South Korea Snapshot - 6 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 your Snapshot Tour comes to an end tomorrow.

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

After breakfast at the temple, we will make our way back to the centre of Seoul. The time has come to say farewell to the rest of your group before making your way to the airport or making your own way onto onwards adventures.

Accommodation: N/A Activities: N/A Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Breakfast Physical Rating: Low