South Korea Essentials – 10 Days

Welcome to South Korea! Day 1 of your epic Korean journey launches with an exhilarating touchdown at the hostel in the vibrant heart of Seoul’s most famous shopping district; Myeongdong. The minute you step outside, the pulse of this bustling city will draw you in, filling you with the spirit of adventure. Meet your crew for an orientation and then head out for your first Korean feast at the included welcome dinner with your new One Life family!

Accommodation: 4 share dorm - Step Inn Myeongdong (or similar) Activities: Welcome dinner Optional Extras: NA Meals: Dinner* Physical Rating: Low *Some limited vegan options available Learn more from a previous guest: 'Travelling to South Korea as a Vegan'

After breakfast at the hostel, you will have the morning free to explore Seoul. If you're a K-pop fan, meet the rest of the group around lunch time at HiKR Ground, a 4-storey interactive center with a K-Pop museum and learn about the K Wave sweeping the world! The afternoon is yours to explore.

Accommodation: 4 share dorm - Step Inn Myeongdong (or similar) Activities: HiKR visit Meals: Breakfast Physical Rating: Moderate

Seoul is all yours today to choose your own adventure. You could start your morning with a walk along Seoullo 7017, a beautiful sky garden offering city views and a variety of plants, or dive into history at the National Museum of Korea, exploring its free permanent collection of over 12,000 artifacts. For a cultural experience, wander through Ihwa Mural Village and capture photos of vibrant murals created by local artists. If you’re interested in beauty treatments, consider booking a session at one of Myeongdong’s renowned skin clinics or hair therapy centers, famous for their world-class products and services. Meet up with the rest of the group when they return to Seoul around 4pm, and head out in the evening for another amazing Korean dinner!

Accommodation: 4 share dorm - Step Inn Myeongdong (or similar) Activities: N/A Free Time Suggestions: Seoullo 7017, National Museum of Korea, Ihwa Mural Village, Beauty treatment Meals: Breakfast Physical Rating: Moderate

Today is all about exploring the more traditional areas of Seoul to see another side of the city. Your adventure begins with the changing of the guard ceremony at the awe-inspiring Gyeongbokgung Palace. Truly a symbol of grandeur and history, where you'll explore ancient courtyards, majestic architecture, and serene gardens. You also have the chance to wear the traditional ‘hanbok’ while exploring the palace for that extra authentic feel! We will then walk through the perfectly preserved Hanok Village before heading to the bustling Insadong art street. Later in the evening your guide will take you on a street food tasting tour through the famous Gwangjang Market to sample the best street food in the city! Afterwards, you can enjoy the breathtaking night views from the top of Namsan Mountain, where you will see the famous tower illuminated in pink, blue, and green.

Accommodation: 4 share dorm - Step Inn Myeongdong (or similar) Activities: Changing of the guard viewing, Gyeongbokgung Palace visit, Hanok Village visit, Insadong visit, Gwangjang Market food tour, Namsan Mountain by night Optional Extras: Hanbok rental, traditional lunch in the Hanok Village Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Physical Rating: High

Get ready to experience the serenity of a small, working temple nestled in the mountains outside Seoul. With beautifully decorated temples and shrines dotting the grounds, you will be transported to a world away from the noise and neon of the big city. You will be taking part in temple life including evening bell tolling, and prayer chanting. This is your opportunity to reset and recharge before the next leg of your adventure.

Accommodation: Twin share (floor sleeping) - Geumsunsa Temple (or similar) Activities: evening & morning chanting Optional Extras: Singing bowl meditation session, tea with a monk Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Physical Rating: Low

After morning chanting and another healthy Buddhist meal for breakfast, we will say goodbye to our little retreat in the mountains and make our way to the small city of Jeonju. Famous for its food, drink, and immaculately preserved traditional village area, we will head out to explore after checking in to our beautiful wooden Hanok guesthouse. Explore the afternoon at your leisure and join the rest of the group for a tasting session at the Hanok for one of the most famous things in Jeongju; a rice wine called Makgoli! You will learn about how it’s made, and try a series of different types. For those who would like to continue, the group will head of Makgoli Alley to try some more plus eat your way through some ‘anju’ - special foods made to be eaten while enjoying a few drinks!

Accommodation: Twin share - Laon Hanok Gguljam (or similar) Activities: Hanok village walk, makgoli tasting session Optional Extras: Traditional bibimbap lunch, Gyeongijeon shrine, brewery visit, makgoli alley Meals: Breakfast Physical Rating: Low

After we say goodbye to Jeonju, we’ll jump on a bus to our next destination; the ancient capital of Gyeongju! Known as the “Museum Without Walls,” this mesmerizing destination boasts an extraordinary collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient temples, and royal tombs that whisper tales of a bygone era. After dropping our bags off, you will have time to freshen up before we explore the town on bikes, to visit all the destinations which make Gyeongju so famous. In the evening, we will make our way over to the Anapji Pond and gaze upon the mirrored reflections of the structures around the water.

Accommodation: Multi-share - Blue Boat Hostel (or similar) Activities: Guided bike tour, UNESCO historical sites visit, Anapji Pond at night Meals: NA Physical Rating: Low

You have a free day today in Gyeongju to explore further. You are welcome to join the rest of your group visiting one of the most significant temples in the country, Bulguksa. This ancient temple is nestled amidst lush forests and scenic landscapes and is a true masterpiece of architecture, history, and tranquillity. You might also choose to explore the ancient burial mounds at Tumuli Park, taking in the history of Silla kings and nobles. Or opt to delve further into the rich history and culture of the Silla Kingdom at Gyeongju National Museum, with its extensive collection of artifacts. If you’re after a relaxing day, take a leisurely bike ride or a boat trip around the scenic Bomun Lake, perfect for picnics. Join the rest of the group in the evening for testing out some of the bars and restaurants in the old town.

Accommodation: Multishare - Blue Boat Hostel (or similar) Activities: NA Free time suggestions: Tumuli Park, Gyeongju National Museum, Bomun Lake Meals: Breakfast Physical Rating: Moderate

Today we head to Busan, a city on the water surrounded by beaches and mountains. After checking in right in the centre of downtown, we will check out the famous Jagalchi Market and shopping districts. The afternoon is yours to explore with visits to the Gamcheon Cultural Village or maybe bathing in the steaming water of a jjimjilbang (public bathhouse) as suggestions. To end your day on a high note, you can sing your heart out in one of Korea's famous karaoke rooms.

Accommodation: Twin share - Toyoko Inn (or similar) Activities: Jagalchi Market visit, Karaoke Free Time Suggestions: Gamcheon Cultural Village, bathhouse, Night out in Seomyeon, Cable Car Meals: Breakfast Physical Rating: Moderate

Sadly it is time to say goodbye. Fill up on breakfast before leaving the hotel and on to the next part of your journey. We are sure that the memories you created, the places you explored, and the friendships you forged along the way will stay with you forever! You can either take the train from Busan back to Seoul Station, or fly back from Gimhae Airport. Annyeonghi gaseyo!

Accommodation: NA Activities: NA Optional Extras: NA Meals: Breakfast Physical Rating: NA