South Korea Highlights
South Korea Highlights
South Korea Highlights
9 Days Starting and ending in Seoul
Visiting: Seoul, Sokcho, Andong, Busan, Korea Republic Of
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CJSK
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
A destination of natural wonder, culinary delights and mesmerising cityscapes, South Korea is a rewarding trip for any traveller. On this nine-day exploration, you’ll discover Korea’s Demilitarised Zone, eat ‘til you drop at an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant, hike through the amazing scenery of Seoraksan Mountain, wander through the colourful Gamcheong Culture Village, spend a night in a traditional hanok house and discover the charisma of Busan from seaside Haedong Temple to the stories of Haeyno divers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Seoul
Location: Seoul
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
Annyeong! Welcome to South Korea. Your adventure begins in Seoul, South Korea's vibrant capital of high-tech gadgetry, soaring skyscrapers and delicious eats. If you arrive early, explore this modern Asian metropolis at your own pace and discover how ancient traditions come together with the modern in one of Asia's great cities. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon. After, your leader will take you to visit the renowned Gwangjang Market for a fun dinner tour. Here, you’ll find some of Korea’s street food favourites like mayak gimbap (rice rolls), mandu (North Korean dumplings), bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and the famous kimchi. Later, follow your group leader to the top of Naksan to see an awesome view of Seoul’s skyline at night.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 2: Seoul
Location: Seoul
Accommodation: Hotel
An early morning to get to join a tour of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). From the South Korean side of the Zone, you’ll learn how this peninsula has been divided since the devastating Korean War. You’ll visit points of interest, including the Third Tunnel of Aggression, the Unification Bridge, Imjingak Park and the Dora Observatory. In the afternoon, explore Gyeongbukgung Palace – the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty – and the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village. Your tour today will finish late afternoon and feel free to stay longer behind the group at Bukchon as there's a lot to explore. In your free time afterwards, consider visiting Namsan Mountain or Yongsan's War Museum or pick up some gadgets in the hi-tech Yongsan Electronics Shopping district.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
Day 3: Sokcho
Location: Sokcho
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
In the morning, take a local express bus to the east coast city of Sokcho. On arrival, head to the Sokcho Central Market for a real insight of how local people go about their daily lives, with the option of trying a few different local snacks or have your lunch here. Enjoy some free time afterwards then head to Abai – a small island village in Sokcho that, for generations, has been a haven for refugees fleeing the Korea War from North Korea, offering education and housing. Getting there is half the fun – you’ll have to work together to pull a rope on a small barge to get to the other side. Visit a North Korean refugee’s family and listen to their story of how history reshaped their life.Then take part in a cooking demo and learn how to make giant Korean dumplings. Enjoy a delicious dinner, like Japchai, kimbap, rice beer and other snacks in their shared recreation space, all freshly cooked with home recipe. The payment they received for this dinner will be contributed to the Abai Village Preservation Society.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
-
Day 4: Sokcho
Location: Sokcho
Accommodation: Hotel
Head to Seoraksan – Korea’s most well-known mountain and the third highest in the peninsula – and take a hike to see the stunning views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The afternoon and evening is yours to explore Sokcho. Maybe visit Yeoung Geum Jung Pagoda which is on the coast, overlooking the sea. Or hire a bike and ride around the scenic Yeongrang Lake. Maybe try the Korean hotpot for dinner or go for an evening visit to Sokcho Expo Tower. Otherwise, you could take a walk along Sokcho Harbor or opt for a relaxing soak at the Cheoksan Hot Springs.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
Day 5: Andong
Location: Andong
Accommodation: Hanok
Meals Included: dinner
Hit the road this morning for Andong Hahoe Folk Village. This quaint settlement is easy to walk around, so you’ll join your leader on a stroll through the traditional houses (including the one that hosted Queen Elizabeth II in 1999) to get your bearings. Visit the remnants of a traditional school to see how students studied in the past and take a short hike to Buyongdae Hill, where you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the village dotted with the traditional hanok houses. Being a traditional Korean outpost, there may also be masked dancers performing in town. To learn more about this ritual, why not visit the nearby mask museum? Staying in an authentic hanok (traditional Korean house) is a unique experience and the perfect opportunity to gain more insight into local life. Enjoy a dinner at the village to try some of Andong's signature dishes.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 6: Busan
Location: Busan
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After saying goodbye to your host family, you’ll make your way to Busan. South Korea’s second-largest city is home to mountains, beaches, hot springs and deliciously fresh seafood. After arrival, you’ll have the unique opportunity to talk to a Haenyeo diver. Haenyeo, literally 'sea women', are the brave souls who dive into the sea to collect clams, sea urchins and oysters and are famous for being able to hold their breath for a very long time. A dwindling industry, this has been a main source of income for the divers (predominantly female) to support their families through changing times. Visit the local Haenyeo community centre and meet with an ex-diver and hear about her experience diving, the changes Busan has gone through and her life now. Then visit Haedong Temple – the famous Buddhist temple by the sea. Explore this rare gem, backdropped by the ocean and soak in the coastal views, before going to Gamcheong Culture Village for a great overview of the city before exploring the cafes and galleries at your own pace. This colourful village is also extremely photogenic, so don’t forget your camera as you wander around. There are different spots in the city for a perfect sunset, so maybe grab a few of your group members and head to one of the many scenic viewpoints at dusk. In the evening you are free to visit Busan X the Sky or Gwangan Beach.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
Day 7: Busan
Location: Busan
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning, head to the seaside of Ikidae and take a coastal walk (and optional plogging) first. Then make a visit to a local ‘Smart Farm’ – this incubation site is where startups are growing crops in recycled shipping containers, as well as turning them into shops and cafes. The rest of the day is yours. Tonight, maybe take an optional night cruise and see Busan from the water as the sun goes down. You can also visit Haeundae Night Market or see the buskers on the boardwalk.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 8: Seoul
Location: Seoul
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
This morning, jump on the KTX Bullet Train and head back to Seoul. You'll arrive early afternoon and the rest of afternoon is yours to explore. Perhaps venture out and explore the National Museum, Leeum Art Museum, or you might like to check out the huge range of shopping that Seoul’s Dongdaemun has to offer. This evening, gather your travel pals for one final group dinner at an all-you-can-eat barbecue feast – you can't leave Korea without experiencing this hands-on meal!
Day 9: Seoul
Location: Seoul
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. With no activities planned, you’re free to leave at any time. If you’d like to spend more time in Seoul, just speak to your booking agent.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights), Hanok (1 night) -
Seoul - Gwangjang market
-
Seoul - Naksan night view over the city
-
Seoul - Gyeongbukgung Palace
-
Seoul - Demilitarized Zone (DMZ/South Korea)
-
Seoul - Bukchon Hanok Village
-
Sokcho - Seoraksan Mountain
-
Sokcho - Daepo Fish market
-
Sokcho - Island village of Abai
-
Sokcho - North Korea refugee family visit
-
Andong - Andong folk village
Included Activities
- Seoul - Gwangjang market
- Seoul - Naksan night view over the city
- Seoul - Samsung D'Light Technology Complex
- Seoul - Jamsil Olympic Park
- Seoul - Gyeongbukgung Palace
- Seoul - North Village
- Gangneung - Ojukheon Village
- Gangneung - Gyeongpo Lake
- Sokcho - Island village of Abai
- Sokcho - Daepo Fish market
- Sokcho - Seoraksan Mountain
- Seoul - Demilitarized Zone (DMZ/South Korea)
- Andong - Andong folk village
- Andong - confucianist school and temple visit
- Suncheon - Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve
- Suncheon - Open film set
- Suncheon - Suncheon Bay National Garden
- Suncheon - Nagan Fortress Village
Transport
- If you are spending additional time before or after your tour, you will find that the transport in South Korea is reasonably priced, quick and efficient. Public buses don't always have the signage in English so is is recommended that you write your destination in hangeul (Korean phonetic alphabet) letters on a piece of paper. Bus drivers don't speak English. Local tourist centres usually have English-speaking staff and are the best places to find out about local buses.
Accommodation
- Hotel rooms:
- Many South Korean hotels have a limited supply of double rooms. If you are a couple travelling, please advise at the time of booking if you would like double bedding (subject to availability). Double bed in South Korea also tends to be smaller than normal western standard, closer to a queen size bed. It may be possible to book twin share rooms where you may push the beds together into one bigger bed, but this can't be guaranteed.
- Air-conditioning & Heating:
- Air-conditioning is not usually turned on until the warmer season. The traditional housing has floor heating.
- Hanok Stay:
- Your mattress will be on the floor. If you find that the surface is too hard, you can stack the bedding or ask for an extra mattress.
Important Information
- 1. This trip starts in Seoul on Day 1 at 4pm. This allows time after the welcome meeting for your first included activities.
- 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 5 where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Mode of Transport
- If you are spending additional time before or after your tour, you will find that the transport in South Korea is reasonably priced, quick and efficient. Public buses don't always have the signage in English so is is recommended that you write your destination in hangeul (Korean phonetic alphabet) letters on a piece of paper. Bus drivers don't speak English. Local tourist centres usually have English-speaking staff and are the best places to find out about local buses.
Accommodation
- Hotel rooms:
- Many South Korean hotels have a limited supply of double rooms. If you are a couple travelling, please advise at the time of booking if you would like double bedding (subject to availability)
- Air-conditioning & Heating:
- Air-conditioning is not usually turned on until the warmer season. The traditional housing has floor heating.
- Hanok Stay:
- Your mattress will be on the floor. If you find that the surface is too hard, you can stack the bedding or ask for an extra mattress.
Check out our Q&As
-
Is this trip right for you
A good degree of fitness is recommended for this trip as a lot of walking is involved. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. You will need to be able to handle your luggage on metro and in busy transport hubs, so we advise packing light.
This trip doesn't spend much time in Seoul so we recommend extending your trip to enjoy this city to its fullest. Please speak to your booking agent about adding additional nights of accommodation to your booking. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026 Dec
2026
Saturday - Sunday
Nov 23, 2024 - Dec 01, 2024Saturday - Sunday
Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 15, 2024Saturday - Sunday
Jan 04, 2025 - Jan 12, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 16, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Mar 01, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Mar 04, 2025 - Mar 12, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Mar 11, 2025 - Mar 19, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Mar 25, 2025 - Apr 02, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025Thursday - Friday
Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025Thursday - Friday
Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Apr 26, 2025 - May 04, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Apr 29, 2025 - May 07, 2025Saturday - Sunday
May 03, 2025 - May 11, 2025Saturday - Sunday
May 10, 2025 - May 18, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
May 13, 2025 - May 21, 2025Saturday - Sunday
May 17, 2025 - May 25, 2025Saturday - Sunday
May 24, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025Saturday - Sunday
May 31, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Jun 24, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025Thursday - Friday
Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 23, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025Thursday - Friday
Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Thursday - Friday
Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025Thursday - Friday
Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025Thursday - Friday
Oct 23, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 05, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jan 03, 2026 - Jan 11, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jan 17, 2026 - Jan 25, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 15, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 08, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 15, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Mar 10, 2026 - Mar 18, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 29, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Mar 24, 2026 - Apr 01, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 05, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Mar 31, 2026 - Apr 08, 2026Thursday - Friday
Apr 02, 2026 - Apr 10, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Apr 07, 2026 - Apr 15, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Apr 14, 2026 - Apr 22, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Apr 21, 2026 - Apr 29, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Apr 25, 2026 - May 03, 2026Saturday - Sunday
May 02, 2026 - May 10, 2026Saturday - Sunday
May 09, 2026 - May 17, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
May 12, 2026 - May 20, 2026Saturday - Sunday
May 16, 2026 - May 24, 2026Saturday - Sunday
May 23, 2026 - May 31, 2026Saturday - Sunday
May 30, 2026 - Jun 07, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Jun 02, 2026 - Jun 10, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jun 06, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jun 20, 2026 - Jun 28, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Jun 23, 2026 - Jul 01, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 05, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jul 11, 2026 - Jul 19, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jul 18, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jul 25, 2026 - Aug 02, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 09, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 23, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 06, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 01, 2026 - Sep 09, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 08, 2026 - Sep 16, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 15, 2026 - Sep 23, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 22, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026Thursday - Friday
Sep 24, 2026 - Oct 02, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026Thursday - Friday
Oct 08, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 18, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Oct 13, 2026 - Oct 21, 2026Thursday - Friday
Oct 15, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 25, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Oct 20, 2026 - Oct 28, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Oct 24, 2026 - Nov 01, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Oct 27, 2026 - Nov 04, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 08, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 15, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 22, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Nov 21, 2026 - Nov 29, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Nov 28, 2026 - Dec 06, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Dec 05, 2026 - Dec 13, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Dec 12, 2026 - Dec 20, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions