Best of South Korea - 10 days
Best of South Korea - 10 days
Best of South Korea - 10 days
10 Days Starting and ending in Seoul
Visiting: Seoul, The DMZ , Gyeongju, Golgulsa Temple , Busan, Jeju Island
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2544/BOSK
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
16 yrs with an accompanying adult
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Discover the main highlights of South Korea on this 10-day group tour. Enjoy panoramic views of Seoul from N Tower, see Gyeongbokgung Palace and visit the Demilitarized Zone to meet a North Korean defector. Cycle the ancient streets of Gyeongju, spend a day at a working Buddhist temple and join a spiritual meditation class. Learn to cook delicious local food with a cooking class, explore Busan and hike the Jeju Olle Trail on Jeju Island, rounded off with a beach BBQ!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Seoul
Location: Seoul
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Seoul! Make your way to our start hotel via public transport or private transfer - we can book an airport transfer for you if you wish. Freshen up at the hotel or head out to explore independently before our welcome meeting at 17:00. We then enjoy an included group dinner. Get to know the rest of the group and sample your first Korean cuisine before we ride the cable car to the top of Namsan Mountain and head to the top of N Tower to enjoy the panoramic views of the city you will be exploring over the next few days.
Day 2: Seoul
Location: Seoul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Take a tour through Seoul’s fascinating history as you head Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Step further back into time and try on a Hanbok at the Bukchon Hanok village, before indulging in a delicious local lunch and exploring the Insadong Art Street.
Tonight you can relax or join an optional activity. We embrace Korea's K-Pop scene, which has spread around the world with popular bands such as BTS. It's karaoke time!
Day 3: The Dmz
Location: The DMZ
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we have a fascinating if sobering visit to the DMZ - the Demilitarized Zone. Officially, the Korean War is still ongoing, although the fighting largely ended in 1953. An uneasy peace has ensued since, maintained largely by the 4km wide DMZ, which stretches across the entire Korean Peninsula, separating the South from the North.
During our visit we will be able to peek into the secretive North from the Observatory and can see the tunnels built under the DMZ as part of a plan by the North to invade. You will also have the once in a lifetime opportunity to chat to a defector from North Korea, to find out what life is really like in the country.
After our trip to the DMZ, we return to Seoul. We enjoy a wander around the cultural Hongdae area before enjoying an acrobatic Nanta Show in the Myeongdong district this evening. Afterwards, for those who wish to enjoy a drink or two, we will take you to some of the best bars in the city.
Day 4: Gyeongju
Location: Gyeongju
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Seoul - Gyeongju. Leaving Seoul behind, we head south to Gyeongju, former capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom. There's an included cycle ride around the city this afternoon, stopping at many sights including Chunmachong Ancient Tombs, Daereungwon Tumuli Park, and Cheomseongdae – the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia.
This evening, we enjoy a group dinner at a traditional Hanok house and enjoy the night-time views of Anapji Pond, constructed in 674 CE by King Munmu of the powerful Silla Kingdom. There is a chance to sample some traditional liquor before retiring for the night in our simple hanok, a truly Korean experience!
Day 5: Golgulsa Temple
Location: Golgulsa Temple
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Golgulsa Temple stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gyeongju - Golgulsa Temple. Today we head into the mountains and our destination, Golgulsa Temple. We'll immerse ourselves in temple life, joining prayer and enjoying a meditation session. We can also have a go at archery and watch a Sunmudo martial arts demonstration, with time to hike in the lush surroundings of the temple too.
We will take part in communal work, then enjoy simple but wholesome food at the temple, including a traditional vegetarian dinner. We then spend a night sleeping in the temple. The temple stay is shared accommodation with a shared bathroom in gender separate rooms. This stay is for 1 night only.
Please note: Tours departing in 2025 will still visit, but no longer spend the night at the Golgusla temple. Instead, a four star hotel in Busan will be provided.
Day 6: Busan
Location: Busan
Meals Included: Breakfast
Golgulsa Temple - Busan. Transfer to your next destination – the bustling culture capital of Busan. Arrive at the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and explore this temple nestled into the cliffs, before departing to explore the stunning Gamcheon Culture Village – Busan’s Macchu Picchu! Then take the Songdo Marine Cable Car for sky-high views of the city and ocean!
For dinner, we will be at the BIFF Square, where you can check out the handprints of your favourite Korean film stars. If you’d like to rest up after, you can – or enjoy drinks at Haeundae.
Day 7: Busan
Location: Busan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, start the day with a traditional Korean cooking class and whip up some delicacies. You’ve then got some free time – relax at a jjimjilbang (a Korean spa), or enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Take a swim in the ocean, relax by the beach and sample some of the Busan-style hotteoks. These fried pancakes are a local specialty! Later on, you can opt to take part in a pottery making class.
Tonight, boogie on our evening boat party before our guide takes you out in Haeundae for a fun-filled experience, complete with drinks and dinner (own expense).
Day 8: Jeju Island
Location: Jeju Island
Meals Included: Breakfast
Busan - Jeju Island. There's an included flight to Jeju Island today, known as the 'Hawaii of Korea'! There's included yacht sailing and fishing on arrival, as well as plenty of free time this afternoon. Head to the Olle market to try some seafood, relax at Jungmu Beach or perhaps visit the cascading Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, one of many natural landmarks on Jeju.
Day 9: Jeju Island
Location: Jeju Island
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start your day with a hike along the Jeju Olle Trail, taking in spectacular views and waterfalls. We’ll break for lunch before hiking onto Oedolgae Rock, with vistas of volcanic cliffs and yellow fields of canola.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to chill on the beach. If you’re not a fan of sand, you can admire the tranquil scenery as you head your way to view the crater in Sangumburi, hike Seongsan Ilchulbang (Sunrise Peak) or visit the Jeju Folk Village.
Our last night is a BBQ party at a local restaurant. You’ll get sunset drinks, amazing food, and a chance to reflect on an awesome Korean experience.
Day 10: Seoul
Location: Seoul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Jeju Island - Seoul. Today there is an included flight back to Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP), where our tour comes to an end at around 13:00 hrs.
Please note: International flights depart from Incheon International Airport (ICN). You will need to make your own way there. The AREX airport express train travels directly between the two airports and the journey takes approximately 50 minutes. International flights should not depart before 17.00 hrs.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4-5-star hotels, hanok & temple stay -
Daily breakfast, 4 lunches (inclusive of cooking class) & 4 dinners
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1 night simple hanok accommodation in Gyeongju
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7 nights in 4-5-star hotels
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*2024* 1 night Golgulsa Temple stay
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Escorted by a bi-lingual adventure leader
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2 economy flights from Busan - Jeju and Jeju - Seoul
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All transportation via public transport and private transfers
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DMZ excursion and chat with a North Korean defector
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Nanta Show in Seoul
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Korean cooking class in Busan
What's Not Included
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
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Optional activities
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International flights and visas
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Airport transfers
Age Policy
GH requires a Tour Suitability Form to be completed by all passengers aged 60 plus. 75 is maximum age.
Check out our Q&As
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.