South Korea Essentials 10 Day Tour

South Korea Essentials 10 Day Tour

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10 Days From

$1494

$1345

South Korea Essentials 10 Day Tour

10 Days Starting in Seoul, South Korea and ending in Busan, South Korea

Visiting: Seoul, HiKR GROUND, Step Inn Myeongdong, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Geumseonsa Temple Stay, Jeonju-si, Gyeongju-si, Busan

Tour operator:

One Life Adventures

Tour code:

SK10DES

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

3 - 22

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-45

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Budget

Interests:

History

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1494 $1345 Operator discount: -$149

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

One Life Adventures is a premium youth operator, specialising in trips for travellers aged 18-45 years inclusive (at the time of travel). Explore the essential sites of South Korea with a group, from serene mountain temples in Seoul to delightful local cuisine. Experience a nation where ancient traditions are seamlessly balances with modern innovation. Discover South Korea’s cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant pop culture. With the global rise of K-wave, South Korea is rapidly becoming a top destination for travellers worldwide. Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Join us on a journey that will transform your view of South Korea. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the peaceful mountain temples, our Essentials Tour offers a unique mix of tradition and modernity, with plenty of free time to explore at your own pace. Stay in a tranquil temple in the Seoul mountains, explore the key sites of Seoul and Busan, and indulge in the culinary delights of Gwangjang Market. Find your inner peace with meditation in hillside temples and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of South Korea. Join One Life Adventures and uncover the essence of South Korea with a perfect balance of guided experiences and personal freedom. Please note: during this tour, you'll be travelling alongside guests on one of our South Korea Classic tours. These tours offer a more activity-packed itinerary compared to our Essentials tours, with highlights including a K-pop class in Seoul, a visit to the DMZ, and more. If you’re seeking a more immersive experience, we recommend our Classic 10 or 13-day tours, which provide a richer itinerary at a slightly higher daily cost.

Highlights

  • Explore the ancient palace of Gyeongbokgung

  • Partake in a singing bowl meditation session

  • Spend the night at a temple in the mountains of Seoul

  • Take a street food tour of Gwangjang Market

  • Partake in evening and morning Buddhist chanting with monks

  • Experience the craziness of Seoul nightlife

  • Visit Namsan Tower at night and see the city view

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Welcome To Korea!

Location: Seoul

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4 share dorm - Step Inn Myeongdong (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to South Korea! Day 1 of your epic Korean journey launches with an exhilarating touchdown at the hostel in the vibrant heart of Seoul’s most famous shopping district; Myeongdong. The minute you step outside, the pulse of this bustling city will draw you in, filling you with the spirit of adventure. Meet your crew for an orientation and then head out for your first Korean feast at the included welcome dinner with your new One Life family! After dinner we will take in the best views of the city lights by night at the top of Namsan Mountain

Day 2 : Modern Seoul & Hikr Visit

Location: HiKR GROUND

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4 share dorm - Step Inn Myeongdong (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hostel, you will have the morning free to explore Seoul. If you're a K-pop fan, meet the rest of the group around lunch time at HiKR Ground, a 4-storey interactive center with a K-Pop museum. Learn about the K Wave sweeping the world, and record our own Kpop dance video! The afternoon is yours to explore further before we all head to vibrant Itaewon district for dinner and drinks.

Day 3 : Free Day In Seoul

Location: Step Inn Myeongdong

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4 share dorm - Step Inn Myeongdong (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Seoul is all yours today to choose your own adventure. You could start your morning with a walk along Seoullo 7017, a beautiful sky garden offering city views and a variety of plants, or dive into history at the National Museum of Korea, exploring its free permanent collection of over 12,000 artifacts. For a cultural experience, wander through Ihwa Mural Village and capture photos of vibrant murals created by local artists. If you’re interested in beauty treatments, consider booking a session at one of Myeongdong’s renowned skin clinics or hair therapy centers, famous for their world-class products and services. Meet up with the rest of the group when they return to Seoul around 4pm, and head out in the evening for another amazing Korean dinner!

Day 4 : Traditional Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong & A Food Tour

Location: Gyeongbokgung Palace

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4 share dorm - Step Inn Myeongdong (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is all about exploring the more traditional areas of Seoul to see another side of the city. Your adventure begins with the changing of the guard ceremony at the awe-inspiring Gyeongbokgung Palace. Truly a symbol of grandeur and history, where you'll explore ancient courtyards, majestic architecture, and serene gardens. You also have the chance to wear the traditional ‘hanbok’ while exploring the palace for that extra authentic feel! We will then walk through the perfectly preserved Hanok Village before heading to the bustling Insadong art street. Later in the evening your guide will take you on a street food tasting tour through the famous Gwangjang Market to sample the best street food in the city!

Day 5 : Temple Time! Meditation, Chanting & Tea With A Monk

Location: Geumseonsa Temple Stay

Accommodation: Homestay

Accommodation Name: Twin share (floor sleeping) - Geumseonsa Temple (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Get ready to experience the serenity of a small, working temple nestled in the mountains outside Seoul. With beautifully decorated temples and shrines dotting the grounds, you will be transported to a world away from the noise and neon of the big city. You will be taking part in temple life including a singing bowl meditation session, evening bell tolling, and prayer chanting. You will also get the special opportunity to sit down with a monk for tea after your Buddhist dinner (eaten in reflective silence!) is served to ask those burning questions about life. This is your opportunity to reset and recharge before the next leg of your adventure.

Day 6 : On To Jeonju: Hanok Village Walk & Makgoli Tasting

Location: Jeonju-si

Accommodation: Homestay

Accommodation Name: Twin share - Laon Hanok Gguljam (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After morning chanting and another healthy Buddhist meal for breakfast, we will say goodbye to our little retreat in the mountains and make our way to the small city of Jeonju. Famous for its food, drink, and immaculately preserved traditional village area, we will head out to explore after checking in to our beautiful wooden Hanok guesthouse. Explore the afternoon at your leisure and join the rest of the group for a tasting session at the Hanok for one of the most famous things in Jeongju; a rice wine called Makgoli! You will learn about how it’s made, and try a series of different types. For those who would like to continue, the group will head of Makgoli Alley to try some more plus eat your way through some ‘anju’ - special foods made to be eaten while enjoying a few drinks!

Day 7 : Gyeongju: Historical Sites, Anapji Pond By Night

Location: Gyeongju-si

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: Multi-share - Blue Boat Hostel (or similar)

After we say goodbye to Jeonju, we’ll jump on a bus to our next destination; the ancient capital of Gyeongju! Known as the "Museum Without Walls," this mesmerizing destination boasts an extraordinary collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient temples, and royal tombs that whisper tales of a bygone era. After dropping our bags off and freshening up, you'll have the option to explore the magical area as you wish. Visit tombs, burial mounds, historical sites, and some spectacular scenery. In the evening, we will make our way over to the Anapji Pond and gaze upon the mirrored reflections of the structures around the water.

Day 8 : Free Day In Gyeongju

Location: Gyeongju-si

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: Multishare - Blue Boat Hostel (or similar)

You have a free day today in Gyeongju to explore further. You might choose to explore the ancient burial mounds at Tumuli Park, taking in the history of Silla kings and nobles. Or opt to delve further into the rich history and culture of the Silla Kingdom at Gyeongju National Museum, with its extensive collection of artifacts. If you're after a relaxing day, take a leisurely bike ride or a boat trip around the scenic Bomun Lake, perfect for picnics. Join the rest of the group in the evening for testing out some of the bars and restaurants in the old town.

Day 9 : Busan: Exploring The Markets

Location: Busan

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: Twin share - Toyoko Inn (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we head to Busan, a city on the water surrounded by beaches and mountains. After checking in right in the centre of downtown, we will check out the famous Jagalchi Market and shopping districts. The afternoon is yours to explore with visits to the Gamcheon Cultural Village or maybe bathing in the steaming water of a jjimjilbang (public bathhouse) as suggestions. To end your day on a high note, you can sing your heart out in one of Korea's famous karaoke rooms.

Day 10 : Goodbye!

Location: Busan

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sadly it is time to say goodbye. Fill up on breakfast before leaving the hotel and on to the next part of your journey. We are sure that the memories you created, the places you explored, and the friendships you forged along the way will stay with you forever! You can either take the train from Busan back to Seoul Station, or fly back from Gimhae Airport. Annyeonghi gaseyo!

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    9 nights of accommodation

  • Fully Guided

    Your tour guide, your drivers & your local guides

  • Transport

    All transport included (Day 2-9) from trains, subways, taxis, and buses. You’ll only have to organise your airport transfers on Day 1 & 10.

  • Meals

    7x Breakfasts, 1x Lunch, 3x Dinners

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

  • Airport transfers

  • Some meals

  • Travel Insurance

Mode of Transport

All transport (excl. airport transfers)

Accommodation

9 nights of accommodation

Check out our Q&As

  • Can I bring a 20kg suitcase on this trip?

    We wouldn’t recommend bringing more than 15kg and a backpack instead of a suitcase will make your journey a lot easier to manage during certain communtes.

  • Can you cater for my dietary requirements?

    Yes, we can cater for most dietary requirements. Please notify us prior to arriving on day 1 so we can arrange this for you.

  • Is South Korea safe to travel?

    South Korea is generally considered a safe destination for travellers. It has a low crime rate, and it is known for its safety and well-developed infrastructure.

  • Where should I fly into?

    Incheon International Airport (ICN).

  • Is there WiFi throughout the trip?

    WiFi is available at all accommodations during the trip.

  • What is the rooming situation like?

    A mixture of multishare and twin accommodation throughout. You will be paired with someone of the same sex. Twin and single upgrades are available

  • Will I be picked up from the airport?

    At this time we do not offer airport transfers, however, Korea has one of the best rail networks in the world and we will provide you with clear instructions on how to get from the airport to your starting accommodation with ease.

  • What is the age range of the tour?

    All One Life Adventures tours have an 18 years+ requirement. Once you’re over 18, as long as you have a sense of adventure, are excited by our activities and are young at heart, we would love to have you onboard!

  • Is there much free time in each location?

    Compared to our 10 and 13 day itineraries, our South Korea Essentials tour has a lot more free time for you to explore on your own, or with your new friends on tour. While there is still a lot included in the tour, you’ll have a few days where you'll be able to choose how to spend your time exploring the areas we visit.

  • Where do we spend the first night on tour?

    At Step-Inn in Myeongdong 1, Seoul

  • What are travel times like during the trip?

    Our longest travel stint is 3.5hrs with 1 toilet break.

  • I am applying for my visa / K-ETA and I need a reference and address?

    Step Inn Myeongdong Address: 55 Myeongdong-gil, Myeong-dong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

  • Is there safe drinking water in South Korea?

    "South Korea generally has safe drinking water. The country has established water treatment and distribution systems that meet or exceed international standards for water quality. Tap water in South Korea is usually treated to make it safe for consumption, and it is regularly tested to ensure that it meets quality standards. However, water quality can vary from one region to another, and some areas might have water with a different taste or smell due to local water sources or the treatment processes used. In some cases, people may choose to use water filters or purchase bottled water for their personal preferences."

  • How big are your group sizes?

    Our groups are capped at 22 people maximum.

  • Do I have to have travel insurance to come on a tour?

    Travel insurance on all One Life Adventures trips is compulsory and we will check for it on tour, if you do not have travel insurance when you arrive on your tour you will not be able to continue without purchasing it.

  • What's the general age range on your tours?

    We have an age range of 18 – 45 years of age. Most of our guests are aged between 21-35 years old are looking to experience our adventurous “flashpacking” style of travel. Our tours are perfect for people of different backgrounds to share travel experiences with like-minded fellow travellers.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes, we do. We cannot guarantee single sex rooming arrangements in multi-share accommodation (e.g. shared dormitory hostels), but twin share rooms will always be single sex.

Reviews of this operator

Ineke  

This was my first time with One Life and it was amazing.

01-May-2024

This was my first time with One Life and it was amazing. There was a lot of variety from snorkelling on Gili T to exploring the forest and seeing the monkeys on Ubud. The authenticity of Ubud was beautiful! Overall you get to see what Bali has to offer on those 12 days and it was worth it!

Bali (Indonesia) 12-day tour
Daniel  

Truly a 'One Life' trip

01-Nov-2023

Truly a ‘One Life’ trip, which is essential for anyone looking to get to one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in Vietnam. The tour has so many awe inspiring activities, food spots, and views that leave you speechless!

Vietnam
Lucy  

This was a fantastic tour

15-May-2024

This was a fantastic tour where you really get to see the varied culture and places in Korea!! From city breaks to temple breaks to an island, it’s jam packed!

South Korea

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Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025
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Operator discount: -$149

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Operator discount: -$149

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Operator discount: -$149

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Operator discount: -$149

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Operator discount: -$149

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Operator discount: -$149

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Operator discount: -$149

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Operator discount: -$149

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Operator discount: -$149

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Operator discount: -$149

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Operator discount: -$149

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Operator discount: -$149

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Operator discount: -$149

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Operator discount: -$149

Friday - Sunday

Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025
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Operator discount: -$149

Friday - Sunday

Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025
$1494 $1345

Operator discount: -$149

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    One Life Adventures allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    One Life Adventures allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform one life adventures, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    One Life Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 200 AUD 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 one life adventures charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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