Delve Deep: South Korea 2025-26
Delve Deep: South Korea 2025-26
Delve Deep: South Korea 2025-26
Tour Overview
TRIP VIBE = iconic sights and in-depth adventures with a local Trip Leader. Where’s South Korea on your travel bucket list? Newsflash. It’s about to take the #1 spot. Big buddhas. Colourful cities. Quirky K-pop style. There’s PLENTY to experience here. We don’t just skim the surface. We delve in deep. Think: atmospheric history, zen meditations, historic temples, traditional stays and allllll the tastiest local food this country has to offer. You in?
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Seoul (South Korea)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to South Korea. Home to Korean fried chicken and Squid Game, this place has awesome written all over it. You’re gonna spend the next 8 days with your jaws on the ground. First on the agenda: meet your Trip Leader and say annyeonghaso? (that’s “hey, how’s it going?”) to the people who’re gonna make this adventure one to remember. Don’t hang around, we’ve got a welcome dinner to get to. Local eats all round.
Day 2: Seoul
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’ve never seen a city like Seoul. Beaut Buddhist temples. Sick skyscrapers. Crazy K-pop billboards. Ancient palaces. That’s just a handful of things you’ll find here. First up’s a walking tour of the big guns with our savvy Trip Leader who’s got allll the insider deets, including an appointment with Gyeongbok Palace. This place? STUNNING. Like it’s done a 12-step skincare routine cos it's still in its prime. Built in 1395, it’s the biggest of five grand palaces in Seoul. Witness all its glory and see the changing of the guards. Next up, we’re exploring Bukchon Hanok Village, the Insa-dong district and Cheonggyecheon stream. The vibes of these three? 100% unique. Tonight, grab your pals and ask your Trip Leader for the closest night market. Faces will be stuffed with awesome local eats.
Day 3: Seoul, Including The Dmz
Meals Included: Breakfast
No lie, the wake up call is early this morning. Fill your stomachs with food before we’re out the door with our Trip Leader. Our destination? The DMZ. It’s the no military zone between North and South Korea. Here, we’ll learn of the country’s devastating history, spot North Korea and explore tunnels North Korea dug to sneak into South Korea. Back in Seoul, the afternoon is yours to delve deeper. Head to one of many locations dedicated to the war. Spend time in one of the awesome parks. Let your feet decide where to wander to. Tonight, stuff your face with All. The. Food. on an optional street food tour of Gwangjang Market and Euljiro Nogari Alley. Loose pants are a must.
Day 4: Seoul – Buddhist Temple Stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Ever been on a bullet train? Now’s your chance. Get snacks. Get comfy. Get snoozin’. Our destination? Gyeongju, where we’ll hop onto our transfer to our temple stay for the night. This is REAL local livin’, Buddhist-style. First, we’ll delve into local etiquette and temple traditions during a tour. Then: limber up. We’re taking part in a meditative martial arts training sesh. It’s called Sunmudo and it’s bringing you inner peace. Tonight, we’ll come together for dinner. It’s veggie as Buddhists have a strict diet. So, be like a Buddhist. Gobble down those greens. And enjoy every single second of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Day 5: Buddhist Temple Stay – Gyeongju – Busan
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ready for more zen? There’s an early morning meditation to get to. Relaxed doesn’t cut it. Successfully floating on air, grab some brekkie before we head back to Gyeongju. First though, we’re hitting Seokguram Grotto. It’s part of the UNESCO fam and it’s got an epic buddha statue inside. In Gyeongju, our Trip Leader’s taking us to the hot spots. Think: Bulguksa Temple and Daereungwon Tomb. Heads will explode. Not only will our eyes be sparkling with incred sights, but we’ll get our fill of awesome local knowledge too. Back on the coach, we’re heading to Busan with one thing on our minds. Where’s the gimbap at?
Day 6: Busan
Meals Included: Breakfast
Brekkie down our necks, we’ve got a FULL day in Busan – it's a seaport, so you know you’re gonna have some sick sea views. Our Trip Leader’s doing what they do best: leading the way with a brain full of everything you need to know about this city. First up: Gamcheon Village. Colourful in every sense of the word. Bonus points if you snap a pic with ‘Harry Potter’ - you’ll know it when you see it. Grab a late lunch at Jagalchi Fish Market or Gukje International Market. You’ll probs find something at the latter, unless raw fish (not sushi) is your thing. You do you, no judgement. And tonight? You want in on the optional activity we’ve got lined up. A K-pop dance class. Learning how to dance like BTS in South Korea should be on everyone’s bucket list and you’re the lucky soul that gets to do it. You’re welcome.
Day 7: Busan – Jeonju
Meals Included: Breakfast
Next stop: Jeonju. This place is beautiful. Our Trip Leader’s showing off their skills on a walking tour where we hit spots like Hanok Village and take in sites like the Gyeonggijeon Shrine. Later, you’ve got heaps of free time to grab a delish dinner. Our rec? Bibimbap. It’s a rice bowl with veg, beef and a spicy gochujang sauce. And it’s 100% local to this area. Meaning? It’s the best you’re gonna get. Tonight, get ready for authentic South Korean hospitality as we head to a traditional Hanok where we’ll sleep on simple futon mattresses. Another real local experience, done.
Day 8: Jeonju – Seoul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rise and shine Topdeckers, we’re having a full circle moment and heading back to Seoul for our final night. You’ve got some free time to buy any last min souvenirs, see spots you didn’t catch a few days ago and fill your cup with more awesome mems. Tonight, we’ll have our final (*sob*) dinner together. It’s Korean BBQ. Delish. Eat everything in sight. Talk about your best bits. Have a farewell drink and say cheers to an awesome trip.
Day 9: Seoul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Just like that, it’s all over. How did that happen? Gear up for heaps of hugs and sad smiles. Then, board a flight to Tokyo to join our Delve Deep: Japan trip. You don’t wanna go home just yet, right?
What's Included
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Transport
Air-conditioned coach and high-speed trains
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Guide
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Curious? Open-minded? Same. Topdeckers are a mixed bunch, but that’s what makes us special. They come from all over the globe and are aged between 18 and 39. Like you, they’re looking to feel real. To experience more. To embrace the unknown. To grow and connect – without judgement.
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Is there an age limit on Topdeck trips?
Yes. Our trips are specifically designed for those aged 18-39 years of age.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
40 years
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.topdeck.travel/resources/booking-flexibility
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We operate Single Share across across all touring styles and will match you with someone of the same gender
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
E-Documentation will be sent
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, we work dilligenltly with our partners to acheive this
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes you can on European Tours
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Free Date Changes
Topdeck allows you to make 1000 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Topdeck allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform topdeck, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Topdeck requires a minimum deposit of 60 GBP 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 topdeck charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.