The South Korea Experience - 13 Days

The capital city of South Korea is the perfect place to begin your Korean adventure. You will meet your group in the Myeongdong district, where you will be treated to your first Korean meal during the included welcome dinner.

Accommodation: 4 share dorm - Step Inn Myeongdong (or similar) Activities: Welcome dinner Optional Extras: NA Meals: Dinner Physical Rating: Low

After having breakfast at the hostel, you will head to the trendy Hapjeong neighbourhood where you will get the chance to learn a K-Pop dance from a professional instructor and visit the HiKR to learn about the global K-Wave phenomenon. You will have the afternoon free to explore.

In your free time, you could enjoy a touch of shopping in Myeongdong. Myeongdong district is known as a shopper's paradise, you'll be able to pick up some K-pop idol merchandise there if you're a fan! Alternatively, visit Myeongdong Cathedral, the oldest Gothic church in Korea, for some peaceful reflection.

Accommodation: 4 share dorm - Step Inn Myeongdong (or similar) Activities: Kpop dance class, HiKR visit Optional Extras: NA Meals: Breakfast Physical Rating: Moderate

Today, you will have the opportunity to experience a tour that you will remember forever. You will be taken to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) where you can gaze into the Hermit Kingdom of North Korea. As you stand on the border of two worlds, you will witness the stark contrast between North and South Korea. You will explore the tunnels dug by North Korea into the south, hear the area's stories, and engage in cultural exchange with a North Korean defector. You will return to Seoul by approximately 4 pm, with enough time for everyone to freshen up before enjoying another amazing Korean dinner.

Accommodation: 4 share dorm - Step Inn Myeongdong (or similar) Activities: DMZ visit, infiltration tunnels visit, Q&A session with North Korean defector Optional Extras: NA Meals: Breakfast, lunch Physical Rating: Moderate

Today, you will be transported back in time to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Joseon Dynasty era in traditional Seoul. You will witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the five palaces that survived the Joseon dynasty era and holds a special place for the people of Seoul. You will explore its ancient courtyards, majestic architecture, and serene garden. You also have the chance to wear the traditional ‘hanbok’ while exploring the palace for that extra authentic feel.

Afterwards, you will walk through the perfectly preserved Bukchon Hanok Village and appreciate its traditional Korean architecture. The village is a living museum showcasing how people lived in Korea centuries ago. In complete contrast, we then head to the bustling Insadong art street. Insagong is a lively and vibrant cultural hub, famous for its art galleries, antique and cultural shops.

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. Gwangjang Market is a street food haven where you will find an array of Korean dishes, from savory to sweet. Don't miss a few of the iconic dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls). 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 and freshening up, we will jump on bikes to explore this magical town on 2 wheels. We’ll visit tombs, burial mounds, historical sites, and some spectacular scenery. 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: Multishare - Blue Boat Hostel (or similar) Activities: Guided bike tour, historical sites visit, Anapji Pond at night Optional Extras: NA Meals: NA Physical Rating: Low

We have another day of exploring Gyeongju today, so after breakfast we will make our way to one of the most important temples in the country; Bulguksa. Nestled amidst lush forests and scenic landscapes, this ancient temple is a true masterpiece of architecture, history, and tranquility. Next up, get ready to fight! After freshening up at the accommodation, we will visit a Dojang to learn the famous fighting art of Taekwondo. During your session, you'll learn the art of high-flying kicks, lightning-fast punches, and the precise movements from seasoned professionals. 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: Visit to Bulguksa Temple, Taekwondo class Optional Extras: NA 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 before jumping on the Songdo cable car to get the best views over the water and city. 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. Our final night will be spent in one of the famous karaoke rooms to sing the night away with the rest of your One Life family in one of the nightlife districts of the city.

Accommodation: Twin share - Toyoko Inn (or similar) Activities: Market visit, Songdo cable car, karaoke room Optional Extras: Gamcheon Cultural Village, bathhouse Meals: Breakfast Physical Rating: Moderate

Sadly it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers on the 10 day tour while the rest of the group will continue on to the famous volcanic island of Jeju! The morning is yours until we board our flight and arrive in Jeju by the early afternoon. After checking in, it’s time to find a place to eat and get ready for the big days of exploring coming up!

Accommodation: Twin share – Golden Daisy Jeju (or similar) Activities: NA Optional Extras: NA Meals: Breakfast Physical Rating: Low

You’ll need a good breakfast this morning because we’ve got an active day ahead! We’ll kick things off with a journey across Jeju Island to Seongsan Ilchulbong, a volcanic tuff cone formed by ancient eruptions. You’ll travel by public bus and then tackle the short but steep hike to the summit. From the top, expect sweeping ocean views and a serious sense of achievement.

After the climb and some well-earned free time for lunch, you’ll head south to check out the dramatic Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliffs. These geometric volcanic rock formations look like nature’s version of modern art, perfect for a few epic photos.

Last up is Yakcheonsa Temple, one of the most beautiful temples on the island. Tucked beside a healing mineral spring and facing the Pacific, it’s the kind of spot that invites you to slow down and soak in the serenity.

You’ll return to the hotel in the afternoon with time to unwind and do as you wish with some free time.

Accommodation: Twin share – Golden Daisy Jeju (or similar) Activities: Yakcheonsa Temple, Seongsan Ilchilbong hike, Daepo Jusangjeolli rock formations visit Optional Extras: Beach visit, waterfall visit, sunset sailing Meals: Breakfast Physical Rating: Moderate

Today is the way we walk the incredible Olle Trail across sections of the island. Expect sweeping views of the ocean and fields, small villages, dramatic rock formations, and the most famous waterfall on Jeju. Jeongbang Waterfall is a 23 meter high waterfall which crashes down unto the rocks on the oceanfront and is pretty jaw-dropping. Explore at your own leisure with the rest of the One Life crew for the afternoon before having an evening together to say goodbye to Jeju and to South Korea!

Accommodation: Twin share – Golden Daisy Jeju (or similar) Activities:Olle Trail guided hike, Jeongbang Waterfall visit Optional Extras: Beach visit, waterfall visit, Saeyeongyo Bridge Meals: Breakfast Physical Rating: High

It’s time for us to bid farewell to this amazing country and its people. Have one last breakfast with your One Life family and it’s time to head off.

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