Delve Deep: South Korea 2025-26

Delve Deep: South Korea 2025-26

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9 Days From

$2179

Delve Deep: South Korea 2025-26

9 Days Starting and ending in Seoul

Visiting: South Korea

Tour operator:

Topdeck

Tour code:

TSKSS5

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-39

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Rail Excursion, Walking

From: $2179

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

TRIP VIBE = iconic sights and in-depth adventures with a local Trip Leader. Where’s South Korea on your travel bucket list? Newsflash. It’s about to take the #1 spot. Big buddhas. Colourful cities. Quirky K-pop style. There’s PLENTY to experience here. We don’t just skim the surface. We delve in deep. Think: atmospheric history, zen meditations, historic temples, traditional stays and allllll the tastiest local food this country has to offer. You in?

Highlights

  • Full day tour of Seoul, including Gyeongbok Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village.

  • Tour of the DMZ, exploring the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea.

  • Overnight temple stay with martial arts class and morning meditation in Gyeongju.

  • Half day tour of Gyeongju, visiting Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple.

  • Full day tour of Busan, including Gamcheon Village and Jagalchi Fish Market.

  • Walking tour of Jeonju, featuring Hanok Village and Gyeonggijeon Shrine.

  • Korean BBQ dinner at a local restaurant in Seoul.

  • - Full day tour of Seoul with Trip Leader

  • - Tour of the DMZ with Trip Leader

  • - Bullet train from Seoul

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Seoul (South Korea)

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to South Korea. Home to Korean fried chicken and Squid Game, this place has awesome written all over it. You’re gonna spend the next 8 days with your jaws on the ground. First on the agenda: meet your Trip Leader and say annyeonghaso? (that’s “hey, how’s it going?”) to the people who’re gonna make this adventure one to remember. Don’t hang around, we’ve got a welcome dinner to get to. Local eats all round.

Day 2: Seoul

Meals Included: Breakfast

You’ve never seen a city like Seoul. Beaut Buddhist temples. Sick skyscrapers. Crazy K-pop billboards. Ancient palaces. That’s just a handful of things you’ll find here. First up’s a walking tour of the big guns with our savvy Trip Leader who’s got allll the insider deets, including an appointment with Gyeongbok Palace. This place? STUNNING. Like it’s done a 12-step skincare routine cos it's still in its prime. Built in 1395, it’s the biggest of five grand palaces in Seoul. Witness all its glory and see the changing of the guards. You’ll also get a chance to hire a hanbok – a traditional Korean dress. Photoshoot, anyone? Next up, we’re exploring Bukchon Hanok Village, the Insa-dong district and Cheonggyecheon stream. The vibes of these three? 100% unique. Tonight, grab your pals and ask your Trip Leader for the closest night market. Faces will be stuffed with awesome local eats.

Day 3: Seoul, Including The Dmz

Meals Included: Breakfast

No lie, the wake up call is early this morning. Fill your stomachs with food before we’re out the door with our Trip Leader. Our destination? The DMZ. It’s the no military zone between North and South Korea. Here, we’ll learn of the country’s devastating history, spot North Korea and explore tunnels North Korea dug to sneak into South Korea. Back in Seoul, the afternoon is yours to delve deeper. Head to one of many locations dedicated to the war. Spend time in one of the awesome parks. Let your feet decide where to wander to. Or learn how to write your name in Korean and engrave it on a seal at an optional stamp making class. Tonight, stuff your face with All. The. Food. Our rec? Gwangjang Market for delish street food bites. Loose pants are a must.

Day 4: Seoul – Buddhist Temple Stay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Ever been on a bullet train? Now’s your chance. Get snacks. Get comfy. Get snoozin’. Our destination? Gyeongju, where we’ll hop onto our transfer to our temple stay for the night. This is REAL local livin’, Buddhist-style. First, we’ll delve into local etiquette and temple traditions during a tour. Then: limber up. We’re taking part in a meditative martial arts training sesh. It’s called Sunmudo and it’s bringing you inner peace. Tonight, we’ll come together for dinner. It’s veggie as Buddhists have a strict diet. So, be like a Buddhist. Gobble down those greens. And enjoy every single second of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Day 5: Buddhist Temple Stay – Gyeongju – Busan

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ready for more zen? There’s an early morning meditation to get to. Relaxed doesn’t cut it. Successfully floating on air, grab some brekkie before we head back to Gyeongju. First though, we’re hitting Seokguram Grotto. It’s part of the UNESCO fam and it’s got an epic buddha statue inside. In Gyeongju, our Trip Leader’s taking us to the hot spots. Think: Bulguksa Temple and Daereungwon Tomb. Heads will explode. Not only will our eyes be sparkling with incred sights, but we’ll get our fill of awesome local knowledge too. Back on the coach, we’re heading to Busan with one thing on our minds. Where’s the gimbap at?

Day 6: Busan

Meals Included: Breakfast

Brekkie down our necks, we’ve got a FULL day in Busan – it's a seaport, so you know you’re gonna have some sick sea views. Our Trip Leader’s doing what they do best: leading the way with a brain full of everything you need to know about this city. First up: Gamcheon Village. Colourful in every sense of the word. Bonus points if you snap a pic with ‘Harry Potter’ - you’ll know it when you see it. Grab a late lunch at Jagalchi Fish Market or Gukje International Market. You’ll probs find something at the latter, unless raw fish (not sushi) is your thing. You do you, no judgement. And tonight? You want in on the optional activity we’ve got lined up. A K-pop dance class. Learning how to dance like BTS in South Korea should be on everyone’s bucket list and you’re the lucky soul that gets to do it. You’re welcome.

Day 7: Busan – Jeonju

Meals Included: Breakfast

Next stop: Jeonju. This place is beautiful. Our Trip Leader’s showing off their skills on a walking tour where we hit spots like Hanok Village and take in sites like the Gyeonggijeon Shrine. Later, you’ve got heaps of free time to grab a delish dinner. Our rec? Bibimbap. It’s a rice bowl with veg, beef and a spicy gochujang sauce. And it’s 100% local to this area. Meaning? It’s the best you’re gonna get. Tonight, get ready for authentic South Korean hospitality as we head to a traditional Hanok where we’ll sleep on simple futon mattresses. Another real local experience, done.

Day 8: Jeonju – Seoul

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Rise and shine Topdeckers, we’re having a full circle moment and heading back to Seoul for our final night. You’ve got some free time to buy any last min souvenirs, see spots you didn’t catch a few days ago and fill your cup with more awesome mems. Tonight, we’ll have our final (*sob*) dinner together. It’s Korean BBQ. Delish. Eat everything in sight. Talk about your best bits. And then? Get your fave song ready cos we’re heading to the karaoke booth for a group singalong and to say cheers to an awesome trip.

Day 9: Seoul

Meals Included: Breakfast

Just like that, it’s all over. How did that happen? Gear up for heaps of hugs and sad smiles. Then, board a flight to Tokyo to join our Delve Deep: Japan trip. You don’t wanna go home just yet, right?

What's Included

  • Transport

    Coach, high-speed trains

  • Guide

  • Tours

    Full day tours of Seoul and Busan, a half day tour of Gyeongju, and a walking tour of Jeonju with the Trip Leader are included.

  • Temple Stay

    An overnight temple stay, including a martial arts class and morning meditation, is part of the experience.

  • Meals

    A Korean BBQ dinner at a local restaurant is included.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as a street food tour of Gwangjang Market and a K-pop dance class are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Any personal expenses, such as souvenirs or additional meals, are not covered.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with air-conditioned coaches and high-speed trains, including a thrilling bullet train ride from Seoul to Gyeongju, ensuring a seamless and efficient journey throughout South Korea.

Accommodation

Experience authentic South Korean hospitality with an overnight temple stay, including a meditative martial arts class, and a traditional Hanok stay with simple futon mattresses for a genuine local experience.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour uses air-conditioned coaches and high-speed trains for transportation.

  • What activities are included in the overnight temple stay?

    During the overnight temple stay, participants will engage in a meditative martial arts training session called Sunmudo and enjoy a vegetarian dinner in line with Buddhist dietary practices.

  • What can I expect during the visit to the DMZ?

    During the visit to the DMZ, you will learn about the country's history, spot North Korea, and explore tunnels that were dug by North Korea to sneak into South Korea.

  • What is the accommodation like in Jeonju?

    In Jeonju, you will experience authentic South Korean hospitality by staying in a traditional Hanok, where you will sleep on simple futon mattresses.

  • Is there an opportunity to participate in a K-pop dance class?

    Yes, there is an optional K-pop dance class in Busan where you can learn to dance like BTS.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Curious? Open-minded? Same. Topdeckers are a mixed bunch, but that’s what makes us special. They come from all over the globe and are aged between 18 and 39. Like you, they’re looking to feel real. To experience more. To embrace the unknown. To grow and connect – without judgement.

  • Is there an age limit on Topdeck trips?

    Yes. Our trips are specifically designed for those aged 18-39 years of age.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    40 years

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    https://www.topdeck.travel/resources/booking-flexibility

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

    We operate Single Share across across all touring styles and will match you with someone of the same gender

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    E-Documentation will be sent

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

    Yes, we work dilligenltly with our partners to acheive this

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes you can on European Tours

Reviews of this operator

Sarah, Traveller  

Road Trip USA

01-Oct-2020

"The tour leader and bus driver were exceptional at all times. The optional activities were great and catered to a lot of different people. The tour as a whole was great and a once in a lifetime opportunity. I would definitely book with Topdeck again."

Tobin, Traveller  

Japan Highlights

29-Nov-2019

“Incredible experience! I had done a tour with another company in Europe so thought I knew what to expect but was blown away with my Topdeck tour. Better accommodation, such a great group of people and our trip leader was incredible. Saw so much stuff I would have missed without him. Highly recommended!”

Emily, Traveller  

Jordan & Israel

08-Aug-2019

“I felt so safe everywhere we went and would go back in a heartbeat if I could! Can't wait to make my way back to Egypt! I would recommend this to everyone, any doubt you have about Egypt or any of the Middle Eastern countries will be washed away as soon as you step off that plane!”

Axel Taylor (Google Reviewer)  

So Topdeck, you have better...

07-Apr-2024

So Topdeck, you have better not of cancelled my trip that I paid over $6000, and now I can’t even login into my own account because of some 403 Error and need permission to gain access to my account. Get it sorted out because I am not flying all the way over to Lisbon Portugal to find my reservation at the hotel has been cancelled. This is absolutely unacceptable and disgraceful. You even got my flights wrong when I went to Tokyo back in 2017 and I ended up at the wrong airport. Topdeck get your act together and sort it out. And let me back into my own account.

Jayden Urch (Google Reviewer)  

Will cancel your trip 1...

16-Sep-2023

Will cancel your trip 1 week beforehand

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Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Topdeck 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.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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