South Korea Highlights
Tour Description
Day 1: Seoul
A destination of natural wonder, culinary delights and cityscapes, South Korea is a rewarding trip for any traveller. On this nine-day exploration, you’ll discover Korea’s Demilitarised Zone, tuck into a feast at an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant, hike through the amazing scenery of Seoraksan Mountain, wander through the colourful Gamcheong Culture Village, spend a night in a traditional Hanok house and discover the charisma of Busan, from seaside Haedong Temple to the stories of Haeyno divers.
Itinerary
Day 1: Seoul
Annyeong! Welcome to South Korea. Your adventure begins in Seoul – the capital city of high-tech gadgetry, soaring skyscrapers and delicious eats. If you arrive early, explore this metropolis at your own pace and discover how ancient traditions come together with the modern in one of Asia’s great cities. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon. After, your leader will take you to visit the renowned Gwangjang Market for a street food dinner tour. Here, you’ll find some of Korea’s streeside favourites like mayak gimbap (rice rolls), mandu (North Korean dumplings), bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and kimchi. Later, follow your leader to the top of Naksan to see Seoul’s skyline at night.
Day 2: Seoul
Embrace an early morning for a tour of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). From the South Korean side of the Zone, you’ll learn how this peninsula has been divided since the devastating Korean War. You’ll visit the Third Tunnel of Aggression, the Unification Bridge, Imjingak Park and the Dora Observatory. In the afternoon, explore Gyeongbukgung Palace – the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty – and the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village. Your tour will finish in the late afternoon in Bukchon, where you might like to stay as there’s plenty to explore. Or, maybe visit Namsan Mountain or Yongsan’s War Museum.
Day 3: Sokcho
In the morning, take a local express bus to the east coast city of Sokcho. When you arrive, head to the Sokcho Central Market for an insight into how the locals go about their daily lives and maybe try a few local snacks. After, you’ll have some free time before heading to Abai – a small island village in Sokcho that, for generations, has been a haven for refugees fleeing the war from North Korea. Getting here is half the fun – you’ll have to work together to pull a rope on a small barge to get to the other side. Visit a North Korean refugee’s family and listen to their story of how history reshaped their life. Then, take part in a cooking demonstration and learn how to make giant Korean dumplings. Have dinner together, maybe trying things like home-cooked japchae (stir fried glass noodles), kimbap (Korea’s version of sushi rolls) and rice beer. The payment the family receives for this dinner will be contributed to the Abai Village Preservation Society.
Day 4: Sokcho
Head to Seoraksan – Korea’s most well-known mountain and the third highest in the peninsula – and go for a hike to see the views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The afternoon and evening is yours to explore Sokcho. Maybe visit Yeoung Geum Jung Pagoda, which is on the coast overlooking the sea. Or hire a bike and ride around the scenic Yeongrang Lake. Maybe try Korean hotpot for dinner or visit Sokcho Expo Tower. Otherwise, you could take a walk along Sokcho Harbor or opt for a relaxing soak at the Cheoksan Hot Springs.
Day 5: Andong
Hit the road this morning for Andong Hahoe Folk Village. This settlement is easy to walk around, so you’ll join your leader on a stroll through the traditional houses (including the one that hosted Queen Elizabeth II in 1999). Visit the remnants of a traditional school to see how students studied in the past, then walk to Buyongdae Hill for a bird’s eye view of the village, dotted with traditional Hanok houses. Being a traditional Korean outpost, there may also be masked dancers performing in town. To learn more about this ritual, why not visit the nearby mask museum. Later, head to your accommodation for the night – staying in an authentic Hanok (traditional Korean house) is a unique experience and the perfect opportunity to gain more insight into local life.
Day 6: Busan
After saying goodbye to your host family, make your way to Busan – South Korea’s second-largest city is home to mountains, beaches, hot springs and deliciously fresh seafood. When you arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to talk to a Haenyeo diver. Haenyeo (sea women) dive into the sea to collect clams, sea urchins and oysters and are famous for being able to hold their breath for a very long time. A dwindling industry, this has been a main source of income for the divers (predominantly female) to support their families through changing times. Visit the local Haenyeo community centre and meet with an ex-diver to hear about her experience, the changes Busan has gone through and her life now. Then visit Haedong Temple – the famous Buddhist temple by the sea. Explore this rare gem, backdropped by the ocean, before going to Gamcheong Culture Village for an overview of the city. There are a few different spots to watch the sunset, so maybe grab a few of your group members and head to one of the many scenic viewpoints.
Day 7: Busan
This morning, head to the seaside town of Ikidae and take a coastal walk (and optional plogging). Then, visit to a local ‘Smart Farm’ – this incubation site is where startups are growing crops in recycled shipping containers, as well as turning them into shops and cafes. The rest of the day is yours. Tonight, maybe take an optional night cruise and see Busan from the water as the sun goes down. You can also visit Haeundae Night Market or see the buskers on the boardwalk.
Day 8: Seoul
This morning, jump on the KTX Bullet Train and head back to Seoul. When you arrive, the rest of afternoon is yours to explore. Perhaps venture out and explore the National Museum, Leeum Art Museum or check out the huge range of shopping in Seoul’s Dongdaemun. This evening, join your travel pals for the final group dinner at an all-you-can-eat barbecue feast – you can’t leave Korea without experiencing this iconic dish!
Day 9: Seoul
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. With no activities planned, you’re free to leave at any time. If you’d like to spend more time in Seoul, just speak to your booking agent.
Departure Dates
| Start Date | End Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 9, 2025 | Oct 17, 2025 | $5,593.50 | |
| Oct 11, 2025 | Oct 19, 2025 | $5,386.50 | |
| Oct 14, 2025 | Oct 22, 2025 | $6,215.00 | |
| Oct 18, 2025 | Oct 26, 2025 | $5,310.00 | |
| Oct 21, 2025 | Oct 29, 2025 | $6,170.00 | |
| Oct 23, 2025 | Oct 31, 2025 | $6,155.00 | |
| Oct 25, 2025 | Nov 2, 2025 | $6,155.00 | |
| Nov 1, 2025 | Nov 9, 2025 | $6,130.00 | |
| Nov 15, 2025 | Nov 23, 2025 | $4,864.50 | |
| Nov 22, 2025 | Nov 30, 2025 | $4,250.00 | |
| Jan 3, 2026 | Jan 11, 2026 | $5,290.00 | |
| Mar 14, 2026 | Mar 22, 2026 | $5,070.00 | |
| Mar 21, 2026 | Mar 29, 2026 | $5,220.00 | |
| Mar 28, 2026 | Apr 5, 2026 | $5,430.00 | |
| Mar 31, 2026 | Apr 8, 2026 | $5,495.00 | |
| Apr 2, 2026 | Apr 10, 2026 | $5,470.00 | |
| Apr 4, 2026 | Apr 12, 2026 | $5,470.00 | |
| Apr 7, 2026 | Apr 15, 2026 | $5,470.00 | |
| Apr 11, 2026 | Apr 19, 2026 | $5,470.00 | |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Apr 22, 2026 | $5,590.00 | |
| Apr 18, 2026 | Apr 26, 2026 | $5,630.00 | |
| Apr 25, 2026 | May 3, 2026 | $5,630.00 | |
| May 2, 2026 | May 10, 2026 | $5,375.00 | |
| May 9, 2026 | May 17, 2026 | $5,375.00 | |
| May 12, 2026 | May 20, 2026 | $5,375.00 | |
| May 16, 2026 | May 24, 2026 | $5,400.00 | |
| May 23, 2026 | May 31, 2026 | $5,245.00 | |
| May 30, 2026 | Jun 7, 2026 | $5,220.00 | |
| Jun 6, 2026 | Jun 14, 2026 | $4,565.00 | |
| Jun 13, 2026 | Jun 21, 2026 | $4,565.00 | |
| Jun 20, 2026 | Jun 28, 2026 | $4,565.00 | |
| Jun 23, 2026 | Jul 1, 2026 | $4,565.00 | |
| Jun 27, 2026 | Jul 5, 2026 | $4,565.00 | |
| Jul 4, 2026 | Jul 12, 2026 | $4,565.00 | |
| Jul 11, 2026 | Jul 19, 2026 | $4,565.00 | |
| Jul 25, 2026 | Aug 2, 2026 | $4,565.00 | |
| Aug 1, 2026 | Aug 9, 2026 | $4,780.00 | |
| Aug 15, 2026 | Aug 23, 2026 | $4,780.00 | |
| Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 9, 2026 | $5,375.00 | |
| Sep 3, 2026 | Sep 11, 2026 | $5,375.00 | |
| Sep 5, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 | $5,475.00 | |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Sep 16, 2026 | $5,475.00 | |
| Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | $5,475.00 | |
| Sep 15, 2026 | Sep 23, 2026 | $5,475.00 | |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Oct 4, 2026 | $5,475.00 | |
| Sep 29, 2026 | Oct 7, 2026 | $5,475.00 | |
| Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 11, 2026 | $5,735.00 | |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | $5,735.00 | |
| Oct 13, 2026 | Oct 21, 2026 | $5,735.00 | |
| Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 25, 2026 | $5,735.00 | |
| Oct 20, 2026 | Oct 28, 2026 | $5,735.00 | |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | $5,735.00 | |
| Oct 27, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 | $5,630.00 | |
| Oct 31, 2026 | Nov 8, 2026 | $5,630.00 | |
| Nov 3, 2026 | Nov 11, 2026 | $5,220.00 | |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | $5,220.00 | |
| Nov 14, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | $5,070.00 | |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | $5,070.00 | |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | $5,070.00 | |
| Dec 12, 2026 | Dec 20, 2026 | $5,070.00 | |
| Jan 2, 2027 | Jan 10, 2027 | $6,830.00 | |
| Feb 2, 2027 | Feb 10, 2027 | $5,325.00 | |
| Feb 20, 2027 | Feb 28, 2027 | $5,325.00 | |
| Mar 6, 2027 | Mar 14, 2027 | $5,480.00 | |
| Mar 13, 2027 | Mar 21, 2027 | $5,480.00 | |
| Mar 20, 2027 | Mar 28, 2027 | $5,645.00 | |
| Mar 23, 2027 | Mar 31, 2027 | $5,645.00 | |
| Mar 27, 2027 | Apr 4, 2027 | $5,750.00 | |
| Mar 30, 2027 | Apr 7, 2027 | $5,750.00 | |
| Apr 1, 2027 | Apr 9, 2027 | $6,020.00 | |
| Apr 3, 2027 | Apr 11, 2027 | $5,910.00 | |
| Apr 6, 2027 | Apr 14, 2027 | $5,910.00 | |
| Apr 10, 2027 | Apr 18, 2027 | $5,910.00 | |
| Apr 13, 2027 | Apr 21, 2027 | $5,910.00 | |
| Apr 17, 2027 | Apr 25, 2027 | $6,020.00 | |
| Apr 20, 2027 | Apr 28, 2027 | $6,020.00 | |
| Apr 24, 2027 | May 2, 2027 | $6,020.00 | |
| May 1, 2027 | May 9, 2027 | $5,750.00 | |
| May 8, 2027 | May 16, 2027 | $5,750.00 | |
| May 11, 2027 | May 19, 2027 | $5,645.00 | |
| May 15, 2027 | May 23, 2027 | $5,645.00 | |
| May 22, 2027 | May 30, 2027 | $5,480.00 | |
| May 29, 2027 | Jun 6, 2027 | $5,480.00 | |
| Jun 1, 2027 | Jun 9, 2027 | $5,480.00 | |
| Jun 5, 2027 | Jun 13, 2027 | $5,480.00 | |
| Jun 12, 2027 | Jun 20, 2027 | $5,325.00 | |
| Jun 19, 2027 | Jun 27, 2027 | $5,325.00 | |
| Jun 22, 2027 | Jun 30, 2027 | $5,325.00 | |
| Jun 26, 2027 | Jul 4, 2027 | $5,325.00 | |
| Jul 3, 2027 | Jul 11, 2027 | $5,325.00 | |
| Jul 10, 2027 | Jul 18, 2027 | $5,325.00 | |
| Jul 17, 2027 | Jul 25, 2027 | $5,325.00 | |
| Jul 24, 2027 | Aug 1, 2027 | $5,325.00 | |
| Jul 31, 2027 | Aug 8, 2027 | $5,325.00 | |
| Aug 14, 2027 | Aug 22, 2027 | $5,575.00 | |
| Aug 28, 2027 | Sep 5, 2027 | $5,575.00 | |
| Aug 31, 2027 | Sep 8, 2027 | $5,575.00 | |
| Sep 2, 2027 | Sep 10, 2027 | $5,480.00 | |
| Sep 4, 2027 | Sep 12, 2027 | $5,480.00 | |
| Sep 7, 2027 | Sep 15, 2027 | $5,645.00 | |
| Sep 9, 2027 | Sep 17, 2027 | $5,645.00 | |
| Sep 11, 2027 | Sep 19, 2027 | $5,645.00 | |
| Sep 14, 2027 | Sep 22, 2027 | $5,750.00 | |
| Sep 25, 2027 | Oct 3, 2027 | $5,750.00 | |
| Sep 28, 2027 | Oct 6, 2027 | $5,750.00 | |
| Oct 2, 2027 | Oct 10, 2027 | $6,020.00 | |
| Oct 7, 2027 | Oct 15, 2027 | $6,020.00 | |
| Oct 9, 2027 | Oct 17, 2027 | $6,020.00 | |
| Oct 12, 2027 | Oct 20, 2027 | $6,020.00 | |
| Oct 14, 2027 | Oct 22, 2027 | $5,910.00 | |
| Oct 16, 2027 | Oct 24, 2027 | $5,910.00 | |
| Oct 19, 2027 | Oct 27, 2027 | $5,910.00 | |
| Oct 23, 2027 | Oct 31, 2027 | $5,910.00 | |
| Oct 26, 2027 | Nov 3, 2027 | $5,745.00 | |
| Oct 30, 2027 | Nov 7, 2027 | $5,745.00 | |
| Nov 2, 2027 | Nov 10, 2027 | $5,480.00 | |
| Nov 6, 2027 | Nov 14, 2027 | $5,480.00 | |
| Nov 13, 2027 | Nov 21, 2027 | $5,480.00 | |
| Nov 16, 2027 | Nov 24, 2027 | $5,325.00 | |
| Nov 20, 2027 | Nov 28, 2027 | $5,325.00 | |
| Nov 27, 2027 | Dec 5, 2027 | $5,325.00 | |
| Dec 4, 2027 | Dec 12, 2027 | $5,325.00 | |
| Dec 11, 2027 | Dec 19, 2027 | $5,325.00 |