South Korea, K-Pop & Kimchi - 9 days
South Korea, K-Pop & Kimchi - 9 days
South Korea, K-Pop & Kimchi - 9 days
9 Days Starting and ending in Seoul, South Korea
Visiting: Seoul, Gwangju, Busan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2906/SKKK
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
18-55
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a thrilling 9-day adventure through South Korea, immersing yourself in the vibrant world of K-Pop and the rich cultural tapestry of this dynamic nation. Begin your journey in Seoul, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace and N Seoul Tower, and dive into the world of K-Pop with a dance class and makeup masterclass. Venture to the DMZ for a glimpse into North Korea and engage with a defector. Discover the futuristic HIKR Ground and create your own music video. Travel to Gwangju to explore K-Pop Star Street and Penguin Village, then head to Busan for stunning views from the Songdo Marine Cable Car and a visit to the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village. Conclude your trip back in Seoul, enriched with unforgettable experiences and memories. This small group tour offers hostel accommodations and is guided by a bilingual adventure leader, ensuring a seamless and exciting journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Seoul
Location: Seoul
Accommodation Name: hostel
Saturday. Welcome to Seoul, the bustling capital city of South Korea! Make your own way to your hostel and meet your Adventure Leader for a briefing of your adventure ahead.
Spice up the night with an optional group dinner in Myeongdong, followed by a visit to the Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center – renowned for its K-pop merchandise bargains.
Come evening, we'll take public transport to Namsan Mountain, where a cable car ascent awaits. Elevate your experience by taking a trip up to Seoul N Tower for stunning views so stunning of Seoul.
Day 2: Seoul
Location: Seoul
Accommodation Name: hostel
Today kicks off with a journey northward to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Your first stop is the Dora Observatory, offering a unique perspective as you peer across the border to catch glimpses of the North Korean villages. Grab those binoculars for an up-close view! Then, descend into the third tunnels, coming as close as a mere 170m to North Korea!
As we make our way back to Seoul, get ready for a unique opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with a North Korean defector.
Prepare for an afternoon that grooves to a different beat as you delve into the world of K-Pop. Join an incredible dance class where K-Pop choreographers will guide you through the moves step by step. Get ready to dance like a pro and unleash your inner idol! The day concludes with an optional night out in Hongdae.
Day 3: Seoul
Location: Seoul
Accommodation Name: hostel
This morning we'll take public transport to Gyeongbokgung Palace, arriving just in time for the impressive 10am Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. For an extra touch of tradition, head to the nearby hanbok rental store where you can dress in beautiful traditional garments before exploring the palace.
As the early afternoon unfolds, venture to Insadong, strolling through the charming Bukchon Hanok Village. Marvel at rare K-Pop treasures in KTown4U and then set your sights on the futuristic HIKR Ground. Learn about the K-Wave culture and try your hand at creating your own music video!
Cap off the day with an optional group dinner and drinks in the vibrant district of Itaewon - you may recognize it as the setting of famous K-Drama 'Itaewon Class!'
Day 4: Seoul
Location: Seoul
Accommodation Name: hostel
Get ready for a K-Pop extravaganza, as we visit Hallyu K-Star Road and encounter the legendary Gangnam Dolls. Capture the moment by posing with your favorite group's doll!
Around midday, we'll head to COEX Mall, where endless restaurants, stores, and K-Pop memorabilia await. Don't miss the iconic library and the famous Gangnam Style statue. While here, try to keep an eye out for HYBE Insight in the nearby Samseong district.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting BTS RM Forest, a living tribute planted in celebration of the rapper's birthday and a testament to his dedication to environmental conservation.
As the day winds down, enjoy a free evening to explore the district of Jamsil.
Day 5: Gwangju
Location: Gwangju
Accommodation Name: hostel
Seoul - Gwangju. Gear up for a morning transfer to your next destination – Gwangju. In the afternoon, check into your hostel - just in time for a visit to Chungjang K-Pop Star Street. This road stands as a tribute to K-Pop idols from Gwangju! While you're here, view handprint art with imprints from idols, wander through the star memorial hall, and explore the fan zone where idols have donated personal items for fans to admire.
If you're part of the BTS ARMY, this next stop is for you! Visit the Hope World sculpture, a celebration of BTS's J-Hope, a proud Gwangju native. This monument is inscribed with over 21,000 messages from ARMYs worldwide. Nearby, explore the whimsical Penguin Village – a mural village featuring arts, crafts, and even more murals paying homage to J-Hope.
End the day with the option to explore the vibrant 1913 Songjong Station Market.
Day 6: Busan
Location: Busan
Accommodation Name: hostel
Gwangju - Busan. Today, hop on a bus bound for the vibrant city of Busan! Upon arrival, our first destination is the picturesque Gamcheon Culture Village, renowned as a popular filming location. Keep an eye out for the vibrant mural dedicated to Busan's own BTS members, Jimin and Jungkook – a must-see for fans!
Next, head to the scenic Songdo Beach, where you'll embark on the Songdo Marine Cable Car for breathtaking views of the Busan coastline. Return inland to the BIFF Entertainment Square, a trendy area perfect for street food and shopping, before enjoying a free evening at your leisure.
Day 7: Busan
Location: Busan
Accommodation Name: hostel
Kick off your morning with a visit to the renowned Busan Citizen Park, a familiar spot for fans thanks to a notable visit from BTS's V. Capture the moment with a photo opportunity at the exact spot where V left his mark.
Following this, relax at a Korean jjimjilbang, a traditional bathhouse or opt for a visit to Dadaepo Beach, Jimin's favourite place in Busan! Located at the Nakdonggang estuary meeting the South Sea, this scenic sandy beach features a grand fountain at its entrance.
As the night unfolds, you can opt to join your tour group for a session of K-Pop karaoke in Haeundae.
Day 8: Busan
Location: Busan
Accommodation Name: hostel
Busan - Seoul. We'll make our swift and stylish return to Seoul this morning via high-speed rail (KTX).
Upon your arrival back in the city, get ready for the grand finale – a makeup masterclass led by a team of top-notch Seoul MUAs. Delve into the realm of cosmetics as they guide you through the use of products and expertly demonstrate application techniques, allowing you to achieve the iconic looks sported by your favorite K-Pop and K-Drama stars!
Day 9: Seoul
Location: Seoul
Sunday. Sadly, today marks the end of your unforgettable South Korea, Kimchi & K-Pop tour. Say your goodbyes and make your way to the airport for your onward flight. May your departure be as smooth as a perfectly choreographed K-Pop dance!
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Saturdays -
8 nights in hostel accommodation
The tour includes 8 nights of accommodation in hostels.
-
Escorted by a bi-lingual adventure leader
A bi-lingual adventure leader will escort you throughout the tour.
-
Guided touring in Seoul, Gwangju & Busan
Enjoy guided tours in the cities of Seoul, Gwangju, and Busan.
-
All transportation via public transport, including the KTX from Busan to Seoul on Day 8
All transportation during the tour is via public transport, including a KTX train ride from Busan to Seoul on Day 8.
-
Namsan Mountain Cable Car ride in Seoul
Experience a cable car ride on Namsan Mountain in Seoul.
-
Kpop Dance Class in Seoul
Participate in a Kpop dance class in Seoul.
-
Entry to Gyeongbokgung Palace
Entry to Gyeongbokgung Palace is included in the tour.
-
DMZ excursion and chat with a North Korean defector
Take an excursion to the DMZ and have a chat with a North Korean defector.
-
Songdo Marine Cable Car ride in Busan
Enjoy a ride on the Songdo Marine Cable Car in Busan.
-
Makeup Masterclass in Seoul
Attend a makeup masterclass in Seoul.
What's Not Included
-
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Tipping is not included and is considered a personal gesture.
-
Optional activities
Optional activities are not included in the tour package.
-
International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour.
-
Airport transfers
Airport transfers are not included in the tour package.
-
Items of a personal nature and meals
Items of a personal nature and meals are not included in the tour.
Age Policy
Age ranges from 18 – 55 years old. Please note this is a backpacker type tour, please bear this in mind when quoting passengers. The majority of people booking are between the ages of 18-35 due to the nature of our backpacking style trips where we stay in hostels. Avg age: 20-30 years.Â
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently via public transport, including the high-speed KTX train from Busan to Seoul, and enjoy scenic rides on the Namsan Mountain and Songdo Marine cable cars.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights in comfortable hostel accommodation, perfect for backpackers seeking a vibrant and social atmosphere while exploring South Korea's cultural and K-Pop highlights.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 8 nights in hostel accommodation, which is suitable for backpackers and those who enjoy a more social and budget-friendly travel experience.
-
Is there a guide accompanying the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by a bilingual adventure leader who will guide you through the various activities and locations.
-
What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
All transportation is via public transport, including a high-speed KTX train from Busan to Seoul on Day 8.
-
Are there any special classes or workshops included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a K-Pop dance class taught by K-Pop choreographers and a makeup masterclass with leading Seoul makeup artists.
-
Will there be an opportunity to learn about North Korea during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes an excursion to the DMZ where you can view North Korea from the Dora Observatory and participate in a Q&A session with a North Korean defector.
-
What is the age range for participants on this tour?
The age range for participants is 18 to 55 years old, with the majority being between 18-35 due to the backpacking style of the tour.
-
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.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
-
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+
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Sunday
Nov 16, 2024 - Nov 24, 2024Monday - Tuesday
Mar 10, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025Monday - Tuesday
May 12, 2025 - May 20, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025Book with Confidence
-
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.
-
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.