12-Day South Korea Tour: Seoul, DMZ, Sokcho, Gyeongju, Busan, and Jeju

Get ready to start your South Korea adventure tour by meeting your guide and group at the hostel in the afternoon! Listen to a pre-departure briefing to learn everything you need to know about your trip, including some basic Korean phrases to help you along the way.

After this, it’s time for your first unmissable activity – a Taekwondo training session! Test your skills and see if you’ve got what it takes to be the best in class.

After working up an appetite, we’ll head back into Myeongdong for a special welcome dinner with your group. Enjoy a delicious first meal together, getting to know your fellow travellers and toasting to the start of an incredible adventure!

Next, you’ll make your way to the top of Namsan Mountain by cable car, where you can admire spectacular views of Seoul lit up at night. Recognised as the most popular location in Seoul for couples, wander through the ‘padlocks of love’ locked at the base of Seoul N Tower, representing visitors’ endless love! If you want an even better view of the city, you can head to the top of the Tower.

Later, take the cable car down and enjoy a walk back to your accommodation in the district of Myeongdong. Spend some time strolling around and exploring the area or grab an early night to prepare for your first full day tomorrow!

Today, you will visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Climb aboard a bus, taking you an hour north of Seoul to Imjingak, where you’ll have the chance to grab some breakfast. Continue your journey to Dorasan Station, the northernmost train stop in South Korea that was once intended to connect the country with North Korea. While there, you can buy a commemorative train ticket!

Pay a visit to Dora Observatory where you can see the nearest North Korean villages through binoculars. If you’re lucky, you might even see some people in the streets. Next, descent into the 3rd Tunnel created by North Koreans, taking you as close as 170m to North Korea!

After, you will begin your journey back to Seoul and make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to talk to a North Korean defector on the bus. Back in Seoul, try out a K-Pop Dance Class and then enjoy a night out in Hongdae, best known for its endless restaurant and bar options.

Today, you’ll wake up nice and early for a day exploring the ancient side of Seoul. Hop on the metro to Gyeongbokgung Palace where you’ll have the chance to watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, before entering the palace itself. You can even do so in a hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) to get that additional historical experience! After, make your way to Bukchon Hanok Village, passing by the Blue House (South Korea’s White House) on the way. This was the official residence of South Korean Presidents until being recently opened to the public.

You’ll then be given time to explore Korea’s capital at your leisure. While your guides will have plenty of suggestions, you may wish to keep exploring the delights of Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong Art Street before escaping the hustle and bustle of the city with a walk down the Cheonggyecheon stream, an area of tranquility and relaxation restored during an urban renewal project.

In the evening, you will have some free time to explore Seoul further. Walk around Insadong Hanok Street, immerse yourself in local life with a group dinner at a pojangmacha – or head back to Myeongdong for a night out on a pub crawl!

Check out of your accommodation and depart to Sokcho, in the north-eastern part of the country. Arriving at Seoraksan National Park in the late morning, embark on a rewarding hike to Ulsanbawi Rock, where you’ll be greeted with spectacular panoramic views. For those looking for a less challenging option, follow the well-signed waterfall trail and take a cable car to another scenic peak. After your hike, refuel with lunch at the entrance of the park before boarding the bus to Sokcho town, where you’ll hop on a gatbae to cross the river to Abai, a small village originally formed by North Korean refugees.

In the evening, follow your Adventure Leader on a food market tour, exploring Sokcho’s best culinary hotspots before heading into the local fish markets for dinner. Whether you choose fresh seafood straight from the market or opt for one of the town’s best-loved restaurants, such as Manseok, famous for its sticky sweet and sour boneless fried chicken, this is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Sokcho’s incredible food scene.

Later, round off the evening with a traditional liquor tasting, hosted by your Adventure Leader, to experience the flavours of Korea in a truly local way.

After a night of relaxation and rejuvenation, check out of your accommodation and walk to Seoul station. Grab some breakfast before taking the train to Singyeongju Station near the city of Gyeongju.

After checking into your hostel, enjoy lunch at Seongdong Traditional Market or one of the many surrounding restaurants.

Get ready for an afternoon exploring Gyeongju by bike! First up, explore Cheonmachong Ancient Tombs, part of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex in Tumuli Park. Then, make your way to Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia.

Want to experience authentic Korean food? Have dinner at Dosol Maeul, a local restaurant serving traditional Korean set meals in an equally authentic environment! Later, why not take a stroll around to Anapji Pond for some amazing night time views of the palace? Be sure to pack your cameras because the lights are stunning.

Start the day early with a visit to Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Cultural Asset, or take the opportunity to have a lie-in. Grab a bite to eat for lunch in the city before transferring to Golgulsa Temple, where you’ll experience an overnight temple stay.

Upon arrival, check into the temple and start the day’s activities with a meditation class. Afterwards, try out the traditional arts Sunmudo before lending a hand to the temple’s communal work.

Enjoy a simple Buddhist dinner of vegetables, rice and fruit with the other temple visitors. Take part in the evening chanting service and meditation before learning the basics of Sunmudo yourself!

Wake up with the sunrise and take part in the morning chanting service and meditation, followed by starting the day right with a traditional breakfast. After a relaxing morning, take part in your final Sunmudo training lesson to master your skills.

After a relaxing morning, take part in your final Sunmudo training lesson to master your skills. Have a delicious lunch before taking the bus back to the city. Then, make your way to Gyeongju bus station where you’ll start your journey to Busan. Arrive in the late afternoon and head straight to your accommodation, after which you will visit the unmissable Gamcheon Village.

Check in and make yourself comfortable before heading out for dinner. Grab some amazing food at tables along the beachfront. Make your way to Jagalchi Market, the biggest seafood market in South Korea. Wander through the bright and colourful stalls showcasing a huge variety of the day’s fresh catch. Pick the best of the bunch for a tasty lunch before heading to Nampo-dong, the city’s famous movie district and home to the annual Busan International Film Festival.

Head out for a day exploring Busan. First up, visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a Buddhist temple nestled in the coastline’s cliffs.

Feeling in need of some more rejuvenation? Head to Spa Land in Centum City, located in Busan’s largest shopping complex! Make the most of South Korea’s high-quality jjimjilbang while you’re here and treat yourself to saunas, cold rooms, jacuzzis and more.

Take the metro to Gwangan Beach and enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers. Try the Korean delicacy, jokbal, or hit up Slice of Life for the best New York-style pizza around. Once the sun sets, be sure to admire the light show on Gwangan Bridge.

Enjoy a free morning to explore Busan.

Venture out on your own or take part in some of our suggested activities. For example, you can join a cooking class and learn to make the Korean dishes you’ve tried throughout your trip. Alternatively, take a day trip to the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, or embark on the Igidae Coastal Walk and Oryukdo Skywalk.

Later, you will collect your belongings from the hostel and make your way to the port where you’ll catch an overnight ferry to Jeju Island. Catch a great view of the city from the top deck as you pull out of the port. Chill out with your fellow travellers in the lounge areas or head to bed ready for an early start in the morning.

Wake up on the beautiful island of Jeju and start your day with a trek along the Jeju Olle Trail, soaking in iconic coastal views and serene natural surroundings. Next, visit Jeongbang Waterfall, the only waterfall in Asia that flows directly into the ocean – a breath-taking sight to complete your morning.

Then, hike to Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO World Heritage Site formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions over 5,000 years ago. After taking in the panoramic views, you can enjoy an optional lunch by the volcano or catch a Haenyeo performance at 13:30 (please note this performance is subject to availability/weather dependent). Recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Haenyeo tradition reflects resilience, sustainability, and the deep bond between Jeju’s people and the sea. These incredible women, some in their 60s and 70s, dive without oxygen, embodying perseverance and the spirit of Jeju.

Returning to the hotel in the early afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to explore. You could:

• Head to Jungmun Beach to catch some rays
• Visit the beautiful Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
• Explore the Maritime Park and Saeyeongyo Bridge For a wonderful end to the day, opt to visit The Cliff for a drink with a truly special view of the sunset.

Make the most of your second morning in the mesmerising Jeju by visiting the Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliffs, a striking volcanic rock formation shaped by nature over thousands of years. After taking in the dramatic coastal scenery, reboard the bus and head to the yacht sailing tour, where you’ll set sail on the open sea, relax in the fresh ocean air and enjoy the company of your fellow Dragons.

The afternoon is then yours to explore at your own pace – whether you choose to unwind, visit more of Jeju’s natural wonders, or ask our Adventure Leaders for their top recommendations. In the evening, gather for a farewell barbecue dinner, where you can sample Jeju’s famous black pork, watch the sun set over the island and, if you’re up for it, celebrate into the night by the seashore. Make the most of these final moments with your fellow travellers before saying annyeonghi gaseyo in the morning!

You’ve reached the end of your adventure through South Korea! Your tours end in Jeju so you will have to make your own way back to Seoul, explore the wonders of Jeju Island further or continue with your travels elsewhere.