This 12-day exploration packs in a wealth of highlights across this beautiful country. From the cosmopolitan city of Seoul to the ancient Silla capital of Gyeongju, South Korea has a lot to offer. Discover a dynamic, friendly and modern country that is steeped in culture, history and tradition.
Breakfast: 11
Lunch: 2
Dinner: 1
Explore Tour Leader
Driver(s)
Bus
Train
8 nights comfortable hotel
3 nights premium hotel
Full on
Trip maximum 16 Explore average 11
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Arrive in Seoul, South Korea's dynamic capital and one of the world's fastest growing cities. The economic, political and cultural centre of the country, Seoul is a fascinating mix of glass towers, historic temples, parks and museums, spanning the banks of the Han River.
For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Seoul at any time.
If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Incheon International Airport (ICN), which is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up the next morning.
Hotel check in starts from 3pm and is strictly followed. If you require an early check in, there is an additional fee and dependent on availability.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to visit the 600-year-old Bukchon Hanok Village. Comprising of little alley ways and artisan displays, this is a beautiful place to get lost in for an afternoon.
Travelodge Myeondong City Hall (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
Today we explore the city like a local, using public transport. Walking through Gwanghwamun gate, we visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Originally built in 1395, it was expanded in 1867 to become the largest, and arguably most beautiful of Seoul's five palaces, with 330 buildings in total. Next up this morning is a visit to the National Museum of Contemporary Korean History for insights into how Korea propelled itself from being an agricultural society to the modern economic powerhouse that it is today.
This afternoon, we visit Cheonggyecheon Stream which flows through downtown Seoul and offers a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. After Tapgol Park, we walk down into Insadong, a neighbourhood steeped in tradition and a great place to see Korea culture and explore traditional arts and crafts. We continue to the neighbouring Ikseon-dong Hanok Village famous for its traditional houses, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Finally we end the day at Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Korea. The most popular section of the market is the food street that caters to a wide range of menus like gimbap, mung bean pancake, tteok-bokki and eomuk. It's time for a taste of traditional Korean cuisine. After the food sampling, take the subway back to the hotel.
Today we experience one of the last frontiers of the Cold War - the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea - an area where over a million soldiers remain on high alert on either side. The Korean War has never technically or officially ended - and this geo-political fault line is still raw for the people of Korea. We make an early start this morning, leaving at around 7am and the bus ride to the DMZ takes a little over one hour. Our Tour Leader stays behind, military clearance is obtained for all visitors, you will need to bring your passport along with you and we join into a larger group of day trippers as we are escorted by the military right into the DMZ. Our next stop is underground to explore the Third Infiltration Tunnel built by the North into South Korea with the aim to breach the border. This was found by accident - the tunnel is wide enough for 2000 troops an hour to pass through and is just 1 of 4 that were subsequently discovered. We also visit Imjingak Park, the DMZ Museum and the Dora Observatory.
Please be aware that due to the nature of the area visited this excursion may be cancelled at short notice depending on the security situation. Please note that the Joint Security Area (JSA, often referred to as the Truce Village or Panmunjom) is currently closed to visitors due to tensions. This is the only area where the North and South Korean forces stand face-to-face, and diplomatic meetings happen. If the situation changes and we are able to visit the JSA, please note that you must be respectfully dressed, no jeans or sandals are allowed nor can you make any arm or hand gestures as visitors are closely monitored (and photographed) by the North Koreans for propaganda purposes.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. There is the option to continue your Seoul exploration with a visit to Naksan Park to see and walk for an hour or two alongside Hanyangdoseong - a defensive city wall built more than 600 years ago.
We leave the capital this morning as we start our tour of South Korea with a two-hour ride on the high speed KTX train to Andong, a town that is often considered the spiritual and cultural heart of South Korea.
Upon arrival we are met by our vehicle and our first visit is the scenic Buyongdae Cliff that offers stunning views of Hahoe Village, Nakdonggang River and surrounding mountains. Only accessible on foot, the walk up to the viewpoint takes about 30 minutes in each direction. Then it's time to explore the UNESCO-listed Hahoe Folk Village - known for its well-preserved Joseon Dynasty architecture, including its thatched-roof houses and tile-roofed mansions.
Continue to the fascinating Mask Museum which is home to a collection of over 800 masks from over 50 countries. The masks are displayed in five exhibition halls, each of which focuses on a different region or culture. Our next stop is the 500-year old Byeongsan-seowon Confucian Academy - renowned for its stunning architectural design and the harmony between the buildings and the natural landscape.
Finally we drive two hours further south to Gyeongju, our base for the next three nights. This large city was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla, when Gyeongju ruled over much of the Korean Peninsula between the 7th and 9th centuries.
Lahan Select Gyeongju (or similar)
Grade: Premium Hotel
South Korea is a naturally beautiful country and this morning we aim to experience nature with a hike on Namsan Mountain - also home to over 100 temples, 80 stone Buddha statues and 60 stone pagodas. The three-hour hiking route follows a well-maintained trail, covers approximately 6km/4miles in distance and there are 465 metres/1525 feet of ascent and descent and we have graded the walk as Moderate. You can get more details from the Tour Leader and decide on the day but you may choose to opt out of this and spend the morning at leisure in Gyeongju.
This afternoon, we are back in Gyeongju and we start off with a visit to the National Museum for a comprehensive insight into the art, culture and history of the Silla dynasty - one of the longest in Asian history. In the Daereungwon tomb complex in Tumuli Park, we to take a stroll and pay respects to the Silla rulers. We'll also see Cheomseongdae observatory and Family Choi's House, the oldest house in the area built in the 1600s.
If time allows, we will end with a walk on Woljeong Bridge, an historical gateway connecting the royal palaces of Silla to the south, ending at Wolji Pond, an artificial pond that was part of the palace complex of the ancient Silla.
After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to Seokguram Grotto which is a part of the Bulguksa temple complex, one of the most famous and important Buddhist temples in Korea. The temple was first built during the Silla Dynasty and destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasions of Korea in the 16th century. It was rebuilt in the 17th century, however many original buildings and treasures were lost.
We take a break for lunch at a local restaurant to try Gyeongju Milmyeon, a popular Korean dish with chewy wheat noodles in a refreshing cold broth, perfect for hot days.
After an included lunch at a local restaurant we continue to Golgulsa Temple for a memorable temple experience. This will give you the unique opportunity to experience the simple, yet rewarding, lifestyle of Korean Buddhist monks. There will be the chance to learn about and participate in activities such as archery, meditation and Sunmudo - a meditative martial art that combines spiritual elements such as meditation, yoga and qigong with dynamic striking and defensive techniques. In the early evening we will have a simple vegetarian dinner at the temple before driving back to our hotel.
After a relaxed breakfast and checkout, we drive one and a half hours to Busan, which sits on the beautiful south coast. A port city renowned for its beaches, mountains and delicious seafood, Busan grew rapidly during the fighting phase of the Korean War (1950-53) as the de facto capital of the south. Today it has a similar modern spirit to Seoul but is defined and differentiated by its links to the sea.
Upon arrival we hit the ground running and start our tour with a visit to the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, a significant and poignant site commemorating the Korean War where we can pay respects to the fallen soldiers but also gain a deeper understanding of the conflict. Moving on, we visit the colourful and tightly-knit houses of Gamcheon Cultural Village - a neighbourhood originally settled by wartime refugees.
Next we see some of the beaches and coastline that Busan is known for with a scenic walk on a raised walkway along the coastline of Dongbaekseom Island (island of camellias) - located at the right end of famous Haeundae Beach. If time permits we will try to catch the sunset at Dalmaji Hill, with panoramic views of Haeundae Beach. The walk to the viewpoint takes about 30 minutes each way.
Fairfield By Marriott Songdo Beach (or similar)
The morning has been left free for you to relax and enjoy Busan. If you are interested there is the option to delve into the world of local cuisine! Immerse yourself in a cooking class (minimum 4 clients) where you'll learn the secrets of authentic regional specialties. The instructors will guide you through each step with clear English instructions and demonstrations. After the class, you'll be treated to lunch featuring the dishes you've prepared.
Another option is to be introduced to the diverse world of Korean alcohol with a visit to a traditional brewery which specialises in making its own makgeolli - a lightly sparkling rice wine. The brewing, straining and tasting should take around 80 minutes and a minimum of 5 clients is required.
We regroup this afternoon and continue exploring Busan with a visit to Gukje Market - one of the oldest markets in the city. Just a short walk from Gukje Market is Jagalchi Fish Market, which is South Korea's largest seafood market. It's an excellent opportunity to experience the local seafood culture.
Later this afternoon we drive to a spot near Haeundae beach to board the Busan Sky Capsule - a scenic aerial rail journey that runs 2km along the coast to Cheongsapo Station. After visiting the Daritdol Skywalk and lighthouses we make our way back to the hotel.
This morning after breakfast we continue our journey with a three-hour drive to Gwangju. The city has a long history at the centre of Korea's democratic and human rights movements and nowadays serves as a cultural and artistic hub in the south, as well as leading the way in media arts and high-tech science.
After dropping our bags off at the hotel there will be some time for lunch. The area is known particularly for kimchi, hanjeongsik (Korean table d'hote), Mudeungsan boribap (barley rice), tteokgalbi (grilled galbi patties), and ori tang (duck soup).
This afternoon we kick off our city tour with panoramic views of Gwangju's sprawling urban landscape and beyond from the iconic Sajik Park Tower observatory platform. Next, dive into Gwangju's storied past with a walk through the historical site and missionary houses of Yangnim-dong village. While in Yangnim-dong, we take a break at Lee Lee Nam Studio, a multi-functional space that contains a writer's studio, the Media Art Museum and a coffee shop. We finish on a historical high note at the 5-18 Memorial Park and May 18th National Cemetery. These sites honour the victims of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising and the accompanying museum features informative exhibits about this important historical event.
Holiday Inn Gwangju (or similar)
After checkout this morning we drive just outside of the city to Mudeungsan National Park. We take an easy 40-minute nature hike to Jeungsimsa Temple where you can relax and enjoy the serene, spiritual ambiance of this historic Buddhist temple. On our return walk we stop at Uijae Museum of Korean Art, an impressive art gallery located on the mountain side.
After this break in nature we drive north to Jeonju which ranks as one of South Korea's most popular destinations for the locals thanks to its historic architecture and buzzing food scene. Named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2012, Jeonju is the birthplace of the famed Korean dish bibimbap and our first stop will be to have it for lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch we start to explore the city starting with the majestic 14th century Pungnammun Gate, the only city gate of the four left standing. Continue to Jeondong Catholic Church, one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in Korea, and Gyeonggijeon Shrine which houses the royal portrait of the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. Finally, we visit Nambu Market, a bustling traditional market overflowing with fresh produce, local crafts and a dizzying array of Korean street food.
Best Western Plus Jeonju Hotel (or similar)
Hanoks are the traditional homes of the Korean upper class from times gone by, with slate-tile roofs, whitewashed adobe walls and hidden courtyards. Jeonju has one of the country's largest collections of them - now restored and housing workshops, museums, boutique shops and teahouses. This morning after leaving the hotel we delve into this rich cultural heritage and stroll the cobbled alleyways to admire the architecture.
We plan to catch the two-hour KTX bullet train to Seoul around mid-morning, which should see us arrive into Seoul in time for lunch. After dropping our luggage at the hotel, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure for you to explore the city some more or do some shopping.
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Seoul.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Seoul at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Incheon International Airport (ICN), which is about a one-and-a-half-hour drive from our hotel.
South Korea has four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn or fall have clear and mild weather, summer is hot and humid, and winter has a cold and arid climate. Although the temperatures do not differ much among regions, the southern areas including Busan tend to be warmer. Late June to mid-July is considered monsoon season with daily showers.
+9
2 Pin Round
Buddhist, Christian
Korean
Costs vary according to numbers of clients participating Seoul Late afternoon Hanyangdoseong city wall visit - 48 to 94 USD per person Busan Morning cooking class with lunch included - minimum 4 clients - 152 USD per person Makgeolli brewing experience - minimum 5 clients - 42 to 48 USD per person
Lightweight raingear is required all year round. Summers are hot and humid in South Korea and the winters are cold. For Spring and Autumn you should be prepared for hot and cold conditions. For winter departures warm sweaters, gloves, scarf, hat, warm coat and thermal underwear will be required.
Please bring comfortable shoes and sandals.
20Kg
Please bring a suitcase or soft holdall and rucksack for the day trips.
Bus, Train
Food in South Korea is of paramount importance culturally and is often a highlight for those visitors interested in different cuisines. It should be easier for vegetarians and vegans to find options in big cities like Seoul and Busan. In smaller and less visited destinations, finding vegan options can be difficult and limited in choice. Unfortunately, we can't always cater to food allergies. If you have a severe allergy, you must inform us at the time of booking. Even with advance notice, we can't guarantee an allergy-free setting as there is always the risk of cross-contamination in kitchens or at buffet settings in hotels and restaurants. South Korean food uses gluten (common ingredient in Korean dishes), nuts and nut oil, sesame (oil and seeds), soya products (soy sauce, tofu and bean paste), seaweed (common ingredient), seafood products and egg (amongst other allergens) extensively, and it's incredibly difficult to avoid these ingredients. Many restaurants in the region are also unfamiliar with some allergies that are common in the West and can be reluctant or unable to cater to them.
Can you drink the water? It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day.
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice. Please refer to our COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry. Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for the latest advice on entry requirements. Information can change at any time.
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
South Korea: Visas are not required for travellers from over 100 countries including the UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens for a stay of less than 30 days. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. However, please note that travellers from visa-free countries still need to apply for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) at least 72 hours ahead, at a cost of around $10 each. Please check the official K-ETA portal link and Korea Visa Portal for more details, available here: https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/index.do https://www.visa.go.kr/main/openMain.do
If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, infectious hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Travellers may wish to take immunisation against Japanese Encephalitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.