South Korea Adventure
Temple stay and nature escapes!
Book now for £49
Was £1,399
£1,259
1259Group Size: Avg. 10-15
Trip code: SKDT
Duration: 12 days
Want to combine South Korea’s vibrant city breaks with a temple stay and nature escapes? This dynamic 12-day tour gets you well-acquainted with Seoul and Busan while discovering everything we love most about South Korea: the K-Pop vibes, the sensational food plus the melting pot of history and entertainment. Spend time in hidden gem destinations along the way - like exploring the breathtaking mountain ranges inside Seoraksan National Park, and finishing your trip chasing Jeju Island’s awe-inspiring waterfalls and emerald walking trails. Staying inside the Golgusa Temple is a profound experience, with meditation sessions, yoga classes and the chance to learn a unique practice of martial arts all on offer. Embrace once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like visiting the Demilitarised Zone dividing Korea, and speaking to a defector from the North. And who could forget about legendary K-Pop locations like Gangnam and the BTS bus stop? Discover South Korea’s incredible variety today!
Trip Highlights
- Learn about South Korea’s fascinating history inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Demilitarised Zone and more
- Chase captivating mountains inside Seoraksan National Park
- Wander through Gyeongju’s extraordinary Old Town for temples, tombs and ruins
- Enjoy beautiful sea vistas, street food and karaoke in Busan
- Discover natural paradise in Jeju Island, from waterfalls to walking trails
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Day 1: Arrive in Seoul. Welcome to South Korea! Enjoy a high-energy Taekwondo class this afternoon, then go to Namsan Mountain to admire the city’s twinkling lights and see the iconic ‘love padlocks’ at the base of N Seoul tower – cuuute!
Day 2: Seoul DMZ trip. Take a bus to the Demilitarised Zone. We’ll visit Dorasan ‘ghost’ Station, Dora Observatory, and the 3rd tunnel, before chatting to a North Korean defector. Back in Seoul, shake your booty with a K-Pop dance class before dinner in funky Hongdae.
Day 3: Seoul. Head to Gyeongbokgung Palace early to watch the changing of the guard before a free afternoon in the city. Optional activities include a visit to Bukchon Hanok, Insadong Art Street and Gangnam District.
Day 4: Seoraksan National Park. We’ll arrive at the breathtaking Seoraksan National Park for the late morning, so you have hours to explore the nature in closer depth. Set the pace today, whether you want to break up the hiking with a cable car ride or plan a full trek through the park’s hidden caves, waterfalls and cliff vistas. We will then take the bus into peaceful Sokcho for an included visit to a small village home to North Korean refugees. Tonight, enjoy a traditional liquor tasting!
Day 5: Gyeongju. Today we travel to Gyeongju - the “Museum without Walls” - but not before a stop-off at the famous BTS bus stop! Now’s your chance for photos, or stretching your legs on the scenic beach just behind. When we arrive in Gyeongju, take a cycling tour through its beautiful Old Town and fascinating collection of tombs, temples and parks. Enjoy a traditional Korean dinner tonight, followed by a night stroll around the enchanting Anapji Pond.
Day 6: Gyeongju and Golgulsa Temple Stay. Discover Gyeongju at your leisure this morning, whether you want to visit the Bulguksa Temple, a 300-year-old Hanok, Woljeonggyo Bridge or make your plans instead. Around mid-afternoon, we’ll make our way to the uplifting Golgulsa Temple for meditation classes, a veggie Buddhist dinner and the chance to learn the basics of Sunmodo: the monks’ unique martial art!
Day 7: Busan. Join the monks’ sunrise chanting and meditation before travelling to Gamcheon Village to check out the pastel coloured houses and winding streets. Then head to Songdo Beach, where you’ll ride the Marine Cable Car before an afternoon in the uber-hip BIFF Square entertainment and shopping area in Nampo-dong in Busan.
Day 8: Busan. You’ve got another day to enjoy this vibrant city. Visit South Korea’s most beautiful temple - the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple - which is famous for its unique cliffside vistas and spiritual roots. Enjoy a free afternoon for more Busan adventures, or join an optional trip to the sophisticated Spa Land: where Jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse) culture meets modern luxury. Try the local delicacies and admire the Gwangan Bridge light show after the sun has set, or opt for a sightseeing boat cruise. We’ll end the night with Noraebang - aka Korean karaoke booths! Which song is your go-to?
Day 9: Busan and Jeju Island. Enjoy another free morning, so if you want to ride the coastal Haeundae Blueline railway, visit Busan’s famous observatory or go for a scenic stroll down the Igidae Coastal Walk or Oryukdo Skywalk, the choice is entirely yours! Before we make our way to the stunning Jeju Island, opt in for a bibimbap cooking class! After a short internal flight, you will have all evening to explore Jeju’s sensational Seogwipo Olle Market for fresh seafood, sweet oranges (a Jeju special) and the best street food on the island!
Day 10: Hiking Jeju Island. This tropical island is nicknamed the “Hawaii of Korea” after its cascading waterfalls, emerald cliffs and craters, secret forests and ocean waves that are made for surfing! It’s the perfect comparison. This morning we visit the legendary Jjeongbang Falls, before trekking the Jeju Olle Trail: named as one of the world’s top 10 coastal walks. Our journey carries up to Seongsan Ilchulbong for the best vistas of Jeju. After all that exploration, enjoy a lazy afternoon on Jeju's gorgeous beaches.
Day 11: Jeju on boat! What better way to enjoy your second morning in Jeju than by sailing out on a yacht? Between the irresistible scenery, the ocean breeze and the friendly company, this boat tour is a real highlight! The entire afternoon is free for you to explore Jeju’s wild variety of activities - from woodland retreats to a soothing tea museum and more. Kick back this evening for a farewell barbecue dinner, and if you want to, discover Jeju’s exciting nightlife!
Day 12: Depart. Your incredible adventure in South Korea with us has come to an end on Jeju Island. Swap numbers with your new friends and say your goodbyes.
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Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.Arrival
Your South Korea Adventure starts in Seoul on Day 1. Fly into Incheon International Airport and make your own way to your starting accommodation. There are no activities planned for today until a welcome meeting at 2pm this afternoon so make sure you arrive in time! Trains run every 23 minutes between Incheon Airport and Seoul Station, with a journey time of 40 minutes to an hour. You can also take a taxi transfer which will take a similar amount of time, but will be considerably more expensive.
Departure
The tour will finish on Jeju Island on day 12. Your guide can help you arrange a departure transfer to Jeju International Airport (CJU). Day 12 is a departure day and you can leave at any time.
Accommodation
You’ll stay in a range of authentic accommodation throughout the trip, including guesthouses, hostels, and temples! You’ll also spend a night on an overnight ferry. Rooms are on a single-sex or mixed, multi-share basis. Please note that if you are travelling with a friend or partner of the opposite sex, you will not be roomed together. Please contact us if you wish to pay to upgrade to a private room for your trip.
Meals
Your trip includes 1 breakfast and 2 dinners. You’ll have to purchase all other meals and snacks and drinks yourself. This gives you maximum flexibility to eat where and when you like, and to explore the cuisine of this fascinating country.
You must be a minimum of 18 years old to join this trip.
This trip mainly attracts ages 18-35, please note the maximum age to join this tour is 55.
If you’re a British citizen, you can enter South Korea as a tourist for up to 90 days without a visa. Depending on your nationality and when you travel to Korea, you may need to apply for an online electronic travel authority called a K-ETA. You must have an onward or return ticket. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 3 months from date of entry. It’s your responsibility to obtain the necessary visas for your time away. Visa rules are subject to change without prior notice, so please do check visa requirements at the time of your trip.
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