Ute Junker & Renaissance Tours Presents
Seoul, Gwangju and Gyeongju
01 -
11 November 2026
11 days
South Korea
Overview
Discover South Korea's remarkable garden heritage, from serene temple landscapes and tranquil woodland parks to artfully designed public and private gardens. Begin in vibrant Seoul and delve into the nation's gardens and green spaces along with visits to ornate palaces, including Changdeokgung Palace, once home to the Joseon Dynasty.
Tour Highlights
Discover Seoul's harmonious blend of traditional Korean landscape design and contemporary green spaces
Wander through the Garden of Morning Calm, Korea's largest private garden, and the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest near Gwangju
Explore Sayuwon Garden, a space of pung-ryu, the Korean tradition of art fused with nature
Savour the bold, complex flavours of Korean cuisine at local traditional restaurants
Your Tour Leader
During her 30-year career as a journalist, editor, TV producer and podcaster, Ute Junker has drawn on her experience of growing up multi-cultural and multi-lingual. Her insights into different cultures, as well as her deep interest in history and the arts, has given context and depth to her reporting on people and places around the world.
"Ute was wonderful: knowledgeable, fun, caring and spontaneous - a perfect tour leader."
- Libby P, Hills and Vales of South Australia Tour, 2025
"Ute was passionate and had an enjoyable approach to telling her stories."
- Vanessa M, Hills and Vales of South Australia Tour, 2025
Full Itinerary
1
Arrive in Seoul
Sun 1 Nov
Seoul
Arrive in Seoul on suggested flights and make your way to the hotel.
Meals: NA
2
Seoul Orientation
Mon 2 Nov
Seoul
Welcome briefing, private guided tour of the National Museum of Korea, and coach orientation tour of Seoul including City Hall and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Meals: B L
3
Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm
Tue 3 Nov
Seoul (Chuncheon – Gapyeong)
Travel to Nami Island to marvel at Metasequoia Tree Lane with towering redwoods and golden ginkgo trees. Continue to the Garden of Morning Calm, a captivating arboretum spanning 300,000 square metres with 5,000 species of plants.
Meals: B L
4
Changdeokgung Palace & Namsan Trail
Wed 4 Nov
Seoul
Visit the tranquil Chundangji Pond at Changgyeonggung Palace, then explore Changdeokgung Palace with its 13 buildings and 28 garden pavilions. Afternoon stroll along the Namsan Sky Forest Trail.
Meals: B D
5
Museum SAN
Thu 5 Nov
Seoul
Travel to Museum SAN, designed by Tadao Ando — a garden museum in the sky featuring flower gardens, water gardens, stone gardens and five James Turrell installations.
Meals: B
6
Seoul Forest
Fri 6 Nov
Seoul
Discover Seoul Forest, a large eco-friendly urban park along the Han River featuring walking and biking paths, butterfly and insect gardens, and seasonal blooms.
Meals: B
7
Bamboo Forest & Soswaewon Garden
Sat 7 Nov
Seoul – Gwangju
Depart Seoul for Damyang. Explore the serene Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, then continue to the picturesque Soswaewon Garden, a private Joseon-period garden.
Meals: B D
8
Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation
Sun 8 Nov
Gwangju – Gyeongju
Visit South Korea's largest green tea plantation with stunning tiered hills covered in manicured tea bushes. Continue to Gyeongju, former capital of the Silla Kingdom.
Meals: B D
9
Bulguksa Temple & Night Palace
Mon 9 Nov
Gyeongju
Visit the magnificent Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Private tour of Gyeongju National Museum. Evening visit to illuminated Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.
Meals: B L D
10
Sayuwon Garden & Farewell
Tue 10 Nov
Gyeongju (Daegu)
Journey to Sayuwon Garden near Daegu, designed by Álvaro Siza to harmonise nature and art. Celebrate with a farewell dinner.
Meals: B D
11
Depart Gyeongju
Wed 11 Nov
Gyeongju – Seoul
Check out and transfer to Seoul Incheon International Airport for suggested afternoon flights.
Meals: B
Day-by-Day
Click for more
1
Arrive in Seoul
Seoul
2
Seoul Orientation
Seoul
3
Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm
Seoul (Chuncheon – Gapyeong)
4
Changdeokgung Palace & Namsan Trail
Seoul
5
Museum SAN
Seoul
6
Seoul Forest
Seoul
7
Bamboo Forest & Soswaewon Garden
Seoul – Gwangju
8
Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation
Gwangju – Gyeongju
9
Bulguksa Temple & Night Palace
Gyeongju
10
Sayuwon Garden & Farewell
Gyeongju (Daegu)
11
Depart Gyeongju
Gyeongju – Seoul
Tour Brochure
Ready to join Ute on her next adventure?
This exclusive small-group tour is led by Ute Junker and operated by Renaissance Tours. Visit their website for the full itinerary, pricing, inclusions and booking details.