South Korea Uncovered

8 days from £2,149

Women traveller smiling in front of temple in Seoul.

Male traveller exploring the Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Two women travellers wearing traditional dresses at the Gyeongbokgung palace.

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Trip Photos

Girl walking down a road surrounded by cherry blossoms in Seoul.

A white stone pagoda overlooking the ocean.

Panoramic view of Seoul City through cherry blossoms.

The Hyangwonjeong pavilion or a sunny day in Seoul.

Landscape view of the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul.

Locals selling their produce at the Jagalchi fish markets in Busan.

The outside view of the Dongdaemun in Seoul.

Women traveller posing in front of Seoul's temples.

Narrow walkway of houses leading into Seoul City.

Overhead view of Seoul city at night time.

A seven tier pagoda outside the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

Brunette women looking out at a temple whilst under a cherry blossom tree.

Women traveller sat by the river which runs beneath the Haedong Yonggungsa temple.

Traditional prayer ribbons tied to a wired fence.

Panoramic view of the sun setting over Busan.

Women wearing traditional dress in front of the Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The Changdeokgung Palace on a gloomy day.

Culture with a side of Kimchi

Dynamically modern but with a deeply traditional heart, South Korea is a vibrant mash up of the old and new. Futuristic skyscrapers meet ancient wooden temples, bullet trains speed past rural villages, and Buddhist monks walk streets pulsing with the K-Pop beat. Still relatively untouristed, now is the time to experience this extraordinary destination. This jam-packed trip takes you through its best bits, from the futuristic streets of Seoul to the golden beaches of Busan. You’ll spend a night in a Buddhist temple in historic Gyeongju, peek into the World’s most secretive country from the DMZ, sample sizzling street food in bustling markets and visit a Korean folk village where life hasn’t changed for the last 100 years.

Highlights include

Overnight temple stay

Yangdong Folk Village

Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)

Haeundae Beach

Bukchon Hanok Village

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Cheomseongdae Observatory

Daereungwon Tomb Complex

North Seoul Tower

Namdaemun Market

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7 nights’ accommodation
7 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Tour guide
All on-trip transport
Bullet trains
City tour of Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace
National Folklore Museum
Bukchon Hanok Village
Insadong Alley
Overnight temple stay
City tour of Gyeongju
Cheomseongdae Observatory
Daereungwon Tomb Complex
Yangdong Folk Village visit
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple visit
City tour of Busan
Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Island
Gukjesijang Market
Jagalchi Fish Market
Yongdusan Park Visit
Gamcheon Culture Village
North Seoul Tower
Namdaemun Market Visit
DMZ visit
The War Memorial Hall of Korea
24-hour emergency support

Flights
Visas
Airport transfers
Most meals
Snacks & drinks
Optional activities

Itinerary

Tourists looking at the temples of Seoul on a clear day.

Day 1: Hello Seoul

Fly into South Korea's dazzling, hyperactive capital and make your way to our hotel. This evening, meet your group and take a neon-lit tour of the futuristic city, from Cheonggyecheon Stream to bustling Myeongdong. Then get your first taste of Korea's vibrant cuisine with a shared dinner.

Blonde traveller looking at the Gyeongbokgung palace, Seoul.

Day 2: Super Seoul

See the city's highlights on a private bus tour. Explore the grand pavilions of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the traditional wooden houses of Bukchon Hanok village, and the maze-like network of alleys in Insadong. This evening, sample some of Seoul's street food, from bibimbap to soondae.

Koreans in temple dressed in traditional clothing

Day 3: Temple Stay

Fly through the countryside to historic Gyeongiu on a bullet train. Our home for the night is a working temple where we'll watch a martial arts performance, experience the daily prayer ritual, and share dinner with the monks, before bedding down in traditional, heated ondol rooms.

The Cheomseongdae observatory lit up pink at night in Gyeongju.

Day 4: Gyeonju-si

Wake to the peaceful sound of the monks chanting, and enjoy a morning meditation, martial arts practice, and drum and bell ritual, before taking a city tour of Gyeongiu. Discover the pagodas and bronze buddhas of Bulguksa Temple, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the Royal Tombs.

The coast surrounding the Haedong Yonggungsa temple, Busan.

Day 5: Yangdong Folk Village

Take a bus to Busan, stopping en route at a traditional Korean folk village and the gorgeous coastal temple of Haedong Yonggungsa. Arrive in Busan and explore the golden sands of Haeundae Beach before treating yourself at a jjimjilbang spa or singing your heart out at some noraebang rooms.

Day 6: Beaches & Markets

Explore the stalls of Jagalchi and Gukjesijang markets, escape the buzz of the city in leafy Yongdusan Park, and wander the pastel-coloured streets of Gamcheon Culture Village. Take the bullet train back to Seoul before a cable car to North Seoul Tower and a visit to Korea's oldest market.

Girl traveller smiling whilst walking though a street of cherry blossom.

Day 7: The DMZ

Visit the infamous Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. See how nature has taken over the 4km buffer zone, and peer over the border into the world's most secretive country. Then brush up on your history in the War Memorial Hall before heading back to Seoul.

Locals enjoying Cheonggyecheon river as the sun sets over Seoul skyline.

Day 8: Trip End

After breakfast, make your way to the airport or continue your travels in this fascinating Asian country. We've loved having you!

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Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation

This trip features a selection of comfy hotels, picked for their ideal locations and great service. You’ll also spend an unforgettable night in a working temple in Gyeongiu, where you’ll stay in traditional Ondol rooms with underfloor heating and beds directly on the floor. All rooms are on a twin share basis, apart from the night in the temple which is multi-share. Single rooms may be available at an additional cost. Just speak to one of our travel advisors for more information.

Lots of our travellers are solo travellers, so when you book with us, we’ll pair you up with a like-minded roommate of the same sex. Our trips are great for couples or friends as well - just let us know you’re together, so we can be sure to put you in the same room.

Meals

7 breakfasts, and 1 dinner are included on this trip. You’ll have the freedom to eat wherever and whenever you like the rest of the time. Korean food is having a real moment right now, and with its intense, spicy flavours, we’re not surprised. From kimchi stews and hoeddeok (sweet, syrupy pancakes), to the ubiquitous bibimbap (a simple salad of rice, mixed vegetables, rice, beef, and egg), your tastebuds are in for a treat.

Dates & Prices

Flights

To get a flight quote use the buttons below or call our fantastic flights team on 01892 277037.

Extra information

This trip begins on day 1 in Seoul. You’ll need to fly into Seoul Incheon International Airport (INC) and to make your own way to our starting accommodation. There are no activities planned before our welcome meeting at 6pm so arrive at a time that suits you.

The trip ends on day 8 back in Seoul. Leave any time after breakfast. You’ll need to make your own way back to the airport, but your tour guide can help you book transfers.

The maximum group size is 16.

This is an open-aged trip, designed for travellers of any age with an enjoyment of adventure. You'll have the opportunity to meet people who are outside your own age group, and from different walks of life, adding depth and diversity to your travel experience.