Korea by rail tailor made tour

Planet

All connections between major stops are via Korea’s excellent rail service. This means your trip has fewer carbon emissions compared to flying, particularly between Seoul and Busan, which is a common flight path for both domestic tourists and international visitors.

This itinerary works year-round. Peak season for South Korea is spring for cherry blossoms (April-May) and Autumn for fiery autumn leaves (September-November). While these are optimum times of the year to travel for pleasant temperatures, popular spots can get busy. If the odd shower won’t bother you, we suggest June. And if you’re keen to swap turkey for spicy tteokbokki rice cakes, travel in December over the Christmas period for quieter, lit-up cities.

And it’s not just when you choose to travel, but where. Korea by Rail takes you to Gangneung, a city left off many basic South Korea itineraries, but one we think showcases a slower pace to modern Korea life. Lakes framed by pine trees, sea views, modern art, history, and coffee culture all in one of South Korea’s most exciting (and at this moment, underrated) cities. Travelling to lesser-known spots means you’re helping to spread tourism throughout Korea, to where it is welcomed, meaning smaller communities benefit just as much as the big tourist hubs. And, it’s a far less crowded, more authentic experience for visitors too.

People

This itinerary is built around Korea’s rail network, giving you the chance to travel the country in the same way most Koreans do. Instead of spending long stretches driving along motorways and staying within your own bubble, you’ll move between destinations on public transport used every day by people going about their normal routines. Travelling this way offers a far more authentic representation of the country, allowing you to see how life unfolds in stations, on platforms, and across the routes that connect cities and towns. It’s a simple but meaningful way to experience Korea as it really is, watching the scenery change while staying connected to the rhythms of local life.

A particular highlight of this trip is the chance to stay in a traditional hanok – a classic Korean guesthouse built from wood, with distinctive tiled roofs. Here, you’ll sleep on futon-style bedding, with heated floors in winter, and enjoy traditional breakfasts prepared by your hosts. Staying in a hanok isn’t just a quintessentially Korean experience; it’s also a valuable way to help preserve traditional culture and support smaller, locally run businesses that keep these traditions alive.