South Korea Family Adventure

Once you have arrived in Seoul, you meet the Tour Leader and the other families on the tour at a welcome briefing, before the group heads out for its first evening together in the Korean capital.

This evening, we ride up Namsan Mountain by cable car for wide views across Seoul, then continue to the N Seoul Tower Observatory, which shows just how far the city stretches. It is a great spot for children and adults to pick out well-known landmarks below as the sun goes down and the lights come on.

Afterwards, you are free for the rest of the evening. You might head to Myeongdong for dinner and street food, browse its shops or simply enjoy the feel of the city.

Today brings together several of South Korea’s best-known experiences, starting at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul’s most celebrated royal residence. We watch the bright pageantry of the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, then explore the palace’s courtyards and the halls of the royal court. For a memorable family photo, you can choose to hire a hanbok, Korea’s national dress, and wear it around the grounds.

Next, we stop for an included lunch in Bukchon Hanok Village and wander its narrow lanes of historic Korean homes. You then have free time in Insadong, a top Seoul neighbourhood known for its tea houses, craft shops and one-off souvenirs.

This afternoon, trained instructors lead us through a Taekwondo class, teaching the fundamentals of the national martial art of Korea in a relaxed setting suited to the whole family. No experience is needed, only a readiness to try.

We end the day at the internationally known Nanta Show, a lively mix of comedy, music and drumming on ordinary kitchen utensils that keeps all ages entertained throughout.

You have a full free day to spend in Seoul however suits your family, whether that means fun for the children, the main sights or a slower day. The Tour Leader is around to offer suggestions.

Nami Island is known for its avenues of trees, lake views and cycling routes suited to families, while Lotte World, among the world’s biggest indoor theme parks, has rides, attractions and shows for every age. You could also stay closer to the city, trying a different neighbourhood, visiting a museum or hunting down favourite Korean snacks.

After two packed days, it is a welcome chance to shape your own time in South Korea.

Seoul - Jeonju. We say goodbye to Seoul today and ride the KTX, South Korea’s high-speed bullet train, south to Jeonju, seen by many as the heart of Korean culture.

On arrival, we make our way to Jeonju Hanok Village, home to hundreds of well-kept historic Korean homes. You have the afternoon to wander its streets, look around the village shops and stop at cafes and food stalls squeezed in among the hanoks.

Later, we try the Chocopie Making Experience. Jeonju has its own take on this much-loved Korean treat, and we each make our own before tasting the results.

Tonight’s accommodation is a hanok, where we sleep the Korean way, far removed from Seoul’s city lights. Once checked in, you are free for the evening to stroll the streets lit by lanterns, find more Korean snacks or enjoy the feel of the biggest hanok village in Korea.

Jeonju - Busan. Today, we leave Jeonju and travel to Busan, swapping hanok lanes for the seaside sights of the coastal city South Koreans love most.

We start at Gamcheon Culture Village, where brightly painted houses, street art and offbeat sculptures fill a warren of twisting alleys. Families can explore together, with photo spots and secret corners around every turn.

Next, Songdo Beach is the starting point for the Songdo Marine Cable Car, which carries us over the coast with wide sea views below - a thrilling way for all ages to see Busan’s shoreline. In the afternoon, we explore BIFF Square, among the city’s well-known entertainment districts. There is time to look around the shops, spot celebrity handprints and snack on street food while taking in the city’s energy.

Once checked in, your family has the evening free. You might walk along Haeundae Beach, browse the night market or eat by the waterfront.

This morning, we visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, among the country’s most striking temples. Set on the coast, it is a rare example of a Korean temple framed by waves and open sea instead of mountains, and with its clifftop paths, ocean views and brightly painted buildings, it is no surprise it ranks among Busan’s best-known landmarks.

The remainder of the day is free. Gwangalli Beach is ideal for building sandcastles, paddling in the sea or simply enjoying the easy coastal feel, while Millak Golmok Market is a good place to try snacks and get a taste of Busan’s food culture. If you would like more downtime, you can also choose to visit a jjimjilbang, a Korean bathhouse with saunas and rest areas - a distinctly Korean pastime.

The evening is also free, and the Tour Leader can suggest restaurants, things to do after dark and local favourites.

Busan - Jeju Island. You have one last morning in Busan, perhaps for some time on the beach or a final wander through the city. We then transfer to the airport for our flight to Jeju Island, South Korea’s volcanic island and the last stop of the tour.

From the airport, we make it directly to the coast for a yacht sailing tour, sitting back and taking in the views - an ideal introduction to island life on Jeju. Back on shore, we visit Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, among Jeju’s best-known natural sights, reached by a brief walk through dense greenery that suits the whole family.

Later, we check in to our accommodation. You have the evening free to eat on the coast, wander Seogwipo or ease into the island’s slower pace.

Jeju still has more to show on the last full day of the tour. We start with an easy-going walk on a section of the Jeju Olle Trail No.7, a coastal path admired for its scenery. Along the way, we pass Oedolgae Rock and take in far-reaching ocean views that show why Jeju is seen as the country’s natural playground.

Later, we continue to Seongsan Ilchulbong, a crater formed in a volcanic eruption millennia ago and now listed by UNESCO. It is among South Korea’s most recognisable natural landmarks, with views over the whole of Jeju Island.

The remainder of the afternoon is free, perhaps for time on a beach or a browse around a market, before we come together for a farewell Korean BBQ dinner. Meat is cooked at the table and served with banchan, Korean side dishes that just keep coming, along with plenty of regional flavours. It is a fitting finale to the tour and a chance to share favourite moments over a Korean classic.

Jeju Island - Seoul. This morning, you head to Jeju Airport for the flight to Seoul, where the tour ends once you land at Gimpo Airport.

If you would like to stay on, post-tour accommodation can be added in Seoul or Jeju.