Best of South Korea - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this tour?

  The main highlights include visiting the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea, experiencing an overnight temple stay in Gyeongju-si, and sampling the diverse cuisine of Korea.

• What type of accommodation is provided?

  The tour includes stays in standard hotels for 6 nights and a unique temple stay for 1 night. Please note that properties with only two stories may not have elevators.

• What meals are included in the tour?

  Seven breakfasts and one dinner are included in this trip.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average group size of 12.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  The tour is accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout the trip, along with local guides at specific sites. The CEO will provide information, suggest activities, recommend local eateries, and introduce you to local culture.

• What are the physical requirements for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2 (light). Travelers should have an average level of fitness and mobility, able to walk without aid, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage through busy train stations and streets for most of the day.

• What is the minimum and maximum age to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• Is travel insurance required?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for all participants and must cover medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000.

• Are international or local flights included?

  International flights are generally not included in the tour price. All local flights within the itinerary are included unless otherwise noted.

• What are the modes of transportation used during the tour?

  The tour utilizes a variety of transportation methods including private vans, trains, subways, and walking.

• What is the policy for solo travelers regarding accommodation?

  We believe solo travelers should not pay more, so our group trips offer shared accommodation with someone of the same sex without a single supplement. However, the temple stay (Night 3) is multi-share accommodation, even if you book a 'My Own Room' option for other nights.

• What are some optional activities available on this tour?

  Optional activities in Seoul include a Gwangjang Market visit, N Seoul Tower Observatory, a visit to the Gangnam District, a Kimchi & Hanbok Experience, Samsung Leeum Gallery, and exploring the Itaewon neighborhood. In Busan, you can opt for a Night Yacht Ride, Busan Tower Observatory, a Jjimjilbang experience, or Karaoke.

• What is the local dress code or cultural etiquette I should be aware of?

  In Asia, a more conservative dress code is common. Loose, lightweight, long clothing that keeps you cool is recommended. When visiting temples or other holy sites, please dress respectfully, avoiding very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tank tops. You will also learn about temple etiquette during your temple stay.

• Is tipping customary in South Korea?

  Tipping is generally not practiced in South Korea for services like restaurants or taxis. However, if you feel your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) did an outstanding job, tipping them is highly appreciated, with a guideline of $5-7 USD per person, per day.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  ATMs are available in most places and typically accept Visa, Mastercard, and Debit Cards. However, not all machines may be compatible with your card. It's advisable to carry some USD cash for exchange when necessary, and a variety of payment options is recommended. Credit cards are not widely accepted for all purchases, except in some restaurants and department stores.

• What is an emergency fund, and how much should I have access to?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used if circumstances outside our control (like a natural disaster) require a change to the planned route. This is a rare occurrence.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip regarding illegal drugs and sex workers?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated on any trips, as they contravene local laws and put the group at risk. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also completely contrary to our travel philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any group member found violating these rules.

• What about laundry facilities during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels but can be very expensive. Your leader can help you find self-service coin laundries in larger cities. Bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap for personal hand-washing is suggested.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn income from tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses, fostering opportunities for Indigenous people, empowering women, and protecting the environment. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, ensuring 100% of your donation directly supports these projects.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources and tools, such as Equaldex, to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout your trip.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency during the tour?

  For dire needs, it is best to first call the tour operator's Local Representative or Local Office in Korea. During office hours (Mon-Fri 9:30-18:00 Local Time), contact Derek Jeon (+82-10-8759-9367) or Tommy Na (+82-10-5514-5041). For after-hours emergencies, use the primary phone numbers: Derek +82-10-8759-9367 or Tommy +82-10-5514-5041. If unable to reach the local office, you can call the Sales team numbers (e.g., Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100).

• What should I know about airport transfers?

  If you have a pre-booked airport arrival transfer, it is based on your provided flight information. For flight schedule changes or cancellations within 48 hours of arrival, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new details. If your transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after clearing customs, please take a taxi to your starting hotel and seek a refund from your travel agent later. Important: for South Korea arrival transfers, pick-up schedule changes between 23:00-07:00 within 24 hours of arrival cannot be accepted, and you will need to take a taxi.

• Do I need visas or have specific entry requirements?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. It is your responsibility to contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or consult your travel agent. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and destination.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  This trip highlights visiting the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea, an overnight temple stay in Gyeongju-si, and sampling the diverse cuisine of Korea.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You will stay in standard hotels for 6 nights and experience a unique overnight temple stay for 1 night. Please note, some two-story properties may not have elevators, requiring you to carry your luggage upstairs. The temple stay rooms, called Ondol, are traditional, heated, with beds on the floor, and are multi-share (divided by gender).

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The trip includes 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner.

• What transportation methods are used during the tour?

  Transportation includes private vans, trains, subways, and walking. South Korea's efficient train network is utilized extensively. You should be prepared to spend the majority of the day on your feet and carry your own luggage through busy train stations and streets.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  An average level of fitness and mobility is required. Travelers must be able to walk without assistance, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. A short medical questionnaire signed by a physician is required for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions.

• Who will be leading the group?

  The tour is accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout the trip, who provides information, suggestions, and introduces you to local culture. Local guides are also used to offer more specific knowledge in certain places.

• How large will the group be?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average group size of 12.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money?

  ATMs that accept Visa, Mastercard, and Debit Cards are available in most places, but not all machines may work with your card. It's recommended to bring USD cash for exchange when necessary. Credit cards are not widely accepted for purchases, except in some restaurants and department stores.

• Is tipping customary in South Korea?

  Tipping is generally not practiced in South Korea and may cause confusion. However, if you feel your CEO did an outstanding job, a tip of $5-7 USD per person per day is highly appreciated as a guideline.

• What is the dress code to respect local customs?

  In Asia, dress standards are more conservative. It is recommended to pack loose, lightweight, long clothing. When visiting temples or other holy sites, please dress respectfully, avoiding very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tank tops.

• How does the tour accommodate solo travelers?

  Solo travelers are accommodated in shared rooms with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip without an extra single supplement. However, the temple stay (Night 3) is a multi-share exception where private rooms are not available.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join the group without evidence of medical expenses coverage, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. It is also strongly recommended to cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage.

• What are some optional activities available?

  Optional activities include visits to Gwangjang Market, Seoul Museum of History, N Seoul Tower Observatory, Gangnam District, Floating Island, Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain, a Kimchi & Hanbok Experience, Samsung Leeum Gallery, Itaewon neighbourhood in Seoul, and a Night Yacht Ride, Busan Tower Observatory, Jjimjilbang, or Karaoke in Busan.

• Are international flights included in the trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. You should confirm specific details with your booking agent, as some combo tours might include international flights between countries.

• What are the age requirements for joining this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian aged 21 or older, the minimum age is 12.

• How much emergency money should I bring?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances that might require a change to the planned route.

• What kind of experience can I expect from this tour?

  This tour offers a unique travel experience in South Korea, highlighting Seoul, folk villages, traditional Korean temples, and the bustling markets of Busan. It also includes an excursion to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), providing a comprehensive snapshot of the country's history and culture.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  You will stay in standard hotels for 6 nights and experience an overnight stay in a traditional temple for 1 night. Please note that some hotels may not have elevators, requiring you to carry your luggage up stairs.

• What is the temple stay experience like?

  During the temple stay in Gyeongju, you will learn about temple etiquette, watch a monk martial arts performance, experience daily prayer rituals, and enjoy traditional temple-style meals. Accommodation will be in multi-share Ondol rooms, which are heated and have beds made up directly on the floor, separated by gender.

• What is the physical activity level required for this tour?

  The tour involves a significant amount of walking and standing, including navigating busy public train stations and streets while carrying your own luggage. A good level of fitness and mobility is required to comfortably complete daily activities.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation between destinations and for included activities will utilize private vans, high-speed bullet trains, subways, and walking.

• What meals are included in the tour?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  The tour will be accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout the trip, supplemented by local guides at specific sites to provide more in-depth knowledge.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average group size of 12.

• Is there a single supplement for solo travelers?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, except for the temple stay which is inherently multi-share.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

• Is travel insurance required for this tour?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate in any of our trips. At a minimum, you must be covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation (minimum of USD$200,000).

• What should I know about currency and money exchange in South Korea?

  ATMs are generally available and typically accept Visa, Mastercard, and Debit Cards, but not all machines may be compatible. It's recommended to bring some USD cash for exchange as credit cards are not widely accepted outside of some restaurants and department stores.

• Is tipping customary in South Korea?

  Tipping is not generally practiced in South Korea for services like restaurants or taxis. However, if you feel your CEO did an outstanding job, a tip of $5-7 USD per person, per day is a suggested guideline.

• What is the recommended dress code to respect local customs?

  In Asia, the dress standard is more conservative. It is recommended to wear loose, lightweight, long clothing that covers knees and shoulders, especially when visiting temples or other holy sites.

• Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

  The minimum age to join this tour is 12 years old. Travelers must be 18 to travel unaccompanied; minors must be accompanied by a guardian over 21 years old.

• Are there any optional activities available on this tour?

  Yes, optional activities are available in Seoul (e.g., Gwangjang Market, N Seoul Tower Observatory, Kimchi & Hanbok Experience) and Busan (e.g., Night Yacht Ride, Karaoke). These are not included in the base tour price.

• What are the safety and security recommendations for this trip?

  It is recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, leave expensive jewelry at home, utilize hotel safety deposit boxes, and when exploring at night, stay in small groups and consider taking taxis.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. They support community-owned businesses and integrate their projects into tour itineraries.