South Korean Soul
South Korean Soul
South Korean Soul
9 Days Starting and ending in Seoul Metropolitan Area
Visiting: Seoul, The DMZ, Busan, Jeonju, Seoul - Hongdae
Tour Overview
Ready to ride that K-wave? This is the South Korea trip you’ve been waiting for – with military history, majestic mountain views and a few robots in between. You’ll discover Seoul with local guides, zoom on a high-speed train, go extra authentic in Jeonju, and even star in your own K-pop video(!) With a night time boat tour, baseball, BBQs and plenty of delicious street food.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Seoul
Location: Seoul
Accommodation Name: Ibis Insadong Hotel (or similar)
Well hello there, and welcome to your trip to South Korea. You’ll meet your crew in the afternoon, and in a super central location too. Following on from some free time to explore the Insadong Hanok village, we’ll regroup for some famous Korean fried chicken (and beer too if you like – you’re on vacation after all).
Day 2: Seoul
Location: Seoul
Accommodation Name: Ibis Insadong Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our Seoul City tour begins bright and early today with a visit to the traditional Gyeongbokgung Palace. To cap off the experience, we’ll also have the chance to dress in traditional Hanbok dress. Afterwards we’ll head to Seongsu – one of the best up and coming districts of Seoul – to check out the shops, cafes and treat ourselves to some lunch. If the weather is kind tonight, we’ll head out to Yeouido Hangang Park for a riverside picnic. AKA vibes, tunes and convenience store ramen.
Day 3: Seoul And Dmz
Location: Seoul, The DMZ, Seoul
Accommodation Name: Ibis Insadong Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we’ll head to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the strip of land which separates North and South Korea. With a local guide on hand to answer our questions, we’ll see the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, and the Dora Observatory (where, if it’s sunny, you’ll be able to see all the way into North Korea) and then the Unification Village. After a rather sobering morning outing, we’ll head back to Seoul in the afternoon for a sunset city walk (timings do apply for this one though).
Day 4: Seoul To Busan
Location: Seoul, Busan
Accommodation Name: Felix by STX (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we’ll step away from the historic sites and hustle and bustle of Seoul and head off to Busan on a high-speed train (travellin’ like locals, baby)! With a rich history, Busan is now known for its arty vibes, sumptuous street food and colorful buildings… so have your cameras at the ready. Tonight you’ll have a free evening to chill out with your Contiki crew. (Karaoke anyone?)
Day 5: Busan
Location: Busan
Accommodation Name: Felix by STX (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wakey wakey folks, we have a whole day to explore the beauty of Busan (the world’s 5th largest port). Home to Haeundae, this is one of South Korea’s best beach spots – don’t miss those coastal walks and sublime city views. Any K-drama fans in the house? Talk to your Trip Manager about filming locations nearby from your favorite shows. Then tonight we’ll get together to enjoy Busan by night on a private yacht – complete with snacks, drinks and big tunes.
Day 6: Busan To Jeonju
Location: Busan, Jeonju
Accommodation Name: Hanok Guest House (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we’ll take a turn for the traditional with a visit to Jeonju – a UNESCO listed city recognised for its Hanok heritage. After checking out spots from BTS’ music videos and sampling candy made famous from ‘Squid Game’, we’ll enjoy a traditional bibimbap lunch (that might be delivered to you by robot). This afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the traditional village, checking out the multiple crafts and cuisines on display. We’ll have time to learn about traditional Korean crafts and culture, and then tonight we’ll bed down at a local guest house and discover Korean hospitality at its finest.
Day 7: Jeonju To Seoul - Hongdae
Location: Jeonju, Seoul - Hongdae
Accommodation Name: Amanti Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we're heading back to where it started - Seoul. We’ll stay in Hongdae – one of the city’s best up and coming areas, home to some cool shops, eateries and edgy nightlife. Is it possible to visit South Korea without seeing Gangnam? Nope – that’s why we’ll make a pit-stop there. Afterwards, we’ll visit a local Buddhist temple to take part in some traditional Buddhist practices, including meditative art and tea making. Don't pass up the opportunity to catch a stray at one of Korea's famous baseball games.
Day 8: Seoul - Hongdae
Location: Seoul - Hongdae
Accommodation Name: Amanti Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
On our final full day in Seoul, we won’t waste any time hangin’ around. After learning some sick moves at our optional dance class, you’ll have the chance to unleash your inner K-Pop star when we make our very own music video at HIKR Ground. Afterwards, you’ll have the chance to shop for K-Beauty must-haves and traditional Korean cooking staples. Tonight, we’ll sign off with a farewell dinner… and it won’t just be any old farewell dinner. Korean BBQ? You bet.
Day 9: End Seoul - Hongdae
Location: Seoul - Hongdae
Meals Included: Breakfast
And with that, our South Korea trip is complete. We’ll depart this morning after breakfast. Culturally fulfilled? Yep. Better and more well rounded? Of course. Already planning the next one? Absolutely.
What's Included
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Accommodations
Stay in a mix of hotels and traditional guest houses, including Ibis Insadong Hotel, Felix by STX, Hanok Guest House, and Amanti Hotel or similar.
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Meals
Enjoy various meals throughout the tour, including famous Korean fried chicken, traditional bibimbap lunch, and a farewell Korean BBQ dinner.
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Transportation
Travel like locals with included high-speed train rides and city tours.
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Guided Tours
Explore South Korea with local guides, visiting places like Seoul, the DMZ, Busan, and Jeonju.
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Cultural Experiences
Dress up in traditional Hanbok, learn about local Buddhist practices, and make your own music video.
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Special Activities
Enjoy unique experiences such as a private yacht tour in Busan and a visit to a local Buddhist temple for meditative art and tea making.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
Flights to and from South Korea are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
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Personal Expenses
Expenses for personal nature like souvenirs, laundry, and other personal items are not included.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities mentioned in the itinerary are not included in the tour price.
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Visa Fees
Any applicable visa fees are not included.
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Meals Not Mentioned
Any meals not mentioned in the inclusions are to be borne by the traveler.
Dining Summary
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 1 Dinner (D)
Included Experience
- Seoul: Of all the traditional Korean experiences (and believe us, there are a lot of ’em) this might just be the coolest. Don’t miss your chance to visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of 5 Royal Palaces in Seoul from the old ruling dynasty. We’ll also dress up in the Traditional Hanbok dress too.
- Seoul: Once home to hand-made shoe craftsmen, Seongsu is now one of Seoul’s most exciting shopping districts where you’ll find small cafes, pop-up shops and beautiful green space AKA Seoul Forest. You and your crew will have the chance to get lunch here, plus pick up some souvenirs for your fave folks back home.
- The DMZ: The DMZ remains an active Military installation, and we’ll visit for a Peace Tour which includes the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, the Dora Observatory (where you can see over into North Korea if the weather is right) and then to the Unification Village. The tour is semi-private with a local guide, and we’ll travel through the zone in a military shuttle.
- Seoul: One end of the country to the other in just two-and-a-half hours? With superfast Wi-Fi and spectacular views? That’s right, you can’t explore South Korea without getting on a high-speed train.
- Busan: Our local guide will show us Busan's best spots. For lunch, you’ll get to visit the international market where you’ll find a plethora of different fish dishes from across the continent. Busan is famous for being one of the only regions not to fall to the North Koreans during the war in the 50s. The Gamcheon Village was settled by refugees during the Korean War; it’s since had a refresh and is now known for it’s bright colored buildings and awesome art school vibes.
- Jeonju: On our way to Jeonju, we’ll stop off at a traditional Hanok and bask in the mountain views. BTS filmed a music video here too, so this is the perfect place to follow in their footsteps. You’ll also have a chance to check out the onsite café and art gallery before we make our way to Jeonju.
- Jeonju: We’ll tuck into a traditional bibimbap that Jeonju is famous for. Served warm in a brass bowl, with chilli on the side, there’s a chance that your meal will be delivered to you by robot (but we can’t make any promises).
- Seoul: We’ll hit the Gangnam District, made famous by Psy, for a bit of shopping, browsing and posing in front of the Gangnam hands. Don’t miss coffee served by robots, or your chance to order an ice block from one of the many vending machines. Gangnam is home to lots of K-Wave stars too so keep your eyes peeled (and have your autograph book at the ready).
- Seoul: This afternoon, we’ll slow things down and take time to learn about the local Buddhist practices here in Seoul. We’ll partake in a few of them too, such as tea making and Sutra script writing. That’s right, culture never felt so calm. Please note: Exact temple activities could change depending on departure.
- Seoul: One final night. One final meal together. It HAS to be the world’s most popular Korean cuisine – that’s right, it’s BBQ time. The perfect chance to reminisce with great Korean food and even greater people.
Check out our Q&As
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What are the highlights of the South Korean Soul tour?
The highlights of the South Korean Soul tour include visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace and dressing up in traditional Hanbok dress in Seoul, exploring the DMZ with a Peace Tour that includes the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, the Dora Observatory, and Unification Village, discovering Busan's best spots with a local guide including the international market and Gamcheon Village, and visiting a traditional Hanok in Jeonju, enjoying a traditional bibimbap lunch, and exploring the city known for its Hanok heritage.
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What type of accommodations are included in the tour?
The tour includes accommodations in a mix of hotels and traditional guest houses, including Ibis Insadong Hotel, Felix by STX, Hanok Guest House, and Amanti Hotel or similar.
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Are meals included in the South Korean Soul tour?
Yes, various meals are included throughout the tour, such as famous Korean fried chicken, traditional bibimbap lunch, and a farewell Korean BBQ dinner.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation that includes high-speed train rides and city tours, allowing travelers to experience travel like locals.
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What cultural experiences can I expect on the tour?
Cultural experiences on the tour include dressing up in traditional Hanbok, learning about local Buddhist practices, making your own music video, and enjoying unique experiences such as a private yacht tour in Busan and a visit to a local Buddhist temple for meditative art and tea making.
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What special activities are included?
Special activities included in the tour are a private yacht tour in Busan and a visit to a local Buddhist temple for meditative art and tea making.
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Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts and ends in the Seoul Metropolitan Area.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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