Revel in the serene beauty of the mountain temples, savour the delicious flavours of the local cuisine and embark on breathtaking adventures in a country that seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern innovation. Get ready to experience South Korea!
Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Join us on an extraordinary journey that will redefine your idea of South Korea. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the serene mountain temples, our tour is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, offering a unique and immersive experience. Get carried away with K-pop dancing, immerse yourself in Seoul's vibrant nightlife and take part in a moving Q&A session with a North Korean defector in the DMZ. Experience a taste of Korean heritage by staying in a traditional Hanok house and learning the art of Taekwondo. Find your inner peace by meditating at a temple in the mountains and savour the culinary delights of Gwangjang Market under the expert guidance of our local guide. Get ready for an unforgettable journey of discovery through South Korea's rich culture and history!
Detailed information about the tour and accommodation can be found below and in the tour PDF. This can be found further down on this page.
Duration of the journey: 10 days / 9 nights
Start: Seoul
End: Busan
Transport: All transport on trains, underground trains, taxis and buses included during the tour
Meals: 7x breakfast, 1x lunch, 3x dinner
Group size: max. 22 travellers
Accommodation: Hotels, hostels and Hanok Homestay
Single room supplement: 600.00 EUR (please specify in notes; availability must be checked)
Age range: 18-45+ years
International flights to and from the destination are not included in the price. We will be happy to provide you with a non-binding flight offer. Simply send us an enquiry.
10 days
Daily Tour
English
22 people
Welcome to South Korea! Day 1 of your epic Korean journey begins with an exciting landing at the hostel in the vibrant heart of Seoul's most famous shopping district, Myeongdong. As soon as you leave the house, you'll be gripped by the pulse of this vibrant city and filled with a sense of adventure. Meet up with your crew to get your bearings and then head out for your first Korean feast at the welcome dinner with your new One Life family! After dinner, we'll enjoy the best view of the city lights at night from the top of Namsan Mountain.
Accommodation: Step Inn Myeongdong (or similar) Shared room (4 beds)
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast at the hostel, we make our way to the trendy neighbourhood of Hapjeong, where we start our first activity of the day: Kpop dancing! We'll learn from a professional dance teacher and choreographer before heading out to explore the shops of Hongdae. We will visit the HiKR to learn more about the K-wave that is taking over the world and record our own Kpop dance video! The afternoon is at your leisure before we all head to the vibrant Itaewon neighbourhood for dinner and drinks.
Accommodation: Step Inn Myeongdong (or similar) Shared room (4 beds)
Activities: Kpop dance course, HiKR visit and video
Meals: Breakfast
A day on our tour you'll never forget. Today you'll get a glimpse into the hermit kingdom of North Korea as we take you to the remarkable Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). Standing on the border between two worlds, you'll witness the stark contrast between North and South Korea. With our experienced guides, you will explore the tunnels that North Korea has dug into the South, hear the stories of the region and even talk to a North Korean defector as part of a cultural exchange. We'll arrive back in Seoul around 4pm, so everyone will have plenty of time to freshen up before we head out for another fantastic Korean dinner!
Accommodation: Step Inn Myeongdong (or similar) Shared room (4 beds)
Activities: Visit to the DMZ, visit to infiltration tunnels, Q&A session with North Korean defector
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Today is all about exploring the more traditional areas of Seoul to get to know a different side of the city. Your adventure begins with the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the stunning Gyeongbokgung Palace. This palace is a true symbol of grandeur and history, where you can discover ancient courtyards, majestic architecture and tranquil gardens. You will also have the opportunity to wear the traditional "hanbok" while exploring the palace for an extra authentic feel! Afterwards, we'll walk through the perfectly preserved Hanok Village before making our way to the lively Insadong Art Street. Later in the evening, your guide will take you on a tasting tour of the famous Gwangjang market, where you can sample the best street food in town!
Accommodation: Step Inn Myeongdong (or similar) Shared room (4 beds)
Activities: Visit to the Changing of the Guard, Visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Visit to Hanok Village, Visit to Insadong, Visit to Gwangjang Market
Optional: Hanbok hire, traditional lunch in Hanok village
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Get ready to experience the serenity of a small, functioning temple in the mountains outside Seoul. The beautifully decorated temples and shrines on the grounds will transport you to a world away from the noise and neon of the big city. You will take part in temple life, including a singing bowl meditation, evening bell ringing and prayer chanting. You will also have the special opportunity to sit down for tea with a monk after a Buddhist dinner (taken in contemplative silence!) and ask the burning questions of life. This is your opportunity to relax and recharge your batteries before the next stage of your adventure.
Accommodation: Geumsunsa Temple (or similar) twin room (sleeping loft)
Activities: singing bowl meditation session, evening and morning chanting, tea with a monk
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
After morning prayers and another healthy Buddhist meal for breakfast, we say goodbye to our little mountain retreat and make our way to the small town of Jeonju. Famous for its food, drink and immaculately preserved traditional village neighbourhood, after checking into our lovely Hanok guesthouse, we set off to explore. The afternoon is at your leisure before joining the rest of the group for a tasting of one of Jeongju's most famous products: Makgoli rice wine! You will learn how it is made and taste a number of different varieties. For those who want to try even more, the group will head to Makgoli Alley to sample even more and eat their way through some "anju" - special foods made to be eaten while enjoying a few drinks!
Accommodation: Laon Hanok Gguljam (or similar) twin/double room
Activities: Walk through the Hanok village, Makgoli tasting
Optional: Traditional bibimbap lunch, Gyeongijeon Shrine, brewery tour, Makgoli Alley
Meals: Breakfast
After saying goodbye to Jeonju, we take the bus to our next destination: the ancient capital of Gyeongju! Known as the "museum without walls", this fascinating destination offers an extraordinary collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient temples and royal tombs that whisper stories of a bygone era. After dropping off our luggage and freshening up, we hop on our bikes to explore this magical city on two wheels. We will visit tombs, burial mounds, historical sites and spectacular scenery. In the evening, we make our way to Anapji Pond and marvel at the mirror-like reflections of the structures around the water.
Accommodation: Blue Boat Hostel (or similar) Shared room
Activities: Guided bike tour, visit to historical sites, Anapji pond at night
Today is another day to explore Gyeongju. After breakfast, we make our way to one of the country's most important temples: Bulguksa. Nestled in lush forests and picturesque landscapes, this ancient temple is a true masterpiece of architecture, history and tranquillity. Next, get ready for battle! After you have freshened up at your accommodation, we will visit a dojang to learn the famous martial art of taekwondo. During training, you will learn the art of high-flying kicks, lightning-fast punches and precise movements from experienced professionals. In the evening, join the rest of the group and try out some of the bars and restaurants in the old town.
Accommodation: Blue Boat Hostel (or similar) Shared room
Activities: Visit to the Bulguksa temple, Taekwondo lessons
Today we head to Busan, a city on the water surrounded by beaches and mountains. After checking into the city centre, we'll explore the famous Jagalchi market and shopping districts before taking the Songdo cable car to enjoy the best views over the water and the city. The afternoon is at your leisure. You can visit the Gamcheon Cultural Village or take a dip in the steaming waters of a jjimjilbang (public bathhouse). The last evening is spent in one of the famous karaoke rooms, singing the night away with the rest of your One Life family in one of the city's nightlife districts.
Accommodation: Toyoko Inn (or similar) twin/double room
Activities: Market visit, Songdo cable car, karaoke room
Optional: Gamcheon cultural village, bathhouse
Meals: Breakfast
Unfortunately, it's time to say goodbye. Refuel before you leave the hotel and embark on the next stage of your journey. We're sure the memories you've made, the places you've explored and the friendships you've made along the way will stay with you forever! You can either take the train from Busan back to Seoul Station or fly back from Gimhae Airport. Annyeonghi gaseyo!
Meals: Breakfast
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