South Korea – 13 Days Tour by One Life Adventures LTD

13 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

22 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 45 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Seoul, South Korea

Ends

Jeju, South Korea

Highlights

Visit the DMZ and peer into the hermit kingdom of North Korea

Explore the ancient palace of Gyeongbokgung

Partake in the evening and morning Buddhist chanting ritual with monks

Take in the spectacular Jeongbang Waterfalls on Jeju Island

Itinerary

Are you ready to dive into the vibrant pulse of South Korea? This 13-day tour is tailored for young adults eager for an adventure that spans ancient temples, bustling markets, and innovative cityscapes. Begin in Seoul, where you’ll savor local street food, try your hand at K-pop dancing, and explore nightlife hotspots. Journey onward to meditate with monks, learn Taekwondo, and stay in a traditional Hanok house in Jeonju. Highlights include a Q&A with a North Korean defector after visiting the DMZ, and culinary explorations in Gwangjang Market led by local guides. The USP of this trip lies in its immersive mix of cultural, culinary, and historical experiences, all designed to shatter preconceptions and ignite lifelong memories.

day 1 - Welcome to South Korea!

The capital city of South Korea is the perfect place to begin your Korean adventure. As soon as you step outside, this bustling city will draw you in, filling you with the spirit of adventure. You will meet your group in the Myeongdong district, where you will be treated to your first Korean meal during the included welcome dinner. Afterwards, you can enjoy the breathtaking night views from the top of Namsan Mountain, where you will see the famous transmission tower illuminated in pink, blue, and green.

*Limited vegan options available

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at Step Inn Myeongdong (or similar)

Meals:Dinner

day 2 - Modern Seoul: K-Pop dance class and HiKR visit

After having breakfast at the hostel, you will head to the trendy Hapjeong neighborhood where you will get the chance to learn a K-Pop dance from a professional instructor, create a video and visit the HiKR to learn about the global K-Wave phenomenon. You will have the afternoon free to explore before we all meet up in the lively Itaewon district for dinner and drinks.

In your free time, you can visit the Myeongdong Cathedral, the first catholic church built in Korea with a fascinating Gothic style, or Lotte World, a Korean theme park.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at Step Inn Myeongdong 1(or similar)

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

Today, you will have the opportunity to experience a tour that you will remember forever. You will be taken to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) where you can gaze into the Hermit Kingdom of North Korea. As you stand on the border of two worlds, you will witness the stark contrast between North and South Korea.

You will explore the tunnels dug by North Korea into the south, hear the area's stories, and engage in cultural exchange with a North Korean defector. You will return to Seoul by approximately 4 pm, with enough time for everyone to freshen up before enjoying another amazing Korean dinner.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at Step Inn Myeongdong 1 (or similar)

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

day 4 - Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong and food tour

Today you will be transported back in time to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Joseon Dynasty era in traditional Seoul. You will witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is one of the five palaces that survived the Joseon dynasty era and holds a special place for the people of Seoul. You will explore its ancient courtyards, majestic architecture, and serene garden.

Afterwards, you will walk through the perfectly preserved Bukchon Hanok Village and appreciate its architectural beauty. This village was once home to a high-ranking official from the Joseon Dynasty. Later in the evening, your guide will take you on a street food-tasting tour through the famous Gwangjang Market to sample the best street food in the city.

*No vegan options available

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at Step Inn Myeongdong 1 (or similar)

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 5 - Temple Time: Meditation, chanting and tea with a monk

Get ready to experience the serenity of a small, working temple nestled in the mountains outside Seoul. With beautifully decorated temples and shrines dotting the grounds, you will be transported to a world away from the noise and neon of the big city. You will be taking part in temple life including evening bell tolling, and prayer chanting. This is your opportunity to reset and recharge before the next leg of your adventure.

Accommodation:Geumsunsa Temple Other

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 6 - On to Jeonju: Hanok village walk and makgeolli tasting

After starting your day with some chanting and a healthy breakfast, you will bid farewell to our cosy mountain retreat and head towards the quaint city of Jeonju. This city is known for its amazing cuisine, drinks, and well-preserved traditional village.

Once you arrive at the beautiful wooden Hanok guesthouse and check-in, you will have time to explore the city. You will have the opportunity to experience rice wine at a tasting session in the Hanok and visit Makgeolli Alley for a delicious dinner. Here, you can try some 'anju', which are special foods specifically made to be enjoyed while having a few drinks.

Accommodation: Homestay

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Gyeongju bike tour and Anapji Pond by night

After we say goodbye to Jeonju, you will take a bus to our next destination, the ancient capital of Gyeongju. This enchanting place is also known as the "Museum Without Walls" because of its collection of Unesco World Heritage Sites, ancient temples, and royal tombs. These sites give us a glimpse into the past and share stories of a bygone era.

After you check into your accommodation, you will have time to freshen up before we explore the town on bikes, to visit all the destinations which make Gyeongju so famous. In the evening, you will head to the stunning Donggung Palace, which was a detached palace for the Shilla-era royals. Here, you will witness the shimmering reflections of Anapji Pond at night.

Accommodation: Hostel

day 8 - Gyeongju: Bulguksa Temple and Taekwondo class

Today, you will have another day of exploring Gyeongju. After breakfast, you will head to one of the most significant temples in the country, Bulguksa. This ancient temple is nestled amidst lush forests and scenic landscapes and is a true masterpiece of architecture, history, and tranquillity.

Following this, you will have the opportunity to learn the famous fighting art of Taekwondo at a Dojang. During your session, you will learn the art of high-flying kicks, lightning-fast punches, and the precise movements from seasoned professionals. In the evening, join the rest of the group for the drinks and food in the old town.

Accommodation: Hostel

day 9 - Busan: Markets, cable car and karaoke!

This day you will \ head to Busan, a beautiful city situated on the water surrounded by majestic mountains and picturesque beaches. Your accommodation will be located in the heart of downtown.

During your stay, you will get the chance to explore the famous Jagalchi market and shopping districts before hopping on the Songdo cable car to get stunning views of the city and water. The afternoon is yours to explore, and we highly recommend visiting the Gamcheon Cultural Village or indulging in a relaxing soak in a jjimjilbang (traditional bathhouse). To end your day on a high note, you can sing your heart out in one of Korea's famous karaoke rooms.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at Toyoko Inn (or similar)

Meals:Breakfast

day 10 - On to Jeju Island!

It is time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers on the 10-day tour, as you will be continuing your journey to the famous volcanic island of Jeju, which is located 90 km off the coast of South Korea. Known as the island of the gods, Jeju boasts countless natural wonders waiting to be explored.

You will have the morning to enjoy yourself until we board our flight and reach Jeju by early afternoon. Once you check-in, it will be time to find a place to eat and prepare for the exciting days ahead of exploring.

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Golden Daisy Jeju (or similar)

Meals:Breakfast

day 11 - Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak and hikes

You will need a good breakfast this morning because we have an active day ahead! You will be taking our private transportation to the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, an ancient volcano that offers breathtaking views.

Next, you will visit the Yakcheonsa Temple, which is inspired by the early Joseon dynasty’s Buddhist architecture. The temple is located near a mineral spring famous for its healing properties, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. Later, you will explore the Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliffs, where you can witness unique volcanic rock formations up close. After that, you will have the option to visit one of Jeju’s famous beaches or waterfalls before meeting at The Cliff to catch the sunset, sip on some drinks and enjoy the ocean view.

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Golden Daisy Jeju (or similar)

Meals:Breakfast

day 12 - The Big One: Olle Trail hike and Jeongbang Waterfall

Today you will go on a hiking adventure along the famous Olle Trail. During this hike, you will witness the sweeping views of the ocean and fields, small villages, dramatic rock formations, and the most famous waterfall in Jeju, the Jeongbang Waterfall. The 23-meter-high waterfall is nothing short of jaw-dropping.

After the hike, you will have the rest of the day to yourself. We recommend visiting the Trick Art Gallery, the Teddy Bear Museum, or the Psyche Butterfly Museum to learn more about the island’s culture and wildlife. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner to say goodbye to Jeju and South Korea.

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Golden Daisy Jeju (or similar)

Meals:Breakfast

day 13 - Goodbye!

As your trip comes to an end, you will have one final breakfast before continuing your journey. The memories you have made, the places you have explored, and the friendships you have formed along the way will stay with you forever.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

12 nights of accommodationAll transport included (Day 2-12) from trains, subways, taxis, and buses. You’ll only have to organise your airport transfers on Day 1 & 13.Your tour guide, your drivers & your local guides11x Breakfasts, 1x Lunch, 3x Dinners

Optional Add-ons Available during check-out

What's Excluded

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