Island. Domestic flights from Busan to Jeju are available as an alternative (often more practical for smaller groups; additional cost applies). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle into the evening.
11Cycling Jeju's Northern CoastGueom Port · Susanbong Peak · Hagari Village · Aewol Café Street · Gwakji Beach · Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road
Begin on two wheels, cycling Jeju's northern coast from Gueom Port along quiet roads to Susanbong Peak. The short hike up this oreum (Jeju's term for a parasitic cone) offers panoramic views across the island's lava plains toward the sea. Continue through Hagari Village, where traditional stone walls and rural homes reflect centuries of island settlement, then ride toward Aewol Port and Aewol Café Street, a series of seaside cafés. After lunch, stroll at Gwakji Beach and cycle back along the coast. Standard route: approximately 22 km of cycling and 3 km of walking, 4–5 hours total. Option: extend the ride along the northern coast to the Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road for a 60 km roundtrip, skipping the Susanbong hike (additional cost applies).
12Jeju's Western Landscapes: Forest, Tea Fields & WaterfallsGotjawal Forest · O'sulloc Tea Plantation · Songaksan Mountain · Yongmeori Coast · Jeongbang Waterfall
Visit Jeju's western terrain. Wander Gotjawal Forest, a dense ecosystem that grew over ancient lava flows and remains ecologically distinct from the surrounding landscape. Visit O'sulloc Tea Plantation, where emerald-green fields carpet the hillside and provide context for Korea's tea culture. Continue to Songaksan Mountain for a walk with sea and cliff views, then visit Yongmeori Coast, where wind and water have carved rock formations. End at Jeongbang Waterfall, where water cascades into the ocean.
13Eastern Jeju: Haenyeo Divers and Traditional VillagesHado Fishing Village · Haenyeo Museum · Seongeup Folk Village · Soesokkak Estuary
Visit Hado Fishing Village to meet Haenyeo, the female divers who have harvested the sea for generations using traditional breath-hold techniques (available April through October; schedule subject to sea conditions). Learn about their practice at the Haenyeo Museum. Visit Seongeup Folk Village, where stone walls and thathed homes reveal centuries of island life and agricultural practice. Conclude at Soesokkak Estuary, where forested cliffs meet the sea in a sheltered natural setting.
14Jeju DepartureJeju Airport
Enjoy a morning at leisure before transferring to Jeju Airport for your onward flight.
Where you go
- 1Seoul
- 2Gyeongbokgung Palace
- 3Cheonggyecheon Stream
- 4Myeongdong
- 5Bukchon Hanok Village
- 6Seoraksan National Park
- 7Andong
- 8Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
- 9Haeundae Beach
- 10Gamcheon Culture Village
- 11Gukje Market
- 12Jeju Island
- 13Busan
- 14Yongmeori Coast
- 15Seongeup Folk Village
- 16Soesokkak Estuary
Included
- Experienced English speaking local guides for tours.
- All transportation for tour mentioned.
- All sightseeing entrance fee where required in the itinerary.
- Bike rental for cycling tours
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Accommodation in twin/double shared room as mentioned in the itinerary (11 nights in hotels, 1 night in hanok - Korean traditional house, 1 night temple stay)
Not included
- Optional services.
- Arrival/ departure flight tickets.
- Visas where required.
- Travel Insurance. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance from home.
- Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping and so on…)
- Tips for guide, driver, porters.
- Beverage and alcoholic drinks.
- Any other services not clearly mentioned on itinerary and trip inclusive portion.
Activities: Cycling, Trekking, Family