TOUR OVERVIEW / HIGHLIGHT
Explore South Korea in style on this varied 10 day tour of a nation that is emerging as a cultural powerhouse! Your exploration will reveals the magic of this country with a whole series of hands-on experiences. From a temple stay in the mountains, a K-Pop experience to visiting the DMZ and peering into the hermit kingdom of North Korea – this tour packs a real punch. Plus there’s plenty of opportunities to sample the rich variety of Korean cuisine.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
DAY 01: ARRIVAL - SEOUL
Welcome to South Korea!
Arrive in Seoul, South Korea’s iconic capital, where you are met and transferred to your hotel.
Start your journey of discovery by sampling the delights of Korean cuisine. It’s then time to enjoy a striking cityscape with a mesmerising panorama of the metropolis below from top of Seoul’s N Tower. Gaze down at the city you will be enjoying over the next few days.
Meals: Dinner
DAY 02: SEOUL
Suitably relaxed after a good rest, stroll over to Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Step further back into time and try on a Hanbok at the Bukchon Hanok village before a delicious local lunch. It’s then time to step right into the beating heart of Korea’s K Pop scene with a karaoke experience in Gangnam after a soju sampling session.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 03: DMZ EXCURSION
A chance to understand the tragic history of this divided peninsula with a trip to the border with North Korea - the DMZ. Visit the observatory and look into the hermit kingdom and see the tunnels underneath built by the North to invade the South. Learn more about the social history with a chat with a defector from the North. After taking on board a weighty morning, relax amidst one of Seoul’s most vibrant districts: Myeongdong. That evening, marvel at the acrobatic and comedic majesty of the Nanta Show before we take you to some of our favourite bars in the city!
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 04: SEOUL / GOLGULSA
Head out of the city towards the gorgeous Golgulsa Temple and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. Whilst here, experience a different side of Korean culture. We’ll immerse ourselves in the temple life and go horseback riding through the mountains, watch the martial art of Sunmudo and try it out for yourself and end the day with traditional dinner plus chanting and meditation session.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 05: GOLGULSA / GYEONGJU
Start the day with mediation in the mountains before enjoying breakfast with a Buddhist monk and some refreshing tea. It’s then time to try your hand at archery before bidding farewell to the tranquility of temple life.
Head over to the treasure trove of Gyeongju filled with ancient sites. Tour around the charming city stopping in at ancient tombs, forests and Confucian schools. Stop by and hear more about the history at a 300-year-old ancient tea house.
Get ready for a dining experience like no other with a traditional set meal in a hanok before marvelling at the stunning night-time views at Anapji Pond.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 06: GYEONGJU / BUSAN
You will have enjoyed the food so why not try your hand at creating it yourself with a Korean cooking class. Discover the art of Korean cooking with an experienced local chef and then sample some local rice wine.
Head over to the beach and take the Songdo Marine Cable Car for sky-high views of the city and ocean!
It’s then time to really relax as we visit one the most famous jimjilbangs in the country. These are enormous spas designed to be havens of relaxation and recuperation. Relax and enjoy!
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 07: BUSAN
Kick off the day with a trip to Jagalchi Fish Market - check out the fresh seafood and enjoy a local lunch there. Stroll over to the BIFF Square.
That afternoon is a chance to take in the sights and sounds of the city and also enjoy the city’s beaches. Take a swim in the ocean, relax by the beach and sample some of the Busan-style hotteoks - these fried pancakes are a local speciality. That night, our guide will take you out to Haeundae Beach for a fun-filled experience.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 08: BUSAN / JEJU
Fly over to Jeju Island for our final stop on our Korean adventure.
We will take part in the Haenyeo Divers Experience - this is an amazing opportunity to witness, up close and personal, how these incredible women catch fish.
Once back on dry land, we will take part in a liquor-making experience before sampling some of the produce ourselves! Take some time to enjoy the natural splendours of the surroundings too. Jeju is known as the “Hawaii of Korea” and it’s easy to see why as you grab a sundowner looking out of the majesty of the volcanic peaks jutting out above the ocean.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 09: JEJU
Hike to the top of Seongsan Ilchubong - also known as Sunrise Peak - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on a hike along the Jeju Olle Trail taking in spectacular views and waterfalls. We’ll stop for a revitalising lunch before hiking onto Oedolgae Rock with vistas of volcanic cliffs and yellow fields of canola.
Our last night is a BBQ party on the beach, sunset drinks, seafood, and a time to reflect on an awesome Korean experience.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10: JEJU / SEOUL - DEPARTURE
There’s still time for a last taste of Jeju before heading to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
Meals: Breakfast
ACCOMMODATION WE LOVE:
Seoul:
Golgulsa:
Gyeongju:
Busan:
Jeju:
10D9N - 3N Seoul, 1N Golgulsa, 1N Gyeongju, 2N Busan, 2N Jeju