Best of South Korea - 10 days Tour by On The Go Tours

10 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Seoul, South Korea

Ends

Seoul, South Korea

Highlights

Seoul - Admire the view from N Tower, see Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch an acrobatic Nanta Show

DMZ - Peek into the secretive state of North Korea from the Observatory and meet a North Korean defector

Gyeongju - Cycle the streets of the ancient Silla capital, see Anapji Pond and sample traditional liquour

Busan - Cook South Korean cuisine with a local chef, visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and ride a cable car over the city

Jeju Island - Hike along the Jeju Olle Trail, with free time to relax on the beach, climb Sunrise Peak and enjoy an included farewell BBQ

Itinerary

From Seoul’s modern skyline to Jeju’s windswept trails, the "Best of South Korea - 10 days" tour is a vibrant exploration for experienced travelers and seniors. Over ten easy-paced days, enjoy panoramic city views, visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, and hear firsthand stories at the DMZ. Cycle through Gyeongju, meditate at a Buddhist temple, and learn to cook Korean delicacies before hiking the scenic Jeju Olle Trail. Each day blends cultural discovery with hands-on experiences. The tour’s unique highlight? Direct engagement with local traditions and communities—this tour package turns South Korea’s rich diversity into a truly immersive adventure.

day 1 - Welcome to Seoul!

Welcome to Seoul! Make your way to our start hotel (check in from 15:00) 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.

Meals:1 Dinner

OverNight:Seoul

day 2 - Exploring Seoul

Take a tour through Seoul’s fascinating history as you head Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Opt to step further back into time and try on a Hanbok at the Bukchon Hanok village, before indulging in a delicious local lunch and exploring the Insadong Art Street.

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!

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Seoul

day 3 - The DMZ

Today we have an early start, with a 6:45 pick up for our 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.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Seoul

day 4 - Gyeongju Hanok

Seoul - Gyeongju. Leaving Seoul behind, we head south by high speed train 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 Chunmachong Ancient Tombs, Daereungwon Tumuli Park, and Cheomseongdae – the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia.

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. There is a chance to sample some traditional liquor before retiring for the night in our simple hanok, a truly Korean experience!

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Gyeongju

day 5 - Golgulsa Temple

Gyeongju - Golgulsa Temple - Busan. Today we head into the mountains aboard a private bus to reach 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 will take part in communal work, then enjoy simple but wholesome food at the temple, including a traditional vegetarian dinner. We then head to Busan, where we will spend the night.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Busan

day 6 - Explore Busan

Today, explore the bustling culture capital of Busan. Arrive at the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and explore this temple nestled into the cliffs, before departing to explore the stunning Gamcheon Culture Village – Busan’s Macchu Picchu! Then take the Songdo Marine Cable Car for sky-high views of the city and ocean!

For dinner, we will be at the BIFF Square, where you can check out the handprints of your favourite Korean film stars. If you’d like to rest up after, you can – or enjoy drinks at Haeundae.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Busan

day 7 - Cooking Class

This morning, start the day with a traditional Korean cooking class and whip up some delicacies. You’ve then got some free time – relax at a jjimjilbang (a Korean spa), or enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Take a swim in the ocean, relax by the beach and sample some of the Busan-style hotteoks. These fried pancakes are a local specialty! Later on, you can opt to take part in a pottery making class.

Tonight, boogie on our evening boat party before our guide takes you out in Haeundae for a fun-filled experience, complete with drinks and dinner (own expense).

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Busan

day 8 - Fly to Jeju

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Jeju Island

day 9 - Hiking Jeju

Start your day with a hike along the Jeju Olle Trail, taking in spectacular views and waterfalls. We’ll break for lunch before hiking onto Oedolgae Rock, with vistas of volcanic cliffs and yellow fields of canola.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to chill on the beach. If you’re not a fan of sand, you can admire the tranquil scenery as you head your way to view the crater in Sangumburi, hike Seongsan Ilchulbang (Sunrise Peak) or visit the Jeju Folk Village.

Our last night is a BBQ party at a local restaurant. You’ll get sunset drinks, amazing food, and a chance to reflect on an awesome Korean experience.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Jeju Island

day 10 - Return to Seoul

Jeju Island - Seoul. Today there is an included flight back to Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP), where our tour comes to an end at around 13:00 hrs.

Please note: International flights depart from Incheon International Airport (ICN). You will need to make your own way there. The AREX airport express train travels directly between the two airports and the journey takes approximately 50 minutes. International flights should not depart before 17.00 hrs.

Meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

1 night simple hanok accommodation in Gyeongju7 nights in 4-5-star hotels

Meals

Daily breakfast, 4 lunches (inclusive of cooking class) & 4 dinners

Transport

2 economy flights from Busan - Jeju and Jeju - SeoulAll transportation via public transport and private transfers

Guide

Escorted by a bi-lingual adventure leader

Others

DMZ excursion and chat with a North Korean defectorNanta Show in SeoulKorean cooking class in BusanYacht sailing and fishing on Jeju IslandHiking the Jeju Olle Trail, Oedolgae Rock and Jungbang Waterfall on Jeju IslandFarewell BBQ on the final night on Jeju Island

What's Excluded

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