Seoul In Depth & DMZ - 6 Days

Welcome to South Korea. Make your way to our start hotel for check in, before rendezvousing with our group in the Myeongdong district, where we'll enjoy our first Korean meal at the included welcome dinner. Following the meal, you can take in the stunning night vistas from Namsan Mountain's summit, where the iconic tower is beautifully lit in pink, blue, and green.

Please note: This tour stays in a mixture of hotels and hostels and is designed for younger travellers looking for a backpacker-style experience and to meet like-minded people. The average age on this tour is around 21 - 35, and we are unfortunately unable to take any travellers over the age of 59. We have lots of group tours across our destinations that are suitable for travellers of all ages, browse our website or get in touch to find the perfect trip!

After enjoying breakfast at the hostel, we'll make our way to the trendy Hapjeong neighbourhood. Here, you'll have the opportunity to learn a K-Pop dance from a professional instructor, create a video, and visit HiKR to discover more about the global K-Wave phenomenon. The afternoon will be yours to explore at leisure before we reconvene in the lively Itaewon district for dinner and drinks (not included). In your free time, you might want to indulge in shopping at Myeongdong, renowned as a shopper's paradise. It's a great place to pick up K-Pop idol merchandise if you're a fan. Alternatively, you could visit Myeongdong Cathedral, the oldest Gothic church in Korea, for a moment of peaceful reflection.

Seoul - DMZ - Seoul. Today, we embark on an unforgettable tour. We will visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), where we can look into North Korea, often referred to as the Hermit Kingdom. Standing on the border between two contrasting worlds, we'll observe the stark differences between North and South Korea. The tour includes exploring tunnels dug by North Korea into the South, learning about the area's history, and participating in a cultural exchange with a North Korean defector. We will return to Seoul by around 16:00, leaving you ample time to freshen up before indulging in another fantastic Korean dinner.

Today, we'll journey into the past to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Joseon Dynasty in traditional Seoul. Begin our adventure by witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the five grand palaces from the Joseon era that holds a special place in Seoul's history. We'll have the opportunity to wander through its ancient courtyards, admire its majestic architecture, and relax in its serene gardens. You can opt to try on a traditional 'hanbok' while exploring the palace for an authentic feel.

Next, stroll through the well-preserved Bukchon Hanok Village, where we can appreciate traditional Korean architecture and gain insight into life in Korea centuries ago. For a change of pace, visit the bustling Insadong art street, a lively cultural hub known for its art galleries, and antique and cultural shops.

In the evening, join our guide for a street food tasting tour at the renowned Gwangjang Market, a paradise for food lovers. Here, you'll sample an array of Korean dishes, from savoury to sweet, including must-try delicacies like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls).

Prepare to experience the tranquility of a small, active temple nestled in the mountains on the outskirts of Seoul. With intricately decorated temples and shrines scattered throughout the grounds, you'll feel transported far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Engage in temple activities, including a singing bowl meditation session, evening bell tolling, and prayer chanting. Additionally, enjoy tea with a monk after your silent, reflective Buddhist dinner, allowing you to ask questions about life as a monk. This is your chance to reset and recharge before our tour concludes tomorrow.

After enjoying breakfast at the temple, we will head back to the centre of Seoul. It will be time to bid farewell to the rest of the group at Seoul Station, where our tour concludes.