From CAD 3,798 Was CAD 4,220
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(15 reviews)
Experience Overview
A destination of natural wonder, culinary delights and mesmerising cityscapes, South Korea is a rewarding trip for any traveller. On this nine-day exploration, you’ll discover Korea’s Demilitarised Zone, eat ‘til you drop at an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant, hike through the amazing scenery of Seoraksan Mountain, wander through the colourful Gamcheong Culture Village, spend a night in a traditional hanok house and discover the charisma of Busan from seaside Haedong Temple to the stories of Haeyno divers.
Highlights
- Spend a fascinating day exploring the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) on a guided tour. Discover why this intriguing place has been awash with tension and political pressure since the Korean War.
- Take a street food tour of the renowned Gwangjang markets in Seoul, feasting on bite-sized delights, and indulge in an authentic all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ experience for your final night.
- Explore the seaside Sokcho and discover the island village of Abai, home to hundreds of North Korean refugees and learn about their experience in a sobering talk with the community here before enjoying a delicious home-cooked community dinner.
- Spend a night in a traditional Hanok house in the Andong Hahoe folk village, walking past the traditional homes to imagine the country in its past life.
- Visit coastal Haedong Temple, explore the colourful Gamcheong Culture Village and then meet a Haeyno diver in Busan for an insider’s view of this predominantly female profession.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1721
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Vehicle,Public Bus,Metro,Taxi,Boat,High Speed Train
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: CJSK
Starts: Seoul, Korea, Republic Of
Finishes: Seoul, Korea, Republic Of
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (1), Dinner (4)Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights),Hanok (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3798 (CAD 422 /day)
Itinerary
Annyeong! Welcome to South Korea. Your adventure begins in Seoul, South Korea's vibrant capital of high-tech gadgetry, soaring skyscrapers and delicious eats. If you arrive early, explore this modern Asian metropolis at your own pace and discover how ancient traditions come together with the modern in one of Asia's great cities. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon. After, your leader will take you to visit the renowned Gwangjang Market for a fun dinner tour. Here, you’ll find some of Korea’s street food favourites like mayak gimbap (rice rolls), mandu (North Korean dumplings), bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and the famous kimchi. Later, follow your group leader to the top of Naksan to see an awesome view of Seoul’s skyline at night.
Included Activities:
- Seoul - Gwangjang market
- Seoul - Naksan night view over the city
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
An early morning to get to join a tour of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). From the South Korean side of the Zone, you’ll learn how this peninsula has been divided since the devastating Korean War. You’ll visit points of interest, including the Third Tunnel of Aggression, the Unification Bridge, Imjingak Park and the Dora Observatory. In the afternoon, explore Gyeongbukgung Palace – the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty – and the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village. Your tour today will finish late afternoon and feel free to stay longer behind the group at Bukchon as there's a lot to explore. In your free time afterwards, consider visiting Namsan Mountain or Yongsan's War Museum or pick up some gadgets in the hi-tech Yongsan Electronics Shopping district.
Included Activities:
- Seoul - Gyeongbukgung Palace
- Seoul - Demilitarized Zone (DMZ/South Korea)
- Seoul - Bukchon Hanok Village
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
In the morning, take a local express bus to the east coast city of Sokcho. On arrival, head to the Sokcho Central Market for a real insight of how local people go about their daily lives, with the option of trying a few different local snacks or have your lunch here. Enjoy some free time afterwards then head to Abai – a small island village in Sokcho that, for generations, has been a haven for refugees fleeing the Korea War from North Korea, offering education and housing. Getting there is half the fun – you’ll have to work together to pull a rope on a small barge to get to the other side. Visit a North Korean refugee’s family and listen to their story of how history reshaped their life.Then take part in a cooking demo and learn how to make giant Korean dumplings. Enjoy a delicious dinner, like Japchai, kimbap, rice beer and other snacks in their shared recreation space, all freshly cooked with home recipe. The payment they received for this dinner will be contributed to the Abai Village Preservation Society.
Included Activities:
- Sokcho - Local market visit
- Sokcho – Community cooking & dinner in village of Abai
- Sokcho - Island village of Abai
- Sokcho - North Korea refugee family visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Head to Seoraksan – Korea’s most well-known mountain and the third highest in the peninsula – and take a hike to see the stunning views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The afternoon and evening is yours to explore Sokcho. Maybe visit Yeoung Geum Jung Pagoda which is on the coast, overlooking the sea. Or hire a bike and ride around the scenic Yeongrang Lake. Maybe try the Korean hotpot for dinner or go for an evening visit to Sokcho Expo Tower. Otherwise, you could take a walk along Sokcho Harbor or opt for a relaxing soak at the Cheoksan Hot Springs.
Included Activities:
- Sokcho - Seoraksan Mountain Hike
Optional Activities:
- Sokcho - Yeoung Geum Jung Pagoda - Free
- Sokcho – Bike Ride around Yeongrang Lake (25 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Hit the road this morning for Andong Hahoe Folk Village. This quaint settlement is easy to walk around, so you’ll join your leader on a stroll through the traditional houses (including the one that hosted Queen Elizabeth II in 1999) to get your bearings. Visit the remnants of a traditional school to see how students studied in the past and take a short hike to Buyongdae Hill, where you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the village dotted with the traditional hanok houses. Being a traditional Korean outpost, there may also be masked dancers performing in town. To learn more about this ritual, why not visit the nearby mask museum? Staying in an authentic hanok (traditional Korean house) is a unique experience and the perfect opportunity to gain more insight into local life. Enjoy a dinner at the village to try some of Andong's signature dishes.
Included Activities:
- Andong - Andong folk village
- Andong – Village Traditional Dance Performance (except for Monday)
Accommodation:
- Hanok (Number of Nights: 1)
After saying goodbye to your host family, you’ll make your way to Busan. South Korea’s second-largest city is home to mountains, beaches, hot springs and deliciously fresh seafood. After arrival, you’ll have the unique opportunity to talk to a Haenyeo diver. Haenyeo, literally 'sea women', are the brave souls who dive into the sea to collect clams, sea urchins and oysters and are famous for being able to hold their breath for a very long time. A dwindling industry, this has been a main source of income for the divers (predominantly female) to support their families through changing times. Visit the local Haenyeo community centre and meet with an ex-diver and hear about her experience diving, the changes Busan has gone through and her life now. Then visit Haedong Temple – the famous Buddhist temple by the sea. Explore this rare gem, backdropped by the ocean and soak in the coastal views, before going to Gamcheong Culture Village for a great overview of the city before exploring the cafes and galleries at your own pace. This colourful village is also extremely photogenic, so don’t forget your camera as you wander around. There are different spots in the city for a perfect sunset, so maybe grab a few of your group members and head to one of the many scenic viewpoints at dusk. In the evening you are free to visit Busan X the Sky or Gwangan Beach.
Included Activities:
- Busan - Haedong Temple
- Busan - Gamcheon Art Village
- Busan - Haenyeo (female diver) visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head to the seaside of Ikidae and take a coastal walk (and optional plogging) first. Then make a visit to a local ‘Smart Farm’ – this incubation site is where startups are growing crops in recycled shipping containers, as well as turning them into shops and cafes. The rest of the day is yours. Tonight, maybe take an optional night cruise and see Busan from the water as the sun goes down. You can also visit Haeundae Night Market or see the buskers on the boardwalk.
Included Activities:
- Busan – Local ‘Smart Farm’ visit
- Busan - Coastal walk
Optional Activities:
- Busan - Night cruise (40 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, jump on the KTX Bullet Train and head back to Seoul. You'll arrive early afternoon and the rest of afternoon is yours to explore. Perhaps venture out and explore the National Museum, Leeum Art Museum, or you might like to check out the huge range of shopping that Seoul’s Dongdaemun has to offer. This evening, gather your travel pals for one final group dinner at an all-you-can-eat barbecue feast – you can't leave Korea without experiencing this hands-on meal!
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. With no activities planned, you’re free to leave at any time. If you’d like to spend more time in Seoul, just speak to your booking agent.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Paul - Traveled, March 2024
A great trip with an insight into the history of Korea, some breathtaking views and local markets. All with amazing local food. Just wish we had more time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2024
Wendy - Traveled, March 2024
As a first time Intrepid tourist and in my mid 60’s now - it’s a great trip to do - thoroughly recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2024
Matt - Traveled, March 2024
I would highly recommend this trip/tour. Especially, for anyone (like me) who hadn't visited South Korea before. As it gives you a wonderful insight into a fascinating country, full of vibrant culture and history that leaves you just wanting to see more.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Adrian - Traveled, March 2024
The trip around South Korea really provided an excellent insight into how the country and its people lived and operated. Yong Park was a first class trip leader who was well organised and had a great knowledge of the country and the logistics required to get around. I would highly recommend this trip and its leader.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Colin - Traveled, January 2024
Learned a ton about South Korean society and culture. Our guide, Youg Park, was fantastic! Left tour super impressed with South Korea. Tour was super packed. I had a great time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/13/2024
Jo - Traveled, December 2023
The South Korea highlights tour is a fantastic way to be introduced to the many different faces of Korea. From the K Pop commercialism of Seoul, to the current reality of the DMZ, to a stay in a traditional hanok village, this tour should satisfy those interested in current affairs, history, culture and food…so much delicious food! An outstanding tour in a truly unique, friendly country. Five stars.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2023
Ellen - Traveled, December 2023
This tour broadened my knowledge about Korean culture, the geopolitical relationships of the region, and beauty of South Korea. Our guide, Young, was brilliant - engaging and humorous in sharing his local knowledge.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2023
Paul - Traveled, November 2023
The South Korea Highlights trip provided an excellent introduction to the country, offering insights into its history, cuisine, and local culture. Exploring areas that would have been challenging to reach independently enhanced the experience. I highly recommend allocating extra time after the trip for further independent exploration. A truly enriching South Korean adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/12/2023
Chantal - Traveled, November 2023
Fantastic introduction to South Korea both vibrant modern cities and the rural heritage locations of traditional Korea, combined with amazing food and a fantastic local leader. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2023
Megan - Traveled, November 2023
The trip was great, but will be improved by the inclusion of Busan next year. Dennis, our leader was fantastic.. so intune with our needs and interests. So accommodating
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Toby - Traveled, November 2023
The tour provided a wonderful opportunity to see some of the most beautiful parts of Korea, experience its history and culture, whilst meeting a group of like minded and friendly people. Our tour guide Boram made the experience so special, with her extensive knowledge and passion for Korea. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/11/2023
Peter - Traveled, November 2023
I really enjoyed the Korea Highlights tour, it was a nice mix of culture, food and the outdoors. Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. There were some unexpected changes to the itinerary resulting in some planned places being missed out on. Overall though an excellent and memorable trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/11/2023
Carol - Traveled, March 2024
This trip shows you outside of the typical view of South Korea, which includes the DMZ, shows what Koreans like to do in their spare time eg: Hiking and gives a feel of what South Korea is like. It is an active trip, with many activities in a day. Since there are many activities you don't spend as much time as you would like at those places. This trip has giveb me a good impression of South Korea even though it was fast paced and I would of liked to spend longer at certain places. This trip has helped me to better prepare for my next trip to South Korea. Thank you
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Melanie - Traveled, March 2024
This was a great taste of what Korea had to offer. Our guide Yongsu was really approachable and helpful especially when a couple of us got ill. We enjoyed the mix of activities and would highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Naomi - Traveled, March 2024
Beautiful, stunning and just overall amazing. South Korea is such a fantastic part of the world and it’s been a blessing to come to this country
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/30/2024
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