South Korea Highlights 9 Days
- Spend a fascinating day exploring the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) on a guided tour. Discover why this intriguing place has been awash with tension and political pressure since the Korean War.
- Take a street food tour of the renowned Gwangjang markets in Seoul, feasting on bite-sized delights, and indulge in an authentic all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ experience for your final night.
- Explore the seaside Sokcho and discover the island village of Abai, home to hundreds of North Korean refugees, and learn about their experience in a sobering talk with the community before enjoying a delicious home-cooked dinner.
- Spend a night in a traditional Hanok house in the Andong Hahoe folk village, walking past the traditional homes to imagine the country in its past life.
- Visit coastal Haedong Temple, explore the colourful Gamcheong Culture Village, then meet a Haeyno diver in Busan for an insider’s view of this predominantly female profession.
Options
South Korea Highlights
What's included in South Korea Highlights 9 Days
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Day 1 | Seoul
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.
Food and Drinks
Accommodation
Day 2 | Seoul
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.
Accommodation
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.
Inclusions
- Seoul - Gwangjang market
- Seoul - Naksan night view over the city
- Seoul - Gyeongbukgung Palace
- Seoul - Demilitarized Zone (DMZ/South Korea)
- Seoul - Bukchon Hanok Village
- Sokcho - Local market visit
- Sokcho – Community cooking & dinner in village of Abai
- Sokcho - Island village of Abai
- Sokcho - North Korea refugee family visit
- Sokcho - Seoraksan Mountain Hike
- Andong - Andong folk village
- Andong – Village Traditional Dance Performance (except for Monday)
- Busan - Haedong Temple
- Busan - Gamcheon Art Village
- Busan - Haenyeo (female diver) visit
- Busan – Local ‘Smart Farm’ visit
- Busan - Coastal walk
Meet
Meeting / End Points
- Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall Hotel, 22 Sejong-daero 16-gil, Bukchang-dong, Jung-gu, Korea, Republic Of
