9 Days | The world of K-pop culture, Buddhist temples, high-tech gadgetry and green mountains is calling
Experience all the essential sights of South Korea on this nine-day journey through Seoul, Jeonju, Yeosu, Busan and more. From the thriving pop culture to the natural oasis of gleaming gardens, this place really does have it all. You’ll feast on Korean BBQ, noodles and street food, follow in the footsteps of popular K-pop group BTS at some scenic filming locations, take a few easy hikes through coastal beaches and rolling green mountain landscapes and hit the nightlife in your spare time (coin karaoke anyone?). Stay in a hanok (traditional Korean house), rub shoulders with the locals and enjoy loads of free time to choose your own adventure, whether that’s learning taekwondo or visiting the DMZ along the border of North Korea.
Trip overview
- Start
- Seoul, South Korea
- Finish
- Seoul, South Korea
- Theme
- 18 to 35s
- Destinations
- South Korea
- 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
- Style
- Basix
- Ages
- Min 18 - Max 35
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Trip code
- CJYK
Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences
Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time
Connect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience
- Stay in a hanok (a traditional Korean house) and experience what it’s like to live day to day in Jeonju. Then, rub shoulders with the locals at Nambu Market, which recently provided free rent to young entrepreneurs to keep the market alive.
- Feast on delicious local cuisine, with two included dinners where you might be able to try some traditional Korean noodles, Korean BBQ or fried chicken, and plenty of time to wander around street food markets and restaurants.
- Discover popular hubs Seoul and Busan and all they have to offer, with free time to hit karaoke (or; noraebang, in Korean), go bar hopping with your local leader or visit the DMZ after your tour (the demilitarised zone along the border of North Korea).
- Take a couple of short hikes at Oryukdo Beach and Webonsansung and experience the natural beauty of South Korea from the coast to the hills. Then, continue to get your blood pumping at an optional taekwondo class.
- Immerse yourself in pop culture with visits to the WithMuu store, HiKR Ground and various popular filming, music and tv locations.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about 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. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
- This tour includes accommodation in multi-share dormitories. This means travellers on the same booking may be split between rooms due to single-gender dormitories used.
- A traditional Korean bed is a futon-like mattress placed on the floor, which may be folded and placed in the cupboard in the morning. This trip includes one night with Korean-style floor bedding in a hanok (traditional house) in Jeonju. Floor bedding can be firm compared to standard western mattresses.
- South Korea is best explored on foot. In fact, most travellers are surprised at how much distance they end up covering! Make sure your shoes are comfy and you are fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet.
- Although this trip starts and finishes in Seoul, we highly recommend you spend some extra time exploring this fascinating city and its neighbouring regions. Please consult your booking agent if you would like to book additional nights. If you are interested in visiting the DMZ following the tour, we recommend speaking to your leader in advance to ensure there is availability.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Inclusions
2 dinners
Public Bus, Private Vehicle, Train, Metro
Hostel (Multi-share) (7 nights), Hanok (1 night)
- Seoul - Hongdae Yeonam Orientation Walk
- Seoul - HiKR Ground
- Jeonju - Orientation Walk
- Jeonju - Hanok Village Tour
- Jeonju - Palbok Art Factory
- Wanju - Ahwon Gotack
- Wanju - Webongsansung Hike
- Yeosu - Hyangilam Temple
- Busan - Gamcheon Art Village
- Busan - Oryukdo Coastal Walk
- Busan - Urban Smart Farm Visit
- Seoul - Painting Class - USD50
- Seoul - Korean Class - USD30
- Seoul - Gyungbokgung Palace - USD4
- Seoul - Hanbok Hire - USD25
- Jeonju - K-Pop Dance Class - USD50
- Yeosu - Cable Car (Return) - USD18
- Busan - Calligraphy Class - USD30
- Busan - Baseball Game (Apr-Sep - prices from) - USD20
- Busan - Spaland - USD20
- Busan - Taekwondo Class (minimum 8 pax required) - USD50
- Busan - Night cruise - USD40
- Seoul - DMZ Tour - USD80
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is possible if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This tour includes accommodation in multi-share dormitories. This means travellers on the same booking may be split between rooms due to single-gender dormitories used.
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.
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