Exploring South Korea

Day 1: Seoul This afternoon you will be greeted by your tour guide at the hostel where you’ll be briefed about your trip. This is also a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over dinner – enjoy! After dinner, you’ll make your way to the top of Namsan Mountain, where you can admire spectacular views of Seoul lit up at night. Later, we’ll head back to the district of Hongdae to your accommodation. Here, you’ll have some time to stroll and explore the area or get an early night to be well-rested for your first full day tomorrow! Day 2: Seoul The tour officially kicks off today where you will visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone. A bus will be taking you an hour north of Seoul to Imjingak, where you’ll grab breakfast. We continue to Dorasan Station – the northernmost train stop in South Korea that was once intended to connect the country with North Korea. Next, descent into the 3rd Tunnel created by North Koreans, taking you as close as 170m to North Korea! After, you’ll head back to Seoul. Back in Seoul, you have some free time to explore. For some evening entertainment, watch a traditional Nanta Show (a comedy cooking performance), explore Itaewon, best known for its endless restaurant and bar options, or head over to the ritzy Gangnam district. Day 3: Seoul We start the day early by exploring the ancient side of Seoul. We hop on the metro to Gyeongbokgung Palace where you’ll have the chance to watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, before entering the palace itself. Later, we make our way to Bukchon Hanok Village, stopping by the Blue House also known as the White House of South Korea. In Bukchon Hanok Village, you can change into hanbok, traditional Korean clothes, to walk around the historical village. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a walk down the Cheonggyecheon stream, an area restored during an urban renewal project. Afterwards, prepare to be inspired by the Insadong Art Street where you can take part in an optional Kimchi Tasting session. In the evening, you will have some free time to explore Seoul. We suggest exploring Ikseon-dong Hanok Street, immerse yourself in local life with a group dinner at pojangmacha – soju or head back to Hongdae Street for a night out. Day 4: Seoul & Sokcho On today’s agenda, we head for a day trip to Sokcho, in the northeastern part of the country. You will arrive at Seoraksan National Park in the late morning and pay a visit to Sinheungsa Temple. We hike to Ulsanbawi Rock for impressive views over the national park - for those looking for a less challenging hike, you can hike the well-signed waterfall trail and board a cable car to another peak. Later. We’ll take a short break to refuel with lunch after which we take the bus to Sokcho town. Here, you’ll travel on a gatbae to cross the river to Abai, a small village of North Korean refugees. In the evening, enjoy dinner with the rest of the group in and around the local fish markets. After, we head back to Seoul and check into your accommodation for the night, a jjimjilbang – a traditional Korean bath and sleeping house. Day 5: Gyeongju We start the day with breakfast before taking the train to Singyeongju Station near the city of Gyeongju. After checking into your hostel, you’ll have the chance to enjoy lunch at Seongdong Traditional Market or one of the surrounding restaurants. Get ready for an afternoon exploring Gyeongju by bike! First up, explore Cheonmachong Ancient Tombs, part of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex in Tumuli Park. Then, the Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia. We then head to Gyerim Forest and pay a visit to Hyanggyo Confucius School on the way. Day 6: Gyeongju The day kicks off early with a visit to Bulguksa Temple - a UNESCO World Cultural Asset - or take the opportunity to have a lie-in. Grab a bite to eat for lunch in the city before transferring to Golgulsa Temple, where you’ll experience an overnight temple stay. After checking in at the temple you’ll start the day’s activities with a meditation class or, if you’re looking to do something more adventurous there’ll be activities such as archery, horse riding, or training classes. Afterwards, you can take some time out to enjoy a traditional art performance and Sunmudo demonstration before lending a hand to the temple’s communal work. A simple Buddhist dinner of vegetables, rice and fruit is on the menu for dinner – this can be enjoyed with the other temple visitors. Day 7: Busan The day starts with a traditional breakfast after ehich you will have the opportunity to take part in your final Sunmudo training lesson. Before taking the bus back to the city you’ll have lunch. You will then make your way to Gyeongju bus station where you’ll start your journey to Busan. Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll have a chance to settle in before heading out for dinner and time to explore on your own. Day 8: Busan First up, you’ll your way to Jagalchi Market, the biggest seafood market in South Korea. Wander through the bright and colourful stalls showcasing a huge variety of the day’s fresh catch you can enjoy for lunch before heading to Nampo-dong - the city’s famous movie district and home to the annual Busan International Film Festival. Treat your taste buds to Busan-style hotteok, a fried pancake filled with brown sugar and various seeds from a street food vendor. Later, we head to Songdo Beach where you’ll hop on the Marine Cable Car where you’ll witness aerial views of the city in the distance. If you’re lucky, your car might have a glass floor! Day 9: Busan The morning is yours free to explore Busan. Later, you’ll catch an overnight ferry to Jeju Island. Catch a great view of the city from the top deck as you pull out of the port. Day 10: Jeju Island After having breakfast on board the ferry you’ll arrive bright and early in Jeju. We start the day at the coastline to take part in a Haenyeo Diverse Experience, where you’ll have an opportunity to go out with the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage women divers of Jeju. Once back on dry land, you’ll have lunch before taking part in a traditional liquor making experience – here you’ll learn how it’s made and get to sample different types. Later, hike to the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak – this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a unique formation that was formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions over 5,000 years ago. The rest of the day at your leisure. If you’re looking for an epic view this evening, head to Seopjikoji Viewpoint at sunset. Day 11: Jeju Island In the morning we depart by private transfer on a day trip to Jeongbang Waterfall followed by a day-long trek along the Jeju Olle Trail. While trekking we’ll take a break for lunch in Seogwipo city before continuing to Oedolgae Rock – here we suggest taking in the natural scenery along the way, from the volcanic cliffs to the bright yellow fields of canola. You’ll return to the hostel in the early afternoon and enjoy some well-deserved rest time – the rest of the days is yours where you’ll be free to explore or relax. In the evening, you’ll have dinner on the beach with a barbeque on the menu. Eat delicious food, watch the sun go down and if you want, party into the night by the seashore. Make the most of your time with your fellow travellers, as you’ll be saying goodbye in the morning. Day 12: Jeju Island Your adventure ends today and departs back home. A transfer to the airport is included at 10.30am - you will need to arrange your own transfer if you need to travel to the airport at a different time.