Basix
18 to 35s
Essential South Korea
9 days • 4.6
4.5
Excellent
28 reviews
9 days
Start
Seoul, South Korea
Finish
Seoul, South Korea
Trip Code
CJYK
Min Age
18
Trip Size
1 - 16
Physical Rating
Meals
2 dinners
Transport
Public Bus, Private Vehicle, Train, Metro
Accommodation
Hostel (Multi-share) (7 nights), Hanok (1 night)
From £1,327(9 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Rub shoulders with the locals at Nambu Market, which recently provided free rent to young entrepreneurs to keep the market alive. Then, stay in a hanok (a traditional Korean house) and experience what it’s like to live day to day in Jeonju.
Feast on delicious local cuisine, with included dinners where you might be able to try some traditional Korean noodles, Korean BBQ or fried chicken, and plenty of time to wander around street food markets and restaurants.
Discover Seoul at your own pace with tonnes of free time to explore the various districts throughout the city. Maybe hit up karaoke (or noraebang, in Korean), go bar hopping with your local leader or grab a coffee at one of Seoul's famous themed cafes.
Experience the natural beauty of South Korea from Ahwon Gotack – with lush, green surroundings, it’s a stark contrast to the big cities Korea is famous for. Soak up the tranquil mountain views and enjoy a moment to enjoy the silence of nature.
Learn how the community have innovated agricultural growth at the Urban Smart Farm Social Company – a social enterprise backed by the government and local NGOs, focused on sustainability.
Is this trip right for you?
This trip includes accommodation in multi-share dormitories. This means travellers on the same booking may be split between rooms due to single-gender dormitories used.
You’ll stay in some big and busy cities on this trip, which means noise at unusual hours. If you think this might bother you, we recommend bringing ear plugs.
This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary has a mix of included activities and free time when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in.
A traditional Korean bed is a futon-like mattress placed on the floor, which may be folded and placed in the cupboard in the morning. This trip includes one night with Korean-style floor bedding in a hanok (traditional house) in Jeonju. Floor bedding can be firm compared to standard western mattresses.
South Korea is best explored on foot. In fact, most travellers are surprised at how much distance they end up covering! Make sure your shoes are comfy and you are fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet.
Although this trip starts and finishes in Seoul, we highly recommend you spend some extra time exploring this fascinating city and its neighbouring regions. Please consult your booking agent if you would like to book additional nights. If you are interested in visiting the DMZ, please refer to Day 1 of the itinerary for further information.
Itinerary
The world of K-pop culture, Buddhist temples, high-tech gadgetry and green mountains is calling
Experience all the essential sights of South Korea on this nine-day journey through Seoul, Jeonju, Yeosu, Busan and more. From the thriving pop culture to the natural oasis of gleaming gardens, you'll join a group of travellers looking to forge new connections. Feast on Korean BBQ, noodles and street food, follow in the footsteps of popular K-pop group BTS at some scenic filming locations, take easy hikes through coastal beaches and rolling green mountain landscapes and hit the nightlife in your spare time (coin karaoke really brings people together). Stay in a hanok (traditional Korean house), rub shoulders with the locals and enjoy loads of free time to choose your own adventure, whether that’s learning taekwondo or visiting the DMZ along the border of North Korea.
Inclusions
Meals
2 dinners
Transport
Public Bus, Private Vehicle, Train, Metro
Accommodation
Hostel (Multi-share) (7 nights), Hanok (1 night)
Included activities
Seoul - Orientation Walk
Seoul - T-money Card
Seoul - HiKR Ground
Seoul - Gwangjang market
Jeonju - Orientation Walk
Jeonju - Nambu Market Visit
Jeonju - Hanok Village Tour
Wanju - Ahwon Gotack
Wanju - Webongsansung Visit
Yeosu - Hyangilam Temple
Busan - Gamcheon Art Village
Busan - Igidae Coastal Walk
Busan - Urban Smart Farm Visit
Optional activities
Seoul - DMZ Tour - USD80
Seoul - Korean Class - USD30
Seoul - Gyungbokgung Palace - USD4
Seoul - Hanbok Hire - USD25
Jeonju - K-Pop Dance Class - USD50
Yeosu - Cable Car (Return) - USD18
Busan - Calligraphy Class - USD30
Busan - Baseball Game (Apr-Sep - prices from) - USD20
Busan - Korean Head Spa (subject to availability - from) - USD130
Busan - Spaland - USD20
Busan - Taekwondo Class (minimum 8 pax required) - USD50
Seoul - Painting Class - USD50
Dates and availability
Starting
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Important notes
1. A single supplement is possible if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This tour includes accommodation in multi-share dormitories. This means travellers on the same booking may be split between rooms due to single-gender dormitories used.
Reviews (27)
5 stars
18
4 stars
9
Alex
Apr 21, 2025
Throughly recommend this trip if you’re a fan of food and drink.
William
Dec 15, 2024
I had an incredible time in Korea, the food in particular being a real standout thanks to the recommendations of our guide Yong Su. Accommodation was in general good, barring that in Seoul being far too noisy due to nearby clubs/bars. (Bring earplugs!) For optional activities, I’d particularly recommend the calligraphy class, which I found very enjoyable (and surprisingly relaxing).
Lucy
Dec 12, 2024
This tour was such a fun experience, we did so many cool activities that expanded my understanding of Korean culture. Our tour guide Yeonsu was fantastic and provided a lot of unique insight into Korean society.
Nelson
Nov 30, 2024
This trip had a great balance of inclusions and extras for a budget trip and we really got to know South Korea during our time here. We had a fantastic guide in Boram and were impressed with the itinerary, accommodation and organisation on the tour.
Matthew
Nov 28, 2024
Amazing way to experience South Korea for the first time. Fast paced but able to see a lot of the country in a short time and try many different activities. Would have liked to have an extra day in Seoul and a option for a hike.
Marcella
Nov 28, 2024
It was a great overview of South Korea and very affordable. We ate delicious food and saw all the highlights. The schedule is very flexible so if there’s any activity you don’t want to do, you just meet up with the group later. Loved this trip!
Kali
Nov 17, 2024
Excellent tour to introduce yourself to South Korea! Be prepared to be doing and seeing lots in a very short period of time. My tour guide Dennis was excellent!
Kimberly
Oct 12, 2024
I had the most amazing time in South Korea with Jaeyun (Dennis). 10/10 would recommend! The tour had something for everyone, plenty of opportunities for nights out, delicious food, cultural activities and karaoke!
Matthew
Sep 12, 2024
Really great experience and insight into South Korean life, past and present. Activities were fun and engaging, lots of local cuisine too. Our tour guide, Peter, was fantastic.
Allira
Sep 12, 2024
Highly recommend booking this trip!
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