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8 Day South Korea Tour

Dynamic & Traditional
TOURCODE: KR1

Duration:
8 Days

Activity Level:
1

When To Go:
Mar, Apr, Oct

Countries Visited:
1

Arrive In / Depart From:
Seoul (SEL) / Busan (PUS)

Max Group Size:
18

Tour Style:
Cultural

Price From:

  Overnight in: Seoul, Pusan, Cheju

Discover the country's true culture with the help of experienced local guides.

  • Small group sizes to help escape the beaten path.
  • Authentic local experiences with lots of inclusions.
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Tour Overview
Tour Overview
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Countries Visited: 1 Activity Level: 1 Tour Style: Cultural

This highlight-packed South Korea tour touches down in Seoul, one of the most exciting, dynamic and rapidly evolving cities in the world, and one that boasts historic and cultural attractions around every corner.

We visit the National Folk Museum, the beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace and a Folk Village, which showcases Korean life as it was in the past through its centuries-old architectural style and the traditional lifestyles of its inhabitants.

An especially attractive inclusion is Jeju Island, a culturally-distinct and scenically stunning volcanic island famous for coastal scenery and laid-back atmosphere.

 


 

Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices

 

Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.

Your Travel and Accommodation Arranged For You

Tips Included for Driver, Restaurant Staff, Local Guides

Authentic Local Experiences With Lots Of Inclusions.

Select a date below to reserve your spot:

 

Optional Single Supplement: $580 USD (number of singles limited).

 


 

Full Itinerary
Full Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Seoul
Arrive in Seoul/Incheon, South Korea and transfer to our hotel.

Seoul is a city of contrasts. In this rapidly evolving metropolis, the traditional exists with the modern in a state of harmony. For over 500 years the seat of Joseon Dynasty kings, Seoul is now the beating heart of modern Korea, the centre to which all else in the country is drawn.

Overnight in Seoul.

Included Meal(s): Dinner



Day 2 Seoul City Touring
This morning we start with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, where we plan to arrive in time for the very colourful changing-of-the-guard ceremony.

Of all the tourist attractions in Seoul, the Joseon Dynasty Palaces and, particularly Gyeongbokgung Palace, are the most tangible link between modern Korea and its not-too-distant monarchical past. Not merely inert relics, they are symbols of a deep history and rich culture. Although substantially reduced in number, the remaining palace buildings provide a glimpse of traditional architecture and the overall organization of a palace grounds.

As part of our visit, we also include the National Folk Museum, contained within the palace. This excellent museum presents historical artifacts that were used in the daily lives of Korean people in the past. Through the displays, visitors can learn about the domestic and agricultural lifestyles, as well as Korea’s cultural beliefs.

After a break for lunch, we proceed to Jongmyo, a royal shrine dedicated to the performance of ancestral rites for the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. Being the place where the royal ancestral tablets are enshrined, Jongmyo's atmosphere is solemn and sacred rather than splendid like the royal palaces. The simple and elegant buildings of this shrine have faithfully kept their original forms since the 16th century.

We finish our day at Namsan Seoul Tower, built in 1969 as Korea's first integrated transmission tower beaming television and radio broadcasts across the capital. Since opening to the public in 1980, it has become a much-loved Seoul landmark. The tower's main attractions include multi-coloured digital art projected onto the tower at night, a digital observatory, a roof terrace, and a number of viewing platforms where visitors can enjoy the cityscape. 32 LCD screens recount the 600-year history of Seoul.

This evening we'll have our dinner at the top of the tower and enjoy a typical Korean meal and nighttime views of the city.

Overnight in Seoul.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

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Day 3 Seoul & The DMZ
This morning we hit the ground running with a full highlight-packed day.

After an early departure we travel along the Jayuro (Freedom Road) to Imjingak, the northernmost point bordering North Korea.* On the way, we will be able to view barbed wire fences and military guards on duty all the way along the river. At Imjingak, we visit the Mangbaedan Memorial ritual altar which was established in 1985 for those who were separated from their families or displaced from home during the Korean War. It is a symbolic spot used to hold traditional memorial services for ancestors or to pray for separated family members living in the North and for reunification of the country. We will see the Freedom Bridge, the very locale where 12,773 Korean War prisoners walked to freedom to South Korea in 1953.

We then board a tour bus that will take us to the 3rd infiltration tunnel dug up by North Koreans. On the 20-minute ride to the tunnel, we pass through the check points, military camps, and mine fields. Before going down to the tunnel, we will view a short video presentation and visit exhibition hall for information on the divided Koreas. A seven-minute tram ride (if available) or a walk down a steep access through a narrow and steep interception tunnel, leads us to the lower platform, a point where we are only 170 meters from the Military Demarcation Line.

Our next stop is the Dora Observatory where we can see the whole expanse of the Demilitarized Zone, North Korean propaganda village, Gijeong-dong, where the world's largest flag hangs on a 160 meter-tall flagpole, South Korea's northernmost village of Daeseong-dong and Panmunjom where the ceasefire that ended hostilities was signed.

We return to Seoul in time for a break for lunch in Insadong, a lively district known for it's vast array of restaurants, small museums, and shopping. Insadong was originally two towns whose names ended in the syllables "In" and "Sa". They were divided by a stream which ran along Insadong's current main street. Insadong began 500 years ago as an area of residence for government officials. Today Insadong has some of the tastiest food vendors in all of Seoul. One of the main attractions in the area is the ‘Kings Dessert’ or the ‘Dragons Beard Candy’, 16,000 strings of honey wrapped multiple times with a flavouring of either almond, peanut or chocolate on the inside. There are also gooey pancakes and spicy Korean dumplings to sample.

From here we proceed to the War Memorial of Korea, an excellent tie-in with what we experienced at the DMZ. This huge museum documents the history of the Korean War (1950–53) with documentary footage (with English commentary) of the main battles and events. Along with photos, maps and artefacts, the films give a fascinating insight into what the war was like. There's also plenty of military hardware outside – tanks, helicopters, missiles and planes, plus stirring war memorials.

* Due to an ever-changing security situation, our activities today may be altered, re-routed, or curtailed without notice.

Overnight in Seoul.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 4 Seoul - Fly to Jeju Island
This morning we transfer to the airport for our short flight to Jeju Island.

Jeju Island, also known as the "Island of the Gods," is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners; indeed it remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds. The island is known for beaches, rugged coastal scenery, volcanic geography, and a unique culture which stands in stark contrast to the mainland (and much of Asia) as being matriarchal. Stemming from this basis, and some odd tax reasons, the role of seafood gathering on the island has been dominated by women. As such, a common sight around Jeju's coastline is that of the "haenyo" or "woman diver", a figure that has become somewhat iconic of the island.

After our arrival we'll have a break for lunch, we visit Jeju Folk Village, a living museum showcasing traditional Jeju culture and lifestyle. The village is a collection of restored traditional Jeju houses, including thatched-roof homes and stone houses. Visitors can explore the village and learn about the daily lives of Jeju people in the past.

We also visit Jeju Stone Park, which showcases the cultural significance of stone in Jeju Province. The park features various stone structures, including a stone pagoda and traditional Jeju stone houses. It also includes a large garden themed around Jeju's mythology.

Overnight on Jeju Island.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 5 Jeju Island Touring
Early this morning, we'll head to Sunrise Peak (Seongsan Ilchulbong) for a breathtaking view of this unique volcanic crater and its surroundings. Next we'll visit the Jeju Haenyeo Museum, dedicated to the island's remarkable female free divers. Finally, we'll explore Ilchul Land, a park featuring themed gardens, sculptures, and the intriguing Micheon Cave, a lava tube formed by volcanic activity. Jeju has an extensive system of lava tubes, natural conduits through which magma once flowed, now empty caves that are some of the largest in the world. The insides of the tube is adorned with multi-coloured carbonate decorations and innumerable cave formations commonly found in lava tubes. They include lava stalactites and lava stalagmites, lava columns, lava flowstone, lava helictites and lava blister, cave corals, benches, lava raft, lava bridges, lava shelves and striations.

Overnight on Jeju.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 6 Jeju Island - Fly to Busan: City Touring
This morning we fly to Busan, South Korea's second largest city and largest seaport.

Busan is known for its beaches, hot springs, nature reserves, and events such as the city's renowned international film festival held each fall. Busan is a good destination for those seeking a more laid back atmosphere than Seoul. Located at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, Busan's important port gives the city an international flair, with sailors from around the world trooping through and a growing number of tourists.

On arrival we'll visit the Gamcheon Cultural Village (a UNESCO site), spread out in a panorama of endless rows of low-rise cubicle homes climbing up the steep hillsides, earning it the nickname "Santorini of the East." The cheerful blue, yellow and pink hues a delight to the eye. Narrow stone and concrete alleyways wind their way through the homes, yielding something new at every turn. The village used to house the city’s poorest people, but during the Korean War, refugees fled their homes for Busan, which was the only area which was free from fighting.

We'll head to the Jagalchi Fish Market for a break for lunch, followed by a visit to the impressive UN Cemetery.

Overnight in Busan.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 7 Busan: Gyeongju Excursion
This morning we head out of the city to Gyeongju, located on Korea's southeast coast. This was the capital of the 1,000-year Silla dynasty, and is known for its extensive historical remains. We'll visit the 8th-century Bulguksa Temple featuring twin stone pagodas, a series of wooden staircases, and a large bronze Buddha.

Afer a break for lunch in Hwanglidan-gil we'll continue to Tumuli Park, which contains 23 of the over 200 royal tombs found in Gyeongju. At times, the sense of history, and of secrets buried along with the royals, is almost palpable in the quiet between the large grass-covered mounds.

We'll visit Cheomseongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in all of Asia The 362 stones that make up the 27-level structure represent each day of the lunar year. Built during the reign of Shilla Queen Seon-deok, it was used for observing the stars in order to forecast the weather.

Our last stops include Gyeongju National Museum, largely devoted to relics of the Silla Kingdom; and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, once part of the palace complex of ancient Silla. Return to Busan.

PLEASE NOTE: owing to the length of the day and the probability of a busy trave day tomorrow, your Tour Leader may choose to include lunch today and leave dinner to yourselves this evening.

Overnight in Busan.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 8 Departure from Busan
Departure from Busan.

BON VOYAGE!!

Included Meal(s): Breakfast

 


 

Trip Info
Trip Info

Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner (mostly at local restaurants) are included daily. All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for restaurant staff, porters, local guides. Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving/late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.

Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour.

Tour Leader gratuities.

Lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), domestic and international (if applicable) air taxes, and any excursions referenced as 'optional'.

Airport transfers for Land Only customers.

Optional trip cancellation insurance.

Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on shopping, not included meals.

Seasonality and Weather
Spring can expect warm temperatures with moderate humidity. March/April dates can expect daytime high temperatures of about 17-21C (63-68 F), with chilly mornings and evenings.

Our fall departure coincides with the beginning of the drier time of year and cool temperatures with highs ranging 15-18 C (60-66 F).

Rain showers can occur at any time, though their likelihood decreases the later we get into the fall. Our fall date is set to coincide with autumn leaf colour, though this varies from year to year.

Transport and Travel Conditions
We rate this tour difficulty 'Level 2', which relates mostly to some full days of travel, uneven surfaces, and plenty of time on your feet. Our pace is leisurely, but we have some full days of activities and have multiple walking tours of sites for several hours. We also have short walks to/from dinner at the end of our days. We do, however, time the tour for times when heat is not a factor. Our accommodations are comfortable and there will likely be baggage handling assistance to/from your room.

There is also a very strong culinary element to this trip. Breakfasts feature Asian as well as Western items, but our dinners out at local restaurants will feature a wide range of local specialties. Eating is very much a cultural experience in this part of the world, and this aspect of our program is an integral part of the overall experience. Though individual tastes and requirements will be taken into account by your leader who will be organizing our evening meals on-the-go, if you are strictly a meat-and-potatoes person, or a strict vegan/gluten-free etc, you may find your preferences significantly challenged on this tour.

Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.

Activity Level: 1
No particular physical activity is involved other than town/city walks and short walks to dinners and sites of interest, some of which are large.

To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page.

Accommodation
All hotels are centrally-located, Western style, air-conditioned, 3 & 4-star standard with private bath facilities.

Please click on the "Map & Hotels" tab elsewhere on this page for more information.

Staff and Support
Tour Leader throughout, local guides at various locations.

Group Size
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader

Tour Extensions
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:

15 Day Taiwan & South Korea Tour
MAR OCT
TOUR CODE: TA4
Tour Overview
20 Day South Korea & Japan Tour
MAR APR OCT
TOUR CODE: KR2
Tour Overview
27 Day South Korea & Japan Tour
MAR APR OCT
TOUR CODE: KR3
Tour Overview
27 Day Taiwan, South Korea & Japan By Rail Tour
MAR OCT
TOUR CODE: TA5
Tour Overview
34 Day Taiwan, South Korea & Japan By Rail Tour
MAR OCT
TOUR CODE: TA6
Tour Overview

Tourism Partners

Korea Tourism Organization Logo    

 


 

Map & Hotels
Map & Hotels

Regions visited: Far East
Countries visited: South Korea


*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.


The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.


The Splasir Seoul Myeong-Dong
4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation
Location: Seoul
Country: South Korea
Set in the center of the Seoul business district, the hotel offers convenient access to Seoul's major sightseeing destinations and attractions. Located on high ground that is quite high even for Myeong-dong, ... hotel is enveloped in a quiet environment that will make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. All guest rooms (except for standard latex rooms) are equipped with Simmons beds which promise the best sleep.
Read More
Felix by STX
4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation
Location: Pusan
Country: South Korea
Felix by STX is the first hotel brand introduced by STX, and aims to provide customers with a pleasant experience beyond a comfortable rest. Felix sets 'communication', 'diversity', and 'youth' as ​​its ... values, differentiated services to maximize customer satisfaction based on communication, the diversity that combines urban sensibility and relaxation of resorts, and youth of lifestyle that transcends generations. to seek. The fun begins at Felix, where the lively and dynamic Haeundae Beach, leisurely relaxation, and lively youth culture coexist.
Read More
Hotel Leo Jeju
4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation
Location: Cheju
Country: South Korea
Hotel Leo strives to become a museum hotel. To that end, it has installed extra-large paintings, large bronze statues, and reliefs of famous domestic and international artists in auxiliary facilities, including every ... Its atmosphere is comparable to that of a gallery hotel, and high-class interior design materials imported from European countries such as Italy and Spain give it a luxurious European-style feel.
Read More

 


 

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Frequently Asked Questions
ASK A QUESTION
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
ASK A QUESTION
01. What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?
Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 90-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
02. Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?
Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
03. How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?
The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone. A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 90 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s). Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time. Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
04. What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?
Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
05. I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?
All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location. This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement. The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible. On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available. Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed.
06. Do you have a shared accommodation program?
Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. On most of our tours, if we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge. At some destinations, however, where single rooms are not significantly discounted, or not at all, we may apply a "mandatory" single in the event that we cannot find you a share partner. This is usually 50% of the usual supplement, but can be as much as 100%. If applicable, this proviso will be noted on each tour page on this website, on your invoice, and in our tour date/price book (available for download under "Resources").

 

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Countries Visited: 1

South Korea.
Activity Level: 1

No particular physical activity is involved other than town/city walks and short walks to dinners and sites of interest, some of which are large.

To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page.
Tour Style: Cultural

These three- and four-star hotel-based, "soft adventure" trips concentrate on the culture, history, and natural attributes of our destination. Though there are no strenuous activities built into these tours, you need to be prepared for some full days with some early starts, plenty of walking on uneven surfaces through villages, cities and archaeological sites, and not a lot of "down time." Independence, reasonable fitness, and an ability to be steady on one's feet are critical in order for you to get the most out of these programs.

To learn more about the Tour Styles, please visit our tour styles page.
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