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’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!

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 to to Itaewon for a night out on a pub crawl!

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 starts with a relaxed morning in Seoul, giving you time to wander, recharge, or simply soak up the city’s atmosphere. In the afternoon, we’ll transfer you to Geumsunsa Temple for an authentic templestay. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to settle in before experiencing temple life with a guided tour and a nourishing vegetarian dinner.

As evening falls, participate in traditional drum and bell rituals, Buddhist chanting, and a calming singing bowl meditation. Take a moment to reflect or explore the peaceful temple grounds before turning in early, ready and recharged for tomorrow’s adventures.

Start your morning with a peaceful Buddhist dawn chanting ceremony, followed by a simple temple breakfast. Once you’ve tidied your room and returned your temple stay uniform, it’s time to say goodbye to monastery life. From here, you’ll make your way to the private bus meeting point and set off for Sokcho.

Arriving on Korea’s north-eastern coast, we’ll head straight into the breathtaking Seoraksan National Park in the late morning. Embark on a rewarding hike to Ulsanbawi Rock for spectacular panoramic views. For a gentler option, follow the well-marked waterfall trail, take the cable car to another scenic peak, or combine both! Afterward, enjoy lunch at the park entrance before heading to Sokcho town, where you’ll cross the river to Abai Village on a traditional gatbae ferry – a small village originally formed by North Korean refugees.

In the evening, join your Adventure Leader for a food market tour, exploring Sokcho’s culinary highlights. Sample fresh seafood straight from the market or visit a beloved local restaurant such as Manseok, famous for its sticky sweet-and-sour boneless fried chicken – a true taste of the region.

Finally, round off the evening with a traditional Korean liquor tasting, hosted by your Adventure Leader, to experience the local flavours in an authentic way.

This morning, get ready for an early start as we take the bus along Korea’s East Coast to Gyeongju, the country’s ancient capital and a city rich with history. Upon arrival, drop off your bags and prepare for an afternoon of exploration.

Begin with a cycling tour of Gyeongju’s old town*. Ride through charming streets with your Adventure Leader, stopping at key sights such as the Chunmachong Ancient Tombs at Daereungwon Tumuli Park and Cheomseongdae, East Asia’s oldest surviving astronomical observatory. The guided tour lasts around 45 minutes on flat roads, but you’re welcome to continue cycling afterwards if you want to explore at your own pace.

*If cycling isn’t your thing, no problem – the old town is compact and easy to explore on foot, with around 90 minutes enough to cover the main highlights.

As evening falls, consider joining your group for a traditional Korean set meal inside a hanok (traditional wooden house), where you can savour authentic flavours in a truly atmospheric setting (approx. 17,000 KRW, drinks not included). After dinner, the night is free to explore. We recommend a visit to Anapji Pond, famous for its stunning illuminated views – a picture-perfect way to end the day. Entrance is 3,000 KRW; while your Adventure Leader may not accompany you, clear directions will be provided.

This morning, make your way to Gyeongju Station to begin your journey to Busan via high-speed train. Upon arrival, you’ll board a private bus to explore the city, starting with the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, a must-see for its vibrant streets and artistic charm.

Next, continue by bus to Songdo, where you’ll ride the Marine Cable Car and take in stunning coastal views of Busan’s shoreline. Afterward, head to BIFF Square in Nampo-dong to sample a variety of local street foods – and while you’re here, why not try a Busan hotteok, a local favourite?

Finally, check in at your hostel in Haeundae, where the evening is yours to relax, unwind, or explore the town at your leisure.

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.

Start your day with a relaxed morning in Haeundae, also known as beach bliss! Stretch your legs on the sand, take a dip in the waves, or gather your group for a friendly game of volleyball or frisbee. Feeling indulgent? Pack a picnic breakfast and watch the sunrise with the sea at your feet.

Next, you can choose to join your group for a Busan cooking class.* Learn the secrets behind Korea’s vibrant flavours and get hands-on making classic dishes like Bibimbap – a colourful mix of rice, vegetables, meat, a fried egg, and spicy gochujang sauce.

The afternoon is yours to explore. For breathtaking views, hop on the Haeundae Blueline Park coastal train, rise to the observatory at Korea’s second tallest building, or wander through the charming Huinnyeoul Culture Village. Your Adventure Leader will be on hand with tips for discovering hidden gems on your own.

Later, transfer to Busan Airport for your flight to Jeju, an island renowned for volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, coastal cliffs, and unique Korean culture. Upon arrival, enjoy a free evening to explore, unwind, or simply soak up the island vibes before tomorrow’s adventures.

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.