10 days
South Korea Express
Affordable adventure in South Korea
24 people have been looking at this trip recently
Trip Highlights
- Stay overnight at a traditional Buddhist temple and connect with nature for a unique adventure
- Film your own K-pop music video at the immersive HiKR Ground Centre
- Discover the awe-inspiring Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the fascinating Changing of the Guard Ceremony
- Explore the Hanok villages and foodie hotspots inside Jeonju, one of South Korea’s best-kept secrets!
- Stroll through Gyeongju and marvel at the enchanting variety of world heritage sites and ancient temples
Trip Overview
Discover South Korea’s stunning diversity of ancient temples, modern cities and awe-inspiring nature on this 10-day adventure. Each destination you encounter will have the flexibility of free time, so you can really make this trip your own. Joining you for the journey is an amazing group of like-minded travellers, who you can hang out with as much as you like as part of exciting optional activities. While this trip is perfect for anyone looking to explore South Korea on a budget, we’ve still packed fantastic inclusions to make your time here extra special. From experiencing Seoul’s world-famous K-pop culture to staying inside a traditional Buddhist temple, this trip is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We’ll see you there!
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- 9 nights’ accommodation
- 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners
- Local trip leader
- All in-trip transport
- Welcome dinner and Namsan Mountain at night
- HiKR visit and video
- Gyeongbokgung Palace with Changing of the Guard Ceremony
- Hanok Village visit
- Insadong visit
- Gwangjang Market food tour
- Temple meditation session and tea with a monk
- Jeonju Hanok village walk
- Makgoli tasting session
- Gyeongju Historical Sites Visit
- Anapji Pond at night
- Busan Market and karaoke
- 24-hour emergency support
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Airport transfers
- Some meals, snacks and drinks
- Optional activities
Accommodation and meals
9 nights’ accommodation is included in this trip, with 1 night at a traditional Buddhist temple for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For a taste of the accommodation used, please see the list below (subject to change)
- Seoul - Step Inn Myeongdong (multi-share)
- Seoul - Geumsuna Temple (twin-share)
- Jeonju - Laon Hanok Gguljam (twin-share)
- Gyeongju - Blue Boat Hostel (multi-share)
- Busan - Tokoyo Inn (twin-share)
Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners are included in this trip. South Korean cuisine is famed for its hot and diverse flavours, and it is customary at restaurants to receive a variety of side dishes alongside what you have ordered!
Day 1: Start in Seoul
Your adventure begins in Seoul, South Korea's vibrant capital famed for its contrasts of modern life and cultural traditions. Meet your group this evening and head out for an included welcome dinner, followed by a trip to the top of Namsan Mountain for an incredible view of Seoul at night!
Day 2: Explore Seoul
Enjoy a free morning in Seoul. Then, this afternoon, we'll meet up as a group and head to the interactive HiKR Ground Centre. Learn all about the Hallyu Wave (the global popularity of Korean culture), and film a K-pop music video, before heading to the famous district of Itaewon for a free evening!
Day 3: Seoul free day
Discover Seoul completely at your own pace today. Whether you're in the mood for beauty treatments, museum-hopping or doing some sightseeing, the choice is all yours!
Day 4: Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwangjang Market
Today we'll immerse ourselves in the traditional side of South Korea's fascinating culture. Visit the enchanting Gyeongbokgung Palace in time for the Changing of the Guard Ceremony. Explore the beautiful Hanok Village, and enjoy some free time browsing galleries and cafes inside Insadong's lively Art Street. Then this evening your trip leader will take you and the group on a tour around the animated Gwangjang Market, filled with delicious sights and smells!
Day 5: Traditional temple stay
Escape the city life and travel back in time with our next adventure. Spend the day at a small temple in the emerald mountains just outside Seoul. Participate in unmissable cultural immersion activities like meditation and a peaceful Buddhist dinner, and use the time to connect with nature and relax.
Day 6: Discover Jeonju
Today we'll visit the tiny city of Jeonju, which is a hidden gem filled with cultural activities. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the timeless and charming Hanok village, as well as fill up on Bibimbap (which was invented here!). This evening, you could join the group for a traditional tasting session of Makgoli rice wine.
Day 7: Visit Gyeongju
Our next destination is the stunning city of Gyeongju, which is often nicknamed the "Museum Without Walls". Gyeongju is home to a spectacular collection of ancient temples, tombs, folk villages and heritage attractions. Take your time uncovering Gyeongju's one-of-a-kind history, before joining the group tonight for an evening stroll around the idyllic Anapji Pond.
Day 8: Gyeongju free day
Today's free for you to explore Gyeongju at your leisure. While many travellers use the time to visit Tumuli Park or the Gyeongju National Museum, you could also go for a chilled bike ride around town or take a boat trip around the awe-inspiring Bomun Lake. This evening the group will be hopping between bars and restaurants inside Gyeongju's old town, and you're welcome to come along!
Day 9: Explore Busan
This morning we'll leave Gyeongju and arrive at our final destination, the bustling city of Busan! South Korea's second biggest city, Busan is where travellers can experience an incredible mix of beaches, mountains, cultural sightseeing and modern luxuries. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in Busan; since it's our last night together, why not sing your heart out at some optional karaoke?
Day 10: Finish in Busan
Our time in South Korea together has come to an end! Fill up on breakfast and say goodbye to your group. You can depart at any time.
Please note activities and itineraries are subject to change.
Booking Options Payment plans available
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Online booking is unavailable for this trip
Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.Call us on: 01892 527392
Email us at: [email protected]
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Arrival Information:
This trip starts on the evening of Day 1 in Seoul. South Korea has one of the best public transportation systems in the world, so travelling from Incheon International Airport to the starting accommodation is easy. We will provide instructions on how to get from the airport to the starting accommodation before your trip.
This trip finishes on day 12 in Busan. Breakfast is included, however travellers can leave at any time. Your nearest airport is Gimhae International Airport.
Age & Eligibility:
Generally, our travellers are 18-35 years old. We do have an upper age limit of 45 for this trip.
British nationals can visit South Korea as tourists for up to 90 days without needing a visa. Proof of onward or return travel is required. Please ensure that your passport’s expiration date is after you have left the country. Always check the relevant embassy websites before travelling.
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