Explore South Korea

Sample Tour Itinerary (subject to change)

Day 1: Arrive Seoul, South Korea

Welcome to Seoul, South Korea’s vibrant capital of high-tech gadgetry, glittering skyscrapers and tasty cuisine. This modern metropolis is one of Asia’s great cities that is a blend of futuristic intentions with strong links to the past. Your tour begins when you meet with your group this afternoon. Tonight visit the well known Gwangjang Market to explore the flavours and savour some of Korea’s street food favourites. After this, walk to the top of Naksan Park for great views of the city skyline by night.

Day 2: Seoul & DMZ

Travel to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) in South Korea, a unique area of ‘no mans land’ that exists along the border that divides North and South Korea. From the South Korean side, learn how this peninsula has been divided since the Korean War and visit points of interest including the 3rd Tunnel of Aggression, the Unification Bridge, Imjingak Park and the Dora Observatory. Note: the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) tour can only be operated by UN-designated operators in South Korea, you will be joined by other travellers for this excursion that lasts around five hours.  You may have the option to add extras to the tour such as upgrading to a Joint Security Area (JSA) tour.  Your trip will try to book an excursion provided by North Korean refugees who may be able to give you their first-hand experience, but these tours are not always available due to the political situation of the region. You need to take your passport, drinks and light snacks and should wear business casual attire and avoid large logos, sleeveless shirts or military wear.

Return to Seoul and in the afternoon, explore Gyeongbukgung Palace and the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village before visiting the streets of Insadong filled with antiques, pottery, souvenirs and handicrafts. This afternoon you have free time and may choose to visit Namsan Mountain or Yongsan’s War Museum or perhaps browse the hi-tech Yongsan Electronics Shopping district (optional activities not included).

Day 3: Seoul – Sokcho

Depart Seoul this morning, taking a local express bus to the east coast city of Sokcho. On arrival, head to a local Korean buffet then visit a local supermarket and the Sokcho Central Market to see how locals live. Visit Yeoung Geum Jung Pagoda located on the coast overlooking the sea. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore as you choose. You may choose to hire a bike and ride around scenic Yeongrang Lake, try the Korean hotpot for dinner or go for an evening visit to Sokcho tower (optional activities not included).

Day 4: Sokcho

Travel to Mt Seoraksan National Park, and hike to see stunning views of this UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon travel to Abai, a small island village where they provide housing and education as a haven for refugees from North Korea. To get to the island you travel by small barge that requires you to pull a rope to get to the other side. Visit with a North Korean family and learn about how history reshaped their life. Here there is an optional community village dinner where you can make giant Korean dumplings, have banquet noodles, rice beer and other snacks in their traditional village recreation space (dinner not included). If you don’t choose the village dinner, you could take a walk along the Sokcho Harbor or soak at the Cheoksan Hot Springs (optional, not included).

Day 5: Sokcho to Andong

This morning travel by road to Andong Hahoe Folk Village, a quaint traditional settlement where you can visit traditional houses including the one that hosted Queen Elizabeth in 1999. Visit the remnants of a traditional school and then Buyongdae Hill for views of the village with traditional Hanok houses. If you are lucky, there may be masked dancers performing in town you could check out, or learn more about this ritual by visiting the mask museum (not included). Tonight you stay in a traditional Korean family guest house. This is a a unique experience and opportunity to live like a local for a night.

Day 6: Andong to Busan

After saying goodbye to your host family, travel to Busan, South Korea’s second largest city that is home to mountains, beaches, hot springs and fresh seafood. Visit Gamcheong Culture Village for an overview of the city before exploring the cafes and galleries at your own pace. This scenic colourful village is a popular photo opportunity as you wander the streets. Visit Haedong Temple – a famous Buddhist temple with a backdrop of the ocean and soak in the coastal views. In the evening you may choose to visit Busan X-the Sky observatory or Gwangan Beach (optional, not included).

Day 7: Busan

Start today with a visit to a local ‘Smart Farm’ – a place where startups are growing crops in recycled shipping containers, turning them into shops and cafes. Walk along the seaside of Ikidae and enjoy a lunch here. In the afternoon, you will have the unique opportunity to talk to a Haenyeo diver. Haenyeo, literally means ‘sea women’, these are brave souls who ocean dive to collect clams, sea urchins and oysters and are famous for being able to hold their breath for a long time! This is a dying profession, and has been a main source of income for the divers (predominantly female) to support their families for generations. Visit the local community center and meet an ex-diver to hear about her experience as a Haenyeo, the changes Busan has gone through from a sea port and her life now. Tonight, you may have the chance to take an optional cruise and see Busan from the water as the sun goes down or visit Haeundae Night Market or see the buskers on the boardwalk (optional, not included).

Day 8: Busan to Seoul

Return to Seoul today by the KTX Bullet Train. The remainder of the day is free to explore Seoul at your leisure. You may choose to explore Gyeongbok Palace, the National Museum, Leeum Art Museum, or perhaps do some shopping in Dongdaemun.  This evening, for your last night with your travelling friends enjoy a final group dinner of delicious Korean BBQ.

Day 9: Seoul

Today is at your leisure to explore more of Seoul at your leisure before your departure.