Essential South Korea

Essential South Korea

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9 Days From

$1650

Essential South Korea

9 Days Starting and ending in Seoul

Visiting: Seoul, Jeonju, Yeosu-si, Wanju-gun, Busan, Korea Republic Of

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

CJYK

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Low, Low

Age range:

18-29

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1650

NB: Prices correct on 24-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Experience all the essential sights of South Korea on this nine-day journey through Seoul, Jeonju, Yeosu, Busan and more. From the thriving pop culture to the natural oasis of gleaming gardens, this place really does have it all. You’ll feast on Korean BBQ, noodles and street food, follow in the footsteps of popular K-pop group BTS at some scenic filming locations, take a few easy hikes through coastal beaches and rolling green mountain landscapes and hit the nightlife in your spare time (coin karaoke anyone?). Stay in a hanok (traditional Korean house), rub shoulders with the locals and enjoy loads of free time to choose your own adventure, whether that’s learning taekwondo or visiting the DMZ along the border of North Korea.

Highlights

  • Take a few short hikes at Oryukdo Beach and Webonsansung and experience the natural beauty of South Korea from the coast to the hills. Then, continue to get your blood pumping at an optional taekwondo class.

  • Discover popular hubs Seoul and Busan and all they have to offer, with free time to hit coin karaoke, go bar hopping with your local leader or visit the DMZ before your tour starts (the demilitarised zone along the border of North Korea).

  • Stay in a hanok (a traditional Korean house) and experience what it’s like to live day to day in Jeonju. Then, rub shoulders with the locals at Nambu Market, which recently provided free rent to young entrepreneurs to keep the market alive.

  • Immerse yourself in pop culture with visits to the WithMuu store, HiKR Ground and various popular filming, music and tv locations.

  • Feast on delicious local cuisine, with two included dinners where you might be able to try some traditional Korean noodles, Korean BBQ or fried chicken, and plenty of time to wander around street food markets and restaurants.

  • 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.

  • Discover popular hubs Seoul and Busan and all they have to offer, with free time to hit coin karaoke, go bar hopping with your local leader or visit the DMZ after your tour (the demilitarised zone along the border of North Korea).

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about 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. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Seoul

Location: Seoul

Accommodation: Hostel (Multi-share)

Eoseo oseyo! Welcome to South Korea. Your adventure begins in Seoul, the vibrant capital of high-tech gadgetry, towering skyscrapers and scrumptious eats. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After you meet your trip leader and group members, you’ll head out on a walking tour of Hongdae Yeonamdong – this up-and-coming area is known for its dining scene, with some hip restaurants serving both European and Asian cuisine, as well as street food aplenty in Little Chinatown. Wander past the cafes, bookshops and mural-covered alleys and along the way, visit WithMuu – a K-pop store slash paradise. Then, see the Banpo Rainbow Bridge and watch the rainbow-coloured jets on their nightly display. Later, maybe wander around the streets and discover what nightlife is on offer – you could opt to go on a pub crawl or join your leader, who always has the best recommendations.

Included Activities:
-Seoul - Hongdae Yeonam Orientation Walk

Day 2: Seoul

Location: Seoul

Accommodation: Hostel (Multi-share)

Meals Included: dinner

This morning, you’ll visit HiKR Ground, where you can experience media art and maybe make your own music video. You’ll have time for lunch this afternoon before visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, which once served as the main palace for the Joseon dynasty. Then, tour the Gwangjang Market with your leader and maybe pick up some local treats or souvenirs from one of the 5000 shops and stalls. In your free afternoon, maybe head to a painting class or take a lesson in basic Korean so you can talk with the locals. Tonight, you’ll have a group dinner where you might be able to try local dishes like hand cut noodles or bulgogi. After, maybe head to some coin karaoke (where you pay 5 cents per song) and belt out a few favourites to get the night going.

Included Activities:
-Seoul - HiKR Ground

Optional Activities:
-Seoul - Painting Class
-Seoul - Korean Class
-Seoul - Gyungbokgung Palace
-Seoul - Hanbok Hire

Day 3: Jeonju

Location: Jeonju

Accommodation: Hostel (Multi-share)

Say goodbye to Seoul and hop on a local bus to Jeonju – known for the Hanok Heritage Village, home to traditional houses, craft shops, food stalls and the 15th-century Gyeonggjieon Shrine. Arrive around midday and have an optional lunch of guksu (Korean noodles) with your group. Then, your leader will take you on an orientation walk to wander around the gorgeous architecture, galleries, shops and quaint streets. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste some dalgona (a honeycomb toffee known as Korean sugar candy) at a local store before a free afternoon. Later, sit down for an optional group dinner – maybe try some bibimbap (a rice bowl served with gochujang and various toppings like egg, vegetables and sliced meat).

Included Activities:
-Jeonju - Orientation Walk

Day 4: Jeonju

Location: Jeonju

Accommodation: Hanok

This morning, you’ll head to Jeonju Hanok Village to see the downtown area and wander around Nambu Market with your leader. Here, you can learn about the recent success of the youth incubation program, which offers free rent to young business owners in order to save the market and keep the community thriving. Talk to the locals, learn their stories and then visit Palbok Art Center to see some of the local art on display. After, maybe take the chance to learn some new moves and sign up for a K-pop dance class before your free time for lunch. This afternoon, you’re free to wander at your own pace – maybe further explore the downtown area, with its famed shopping strips, filmmaking scene and fun bangs (singing rooms, arcades, DVD rooms and photo rooms).

Included Activities:
-Jeonju - Hanok Village Tour
-Jeonju - Palbok Art Factory

Optional Activities:
-Jeonju - K-Pop Dance Class

Day 5: Wanju / Yeosu

Location: Yeosu-si, Wanju-gun

Accommodation: Hostel, (Multi-share)

Take a local bus to Webongsansung this morning for a short hike with your leader. This location was actually used for a photoshoot for the famous K-pop group BTS! Wander around the lush greenery and abandoned architecture of the area, then visit Ahwon Gotack. This hanok and gallery is set among green mountains and gardens and was also used as a filming location for a music video. After wandering around the traditional house and gardens, you’ll head to a local restaurant where you can pick up some lunch before taking a private bus to Yeosu. When you arrive in the afternoon, you have the option to hop on the cable car here, which provides panoramic views of the glittering water and coastline below. The cable car will take you to the street food tents – where tents and carts are set up along the seaside – where you can choose some local street dishes for dinner and watch the sunset. Alternatively, head straight to your guest house in Yeosu and wander around the city at your own pace.

Included Activities:
-Wanju - Ahwon Gotack
-Wanju - Webongsansung Hike

Optional Activities:
-Yeosu - Cable Car (Return)

Day 6: Busan

Location: Busan

Accommodation: Hostel (Multi-share)

Depending on the group’s desires, you might want to get up early enough to watch the sunrise this morning, over the Hyangilam Temple – this small Buddhist temple sits atop a forested coastal cliff and features dramatic ocean views. Watch the sun bring the day to life and wander around the site with your group. After, you’ll take a bus to Busan – the large port city known for its beaches, mountains and temples. Along the way, you’ll make a stop where you can grab some lunch, then head on to your hostel. When you’re settled, maybe spend your free afternoon learning some new skills at a calligraphy class or wander the shoreline of Haeundae Beach.

Included Activities:
-Yeosu - Hyangilam Temple

Optional Activities:
-Busan - Calligraphy Class
-Busan - Baseball Game (Apr-Sep - prices from)

Day 7: Busan

Location: Busan

Accommodation: Hostel (Multi-share)

You’ll visit the colourful labyrinth-like streets in the Gamcheon Culture Village this morning. This area is known for its brightly coloured houses and is the perfect spot for an Instagram – so don’t forget your camera! After wandering the twisted alleyways, you’ll see the waterside Yeongdo KangKangee Arts Village and then head to Jagalchi market, where you can pick up an optional lunch. This world-famous market sells fresh fish and seafood, perfect to feast on by the water. Your afternoon is free to explore at your own pace – maybe head to the chic waterfront complex The Bay 101 and grab a drink in one of the open-air bars, take a taekwondo class or stroll through the Centum shopping complex to pick up some souvenirs. Tonight, why not hop on the Haewoondae ferry and watch Busan light up as the sun goes down.

Included Activities:
-Busan - Gamcheon Art Village

Optional Activities:
-Busan - Spaland
-Busan - Taekwondo Class (minimum 8 pax required)
-Busan - Baseball Game (Apr-Sep - prices from)

Day 8: Seoul

Location: Seoul

Accommodation: Hostel, (Multi-share)

Meals Included: dinner

Maybe pick up some coffee and breakfast this morning before heading to the Urban Smart Farm Social Company with your group. This social enterprise, backed by the government and local NGOs, is a great example of how locals have innovated agricultural growth within shipping containers to grow fresh produce in a busy city. ​Learn about their sustainability efforts and then carry on to Oryukdo Beach for a gentle coastline hike. When you’ve worked up an appetite, maybe grab some lunch before heading back to Seoul on the train – the capital of South Korea and a huge metropolis of modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways, pop culture and Buddhist temples. When you arrive, you’ll head out with your group for a farewell dinner of Korean BBQ and fried chicken, toasting to a trip well travelled. Why not keep the night going and head out to some bars afterwards to celebrate the end of your trip with new friends?

Included Activities:
-Busan - Oryukdo Beachside Walk
-Busan - Urban Smart Farm Visit

Day 9: Seoul

Location: Seoul

With no further activities planned today, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to spend more time in Seoul, just speak to your booking agent.

Optional Activities:
-Seoul - DMZ Tour

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Fully Guided

  • Meals

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Seoul - Hongdae Yeonam Orientation Walk

  • Seoul - HiKR Ground

  • Jeonju - Orientation Walk

  • Jeonju - Hanok Village Tour

  • Jeonju - Palbok Art Factory

  • Wanju - Ahwon Gotack

  • Wanju - Webongsansung Hike

show more

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

Transport

If you are spending additional time before or after your tour, you will find that the transport in South Korea is reasonably priced, quick and efficient. Public buses don't always have the signage in English so is is recommended that you write your destination in hangeul (Korean phonetic alphabet) letters on a piece of paper. Bus drivers don't speak English. Local tourist centres usually have English-speaking staff and are the best places to find out about local buses.

Accommodation

Hostels and GuesthousesThis trip includes accommodation in multi-share dormitories with shared facilities. Travellers on the same booking may be split between rooms where hostels allocate rooms by gender.Air-conditioning and HeatingAir-conditioning is not usually turned on until the warmer season. The hanok has underfloor heating.Hanok StayYour mattress will be on the floor. If you find this too hard, you can stack the bedding or ask for an extra mattress.

Important Information

1. A single supplement is possible if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.2. This tour includes accommodation in multi-share dormitories. This means travellers on the same booking may be split between rooms due to single-gender dormitories used.

Mode of Transport

If you are spending additional time before or after your tour, you will find that the transport in South Korea is reasonably priced, quick and efficient. Public buses don't always have the signage in English so is is recommended that you write your destination in hangeul (Korean phonetic alphabet) letters on a piece of paper. Bus drivers don't speak English. Local tourist centres usually have English-speaking staff and are the best places to find out about local buses.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No, Minimum age is 18 years old

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey

  • Is this trip right for you

    This trip includes accommodation in multi-share dormitories. This means travellers on the same booking may be split between rooms due to single-gender dormitories used.

    A traditional Korean bed is a futon-like mattress placed on the floor, which may be folded and placed in the cupboard in the morning. This trip includes one night with Korean-style floor bedding in a hanok (traditional house) in Jeonju. Floor bedding can be firm compared to standard western mattresses.

    South Korea is best explored on foot. In fact, most travellers are surprised at how much distance they end up covering! Make sure your shoes are comfy and you are fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet.

    Although this trip starts and finishes in Seoul, we highly recommend you spend some extra time exploring this fascinating city and its neighbouring regions. Please consult your booking agent if you would like to book additional nights. If you are interested in visiting the DMZ, please refer to Day 1 of the itinerary for further information.

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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