About your trip
Experience South Korea’s urban and rural wonders on this 10-day adventure. Start by sightseeing and singing your heart out on a karaoke night in Seoul, as well as venturing into the tunnels of the Demilitarized Zone, running along the North Korean border. Admire mountain scenery as you hike through Seoraksan National Park, spend a night in a hillside Buddhist temple, and discover the archaeological gems of Gyeongju by bike. You’ll gain an authentic taste of the country’s vibrant food and drink scene with a traditional cooking class in Busan, and plenty of local dishes, like ‘bibimbap’ in Jeonju, before returning to Seoul by train. All of our trips are flightless in destination, with 100% of all carbon emissions offset. It’s just part of how we see the world while being good to it.
Trip Highlights
- Explore the tunnels of the Demilitarized Zone near the North Korean border*
- Go hiking in Seoraksan National Park
- Practice martial arts and meditation at a hillside Buddhist temple
- Cycle through Gyeongju, the former capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom
- Learn how to cook authentic South Korean dishes in Busan
- Enjoy bibimbap and craft beer in the foodie hub of Jeonju
Your Itinerary
Touch down at Incheon International Airport (ICN) and head to your hotel in central Seoul, where our Local Insider will meet you. They will accompany the group throughout the trip. Join your fellow travellers in the lobby for a welcome meeting at 5pm before heading out for dinner together. There’s no better way to start your trip than a Korean barbecue, featuring roasting meats and vegetables over coals before wrapping them in a lettuce leaf with ssamjang sauce. Round off your first night with a karaoke experience as we embrace South Korean culture and set the tone for the adventures to come!
Accommodation
Four Points by Sheraton, Josun
Activities Included
- Welcome dinner
- Karaoke Experience
Start the day by exploring the capital which, if you’ve seen the Netflix series Squid Game, is full of familiar locations. Your first stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace, the home of the Joseon dynasty from 1395 until its destruction during the Japanese invasion of 1592. Watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony before moving on to the Blue House – the South Korean presidential residence. You’ll tuck into lunch at Bukchon Hanok Village before strolling around the historical area’s mazy alleyways and traditional houses – you can even dress the part by renting traditional Hanbok clothes to wear here. Later on, you may choose to visit the Seoul N Tower and capture some spectacular views of the city from above.
Accommodation
Four Points by Sheraton, Josun
Activities Included
- Gyeongbokgung Palace visit
- See the Blue House
- Bukchon Hanok Village exploration
Today is an early start as you’ll visit the Demilitarized Zone – a strip of land that runs along the border with North Korea. Catch a glimpse of the closest North Korean villages from the Dora Observatory before descending into the DMZ tunnels, hiking as close as 170m away from the border. En route back to Seoul in the afternoon, a North Korean defector will offer a fascinating insight into life in the world’s most secretive country. Back in the capital, you can unwind or perhaps choose to visit the HiKR Ground, an interactive exhibition with one level dedicated to K-pop. This evening you’ll have an opportunity to attend a Nanta show (a non-verbal comedy cooking performance) as you explore the Myeongdong district. * The DMZ border control has currently placed restrictions on the number of tickets that can be sold on a daily basis in order to control capacity in the area. Today will be an early start in order for us to try and obtain these tickets; however, should we be unable to enter the DMZ, we will visit the Korean War Museum instead to learn about North/South relations.
Accommodation
Four Points by Sheraton, Josun
Activities Included
- DMZ day trip
Leave Seoul behind as you venture east to Seoraksan National Park – a 398 sq km expanse of mountains and forests, home to over 2,000 animal species, including Korean gorals, musk deer, and Siberian flying squirrels. Take in the scenery while hiking to Ulsanbawi Rock, known for its six jagged granite peaks. In the afternoon, ride the Gatbae Boat (featured in famous Korean TV dramas) to Abai Village, which became a refuge for displaced North Koreans in the 1950s. Early evening we’ll head to Sokcho fish market – perhaps a good time for you to tuck into some dinner – before spending a relaxing evening at tonight’s gorgeous hotel and spa; perhaps a revitalizing massage is due before bed?
Accommodation
Hanhwa Resort Seorak
Activities Included
- Seoraksan National Park hike
- Gatbae Boat ride
- Abai Village visit
- Sokcho fish market visit
- Lighthouse Observatory Visit
This morning we’ll transfer to Gyeongju, the former capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, and check in to the aptly named Silla Hotel. You’ll embark on a bike tour of the main landmarks, including Cheonmachong Tomb, Gyerim Forest, and Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia. We’ll stop for a brew in a charming old tea house, found within a 300-year-old Hanok (traditional Korean house). Enjoy an authentic dinner in another Hanok in Dosol Maeul, followed by a visit to Anapji Pond, part of the spectacular Donggung Palace complex that has to be seen when illuminated at night.
Accommodation
Silla Boutique Hotel Premium
Activities Included
- Gyeongju city cycling tour
- Traditional dinner in a Hanok at Dosol Maeul
- Anapji Pond visit
This morning you’ll visit Bulguksa Temple before your journey continues south to Golgulsa Temple, which is just outside Gyeongju on the slopes of Hamwolsan Mountain, and will be your home for the evening. Built in the sixth century, the temple houses 12 caves carved into the cliffside and connected by steep stairs, with a large stone statue of Buddha at the highest point. Enjoy a vegetarian lunch before learning all about temple life, archery, and the traditional Buddhist martial art of sunmudo, followed by a delicious vegetarian dinner. Spend the rest of the evening learning all about Buddhist chanting and meditation before settling down for the night. For this unique temple experience, you’ll sleep on cosy Korean floor mattresses in ensuite rooms of 3 or 4 people, split by gender, just as the monks do.
Accommodation
Golgulsa Temple
Activities Included
- Visit Bulguksa Temple
- Golgulsa Temple stay
- Vegetarian lunch and dinner
- Archery lesson
- Sunmudo demonstration and training session
- Buddhist chanting and meditation session
Enjoy a relaxing morning in the temple before catching a train to Busan on the south coast. Later, you will take the cable car into the mountains for aerial views of South Korea’s second-largest city; otherwise, spend an hour or two at a local cafe. We also recommend visiting Jagalchi Fish Market and BIIF Square. While in Busan, you might want to try a Busan Hotteok – this popular snack is a delicious sweet pancake filled with brown sugar and a must for any visitors to the city. Today you’ll also get to whip up a delicious local meal as you take a cooking class and learn about Korea’s rich culinary heritage. You’ll get to enjoy your creations accompanied by rice wine, with a tea ceremony to follow.
Accommodation
Youngmu Parade Hotel
Activities Included
- Train to Busan
- Songdo Marine Cable Car ride
- Jagalchi Fish Market and BIIF Visit
- Traditional Korean Cooking Class
- Tea Ceremony and Makgeolli tasting
Spend the day exploring Busan or take a trip out to visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple – one of Korea’s finest. After a day at leisure, we’ll be reconvening later this afternoon at Haeundae Beach for a soju-tasting session (a clear, subtly sweet Korean spirit); non-alcoholic alternatives are also on offer. Later you’ll have the option to treat yourself to an evening of relaxation at Centum Spa Land, one of the most famous jjimjilbangs in the country, where you can enjoy hot tubs, saunas, massages, and more. Word of warning – jjimjilbangs are strictly naked bathhouses, so if you prefer to spend the evening with your clothes on, you might want to explore the city at your own leisure.
Accommodation
Youngmu Parade Hotel
Activities Included
- Soju tasting session
Jeonju, one of South Korea’s most culturally rich cities, is the ideal place to spend the final full day of your trip. Jeonju has a wonderfully traditional Hanok Village, where we’ll be staying for the night. Later on you’ll pay a visit to a local craft brewery, but tonight we’ll enjoy a fantastic farewell dinner to celebrate our trip! Jeonju is the birthplace of ‘bibimbap’, a hugely popular rice bowl meal topped with vegetables, meats, sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, and an egg. As well as eating this classic dish, you’ll also be able to try 17 different side dishes to complete the experience!
Accommodation
Laon Hanok Gguljam
Activities Included
- Hanok village visit
- Craft brewery visit
- Bibimbap Dinner experience
There’s still time to squeeze in a walk along the Jeonjuchun River and a visit to Nambu Market for breakfast in the morning before catching the train back to Seoul – arriving around 5-6pm. An earlier departure is also available should you need to catch an earlier flight. It’s then time to bid farewell to your new friends as you begin your journey home, or opt to extend your stay in South Korea and see what else the country has to offer.
Accommodation
Activities Included
- Nambu Market visit and Jeonjuchun river walk
- Train back to Seoul
- Farewell Lunch
