South Korea Highlights

9 days4.8140 reviews
Explorer
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CHF  2,547

Feel the Seoul of South Korea on this adventure that hits all the highlights

A destination of natural wonder, culinary delights and mesmerising cityscapes, South Korea is a rewarding trip for any traveller. On this nine-day exploration, you’ll discover Korea’s Demilitarised Zone, eat ‘til you drop at an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant, hike through the amazing scenery of Seoraksan Mountain, wander through the colourful Gamcheong Culture Village, spend a night in a traditional hanok house and discover the charisma of Busan from seaside Haedong Temple to the stories of Haeyno divers.

Map of South Korea Highlights including Korea, Republic Of
Trip code: CJSK
Start
Seoul, South Korea
End
Seoul, South Korea
Destinations
South Korea
Meals
1 breakfast, 4 dinners
Transport
Private Vehicle, Public Bus, Metro, Taxi, Boat, High Speed Train
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights), Hanok (1 night)
Days
9
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Ages
Min 15
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Explorer
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Original
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip

Spend a fascinating day exploring the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) on a guided tour. Discover why this intriguing place has been awash with tension and political pressure since the Korean War.

Take a street food tour of the renowned Gwangjang markets in Seoul, feasting on bite-sized delights, and indulge in an authentic all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ experience for your final night.

Explore the seaside Sokcho and discover the island village of Abai, home to hundreds of North Korean refugees and learn about their experience in a sobering talk with the community here before enjoying a delicious home-cooked community dinner.

Spend a night in a traditional Hanok house in the Andong Hahoe folk village, walking past the traditional homes to imagine the country in its past life.

Visit coastal Haedong Temple, explore the colourful Gamcheong Culture Village and then meet a Haeyno diver in Busan for an insider’s view of this predominantly female profession.

By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of South Korea Highlights including Korea, Republic Of

Inclusions and activities

Meals

1 breakfast, 4 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, Public Bus, Metro, Taxi, Boat, High Speed Train

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Hanok (1 night)

Included activities
  • Seoul - Gwangjang market
  • Seoul - Naksan night view over the city
  • Seoul - Gyeongbukgung Palace
  • Seoul - Demilitarized Zone (DMZ/South Korea)
  • Seoul - Bukchon Hanok Village
  • Sokcho - Local market visit
  • Sokcho – Community cooking & dinner in village of Abai
  • Sokcho - Island village of Abai
  • Sokcho - North Korea refugee family visit
  • Sokcho - Seoraksan Mountain Hike
  • Andong - Andong folk village
  • Andong – Village Traditional Dance Performance (except for Monday)
  • Busan - Haedong Temple
  • Busan - Gamcheon Art Village
  • Busan - Haenyeo (female diver) visit
  • Busan – Local ‘Smart Farm’ visit
  • Busan - Coastal walk

Optional activities
  • Sokcho - Yeoung Geum Jung Pagoda - Free
  • Sokcho – Bike Ride around Yeongrang Lake - USD25
  • Busan - Night cruise - USD40

Is this trip right for you?

  • A good degree of fitness is recommended for this trip as a lot of walking is involved. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. You will need to be able to handle your luggage on metro and in busy transport hubs, so we advise packing light.
  • This trip doesn't spend much time in Seoul so we recommend extending your trip to enjoy this city to its fullest. Please speak to your booking agent about adding additional nights of accommodation to your booking.

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. This trip starts in Seoul on Day 1 at 4pm. This allows time after the welcome meeting for your first included activities.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 5 where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 140 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Raymond · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 23 Nov 2024

Clive · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 23 Nov 2024

Margaret · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 23 Nov 2024

Richard · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 23 Nov 2024

Lisa · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 16 Nov 2024
South Korea Highlights
From
CHF  2,547