South Korea, K-Pop & Kimchi - 9 days

South Korea, K-Pop & Kimchi - 9 days

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9 Days From

$2525

South Korea, K-Pop & Kimchi - 9 days

9 Days Starting and ending in Seoul, South Korea

Visiting: Seoul, Gwangju, Busan

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2906/SKKK

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 20

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-55

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group, Special Events

Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2525

NB: Prices correct on 04-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Seoul - Explore the nation's captivating capital, shop for K-pop goods in Myeongdong, visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, and enjoy a cable car ride to N Seoul Tower on Mt. Namsan.

  • Dance to choreography taught by K-Pop experts at a K-pop dance class and enjoy a makeup masterclass with leading Seoul MUAs.

  • Peek into North Korea from the DMZ Observatory and meet a North Korean defector.

  • Explore the futuristic HIKR Ground cultural center and create your own music video.

  • Visit Gangnam's Hallyu K-Star Road, COEX Mall, and stroll through BTS RM Forest.

  • In Gwangju, visit Chungjang K-Pop Star Street, see the Hope World sculpture, and explore Penguin Village.

  • In Busan, explore the stunning Gamcheon Culture Village, ride the Songdo Marine Cable Car for views of the Busan coastline, and visit Busan Citizen Park.

Itinerary

Expand All

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. 

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

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 16, 2024 - Nov 24, 2024
$3015

Monday - Tuesday

Mar 10, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025
$2525

Monday - Tuesday

May 12, 2025 - May 20, 2025
$2525

Monday - Tuesday

Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025
$2525

Book 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.

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