South Korean Soul

What's Included

• 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.

• Meals

  Enjoy various meals throughout the tour, including famous Korean fried chicken, traditional bibimbap lunch, and a farewell Korean BBQ dinner.

• Transportation

  Travel like locals with included high-speed train rides and city tours.

• Guided Tours

  Explore South Korea with local guides, visiting places like Seoul, the DMZ, Busan, and Jeonju.

• Cultural Experiences

  Dress up in traditional Hanbok, learn about local Buddhist practices, and make your own music video.

• 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

• International Flights

  Flights to and from South Korea are not included.
  
  

• Travel Insurance

  Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
  
  

• Personal Expenses

  Expenses for personal nature like souvenirs, laundry, and other personal items are not included.
  
  

• Optional Activities

  Any optional activities mentioned in the itinerary are not included in the tour price.
  
  

• Visa Fees

  Any applicable visa fees are not included.
  
  

• 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 coloured 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.

FAQs

Seoul: What are Free Time Add-Ons, and can I pay on credit card? Free Time Add-Ons are special activities Contiki organizes in addition to the trip. They aren’t mandatory (but we do highly recommend them!) and can be done during your free time. Payment for Free Time Add-Ons can only be made in cash, using the local currency - Korean Won (KRW) You can check out the prices on the trip page of the website. Payment will generally be collected on night one after kickstart.Please note: The ‘Attend a Baseball Game’ Free Time Add-On can be pre-booked with your booking agent up to 5 working days before the trip starts. It will also be available to book with your Trip Manager at Kickstart. But seating with the group cannot be guaranteed.Seoul: Do I need a visa for South Korea? Your visa requirements can change depending on your citizenship. Check out our handy Visa Guide to get the latest info.Seoul: What should I pack for a South Korea trip? Other than all the standard stuff like jeans, trousers, jumpers and t-shirts, here are some things you should consider packing:   Rainproof jacket  Comfy walking shoes & sandals  Swimwear & towels  Personal medication & motion sickness tablets  Travel adaptors  Insect repellent and sunscreen  Smart casual clothing for high-end restaurants or night clubsSeoul: What are the luggage restrictions for this trip? On our trips, you can bring one bag or suitcase of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”), with a max weight of 20kg (44lbs). Please note you’ll be responsible for getting their own luggage on and off the coach and train from Seoul to Busan.Seoul: What is the currency in South Korea? South Korea uses the South Korean Won (?). Local currency is readily available through cash machines, which will be available in most regions we travel to on this trip.Seoul: What’s the voltage in South Korea? In South Korea, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type C and F are used. The standard voltage is 220 V at a frequency of 60 Hz.Seoul: What are the local customs in South Korea? South Korean culture and society is a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Ingrained within its rich culture is a deep sense of community and the utmost respect for elders. Here are some things to keep in mind:   Revealing clothing can be viewed as culturally insensitive off the beach. Shorts are generally fine (as long as they aren’t too short). In terms of behaviour, public displays of affection between men & women are considered shocking in some places.   Although cities like Seoul boast dynamic gay districts such as Jongno and Itaewon, public displays of affection, especially same sex, can attract stares and, in some situations, outright discrimination.  Smoking is common in South Korea. But it’s illegal to smoke in public places. There are specific smoking zones across the cities where smoking is permitted. English isn’t widely used in South Korea, so a translation app can be quite helpful. And your Trip Manager or Local Guide can give you some tips on words you can try.Seoul: What’s the weather like in South Korea? South Korean Soul trips operate from March to November. Usually, Spring (April to June) and Autumn  (September to November) are considered the best times to visit because of the pleasant weather.Seoul: What is the tipping culture in South Korea? Tipping isn’t customary in South Korea (and can sometimes be considered rude sometimes!). So, please check with your Trip Manager or Local Guide if you’re unsure whether a tip would be appropriate or not. You’re welcome to tip your Contiki Team if you love our service too!Seoul: Can I use public transport to explore in my free time? Yep, public transport is excellent in South Korea. And if you’re planning to explore the city in your free time, it’s best done via metro and bus (since taxis are quite expensive!). You can purchase a T-Money travel card at the airport or convenience stores in Seoul. These cards can be used on the bus or train and can be topped up as often as needed. Your Trip Manager can assist with pointing out locations near the start hotel to purchase a T Money travel card if needed.Seoul: When should flights be booked from Incheon on the last day of the trip? The trip officially finishes at 9am on Day 8 at the Amanti Hotel Hongdae. So, you can book flights home at any time in the afternoon. The Amanti Hotel in Hongdae is approximately 45 kms from Incheon Airport and takes approximately 60 mins to reach via bus.

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