Transport

Private and local transport

Guide

Local Insider

Meals

Nine breakfasts, five lunches, five dinners

Hygieneprotocol

An average size of our groups is 10 which means you have the security of the group, but can avoid large crowds. All our Local Insiders will be Health & Safety trained and ensure your safety and wellbeing is the number one priority. Our private vehicles will feature daily assigned seating and undergo daily deep cleaning of all surfaces. Where possible, we use small / boutique accommodation which means fewer guests and less contact with other travellers. We require all hotels to provide protocols around the extra health & hygiene measures taken. Most included activities will be exclusive to our group where possible to minimize contact with other travellers and locals.

Accommodation

Four nights boutique hotel accommodation Three nights premium hotel accommodation One night Golgulsa Temple accommodation One night traditional ’hanok’ accommodation Four Points by Sheraton, Josun This modern hotel in the centre of Seoul is classy, comfortable and conveniently located right near the train station. Enjoy the premium features of this hotel, its fitness centre, great WiFi and spacious rooms. Most notably, you’ll enjoy the incredible neon-lit nighttime views of downtown Seoul, which you can take in from the comfort of your room or within the atmospheric backdrop of the hotel’s restaurant. Hanhwa Resort Seorak Set amid the majesty of the Seorak mountains is this larger-than-life resort hotel, partnered with a water park that boasts indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and sauna. The resort itself is an expansive complex with cosy rooms and an impressive breakfast spread. Surrounded by mountains but only a short drive away from the beach, Hanhwa Resort places you perfectly to enjoy the stunning Korean countryside. Golgulsa Temple Immerse yourself in the practice of sunmudo – a Korean martial art and form of moving meditation that dates back over 1,000 years – at this sixth-century hillside temple. Vegetarian monastic food, a traditional tea ceremony and an archery lesson further add to this unique experience, just outside Gyeongju City. Silla Boutique Hotel Premium This elegant hotel has all you need for a comfortable overnight stay in Gyeongju City – the former capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom. Make the most of the sauna and plentiful buffet breakfast. Youngmu Parade Hotel This hotel is set perfectly in the cultural heart of Busan and you’ll be located close to galleries and only a 10 minute walk to the nearby beachfront strip of Haeundae. Rooms are clean and minimal in design and there is a fantastic restaurant, concierge service and refreshing air-conditioning for warmer days. Laon Hanok Gguljam Expect warm hospitality and a cosy ambience at this authentic hanok-style guest house in central Jeonju. Choose between a Korean or continental breakfast and admire the traditional architecture while relaxing in the private garden.

Others

Gyeongbokgung Palace visit See the Blue House Bukchon Hanok Village exploration Nanta show (Optional) DMZ half-day trip* Karaoke Experience Seoraksan National Park hike Gatbae Boat ride Abai Village visit Sokcho fish market visit Visit Bulguksa Temple Sunmudo demonstration and training session Buddhist chanting and meditation session Archery lesson Gyeongju city cycling tour Anapji Pond visit BIFF Square visit Korean cooking class Soju tasting session Bibimbap Dinner experience Hanok village visit Craft brewery visit Nambu Market visit and Jeonjuchun river-walk Train back to Seoul Lighthouse Observatory Visit

Not included:

Flights

Flights to and from the destination are not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrival In Seoul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrival In Seoul

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 Karoake 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

Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 Visit Seoul’S Most Important Sights, Explore A Traditional Village And Sing Karaoke
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Visit Seoul’S Most Important Sights, Explore A Traditional Village And Sing Karaoke

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 mazey 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

Karaoke Experience

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 Visit The Demilitarized Zone (Dmz) *
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Visit The Demilitarized Zone (Dmz) *

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 Myeongdon district - let us know ahead of time if you’d like to book a spot.

* 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 be visiting the Korean War Museum instead to learn about the North/South relations.

Accommodation:

Four Points by Sheraton, Josun

Activities included

DMZ half-day trip (see above)

Optional activities:

Nanta show

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 Hike In Seoraksan National Park And Visit Abai Village
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hike In Seoraksan National Park And Visit Abai Village

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

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 Take A Cycling Tour Of Gyeongju And Dine In A Hanok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Take A Cycling Tour Of Gyeongju And Dine In A Hanok

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

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 Learn Traditional Martial Arts And Meditation At A Buddhist Temple
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Learn Traditional Martial Arts And Meditation At A Buddhist Temple

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 matresses in 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

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Ride A Cable Car In Busan And Enjoy A Cooking Class
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ride A Cable Car In Busan And Enjoy A Cooking Class

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

Traditional Korean Cooking Class

Songdo Marine Cable Car ride

Jagalchi Fish Market and BIIF Visit

Tea Ceremony and Makgeolli tasting

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 Explore Busan And Taste Soju On The Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Explore Busan And Taste Soju On The Beach

Spend the day out exploring Busan or take a trip out to visit to 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 saunas, 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

Optional Activities:

Visit to Centum Spa Land Jjimjilbang

Visit to Haedongg Yonggusa Temple

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 9 Gorge On Bibimbap And Explore The Hanok Village Of Jeonju
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Gorge On Bibimbap And Explore The Hanok Village Of Jeonju

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 dinner to celebrate out 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 Farewell dinner experience

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 Return To Seoul To Mark The End Of Our Trip
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Return To Seoul To Mark The End Of Our Trip

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 a Farewell Lunch awaits! After this, we’ll be 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.

Activities Included:

Nambu Market visit and Jeonjuchun river-walk

Farewell Lunch

Train back to Seoul

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

10 days tour

Soulful South Korea

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Soulful South Korea

Day 1: Arrival In Seoul

Visit Seoul’S Most Important Sights, Explore A Traditional Village And Sing Karaoke

Visit The Demilitarized Zone (Dmz) *

Hike In Seoraksan National Park And Visit Abai Village

Take A Cycling Tour Of Gyeongju And Dine In A Hanok

Learn Traditional Martial Arts And Meditation At A Buddhist Temple

Ride A Cable Car In Busan And Enjoy A Cooking Class

Explore Busan And Taste Soju On The Beach

Gorge On Bibimbap And Explore The Hanok Village Of Jeonju

Return To Seoul To Mark The End Of Our Trip

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