Best of South Korea - 10 days

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.

We begin today with a relaxing stroll along the Cheonggyecheon stream, which flows through downtown Seoul. Then we head to Gyeongbokgung Palace, an impressive 14th century royal palace. Here we can enjoy the Changing of the Guard Ceremony and we see the Blue House before heading to Bukchon Hanok, a traditional Korean village located within the city. You can try on a traditional Hanbok and we visit Insadong Art Street before spending the rest of the afternoon at leisure.



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!

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.

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 ancient tombs and lush forests. We also enjoy tea at a 300-year-old tea house.



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. The night is spent in our simple hanok, a truly Korean experience!

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.

Golgulsa Temple - Busan. We enjoy a spiritual morning, joining a meditation class and taking breakfast with a Buddhist monk. Then it's on to Busan, South Korea's second city. We travel by bullet train.



We enjoy an included Korean cooking class with an expert local chef, and you'll be able to taste your creation and enjoy some local rice wine. After the class, we visit Gamcheon village, known for its colourful houses and artistic murals. We also ride the cable car over Busan for panoramic views of the city and the coast.



This evening we head to BIFF Square, which hosts the annual Busan International Film Festival - it's Korea's answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

This morning we visit the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. It is one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in South Korea, dating back to the year 1376. There's free time this afternoon. You could relax in a traditional jjimjilbang bath house, hit the beach or sample some of the local delicacy - hotteoks. These filled pancakes are a popular street food snack in Busan.



This evening there's an included boat party off the coast, and our guide takes us out for dinner in the Haeundae area of the city (dinner not included).

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.

This morning we hike along the Jeju Olle Trail, admiring the coastal views and waterfalls. We also see Oedolgae Rock, a towering column protruding from the ocean. You will also have time to hike to the top of Seongsan Ilchubong, Sunrise Peak. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was formed by volcanic eruptions around 5,000 years ago. After enjoying the view, we head next



After all that hiking, it's time for a rest. The afternoon is free to relax on the beach before our farewell BBQ at a local restaurant.

Jeju Island - Seoul. Today there is an included flight back to Seoul where our tour comes to an end. We expect to arrive back in Seoul at around 13:00.