Itinerary
DAY 1: Seoul. Taekwondo class, cable car to Namsan Mountain
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.
OVERNIGHT:
Step Inn Myeongdong 1 or similar, Seoul
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Private Twin/Double Room Upgrade
Private Single Room Upgrade
DAY 2: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, free afternoon
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.
OVERNIGHT:
Step Inn Myeongdong 1 or similar, Seoul
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 3: Korean Demilitarized Zone, K-pop dance class
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, you can visit the platform and buy a souvenir train ticket for 1000 KRW.
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 our time here, 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
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 4: Seoraksan Mountain and Sokcho
Today we depart Seoul and head to Sokcho, in the north-eastern part of the country. We’ll arrive at the Seoraksan National Park in the late morning and have some free time to hike in the park, or take a cable car (for an additional 13,000 KRW fee) to one of the peaks.
There are several options here for different trails. These include
– Taking the cable car and a short 20min hike to the peak
– Hiking for around 3 hours to Bisundae and Keumganggul Cave
– Hiking for around 2 hours to Yukdam, Biryong and Towangsung waterfalls
– Hiking for around 4 hours to Ulsanbawi Rock for spectacular views over the national park.
Later in the afternoon we’ll drive to Sokcho town and take the Gatbae boat across the river to Abai – a small village where North Koreans lived following the war which divided the country. Fantastick views of Seoraksan Mountain, East Sea and the Sokcho area are possible if you continue walking from the village to the Lighthouse observatory.
Later, the evening, we’ll enjoy an optional dinner with the rest of the group in and around the local fish markets. While here, we recommend one of the most famous Korean fried chicken restaurants in the area – Manseok, known for its sticky sweet and sour boneless fried chicken.
After dinner, we head back to the hostel for a traditional Korean liquor tasting (min age 19).
OVERNIGHT:
Haru Guesthouse or similar, Sokcho
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 5: Golgulsa Temple stay
We start the day by driving to Geongju, stopping at the popular BTS bus stop on the beach on the way.
We then continue to Golgulsa Temple, where you’ll experience an overnight temple stay. Once we arrival, we’ll check into the temple and follow their schedule for the day. A typical afternoon would include an initial introduction to temple etiquette, followed by a meditation class, some communal work perhaps in the gardens, and then Sumnodo training before a traditional Buddhist vegetarian dinner of vegetables, rice and fruit. There is normally a further meditation and chanting service in the evening. Accommodation is very basic tonight, reflecting the monks’ lifestyle, with blankets, sheets and pillows provided to sleep on the floor.
OVERNIGHT:
Golgulsa Temple
MEALS:
Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 6: Morning chanting and meditation. Afternoon exploring Geongju by Bike
We start the day by joining the monks for their morning chanting and meditation session, followed by a vegan breakfast. In the afternoon, after checking into our hostel, we’ll start exploring Gyeongju by bike! First up, we ride to Cheonmachong Ancient Tombs – part of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex in Tumuli Park. Later, we make our way to Cheomseongdae – the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia. Overall the cycling tour takes around 45min on flat roads, and you can keep exploring the town by bike afterwards if you wish, or explore the old down on foot independently if you would prefer to skip the bikes.
If you’re keen to experience authentic Korean food we suggest having dinner at Dosol Maeul – a local restaurant serving traditional Korean set meals in an equally authentic environment! You could also get your cameras out and visit Anapji for amazing night views of the palace (entrance ticket 3,000 KRW).
OVERNIGHT:
Blueboat Hostel or similar, Gyeongju
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 7: Bullet train to Busan, Gamcheon VIllage, Songdo Beach
This morning we leave the hostel and transfer to Shin-Gyeongju Station to catch the bullet train to Busan. On arrival, we’ll visit Gamcheon Village where you can take lunch, before we continue on to Songdo Beach and the Songdo Marine Cable Car (an additional 5,000 KRW fee can be paid for the glass bottommed cable car). Later we walk to the trendy entertainment and shopping area of BIFF Square in Nampo-dong. Here you could try some Busan style hotteok from one of the street vendors. Finally we transfer to our hostel for the evening.
OVERNIGHT:
Busan Blueboat Hostel or similar, Haeundae
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 8: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Free time in Busan. Jjimjibang option
First up, today, we’ll head out on the bus to Headong Yonggungsa Temple, considered by many to be the most beauiful in Korea, and a rare example of a temple situated on the shoreline rather than in the hills.
The afternoon is then free for an optional visit to a Jjimjilbang, complete with saunas, cold rooms, jacuzzis and more. Your tour leader will suggest one, normally Centum Spa Land, and provide guidelines for what to expect in a jjimjilbangs, including about how to use the lockers and changing rooms, segregated areas for different genders, dress code (you’ll be expected to be naked in the pools, sauna & steam rooms and wear provided jjimjilban uniforms in the communal area), the different fomentation rooms, massage options etc. and how the payment for different options works – budget around 20,000 KRW, plus more for massages and extras).
In the evening there’s an optional sightseeing trip by boat to enjoy the night views of Haeundae and Gwangan Bridge.
Later, why not enjoy a fun Noraebang (Karaoke) night out – prices vary depending on group sizes, but expect to pay around 100,000 KRW per room including snacks and fruit.
OVERNIGHT:
Busan Blueboat hostel or similar, Haeundae
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 9: Free morning in Busan. Fly to Jeju
The morning is yours free to explore Busan. You could take a picnic breakfast out to the beach and enjoy your time there swimming, playing volleyball and frisbee etc. Luggage can be stored at the hostel during the day.
There is a wide range of other activities you could do today. For example, perhaps take a cooking class to learn how to make the Korean dishes you’ve tried throughout your trip (if you would like to do this, please advise the tour guide at the start of the trip so arrangements can be pre-booked). Alternatively, take one of the colourful train or sky pods through the Haeundae Blueline Park, or take a 4.7km hike along the Igidae Coastal Walk, one of the most scenic hiking trails in all of Busan. Other attractions include the Busan X Sky Observatory at the top of Korea’s second tallest building, and a visit to Huinnyeoul Culture Village.
Later, we head to Busan Airport for the short domestic flight to Jeju Island. Upon arrival we’ll head to our accommodation. Once you’ve had time to settle in, why not head out to the Olle Maeil Market or explore the nightlife the city has to offer.
OVERNIGHT:
Shinshin Hotel or similar, Jeju Island
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 10: Jeju Island, Jjeongbang waterfall, Sunrise Peak hike
Wake up today on the beautiful island of Jeju where we’ll head to Jjeongbang Waterfall. Start the day at the waterfall – the only one of its kind in Asia, this wonder of the natural world flows directly in to the ocean. After this, we’ll embark on a trek along the beautiful Jeju Olle Trail.
Next, we’ll take a hike to the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a unique formation that was formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions over 5 000 years ago.
The rest of the day is then free at leisure. You could visit Jungmun Beach, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, take a walk around the Maritime Park and Saeyeongyo Bridge, and then enjoy sunset drinks at The Cliff. Your tour leader will be there to provide information and advice on all the different options.
OVERNIGHT:
Shinshin Hotel or similar, Jeju Island
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 11: Jeju Yacht trip, BBQ dinner
This morning you’ll join your fellow travellers onboard an included Yacht trip before returning to the hotel in the early afternoon for some well-deserved rest time – the rest of the day is yours where you’ll be free to explore Jeju further or just relax at the beach.
In the evening, you’ll have a farewell BBQ dinner. Eat delicious food, watch the sun go down and if you want, party into the night by the seashore. Make the most of your time with your fellow travellers, as you’ll be saying goodbye in the morning. Please note that occasionally the farewell dinner will take place on day 10.
OVERNIGHT
Shinshin Hotel or similar, Jeju Island
MEALS
Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 12: Tour ends on Jeju Island
Your adventure ends this morning at the hotel.
If you book a flight back to Seoul with us, then a transfer to the airport is included at 08.30am – you will need to arrange your own transfer if you make your own flight arrangements or need to travel to the airport at a different time. This is easy to do through your accommodation and your tour leader can also advise further.
If you are flying from Jeju airport to Gimpo Airport in Seoul today, and have an internatonal flight departing from Incheon Airport today as well, then make sure to allow time when booking your flights for your international flight check in, and a 35minute metro trip from Gimpo to Incheon airport.
Additional nights can be booked in the hotel in Jeju or the hostel in Seoul if you would like to extend your time in either location.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS
None
EXTRAS:
