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 104 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
NZD $4,451
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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.

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 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.

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.

Itinerary

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

Map of South Korea Highlights including Korea, Republic Of

Inclusions

Meals

1 breakfast, 4 dinners

Transport

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

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Hanok (1 night)

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

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 104 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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Bethany · Traveled September 2024
A great whirlwind introduction to South Korea! A few wet days were not ideal but the weather cannot be controlled. The rest was very fun! Lots of food and great spots to see. Thanks Yong for showing us your country in a fun way!
Review submitted 26 Sep 2024

Angela · Traveled September 2024
Wonderful experience highly recommend South Korea as a destination, it was well organised and plenty opportunity for individual time if required, used a lot of public transport which gave an immediate insight into the daily life of South Korea.
Review submitted 26 Sep 2024

Maria · Traveled September 2024
Nick is a passionate Intrepid guide for South Korea . He loves his food and is proud to share his knowledge . His sense of humour is quirky and he brings an intelligent approach to the history and culture of his country. Very informative and enjoyable introduction to South Korea
Review submitted 17 Sep 2024

Mauro · Traveled September 2024
Great trip, very well balanced. South Korea is an amazing place to visit.
Review submitted 10 Sep 2024

Moya · Traveled September 2024
I loved every minute of this tour. It was all embracing, I learnt so much about a wide range of aspects of the country and its culture. It was seamlessly knitted together by our enthusiastic and hard working Leader and has left me with lots to think about.
Review submitted 10 Sep 2024
South Korea Highlights
From
NZD $4,451