Exploring South Korea

After arriving at the hostel there will be a welcome meeting with your tour guide at 2pm for a brief introduction to travel in South Korea and the plan for the days ahead. We'll then head out for a fun introductory Taekwondo Class, learning the basics of this ancient martial art from a professional instructors in an authentic location. The class will take around 1 1/2 hours and no previous knowledge or skills are required. After the class we will head to a local restaurant in Myeongdong for our first taste of Korean cuisine (optional). Finally this evening we'll make our way to the cable car station and ride up Namsan Mountain. There are spectacular views from here of of Seoul lit up at night (approx. 20min walk from the final cable car station). This is also recognised as the most popular location in Seoul for couples, and you can lock your 'padlock of love' onto the railings at the base of Seoul N Tower. Even better views are available from the top of the tower. At around 10pm we'll take the cable car back down and hop on public transport back to the Hongdae district where our accommodation lies. Here you can either finish the evening by strolling the streets to explore on your own or get an early night for your first full day of adventure tomorrow. NOTE: This is an active, backpacking style tour, and there is a lot of walking and physical activity involved. We therefore set a minimum age of 16 and maximum age limit of 55. Children aged 15 or under may be accepted in some circumstances. | OVERNIGHT: Step Inn Myeongdong 1 or similar, Seoul. | MEALS: NULL

The tour kicks off with a visit to the famous Korean Demilitarized Zone. We start by taking a bus for an hour north of Seoul to Imjingak, where you’ll have the chance to grab some breakfast. We'll then continue on to Dorasan Station - the northernmost train stop in South Korea which was once intended to connect the country with North Korea. While there, we suggest buying a commemorative train ticket. We'll get a view into North Korea next from the Dora Observatory where you can see the nearest North Korean villages through binoculars. Next, we descend into the 3rd Tunnel created by North Koreans which will take you as close as 170m to North Korea. After, we head back to Seoul while having the chance to speak to a North Korean defector on the bus. After arriving back in Seoul, we include a fun K-pop dance class for anyone keen to learn the basics of this international phenomenon. No dance experience is required and the class takes around 1 1/2 hours. Alternatively you may like visit Myeongdong Cathedral or a quirky cat café. If you’re looking for evening entertainment, we recommend a traditional Nanta Show (a comedy cooking performance), or you could explore Itaewon, best known for its endless restaurant and bar options, or head over to the ritzy Gangnam district. | OVERNIGHT: Step Inn Myeongdong 1 or similar, Seoul. | MEALS: Breakfast

We kick the day off bright and early to explore the ancient side of Seoul. We start today’s tour by hopping on the metro to Gyeongbokgung Palace where you’ll have the chance to watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Next we'll visit a hanbok rental store where you can rent some traditional Korean clothes (from KRW15,000) before we enter the palace which you can explore independently. Alternatively, an English speaking tour is conducted by the palace guides starting at 11.am. The afternoon and evening are then free. You could make your way to Bukchon Hanok Village, breaking the journey at the Blue House on the way (South Korea's 'White House' - the official residence of the South Korean President, Moon Jae-in). You could also visit Insadong Art Street, explore Gangnam District, rent a bike and cycle along Han river, or visit HiKR Ground, an eXtended Reality Korea promotional hallground. Your guide will be on hand to help wtih suggestions and advice. In the evening, you will have some free time to explore Seoul further. Walk around Insadong Hanok Street, immerse yourself in local life with a group dinner at a pojangmacha – or head back to Myeongdong for a night out on a pub crawl!. | OVERNIGHT: Step Inn Myeongdong 1 or similar, Seoul. | MEALS: Breakfast