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Essential South Korea and Jeju

Save up to 30% today
12 days

Take in the highlights of South Korea on this 12-day group tour which starts in Seoul and ends on Jeju island. Meet a North Korean defector at the Demilitarized Zone, see the Blue House and Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul and explore South Korea's second city, Busan. Discover Seoraksan National Park, stay at a traditional Buddhist temple and end your trip with a hike to Sunrise Peak and a beach BBQ on Jeju island.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

12 days

Starts

Seoul

Ends

Jeju Island

Range

Essentials

Tour Guide

Escorted by a bi-lingual adventure leader

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 20

Minimum age

18 (maximum age 55)

Departs

Thursdays 2024 | Sundays 2025

Hotel Rating

Hostels & dorm accommodation

Countries

South Korea

Arrival Transfer

No - can be booked on request

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 1, Dinner: 2
Per person from
NZD$3,706.50
Save 30% today
Total From
$10,590.00
NZD$7,413.00
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,000.00
$6,913.00

Tour Highlights

Seoul - Explore South Korea's enigmatic capital to see the changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace and the iconic Blue House
DMZ - Peek into the reclusive state of North Korea, explore the Third Tunnel of Aggression and meet a North Korean defector
Jjimjilbang - Opt to spend an afternoon at a traditional Korean bath house in Busan, where you can relax in the sauna or an onsen hot bath
Seoraksan National Park - Hike to Ulsanbawi Rock and visit the North Korean refugee village of Abai by cable pulley boat
Gyeongju - Take a bicycle tour to highlights of the city including the Cheonmachong Ancient Tombs and Gyerim Forest
Golgulsa Temple - Stay at a traditional Buddhist temple in Gyeongju where you can practice martial arts, meditate and enjoy tea with a Buddhist monk
Busan - Visit the 14th century Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and enjoy free time to hit the beach or indulge in the city's thriving nightlife
Jeju - Admire cascading Jeongbang Waterfall and hike to Sunrise Peak, a cylindrical hill that is Jeju's most famous landmark

Included

1 breakfast & 2 dinners including a farewell Jeju Black Pork BBQ dinner
9 nights in hostels and dorm accommodation
1 night at Golgulsa Temple in Gyeongju
One way domestic flight from Busan to Jeju (flight luggage allowance - 15kg checked-in and 10kg hand luggage)
Escorted by a bi-lingual adventure leader
DMZ excursion and meeting with a North Korean defector
Visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
Cycling tour of Gyeongju
Visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Hike to Sunrise Peak and yacht sailing tour on Jeju
Day trek along the Jeju Olle Trail

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Optional activities
Airport transfers

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to South Korea

Welcome to Seoul! On arrival in South Korea's capital, make your own way to our starting hostel. We can also book an arrival transfer for you. There's a pre-departure Welcome Meeting at 14:00 before we head out for a Taekwondo class with professional instruction.

After the class, we head to Myeongdong by public transport for an optional group dinner. We then ride the cable car to the top of Namsan Mountain, where we can enjoy incredible views of Seoul illuminated at night. For an even better view, you may wish to head to the top of the N Seoul Tower, which is the second highest point in the city. We then return to our hostel where the rest of the evening is at leisure.

Please note: The pre-departure welcome meeting is at 14:00. Please ensure that you arrive in Seoul in plenty of time so that you don't miss the tour. We can arrange pre-tour accommodation for you.

Overnight: Seoul

Day 2 - Seoul sightseeing

Today we enjoy a morning of exploring Seoul. We'll ride on the metro to the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was once the main residence of the Joseon Dynasty. Watch the Changing of the Guard here before we enter the palace grounds where you can rent traditional Korean clothes to wear.

The afternoon is free. Suggested activities are a visit to Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong Art Street or you could rent bicycles for a cycle along the Han River. You may even consider taking part in our optional Makgeolli (Korean rice wine) making class.

Overnight: Seoul

Day 3 - Exploring the DMZ

Today we enjoy an excursion to the Demilitarized Zone, which is a 2.5 mile wide buffer zone between the hostile states of North and South Korea. Our bus journey to the DMZ takes around three hours and we stop at Dorasan Station en route. The train station was built with the intention of connecting the two Koreas, in times when relations were better.

Arriving at the DMZ, we visit the Dora Observatory where you can peek into reclusive North Korea and perhaps catch a glimpse of some North Korean villagers in the streets. We then descend into the Third Tunnel of Aggression, which was built by the North as a means of infiltrating South Korea.

After our visit to the DMZ, we board the bus to return to Seoul. We'll be joined onboard by a North Korean defector. You have a once in a lifetime opportunity to speak with someone who has experienced life in the closed off country of North Korea. Arriving back in Seoul, the rest of the day is at leisure and there is an included K-pop dance class for those who wish to join.

Overnight: Seoul

Day 4 - Seoraksan National Park

Seoul - Sokcho. This morning we head out of Seoul to Sokcho, in the north east of the country. Arriving in Seoraksan National Park, there are several options for exploring. You can visit Sinheungsa Temple or hike up to Ulsanbawi Rock for incredible views over the national park. You can also pay to ride the Seoraksan Cable Car or explore some of the local cave networks - the choice is yours!

After exploring the national park, we take the bus to Sokcho town and cross the river by cable-pulley boat to Abai, a small village of North Korean refugees. Explore the historic village and climb to the Lighthouse Observatory for amazing views of the surrounding area. There's an optional dinner at the Manseok fish market and some traditional liquor tasting (the drinking age in Korea is 19).

Overnight: Sokcho

Day 5 - Golgulsa Temple stay

Sokcho - Golgulsa Temple. Sokcho - Gyeongju. Say goodbye to Sokcho as we travel to the city of Gyeongju, stopping en route at the popular BTS Bus Stop on the beach. This bus stop was on the album cover for "You Never Walk Alone", an album by the band. BTS are South Korea's most famous boyband, their music now popular around the world.

Upon arrival, check into the temple and start the afternoon’s activities with a meditation class. Afterwards, try out the traditional art of Sunmudo and take part in the evening chanting service before sitting down to enjoy a simple Buddhist dinner of vegetables, rice, and fruit with the other temple visitors. We then spend a night sleeping in the temple. The temple stay is shared accommodation with a shared bathroom in gender separate rooms. This stay is for 1 night only.

Overnight: Golgulsa Temple
Meals: Dinner

Day 6 - Gyeongju

Golgulsa Temple - Gyeongju. Rise and shine! Wake up bright and early to join the morning chanting service and meditation, then tuck in to a traditional breakfast.

After checkout at 08:00, we will transfer to Gyeongju with the morning at leisure. Perhaps you could visit Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Cultural Site, try out a tea house, visit Gyeongju Museum, or explore the Old Town.

This afternoon we head out on a bicycle tour of the city. Ride to numerous highlights including the Cheonmachong Silla tomb in Tumuli Park. We then make our way to Cheomseongdae, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia.

Want to experience authentic Korean food? Have dinner at Dosol Maeul, a local restaurant serving traditional Korean set meals in an equally authentic environment! Later, why not take a stroll around to Anapji Pond for some amazing night time views of the palace? Be sure to pack your cameras because the lights are stunning.

Overnight: Gyeongju
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Busan

Gyeongju - Busan. This morning, we board the high-speed bullet train to Busan.

On arrival, check-in to our accommodation and enjoy an included visit to Gamcheon Village, known for its colourful houses and murals. We also ride the Songdo Marine Cable Car over the city, and visit BIFF Square - South Korea's answer to Hollywood's Walk of Fame! Spend your first night in bustling Busan at leisure - perhaps head to the Haeundae beachfront to make the most of the city's thriving nightlife.

Overnight: Busan

Day 8 - Busan sightseeing

This morning we visit the Buddhist Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, which is nestled amongst the cliffs on the coast and dates back to the year 1376.

There is time in the afternoon to further explore at leisure. You could visit Spa Land in Centum City, one of Busan's largest shopping complexes. Here you can enjoy a bathe in a jjimjiibang bathhouse and relax in a steamy sauna.

In the evening, take the metro to Gwangan Beach for dinner and enjoy the optional Gwangan Bridge light show after dark. For a unique experience, you may also choose to join an optional sightseeing boat tour to take in the night views of Haeundae and Gwangan Bridge from the water.

Overnight: Busan

Day 9 - Busan free time & Jeju

Busan - Jeju. Today is free to relax or further explore Busan as you please. Optional activities available include a Korean cooking class, a visit to the observatory of the second-tallest building in Korea or a hike along the scenic Igidae Coastal Walk.

This afternoon we transfer to the airport and fly to Jeju, the small volcanic island dominated by the towering volcano of Hallasan. Upon arrival transfer to our hotel and spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Jeju Island

Day 10 - Jeju Olle Trail & Sunrise Peak hike

This morning, we depart for a day trip to Jeongbang Waterfall, which flows directly into the ocean. From this incredible natural wonder, we enjoy a trek along the Jeju Olle Trail, which winds through incredible scenery of volcanic cliffs and bright yellow fields of canola. See the towering column of Oedolgae Rock, which emerges dramatically from the waves.

Afterwards, head to Seongsan Ilchulbong, better known as Sunrise Peak. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this cylindrical hill was formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions and is Jeju's most famous landmark. After lunch, the afternoon is free to explore the area at leisure. Consider visiting Olle Maeil Market, walking around Maritime Park and Saeyeongyo Bridge and perhaps enjoy sunset drinks at The Cliff.

Overnight: Jeju Island

Day 11 - Yacht Sailing & BBQ beach party

We spend our final full day in South Korea exploring Jeju further with a yacht sailing tour. The rest of the day is free - perhaps visit Jungmun Beach or Cheonjiyeon Waterfall.

To celebrate our final evening, there's an included BBQ party on the beach tonight. Relax and enjoy delicious food as we watch the sun go down.

Overnight: Jeju Island
Meals: Dinner

Day 12 - Jeju Island

Today our South Korean adventure comes to an end. We can book an optional flight back to Seoul for you, in which case there is an included group transfer to the airport. If you make your own arrangements then the transfer is not included.

Tour Reviews

The tour was good-great! Yubin was ok - she didn’t explain things as well as I thought she could. Sarah was lovely and I would recommend her as a guide. Ellen was amazing with her story telling and explanation of things. The first dinner was average but all the other food was good.

Amazing tour and guide! Once in a lifetime experience that I will treasure forever! Amazing group of people Too! The guide was friendly, funny and supportive!

Great

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Seoul Post Tour Accommodation (From price)

Dorm

$135per passenger

Double

$175per passenger

Twin

$175per passenger

Single

$355per passenger

Seoul Post Tour Accommodation (from price)

Dorm

$135per passenger

Double

$175per passenger

Twin

$175per passenger

Single

$355per passenger

Seoul Pre-Tour Accommodation (From price)

Dorm

$135per passenger

Double

$175per passenger

Twin

$175per passenger

Single

$355per passenger

Jeju Island Post Tour Accommodation (from price)

Dorm

$105per passenger

Double

$255per passenger

Twin

$255per passenger

Single

$505per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Kimchi
Busan Cooking Class

Join a captivating cooking class and learn about tasty Korean cuisine!

$225

per passenger

Seoul Private Airport Transfer (max 2 pax)

$285

per passenger

Seoul Private Airport Transfer (max 4 pax)

$495

per passenger

Seoul Private Airport Transfer (per vehicle, max 2 pax)

$285

per passenger

Seoul Private Airport Transfer (per vehicle, max 4 pax)

$495

per passenger

Essential Japan & South Korea

$225

per passenger

Add on Flight from Jeju to Seoul (Essentials)

$355

per passenger

Add on Flight from Jeju to Seoul (Essential Japan & South Korea)

$355

per passenger

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. Prices shown are per person travelling and the 'Dorm' prices shown are based on mixed dormitory rooms. There is also a 'Twin / Double' Room Upgrade and a 'Single' Room upgrade for solo travellers. Twin / Double room upgrades are based on two people travelling together and are subject to availability.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
28 Nov - 9 Dec
$4,725
$5,725
2025
Twin/Double
Single
2 Mar - 13 Mar
Save 15%
$5,295$4,501
$6,365$5,411
9 Mar - 20 Mar
Save 10%
$5,495$4,946
$6,555$5,900
16 Mar - 27 Mar
Save 10%
$5,495$4,946
$6,555$5,900
23 Mar - 3 Apr
Save 10%
$5,495$4,946
$6,555$5,900
30 Mar - 10 Apr
Save 10%
$5,495$4,946
$6,555$5,900
6 Apr - 17 Apr
Save 10%
$5,495$4,946
$6,555$5,900
10 Apr - 21 Apr
Save 10%
Sold Out
Sold Out
13 Apr - 24 Apr
Save 10%
$5,495$4,946
$6,555$5,900
2026
Twin/Double
Single
1 Mar - 12 Mar
Save 5%
$5,765$5,477
$6,825$6,484
8 Mar - 19 Mar
Save 5%
$5,935$5,639
$6,995$6,646
15 Mar - 26 Mar
Save 5%
$5,935$5,639
$6,995$6,646
22 Mar - 2 Apr
Save 5%
$5,935$5,639
$6,995$6,646
29 Mar - 9 Apr
Save 5%
$5,935$5,639
$6,995$6,646
2 Apr - 13 Apr
Save 5%
$5,935$5,639
$6,995$6,646
5 Apr - 16 Apr
Save 5%
$5,935$5,639
$6,995$6,646
19 Apr - 30 Apr
Save 5%
$5,765$5,477
$6,825$6,484

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