South Korea Highlights

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

4.8 out of 5 based on 47 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $3,141
View dates and book

A melting pot of natural wonder, culinary delights and mesmerising cityscapes, South Korea is proving to be a destination well worth adding to your bucket list! 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 Seorksan 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.

Trip overview

Map of South Korea Highlights including Korea, Republic Of
Start
Seoul, South Korea
Finish
Seoul, South Korea
Theme
Explorer
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
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
CJSK
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.
  • 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.

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.

Itinerary

Map of South Korea Highlights including Korea, Republic Of

Inclusions

Meals

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

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

Accommodation

Hotel (7nts), Hanok (1nt)

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 - Island village of Abai
  • Sokcho - North Korea refugee family visit
  • Sokcho - Seoraksan Mountain
  • 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
Add on activities
  • Sokcho – Electric Bike Ride around Yeongrang Lake - USD25
  • Sokcho – Community dinner in village of Abai - USD20
  • Busan - Night cruise - USD25

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

1. The trip will start at 4pm on Day 1
2. A single supplement is bookable for all nights except Day 5, subject to availability.
3. Although this trip starts and finishes in Seoul, we highly recommend you to spend some extra time exploring this fascinating city and its neighbouring regions. Please consult your booking agents if you would like to book additional nights.

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 47 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.

Filter by rating

Margaret · Traveled January 2024
Our 9 day South Korea Highlights tour was just a taste of what to expect in this modern yet traditional country. If you have time to take a longer trip it would be well worth it.
Review submitted 13 Jan 2024

Colin · Traveled January 2024
Learned a ton about South Korean society and culture. Our guide, Youg Park, was fantastic! Left tour super impressed with South Korea. Tour was super packed. I had a great time!
Review submitted 13 Jan 2024

Ellen · Traveled December 2023
This tour broadened my knowledge about Korean culture, the geopolitical relationships of the region, and beauty of South Korea. Our guide, Young, was brilliant - engaging and humorous in sharing his local knowledge.
Review submitted 31 Dec 2023

Jo · Traveled December 2023
The South Korea highlights tour is a fantastic way to be introduced to the many different faces of Korea. From the K Pop commercialism of Seoul, to the current reality of the DMZ, to a stay in a traditional hanok village, this tour should satisfy those interested in current affairs, history, culture and food…so much delicious food! An outstanding tour in a truly unique, friendly country. Five stars.
Review submitted 31 Dec 2023

Paul · Traveled November 2023
The South Korea Highlights trip provided an excellent introduction to the country, offering insights into its history, cuisine, and local culture. Exploring areas that would have been challenging to reach independently enhanced the experience. I highly recommend allocating extra time after the trip for further independent exploration. A truly enriching South Korean adventure.
Review submitted 12 Dec 2023
South Korea Highlights
From
USD $3,141