Tour Best Of South Korea - 10 Days | Visit Korea (Republic of)

Flights

2 economy flights from Busan - Jeju and Jeju - Seoul

Transport

All transportation via public transport and private transfers

Guide

Local English speaking licensed tour guides for scheduled sightseeing

Accommodation

1 night simple hanok accommodation in Gyeongju 7 nights in 4-5-star hotels

Others

*2024* 1 night Golgulsa Temple stay Escorted by a bi-lingual adventure leader DMZ excursion and chat with a North Korean defector Nanta Show in Seoul Korean cooking class in Busan Yacht sailing and fishing on Jeju Island Hiking the Jeju Olle Trail, Oedolgae Rock and Jungbang Waterfall on Jeju Island Farewell BBQ on the final night on Jeju Island

Meals

Daily breakfast, 4 lunches (inclusive of cooking class) & 4 dinners

Not included:

Others

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

Insurance

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Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Seoul!
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Welcome To Seoul!

Welcome to Seoul! Make your way to our start hotel via public transport or private transfer - we can book an airport transfer for you if you wish. Freshen up at the hotel or head out to explore independently before our welcome meeting at 17:00. We then enjoy an included group dinner. Get to know the rest of the group and sample your first Korean cuisine before we ride the cable car to the top of Namsan Mountain and head to the top of N Tower to enjoy the panoramic views of the city you will be exploring over the next few days.
Day 2 Day 2: Exploring Seoul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Exploring Seoul

Take a tour through Seoul’s fascinating history as you head Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Step further back into time and try on a Hanbok at the Bukchon Hanok village, before indulging in a delicious local lunch and exploring the Insadong Art Street. Tonight you can relax or join an optional activity. We embrace Korea’s K-Pop scene, which has spread around the world with popular bands such as BTS. It’s karaoke time!
Day 3 Day 3: The Dmz
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: The Dmz

Today we have a fascinating if sobering visit to the DMZ - the Demilitarized Zone. Officially, the Korean War is still ongoing, although the fighting largely ended in 1953. An uneasy peace has ensued since, maintained largely by the 4km wide DMZ, which stretches across the entire Korean Peninsula, separating the South from the North. During our visit we will be able to peek into the secretive North from the Observatory and can see the tunnels built under the DMZ as part of a plan by the North to invade. You will also have the once in a lifetime opportunity to chat to a defector from North Korea, to find out what life is really like in the country. After our trip to the DMZ, we return to Seoul. We enjoy a wander around the cultural Hongdae area before enjoying an acrobatic Nanta Show in the Myeongdong district this evening. Afterwards, for those who wish to enjoy a drink or two, we will take you to some of the best bars in the city.
Day 4 Day 4: Gyeongju Hanok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Gyeongju Hanok

Seoul - Gyeongju. Leaving Seoul behind, we head south to Gyeongju, former capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom. There’s an included cycle ride around the city this afternoon, stopping at many sights including Chunmachong Ancient Tombs, Daereungwon Tumuli Park, and Cheomseongdae – the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia. This evening, we enjoy a group dinner at a traditional Hanok house and enjoy the night-time views of Anapji Pond, constructed in 674 CE by King Munmu of the powerful Silla Kingdom. There is a chance to sample some traditional liquor before retiring for the night in our simple hanok, a truly Korean experience!
Day 5 Day 5: Golgulsa Temple Stay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Golgulsa Temple Stay

Gyeongju - Golgulsa Temple. Today we head into the mountains and our destination, Golgulsa Temple. We’ll immerse ourselves in temple life, joining prayer and enjoying a meditation session. We can also have a go at archery and watch a Sunmudo martial arts demonstration, with time to hike in the lush surroundings of the temple too. We enjoy simple but wholesome food at the temple, including a traditional dinner. 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. Please noteTours departing in 2025 will still visit, but no longer spend the night at the Golgusla temple. Instead, a four star hotel will be provided.
Day 6 Day 6: Explore Busan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Explore Busan

Golgulsa Temple - Busan. Transfer to your next destination – the bustling culture capital of Busan. Arrive at the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and explore this temple nestled into the cliffs, before departing to explore the stunning Gamcheon Culture Village – Busan’s Macchu Picchu! Then take the Songdo Marine Cable Car for sky-high views of the city and ocean! For dinner, we will be at the BIFF Square, where you can check out the handprints of your favourite Korean film stars. If you’d like to rest up after, you can – or enjoy drinks at Haeundae.
Day 7 Day 7: Cooking Class
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Cooking Class

This morning, start the day with a traditional Korean cooking class and whip up some delicacies. You’ve then got some free time – relax at a jjimjilbang (a Korean spa), or enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Take a swim in the ocean, relax by the beach and sample some of the Busan-style hotteoks. These fried pancakes are a local speciality! ,br> Tonight, boogie on our evening boat party before our guide takes you out in Haeundae for a fun-filled experience, complete with drinks and dinner (own expense).
Day 8 Day 8: Fly To Jeju
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Fly To Jeju

Busan - Jeju Island. There’s an included flight to Jeju Island today, known as the ’Hawaii of Korea’! There’s included yacht sailing and fishing on arrival, as well as plenty of free time this afternoon. Head to the Olle market to try some seafood, relax at Jungmu Beach or perhaps visit the cascading Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, one of many natural landmarks on Jeju.
Day 9 Day 9: Hiking Jeju
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Hiking Jeju

Start your day with an optional hike to the top of Seongsan Ilchubong. Also known as Sunrise Peak, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was formed over 5000 years ago! Next, embark on a hike along the Jeju Olle Trail, taking in spectacular views and waterfalls. We’ll stop for a revitalising lunch before hiking onto Oedolgae Rock, with vistas of volcanic cliffs and yellow fields of canola. In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to chill on the beach. If you’re not a fan of sand, you can admire the tranquil scenery as you head your way to view the crater in Sangumburi, or visit the Jeju Folk Village. Our last night is a BBQ party at a local restaurant. You’ll get sunset drinks, amazing food, and a chance to reflect on an awesome Korean experience.
Day 10 Day 10: Return To Seoul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Return To Seoul

Jeju Island - Seoul. Today there is an included flight back to Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP), where our tour comes to an end at around 13:00 hrs. Please note: International flights depart from Incheon International Airport (ICN). You will need to make your own way there. The AREX airport express train travels directly between the two airports and the journey takes approximately 50 minutes. International flights should not depart before 17.00 hrs.

10 days tour

Best Of South Korea - 10 Days

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Itinerary of your trip Best Of South Korea - 10 Days

Day 1: Welcome To Seoul!

Day 2: Exploring Seoul

Day 3: The Dmz

Day 4: Gyeongju Hanok

Day 5: Golgulsa Temple Stay

Day 6: Explore Busan

Day 7: Cooking Class

Day 8: Fly To Jeju

Day 9: Hiking Jeju

Day 10: Return To Seoul

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