South Korea Uncovered - 10 Days

Annyeonghaseyo! You’ve arrived in Seoul, South Korea’s buzzing capital where ancient palaces meet futuristic skylines. After settling into your accommodation, we’ll gather for a welcome meeting to get to know the group and set the tone for the journey ahead.

Please note: This tour 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 39. 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!

Today we explore the traditional heart of Seoul. We’ll begin at Gyeongbokgung Palace – one of Korea’s most iconic royal sites – before strolling through a Hanok village to admire the elegance of traditional Korean homes. The afternoon takes us to Insadong Street, where you can browse craft shops, tea houses and sample local street food.

This morning we travel north to the Demilitarised Zone – the heavily fortified border dividing North and South Korea. Here, you’ll learn the history of the peninsula’s division and have the rare opportunity to look across into the North. Returning to Seoul, we head to Gwangjang Market, made famous by Netflix’s Street Food Asia. You’ll have time to meet local vendors and taste their signature dishes.

Seoul - Jeonju. After breakfast, we board the KTX – Korea’s high-speed train – to Jeonju, known for its beautifully preserved Hanok village. You’ll have time to explore its winding lanes, sample traditional rice wine or soju, and then join a hands-on cooking class to prepare (and enjoy) classics such as bibimbap.

Jeonju - Busan. We continue south to Busan, a lively coastal city. The afternoon is yours to relax in seaside cafés or wander the waterfront before riding the Haeundae Sky Capsule for sweeping ocean views. In the evening, we come together for a Korean BBQ feast, followed by a taste of Busan’s nightlife – karaoke is optional, but encouraged!

Today we step into the world of Taekwondo. Whether you’re a complete beginner or eager to polish your skills, you’ll learn the basics of this traditional martial art – from kicks to blocks – and finish with the thrill of breaking a wooden board.

Busan - Gyeongju. A rare opportunity awaits as we experience life inside a Buddhist temple. We’ll tour the grounds, sleep in traditional accommodation, join monks for prayer services and share in their simple, plant-based meals. It’s a peaceful pause in the journey – a chance to reflect and recharge.

Once the capital of the Silla Kingdom, Gyeongju is rich in UNESCO-listed heritage. We’ll explore the city by bike, visiting royal tombs, pagodas, bridges and palace ruins. Tonight we stay in a traditional Hanok house, sleeping on floor bedding warmed by underfloor heating in cooler months. To complete the experience, we’ll try on Hanbok attire and step back into Korea’s past.

Gyeongju - Seoul. We travel back to Seoul for one final highlight – a K-Pop dance workshop with a professional instructor. At HiKR Ground, you and your fellow travellers can film your own dance video and experience a taste of K-Pop stardom. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate our unforgettable journey.

Our Korean adventure comes to an end today. If you’re flying home, we’ll transfer you to the airport. Or, if you’d like to continue exploring South Korea, we can help you extend your stay. For those inspired to discover more of East Asia, why not join us on our next adventure in Japan?