Best of South Korea - 8 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female70%
- Male30%
Average age
Start / End
- Seoul
- Seoul
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 16Meals included
8Highlights
- Visit the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea
- Sleep in a temple in Gyeongju-si
- Sample the diverse cuisine of Korea.
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Summary
Ready for a unique travel experience? South Korea fits the bill and then some. On this eight-day trip, you’ll see the highlights in and around Seoul plus visit folk villages, unique Korean temples, and the bustling markets of Busan. Learn about the sombre history of North and South Korea and take an excursion to the Demilitarized Zone separating the two. This is the perfect snapshot of a country coming into its own as a top travel destination.
Itinerary
Day 1
Seoul
After the welcome meeting, join your CEO for an orientation walk down Cheonggyecheon Stream to learn about Seoul while walking past small waterfalls and nearly two dozen overhead bridges. Then, enjoy the dense grid of streets found in the bustling neighbourhood of Myeongdong which is packed with people at all hours of the day looking to enjoy some of the best shopping, street food, and nightlife in all of Korea.
Opt for a group dinner to end your first night!
Day 2
Seoul
After exploring the city, opt to see a show, explore a local museum, or hit the pavement and eat your way through street markets trying local fares such as bibimbap, soondae, and kimchi.
Day 3
Seoul/Gyeongju-si
Stay in rooms called Ondol. These rooms are very traditional, heated to be cozy and comfortable, with beds made up directly on the floor. The rooms here are multi-share, divided up by male and female rooms. Enjoy a traditional dinner and breakfast during the stay.
Have the opportunity to learn about temple etiquette, experience the daily drum and bell ritual and take an easy hike up to the only stone cave temple in Korea for morning meditation.
Day 4
Gyeongju-si
Enjoy a peaceful morning meditation, martial arts practice, and drum and bell ritual before exploring in Gyeongiu. On the city tour visit to the UNESCO site of Bulguksa Temple located on the slopes of Mount Toham and admire the national treasures there, such as Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo, and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha. Afterwards, experience the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the surrounding Royal Tombs.
Day 5
Gyeongju-si/Busan
Travel by bus to Busan. Along the way enjoy a day trip to Yangdong Folk Village, a 500-year-old UNESCO site located in Gyeongju National Park, to get a feel for life during the early Joseon Dynasty. Afterwards, continue on to the picturesque 14th century seaside temple hidden in the rocks - Haedong Yonggungsa. After exploring the temple, check in to your hotel and get your bearings with an orientation walk on Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Island (APEC House). Spend the evening getting to know colourful Busan, opt to treat yourself at a Jjimjilbang spa or sing your heart out at a popular karaoke bar.
Day 6
Busan/Seoul
In the seaside city, Busan, visit the bustling Jagalchi fish market, Gukjesijang market, Yongdusan Park, and the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village before traveling back to Seoul. After arriving in Seoul by train, check out Korea's oldest traditional market - Namdaemun Market. Then make your way by cable car to N Seoul Tower to see this beautiful landmark and opt to make the trip up to the observation deck. Spend the rest of your day in Seoul opting to see Banpo Bridge, the floating islands, or hanging out in the Gangnam district.
Day 7
Seoul
Opt to visit the Samsung Leeum Contemporary Gallery, explore the Itaewon neighbourhood, or prebook the Kimchi making and Hanbok experience.
Day 8
Seoul
Depart at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Standard hotels (6 nts), temple (1 nt).
Meals
Breakfasts: 7, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 1
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Aug 25
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- Save 27%Fri 8 Aug 2025 > Fri 15 Aug 2025Guaranteed Departure4 spaces of 16 left£2,399£1,763
- Save 2%Fri 15 Aug 2025 > Fri 22 Aug 2025Guaranteed Departure🔥2 spaces of 16 left£2,399£2,351
- Save 31%Fri 29 Aug 2025 > Fri 5 Sep 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 left£2,399Best offer£1,646
Customer reviews & ratings
Excellent itinerary for a first time visitor - the range of diverse experiences shone through. The clear highlight was the DMZ visit and the templestay. Tommy Lee was a top-notch leader and we all trusted him. Suggestion: A more detailed map would have been a great add-on. Also, I suggest a more comprehensive pre-departure package with maps, charts and details of the many places we visited. This is my first G Adventure, having traveled with Intrepid, Explore!, Wild Frontiers, Spiekermann, Far Horizons, Archaeological Tours and National Geographic. I was impressed by the cost-service ratio. I love maps and I am glad you guys provide them, although they can be improved upon. I like the fact that we are free to take care of our own meals.
Ron Oct, 2024 VerifiedA fantastic trip especially because of the people in our group of 12. Every person was a great G traveller. It was interesting to note that there were a higher percentage of males travelling alone as well as a greater number of older travellers than is the ?norm? from my experience. I?m usually the oldest in my group! I have travelled with G 27 times because I know where my money is going eg supporting sustainable local businesses through G groups and Planeterra.
Teresa Oct, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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