Essential South Korea and Jeju

On arrival in Seoul, South Korea's capital, make your own way to our starting accommodation. We can also book an arrival transfer for you. There's a pre-departure Welcome Meeting at 2 pm before we head out for a Taekwondo class with professional instruction.

After the class, we head to Myeongdong by public transport for an included welcome dinner. We then go up Namsan Mountain, where we can enjoy incredible views of Seoul illuminated at night. For an even better view, you may wish to head to the top of the N Seoul Tower, which is the second highest point in the city, or attach a padlock to the love locks lining the railings at the summit. We then return to Myeongdong, where the rest of the evening is free to explore the neighbourhood.

Please note: The pre-departure Welcome Meeting is at 2 pm. Please ensure that you arrive in Seoul in plenty of time so that you don't miss the tour. We can arrange pre-tour accommodation for you.

Please note: This tour uses dorm accommodation and is designed for younger travellers looking for a backpacker-style experience and to meet like-minded people. The average age on this tour is around 21 - 35, and we are unfortunately unable to take any travellers over the age of 55. We have lots of group tours across our destinations that are suitable for travellers of all ages, browse our website or get in touch to find the perfect trip!

We spend the morning exploring Seoul. We'll ride on the metro to the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was once the main residence of the Joseon Dynasty. Watch the Changing of the Guard here before we enter the palace grounds where you can rent traditional Korean clothes to wear.

The afternoon is free. Suggested activities are a visit to Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong Art Street followed by a walk along the Cheonggyecheon stream, restored as part of an urban renewal project, shopping in the Gangnam District, or you could rent bicycles for a cycle along the Han River. You may even consider taking part in our optional Perfume making class.

This evening, we take part in an included K-Pop dance class, learning a routine from the professionals. Afterwards, we head to the lively Hongdae district, known for its cafes, bars, street performers and live music. You can find dinner here and enjoy a night out.

Please note: The Perfume making class must be booked 3 weeks before departure.

Today we enjoy an excursion to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, a 2.5-mile-wide buffer zone between the two Koreas. Our bus journey takes around an hour north of Seoul, and along the way we learn more about the history of the Korean Peninsula.

We have the rare opportunity to hear from a North Korean defector (subject to availability) and gain a personal insight into life beyond the border. We then continue to the Dora Observatory, where, on a clear day, you can glimpse North Korean villages through the binoculars. Afterwards, descend into the Third Tunnel of Aggression, one of several passageways built by the North.

Returning to Seoul, the rest of the day is at leisure. You might explore another neighbourhood or track down more Korean food, and your guide can share plenty of recommendations.

Seoul - Geumsunsa Temple, Seoul. After a relaxed morning in Seoul, we travel by private transfer to Geumsunsa Temple, located on the slopes of Bukhansan Mountain.

On arrival, settle into the tranquil surroundings, change into temple clothing and enjoy a guided introduction to the temple's history and traditions, followed by a vegetarian temple dinner. Later, take part in the drum-and-bell rituals and evening chanting service. As night falls, join a singing-bowl meditation for a peaceful end to the day before an early night in traditional temple accommodation, sleeping on floor mats like the monks amid the calm of the mountains.

Geumsunsa Temple - Seoraksan National Park - Sokcho. Following an early start at the temple, we say farewell to our hosts and travel east to the coastal city of Sokcho, gateway to Seoraksan National Park.

Arriving late morning, choose from several ways to explore this spectacular landscape: set out on a hike to Ulsanbawi Rock for panoramic mountain views, follow the waterfall trail, or take the Seoraksan cable car to another scenic peak.

This afternoon, we head into Sokcho town and cross the water on a traditional Gaetbae boat to Abai Village, a small community founded by North Korean refugees after the Korean War. In the evening, we enjoy an included dinner at the local fish market, with fresh seafood or the town's famous sweet and spicy fried chicken among the local favourites to try. Your guide can point you towards the best spots. We end the night with an included traditional Korean liquor tasting.

Sokcho - Gyeongju. This morning, we depart Sokcho and travel south to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom. This afternoon, we head out for a guided cycling tour of the old town. Highlights include the royal tombs at Daereungwon Tumuli Park and Cheomseongdae, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia.

In the evening, we enjoy an included Hanjeongsik feast at a hanok (traditional wooden house) restaurant, with a long run of dishes such as kimchi, banchan, savoury pancakes, stews and seasonal specialities. Afterwards, the night is free, and you can enjoy a stroll to Anapji (Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond) for its illuminated views. Your guide may not join, but will give you clear directions.

Please note: If you're unable to cycle, the old town is small and easy to explore on foot. Around 90 minutes is enough to cover the main sights.

Gyeongju - Busan. After a slow morning in Gyeongju, we board the high-speed KTX bullet train to Busan.

On arrival, we enjoy an included visit to Gamcheon Village, known for its colourful houses and murals, with free time to wander and find lunch. We then head to Songdo Beach to ride the Songdo Marine Cable Car along the coastline, and visit BIFF Square - South Korea's answer to Hollywood's Walk of Fame! Here, you can try the city's famous sweet-filled hotteok, and for more views, you may wish to head up Busan Tower.

We then make our way to Haeundae. Spend your first night in Busan at leisure - perhaps head to the Haeundae beachfront to make the most of the city's thriving nightlife.

This morning we visit the Buddhist Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, which is nestled amongst the cliffs on the coast and dates back to the year 1376.

The rest of the day is free to explore further. You could visit Spa Land in Centum City, one of Busan's largest shopping complexes, where you can spend a few hours moving between the saunas, steam rooms and pools of a jjimjilbang bathhouse. Alternatively, explore the coastline, find a coffee with a sea view or enjoy some downtime in Haeundae.

In the evening, you may choose to join an optional sightseeing cruise to watch Gwangan Bridge light up across the bay. Afterwards, find dinner in Haeundae and, if you'd like a later night, end with a few songs at a local karaoke spot.

Busan - Jeju. Today is free to relax or further explore Busan as you please. You might spend the morning on Haeundae Beach, walking on the sand, swimming or joining a game of volleyball or frisbee, or take a picnic breakfast down to watch the sunrise. Optional activities available include a Busan cooking class, where you learn to prepare classic Korean dishes such as bibimbap. In the afternoon, you could ride the Haeundae Blueline Park coastal train, visit the observatory of the second-tallest building in Korea or wander through Huinnyeoul Culture Village.

Later, we transfer to the airport and fly to Jeju, the small volcanic island dominated by the towering volcano of Hallasan. Upon arrival transfer to our accommodation and spend the evening at leisure.

Please note: The Busan cooking class must be booked 3 weeks before departure.

This morning, we depart for a day trip starting with a trek along the Jeju Olle Trail, which winds through incredible scenery of volcanic cliffs and bright yellow fields of canola. See the towering column of Oedolgae Rock, which emerges dramatically from the waves. We then visit Jeongbang Waterfall, the only waterfall in Asia that flows directly into the ocean.

Afterwards, hike up Seongsan Ilchulbong, better known as Sunrise Peak. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this cylindrical hill was formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions over 5,000 years ago and is Jeju's most famous landmark.

After taking in the panoramic views, you can enjoy an optional lunch by the volcano or catch a Haenyeo performance at 2 pm (please note this performance is subject to availability/weather dependent). Recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Haenyeo tradition embodies resilience, sustainability, and Jeju's deep-rooted connection to the sea. These extraordinary women, some well into their 60s and 70s, dive without oxygen, showcasing remarkable endurance!

Returning to Seogwipo in the early afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to explore. You might choose to relax on Jungmun Beach, or visit the picturesque Cheonjiyeon Waterfall. For a scenic stroll, head to the Maritime Park and cross the Saeyeongyo Bridge, sample local treats at Maeil Olle Market, learn about local culture at the Haenyeo Museum or enjoy a sunset drink at The Cliff, where you can take in sweeping coastal views.

We spend our final full day in South Korea exploring Jeju further with a visit to the Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliffs, a striking formation of volcanic rock columns shaped by ancient lava flows. Afterwards, we enjoy a yacht sailing tour along the coast. The rest of the day is free - perhaps visit Jungmun Beach or Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, stroll around Saeyeongyo Bridge and Maritime Park, or find a spot for a sunset drink overlooking the coast.

To celebrate our final evening, we enjoy an included farewell dinner of Jeju Black Pork BBQ, one of the island's most famous dishes.

This morning, our South Korean adventure comes to an end. We can book an optional flight back to Seoul for you, in which case there is an included group transfer to the airport. If you make your own arrangements then the transfer is not included. If you'd like more time in South Korea, we can also arrange additional accommodation.