Essential South Korea and Jeju - 12 days

Welcome to Seoul! On arrival in South Korea's capital, make your own way to our starting hostel. We can also book an arrival transfer for you. There's a pre-departure Welcome Meeting at 14:00 before we head out for a Taekwondo class with professional instruction.

After the class, we head to Myeongdong by public transport for an included welcome dinner. We then ride the cable car to the top of Namsan Mountain, where we can enjoy incredible views of Seoul illuminated at night. For an even better view, you may wish to head to the top of the N Seoul Tower, which is the second highest point in the city. We then return to our hostel where the rest of the evening is at leisure.

Please note: The pre-departure welcome meeting is at 14:00. Please ensure that you arrive in Seoul in plenty of time so that you don't miss the tour. We can arrange pre-tour accommodation for you.

Please also note: This tour stays in hostels and is designed for younger travellers looking for a backpacker-style experience and to meet like-minded people. The average age on this tour is around 21 - 35, and we are unfortunately unable to take any travellers over the age of 55. We have lots of group tours across our destinations that are suitable for travellers of all ages, browse our website or get in touch to find the perfect trip!

Today we enjoy a morning of exploring Seoul. We'll ride on the metro to the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was once the main residence of the Joseon Dynasty. Watch the Changing of the Guard here before we enter the palace grounds where you can rent traditional Korean clothes to wear.

The afternoon is free. Suggested activities are a visit to Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong Art Street or you could rent bicycles for a cycle along the Han River. You may even consider taking part in our optional Perfume making class.

Today we enjoy an excursion to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, a 2.5-mile-wide buffer zone between the two Koreas. Our bus journey takes around an hour north of Seoul to Imjingak, where we stop for breakfast.

While here, we have the rare opportunity to hear from a North Korean defector (subject to availability) and gain a personal insight into life beyond the border. We then continue to the Dora Observatory, where, on a clear day, you can glimpse North Korean villages through the binoculars. Afterwards, descend into the Third Tunnel of Aggression, one of several passageways built by the North.

Returning to Seoul, the rest of the day is at leisure. Those who wish can take part in an included K-Pop dance class – see if you’ve got what it takes to move like a local star! In the evening, perhaps head to the lively Hongdae district, famous for its restaurants, bars, and street performances.

Seoul – Geumsunsa Temple, Seoul. After a relaxed morning in Seoul, we travel by private transfer to Geumsunsa Temple, located on the slopes of Bukhansan Mountain.

On arrival, settle into the tranquil surroundings and enjoy a guided introduction to temple life. Later, take part in the evening chanting service and drum-and-bell rituals, followed by a vegetarian temple dinner. As night falls, join a singing-bowl meditation for a peaceful end to the day before an early night amid the calm of the mountains.

Geumsunsa Temple – Seoraksan National Park - Sokcho. Rise early for the Buddhist dawn chanting ceremony, then enjoy a simple temple breakfast. After saying farewell to our hosts, we travel east to the coastal city of Sokcho, gateway to Seoraksan National Park.

Arriving late morning, choose from several ways to explore this spectacular landscape: embark on a hike to Ulsanbawi Rock for panoramic mountain views, follow the waterfall trail, or take the Seoraksan cable car to another scenic peak.

This afternoon, we head into Sokcho town, crossing the river to Abai Village, a small community founded by North Korean refugees. In the evening, join your guide for a food market tour, sampling local favourites such as fresh seafood or the town’s famous sticky sweet-and-sour fried chicken at Manseok Market. End the night with an optional traditional Korean liquor tasting.

Sokcho – Gyeongju. This morning, we depart Sokcho and travel south to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom. On arrival, drop your bags and head out for a guided cycling tour of the old town. Highlights include the Cheonmachong, known as the Heavenly Horse, Tombs at Daereungwon Tumuli Park and Cheomseongdae, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia.

The guided cycling lasts around 45 minutes on flat roads, and you’re welcome to keep exploring on your bike afterwards if you’d like to discover more at your own pace.

In the evening, you may wish to experience a traditional Korean set meal in a hanok (traditional wooden house). Afterwards, you can enjoySongdo  a stroll to Anapji (Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond) for stunning illuminated views.

Please note: If you’re unable to cycle, the old town is small and easy to explore on foot. Around 90 minutes is enough to cover the main sights.

Gyeongju - Busan. This morning, we board the high-speed bullet train to Busan.

On arrival, check-in to our accommodation and enjoy an included visit to Gamcheon Village, known for its colourful houses and murals. We also ride the Songdo Marine Cable Car over the city, and visit BIFF Square - South Korea's answer to Hollywood's Walk of Fame! Spend your first night in bustling Busan at leisure - perhaps head to the Haeundae beachfront to make the most of the city's thriving nightlife.

This morning we visit the Buddhist Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, which is nestled amongst the cliffs on the coast and dates back to the year 1376.

There is time in the afternoon to further explore at leisure. You could visit Spa Land in Centum City, one of Busan's largest shopping complexes. Here you can enjoy a bathe in a jjimjiibang bathhouse and relax in a steamy sauna.

In the evening, take the metro to Gwangan Beach for dinner and enjoy the optional Gwangan Bridge light show after dark. For a unique experience, you may also choose to join an optional sightseeing boat tour to take in the night views of Haeundae and Gwangan Bridge from the water.

Busan - Jeju. Today is free to relax or further explore Busan as you please. Optional activities available include a Korean cooking class, a visit to the observatory of the second-tallest building in Korea or a hike along the scenic Igidae Coastal Walk.

This afternoon we transfer to the airport and fly to Jeju, the small volcanic island dominated by the towering volcano of Hallasan. Upon arrival transfer to our hotel and spend the evening at leisure.

This morning, we depart for a day trip to Jeongbang Waterfall, which flows directly into the ocean. From this incredible natural wonder, we enjoy a trek along the Jeju Olle Trail, which winds through incredible scenery of volcanic cliffs and bright yellow fields of canola. See the towering column of Oedolgae Rock, which emerges dramatically from the waves.

Afterwards, head to Seongsan Ilchulbong, better known as Sunrise Peak. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this cylindrical hill was formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions and is Jeju's most famous landmark.

After taking in the panoramic views, you can enjoy an optional lunch by the volcano or catch a Haenyeo performance at 13:30 (please note this performance is subject to availability/weather dependent). Recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Haenyeo tradition embodies resilience, sustainability, and Jeju’s deep-rooted connection to the sea. These extraordinary women, some well into their 60s and 70s, dive without oxygen, showcasing remarkable endurance!

Returning to the hotel in the early afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. You might choose to relax on Jungmun Beach, or visit the picturesque Cheonjiyeon Waterfall. For a scenic stroll, head to the Maritime Park and cross the Saeyeongyo Bridge, immerse yourself in local culture at Olle Maeil Market or enjoy a sunset drink at The Cliff, where you can take in breathtaking coastal views.

We spend our final full day in South Korea exploring Jeju further with a visit to the Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliffs, a stunning rock formation shaped by nature. Afterwards, we enjoy a yacht sailing tour. The rest of the day is free - perhaps visit Jungmun Beach or Cheonjiyeon Waterfall.

To celebrate our final evening, there's an included BBQ party on the beach tonight. Relax and enjoy delicious food as we watch the sun go down.

Today our South Korean adventure comes to an end. We can book an optional flight back to Seoul for you, in which case there is an included group transfer to the airport. If you make your own arrangements then the transfer is not included.