South Korea Explorer

We meet our guide at the hostel in Hongdae for a welcome briefing – a friendly introduction to getting around Seoul and the wider country before our first activities begin. We then join an introductory Taekwondo class in a central dojang, learning basic techniques from professional instructors. As evening falls, we ride the cable car up Namsan Mountain to the area around N Seoul Tower, taking in sweeping night panoramas from the terraces and pausing by the famous padlocks of love.You have free time back in Hongdae to wander the lively streets or rest at the hostel – a flexible evening to explore the neighbourhood or turn in early before tomorrow’s sightseeing.

We take the metro to Gyeongbokgung Palace to watch the colourful Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Afterwards, you can explore the palace grounds in traditional hanbok or join an English speaking tour led by the site guides.Later, you have free time in Hongdae to stroll the lively streets or rest at the hostel – a relaxed evening that lets you discover the neighbourhood or get an early night.

We leave Seoul by coach and head north towards the Demilitarised Zone, arriving at Imjingak for visits to Dorasan Station, the Dora Observatory and the Third Tunnel. From the viewpoints we look across into North Korea and learn about the peninsula’s history and security tensions from our local guide. We then return by bus to central Seoul – time to reflect on the visit and hear a few final thoughts en route.Back in the city, we take part in a K–pop dance class led by a professional instructor – a lively studio session that teaches us basic choreography to a popular track. The evening is yours in Hongdae: you can stroll the buzzing streets or rest at the hostel.

We depart Seoul and drive east towards Seoraksan National Park near Sokcho, crossing mountains and rural landscapes as we go.We spend time exploring Seoraksan National Park on chosen trails, and you may opt to take the cable car – forested valleys, rocky peaks and waterfalls showcase some of Korea’s most impressive mountain scenery.We continue from Seoraksan down to Sokcho on the east coast – a short transfer that brings us from the mountains to this small port city for the evening.We ride the traditional Gatbae boat across the water to Abai Village – a simple hand pulled ferry linking the main town with a settlement founded by refugees from North Korea. We explore Abai Village and continue on foot towards the lighthouse observatory, where you can enjoy views of Seoraksan, the East Sea and the Sokcho shoreline.In the evening we join a traditional Korean liquor tasting at the hostel in Sokcho, sampling local spirits with the group – a relaxed introduction to Korean drinking culture for guests over the minimum legal age.

We depart Sokcho on the east coast and follow the shoreline south – a scenic drive with wide open views of the East Sea – towards the beach made famous by the BTS bus stop. We pause at this much loved landmark for photos and the seaside setting before continuing inland. Leaving the coast behind, we head for the Gyeongju region and arrive at Golgulsa Temple for an overnight temple stay. We check in and spend the afternoon and evening following the monastery schedule with etiquette instruction, meditation, communal work and Sunmudo training, rounded off with a simple Buddhist dinner.

We join the monks at Golgulsa Temple for early morning chanting and meditation before breakfast. We then transfer into Gyeongju to check into our hostel – a short journey from the rural temple grounds to the former Silla capital. We explore Gyeongju by bicycle, visiting the Cheonmachong Ancient Tombs in Tumuli Park and the stone Cheomseongdae observatory. The ride is easy on mostly flat roads and highlights the city’s rich archaeological heritage.You have free time in Gyeongju to keep cycling, wander the old town or relax at local cafés – a flexible window to discover more of this historic city at your own pace.

We leave our hostel in Gyeongju and transfer to Singyeongju Station – a short drive that sets us up for the high speed run south. We board the KTX to Busan, a swift journey that carries us from the Gyeongju region to the country’s second largest city on the south coast. On arrival we continue to Gamcheon Culture Village – a brief ride into the hillside district known for its colourful houses and street art. We explore on foot, winding through steep alleys lined with bright façades, murals and small cafés – great for photographs and a feel for this transformed community. We then head to Songdo Beach to ride the Songdo Marine Cable Car over the bay for sweeping views of the shoreline and city skyline. Back on the ground, we stroll through BIFF Square in the Nampo district, where street food stalls and cinemas create a buzzing, film focused atmosphere. This evening we transfer to our hostel in the Haeundae area – returning to accommodation near the famous beach.

We take a bus from Haeundae along the coastal road to Haedong Yonggungsa, one of the country’s few seaside temple complexes. Set on a rocky shoreline, the temple blends sweeping sea views with statues and shrines – a striking setting and among the most picturesque. After our visit, you have free time in Busan: you could unwind in a jjimjilbang spa, join a harbour boat trip, or explore Haeundae and Gwangan Bridge by night – the flexible schedule lets you decide how to enjoy the city’s coastal highlights.

You have free time in Busan with the option to relax in a jjimjilbang, join a harbour boat trip or explore Haeundae and Gwangan Bridge by night – the flexible schedule lets you decide how to enjoy the city’s coastal highlights. We then transfer from the hostel in Haeundae to Busan Airport for the domestic flight to Jeju. We take a short flight across the Korea Strait to Jeju Island, then continue from the airport to your hotel in Jeju City so you can settle in before exploring. You have free time in Jeju City to visit markets, sample local food or delve into the nightlife – this evening is unscheduled so you can discover the city at your own pace.

We visit Jeongbang Waterfall, one of the rare cascades that plunge straight into the ocean – a dramatic coastal highlight of our time on Jeju. We follow a picturesque stretch of the Jeju Olle Trail, taking in sweeping sea views, rural landscapes and the island’s distinctive stone walls. We hike up Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, where the crater rim of this UNESCO listed tuff cone offers far reaching panoramas of the sea and surrounding countryside. You have free time to relax on beaches such as Jungmun or explore further – perhaps Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and Saeyeongyo Bridge – shaping the rest of your day around your own interests.

We join an included yacht cruise off the coast of Jeju, gliding past sheltered bays and rugged headlands for sweeping sea views – a relaxed finale to our island sightseeing. In the afternoon, you have free time – perhaps to unwind on the beach or continue exploring the town – a gentle pause before the evening farewell meal. We then come together for a farewell barbecue dinner on Jeju, where good food and a seaside setting make for a sociable final evening together.

We conclude our tour at the hotel on Jeju this morning. From here, you can arrange onward plans or book extra nights to extend your stay.