Seoul
Jeju City
12 days
Maximum 20
discovery
Embark on an adventure and immerse yourself in a destination
About your trip
Discover the wonders of South Korea with this exhilarating 12-day exploration of its fascinating past, its ultra-modern present and its incredibly unique culture. You’ll begin in the capital Seoul, where you’ll take part in a Taekwondo class, take a cable car up to the stunning Namsan mountain and witness the Royal guard changing ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace. You can also visit the North Korean border on a DMZ tour and learn all about the global phenomenon K-pop, with a special dance class.
From Seoul you’ll then head to Sokcho, where you’ll explore the Seoraksan National Park, full of stunning caves, waterfalls and hiking trails, before spending the evening tasting traditional Korean alcohol, including the famous soju rice wine.
Next up on the trip is Gyeongju where you’ll learn meditation and try your hand at Sunmudo, a Korean Buddhist martial art. You'll also be served a traditional vegetarian dinner, and have the chance to take a cycling tour of the old town.
Your penultimate stop on your trip will be Busan, where you can enjoy a day out at Songdo Beach or visit its many modern and fashionable shopping areas. You can also see Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a rare religious site overlooking the sea. You’ll learn how to make classic Korean dishes with a cooking class before moving on to Jeju island, a Unesco world heritage site and home to some stunning natural scenery. You can hike to the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong mountain and set sail on a yacht tour before bidding farewell to your fellow travellers over a dinner of Jeju black pork barbecue.
Trip Highlights
- Get an authentic taste of Korean culture by trying your hand at Taekwondo before taking in the city from the peak of Namsan Mountain and visiting its most famous spots, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and the DMZ.
- Get lost in nature among the caves and waterfalls of Seoraksan National Park, which can be explored on foot or by cable car.
- See the country's most beautiful temple right by the sea in Korea's second city, Busan, where you can take some time to relax in a local spa.
- Unwind with breakfast on the beach a spot of morning swimming in Jeju before expanding your culinary repertoire with a cooking masterclass.
Your Itinerary
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Day 1
Seoul
14:00 - Welcome Meeting at the hostel
14:30 - Head to Taekwondo Class by public transportation
15:30 - Taekwondo Class (The class takes 1.30 hrs, and does not require any skills.) Learn the basics of taekwondo from professional instructors in an authentic place.
17:30 - Head to Myeongdong by public transportation for dinner
18:00 - Optional group Dinner at Myeongdong or free time to explore the area (Please confirm your dietary/medical requirements with your Adventure Leader. Your leader will take you to one of the local restaurants for your first Korean meal! Dinner here is at your own expense.)
20:00 - Walk to the cable car station and get cable car from the bottom of Namsan Mountain to the near peak. (Approx 15-20 mins walk)
21:00 - Enjoy the great view of Seoul City from the peak of Namsan Mountain.
Suggestions at Namsan Mountain:
- Go top of N Tower for even better views
- Lock your “padlock of love” onto the railing ( Seoul N Tower ticket is 21,000 KRW. Last entry is at 9:30pm -and you can stay until 10pm. Buy padlocks in advance in the city for cheaper prices. Expect to pay around 10-15,000 KRW if you buy at Namsan)
22:00 - Take cable car down and then walk back to the hostel.Activities Included
- Taekwondo Class
- Go top of N Tower for even better views
Accommodation
- Seoul - STEP INN Myeongdong 1 or similar
Optional Activities
- Dinner at Myeongdong
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Day 2
Seoul
9:30 - Take public transport to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
10:00 - Watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, then head to hanbok rental store (Guard changing ceremony starts at 10am and takes about 20 mins.)
10:20 - Rent Hanbok (Korean traditional clothes) before entering the palace (Hanbok rental price starts from 20,000 KRW.)
11:00 - Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (Free time will be given to visit the palace independently. Please make sure to wear comfortable walking shoe.If you’re interested in the history of the palace, you can join the English-Speaking tour conducted by the palace guides. This tour starts at 11am.)
Free afternoon and evening
Suggestions:
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Insadong Art Street
- Take a visit to Gangnam District
- Rent a bike and cycle along Han river
- Visit HIKR ground
- cultural centre where you can record your own music video and learn about K-wave
13:00 - Makgeolli Making Class ( Please email us at info@thedragontrip.com if you would like to book this optional activity. * This activity is required to book 3 weeks before trip starting date )
20:00 - Dinner and drinks in Euljiro/Itaewon (Ask for suggestions from your leader)Activities Included
- Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
- Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
Accommodation
- Seoul - STEP INN Myeongdong 1 Or similar
Optional Activities
- Rent Hanbok
- Makgeolli Making Class
- Dinner and drinks in Euljiro/Itaewon
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Day 3
Seoul
6:30 - Half day DMZ Tour.
Expected schedule:
- 06:45am pick up
- Arrive Imjingak for 20 mins break, breakfast here at your own expense. Arrive Dora Observatory where you can see the nearest North Korean villages with binoculars.
Arrive at the 3rd tunnels made by North Koreans. Be as close as 170m to North Korea while hiking in the tunnels. You will learn more about the life in North Korea on Q&A session with a North Korean defector on the way back
16:00 - Back to Hongdae.
Possible alternative activities:
If the tour cannot enter the DMZ, we have several other interesting things to try depending on the time available. Your Adventure Leader will consult with you beforehand. These may include: Imjingak Tour (and talk with North Korean defector) Odeulsan Unification and Observation Tower (please note: You need to bring your passport for DMZ tour). DMZ Tour may be cancelled if the tensions between South and North Korea are too high.
Please note that your expected arrival time back in city is 4pm (can be late depends on the waiting times in DMZ area). There are limited restaurant options with limited choices for lunch on DMZ tour. Although we will stop at a restaurant for lunch (at your own expense), you may want to bring sandwiches or snacks if you don’t want to eat local food.
18:00 K-pop Dance Class - Learn choreography step-by-step from the experts, and soon you will be dancing together like K-pop stars! (This class takes 1.5 hours. No dance experience is required.)
19:30 - Free time for dinner in Hongdae Ask Suggestion from your leader
21:30 - Night out in HongdaeActivities Included
- DMZ visit
- K-pop dance class
Accommodation
- Seoul - STEP INN Myeongdong 1 or similar
Optional Activities
- Night out in Hongdae
-
Day 4
Sokcho
Arrive at Seoraksan National Park.
10:30 You will have free time in the national park for hiking or taking the cable car (additional fee) to one of the peaks.
Opt 1: Cable Car and 20 mins hike to the peak
Opt 2: Bisundae and Keumganggul Cave. - Takes around 3hrs
Opt 3: Waterfalls (Yukdam, Biryong and Towangsung Falls) - Takes around 2 hrs
Opt 4: Ulsanbawi Rock. - Takes around 4 hrs
Your leader will help making smaller groups for people choosing different trails, then give the directions for free time to explore the area independently. 15,000 KRW is the return ticket price if you’re opting for a cable car. There are local restaurants inside the national park for lunch - at your own expense.
16:00 Take the bus to Sokcho Town (Private transport)
16:30 - Take the Gatbae boat and visit Abai Village where the North Koreans lived when the country divided during the war.
(After the village, you can keep walking to the Lighthouse observatory for thefantastic views of Seoraksan Mountain, East Sea and Sokcho area)
17:30 - Optional Dinner at the fish market (Manseok is the popular restaurant here selling sweet/spicy boneless fried chicken.)
18:30 - Arrive at the hostel, then free evening
A Traditional Liquor Tasting will be arranged by the guide at the hostel. This activity is included.
Note: Drinking age in South Korea is 19.Activities Included
- Seoraksan National Park
- Abai Village Visit
- Traditional Liquor Tasting
Accommodation
- Sokcho - Haru Guesthouse Or similar
Optional Activities
- Dinner at Fish Market
-
Day 5
Gyeongju
8:30 - Check out and transfer to Golgulsa Temple in Gyeongju. On the way, quick stop at the popular BTS Bus Stop on the beach! (Private transportation with two stops on the way. Lunch (at your own expense) will be at one of the service stations or in Gyeongju depending on the arrival time. Private transportation with two stops on the way. Lunch (at your own expense) will be at one of the service stations or in Gyeongju depending on the arrival time.)
15:00 - Arrive at the temple and check-inIn the PM - You will be following the temple's schedule on your arrival day. The order and time of the activities may change. Please confirm with your Adventure Leader on the day.
Expected activities as below:
Orientation (temple etiquette)
Meditation
Take part in Communal Work
Sunmudo Training
Traditional vegetarian dinner
PLEASE NOTE: Due to ongoing renovation at the temple, there will be no private rooms available. Accommodation tonight is very basic - reflecting the monks’ life-style. Blankets, linens and pillows will be provided to sleep on the floor. Gender-segregated rooms will be shared by 3-4 people with en-suite bathroom. There might be other travellers in your room. Dinner & breakfast (vegetarian) during your temple-stay are included. Moderate physical strength is required for Sunmudo Training and morning hike.Activities Included
- Orientation (temple etiquette)'
- Meditation
- Take part in Communal Work
- Sunmudo Training
- Traditional vegetarian dinner
Accommodation
- Gyeongju - Golgulsa Temple stay (no room upgrade, sex-segregated rooms, shared occupancy)
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Day 6
Gyeongju
5:00 AM - Wake up for morning Buddhist chanting and meditation session
6:30 - Traditional Buddhist vegetarian breakfast
7:00 - Take a rest before check-out at 8am
8:15 - Transfer from Golgulsa Temple to Gyeongju
9:00 - Free morning
Suggested Activities:
Visit Bulguksa Temple UNESCO World Cultural Asset by public transport
Head to a Tea-house
Visit Gyeongju Museum
Explore the old town or ask your Adventure Leader for suggestions
Hostel's checking available from 15:00. Guests can leave their bags downstairs in the provided area ahead of their afternoon check-in.
17:00 - Take a cycling tour of the old town of Gyeongju. Explore Chunmachong Ancient Tombs at Daereungwon Tumuli Park. Then, visit the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia. Your Adventure Leader will arrange the meeting point beforehand. Your leader will cycle with you to the main sights in the town - total biking duration is around 45 min on flat road. You can keep cycling around after the tour if you would like to further explore the town on your own. If you cannot ride a bike, you can opt to explore the old town on foot independently. The old town is small and easy to navigate. Around 1.30hrs walk is enough to cover the main sights.
19:00 - Eat a traditional set meal in a hanok at your own expense (Optional) Expect to pay around 15,000 KRW excluding drinks
Free Evening Suggestions:
Get your cameras ready and visit Anapji for the amazing night views of the pond. Your leader may not join this activity but directions will be given. Entrance ticket is 3,000 KRW.Activities Included
- Cycling tour of the old town of Gyeongju
Accommodation
- Gyeongju - Blueboat Hostel - (Shared bathroom for all - Simple breakfast included) Or similar
Optional Activities
- Eat a traditional set meal in a hanok
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Day 7
Busan
9:00 - Check-out from the Blueboat Hostel
9:10 - Board bus to Gyeongju station. Temple shuttle buses will take you to the station
10:11 - Temple shuttle buses will take you to the station (10:11 - 10:45 KTX)
10:45 - Arrive Busan and get on a private bus
11:30 - Visit to Gamcheon Culture Village (You will be given free time in the village.Lunch is not included.)
15:00 - Depart for Songdo Beach, then take the Songdo Marine Cable Car. Normal cabin tickets included.You can opt to pay 5,000 KRW extra for the glass bottom cable car. Speak to your Adventure Leader before arrival.
17:30 - Walk to the trendy BIFF Square entertainment and shopping area in Nampo-dong. Try Busan style hotteok from one of the street food vendors at your own expense Approx 5,000 KRW19:00 - Approx 1-hr drive to the hostelActivities Included
- Visit to Gamcheon Culture Village
- Songdo Marine Cable Car
- Walk to the trendy BIFF Square entertainment and shopping area in Nampo-dong
Accommodation
- Busan Blueboat Hostel Haeundae & Libero Hotel Or similar
-
Day 8
Busan
10:00 - Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple by public bus. Considered as Korea’s most beautiful temple, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is the rare find of a temple along the shoreline while most temples in Korea are on the mountains.
14:00 - (Optional; 23,000 KRW) Spend the afternoon relaxing in a Jjimjilbang. The name of the suggested jjimjilbang is Centum Spa Land and it is inside a shopping mall. You can easily go there by taking the subway from the hostel. Your leader may not join this activity, but the directions will be given.
Jjimjilbang Guidelines:
1. After getting the entrance tickets, lock your shoes in the small lockers
2. Take the Jjimjilbang uniforms and the bigger locker key, then head to the changing room. Put everything in the locker, then go to the shower/pool area. Clothing room and shower/pool areas are gender segregated. Towels are provided for free.
3. Take a shower and try different pools, sauna and steam room. You’re expected to be naked in this area.
4. After shower/pool, go back to the clothing room and wear the jjimjilbang uniforms.
5. Then head to the communal area to try different fomentation rooms, or hang out with your group members at TV room, restaurant, massage room etc
6. Change your clothes after you finish, then pay for the extras before leaving.
19:00 - Hop on a fun sightseeing boat and enjoy the night views of Haeundae and Gwangan Bridge. The tour takes around one hour. Price varies depends on the group size and the season. Please book this with your Adventure Leader in advance.
20:00 - Dinner and drinks in Haeundae. Night out option: Noraebang (Karaoke). Noraebang fee varies depends on the group size. Expect to pay around 100,000 KRW per room including snacks and fruits.Activities Included
- Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Accommodation
- Busan Blueboat Hostel Haeundae & Libero Hotel Or similar
Optional Activities
- Relax in a Jjimjilbang
- Sightseeing boat ride in Haeundae and Gwangan Bridge
- Dinner and drinks in Haeundae
- Noraebang (Karaoke)
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Day 9
Jeju
10:00 - Morning beach time. Picnic breakfast on the beach, Morning swimming, Beach games (Volleyball, Frisbee etc)
Hostel check out time is 11am. Check out of your hostel and store your bags if you’re not coming back before 11am.
10:00 - Busan cooking class. Please email us at tripssupport@theculturetrip.com if you would like to book this optional activity. * This activity is required to book 3 weeks before trip starting date
Free afternoon
Suggestions:
Haeundae Blueline Park
Observatory at the second tallest building in Korea Huinnyeoul Culture Village Ask directions from your leader.
Late afternoon - Transfer to Busan airport and flight to Jeju
Arrival in Jeju and transfer to the hotel, check in then free evening
Private transportation. You need to be on time at the hostel for the pick-up.
Baggage Allowance: 15kg Checked-in Luggage + 10kg Hand luggageActivities Included
- Flight from Busan to Jeju
Accommodation
- Jeju Shinshin Cheonjiyeon Hotel Or similar
Optional Activities
- Morning beach time
- Busan cooking class
- Free afternoon
-
Day 10
Jeju
8:00 Depart to Olle Trail No.7. with private bus transfer
9:00 Half-day nature hike tour in Jeju island:Trek along the Jeju Olle Trail No.7 and Oedolgae Rock Jungbang waterfall.
Note: Olle trail hiking takes around 1 hour mostly on a flat path. There are options to take steps down along the way. Need to walk the stairs down and up for the waterfall - approx 10 mins
12:00 - Head to Seongsan Ilchulbong and hike to the top.
Hike takes approximately 1 hour round trip.
13:30 - Free time: Have an optional lunch near the volcano. Optional group lunch near Seongsan Ilchulbong. Rest of the day at leisure
Suggestions:
(Ask directions from your leader.)
Olle Maeil Market
Jungmun Beach
Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
Walk around Maritime Park and Saeyeongyo Bridge
Sunset drinks at The CliffActivities Included
- Half-day nature hike tour in Jeju island
- Head to Seongsan Ilchulbong and hike to the top
Accommodation
- Jeju Shinshin Cheonjiyeon Hotel Or similar
Optional Activities
- Lunch near the volcano.
-
Day 11
Jeju
10:00 - Depart from hotel
11:00 - Yatch Sailing tour
13:00 Return to hotel. If you wish to go elsewhere directly after yacht sailing, please let your Adventure Leader know beforehand. Free afternoon.
Suggestions:
Jungmun Beach
Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
Walk around Maritime Park and Saeyeongyo Bridge
Sunset drinks at The Cliff
18:45 - Trip Feedback Session. Meet up with your Adventure Leader before your farewell meal to complete a feedback survey on your Adventure Tour.
19:00 - Farewell Jeju Black Pork BBQ for dinner. Please note there will be limited vegetarian options. Make sure your leader knows your dietary requirements ahead of time. Drinks are not included.Activities Included
- Yacht sailing tour
- Farewell Jeju Black Pork BBQ for dinner.
Accommodation
- Jeju Shinshin Cheonjiyeon Hotel Or similar
-
Day 12
Post-trip night
Trip ends this morning at the hotel. Check-out before 11 am.
Note: Expected Schedule for the optional flight and airport transfer:
08:30 - Transfer to the airport
11:00 - Then fly from Jeju to Seoul Gimpo. Arrive Seoul Gimpo before 1 pm.
Luggage allowance: 15kg check-in luggage + 10kg hand luggage is included.
(Your leader will share the exact flight time and schedule with you later. Please email us at tripssupport@theculturetrip.com if you would like to book this optional flight)
NOTE 1: Airport transfer is included for travellers who booked today’s optional flight. If you book a flight on another day/time, there will be no airport transfer.
NOTE 2: The optional flight is un-guided.
NOTE 3: If you are flying out same day from Incheon Airport, you can take a metro from Gimpo Airport to Incheon Airport which takes about 35 mins.
Post-trip accommodation in JejuPost-trip accommodation in Seoul - Please email us at tripssupport@theculturetrip.com if you would like to book post-trip night accommodation either in Jeju or Seoul.

What's included
- Bilingual Adventure Leaders: Knowledgeable guides to enhance your experience throughout the tour.
- Transport within South Korea: Includes all transportation for the main itinerary activities (excluding transport for optional or suggested activities). Airport transfers are also available at an additional cost.
- Flight from Busan to Jeju
- Accommodation: A mix of comfortable hostels (shared room occupancy and shared toilet facilities) and a unique stay in a temple
- Taekwondo Class (Seoul)
- Tour around the DMZ, including Dora Observatory, tunnels and Q&A with North Korean defector (Seoul)
- K-Pop Class (Seoul)
- Namsan Cable Car Ride (Seoul)
- Visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace (Seoul)
- Visit to Seoraksan Park, including Bisundae and Geumganggul Cave, waterfalls, and Ulsanbawi Rock (Sokcho)
- Gatbae boat & visit to Abai Village (Sokcho)
- Traditional liquor tasting (Sokcho)
- Cycling tour of Gyeongju (Gyeongju)
- Visit to Chunmachong Ancient Tombs in Daereungwon Tumuli Park (Gyeongju)
- Visit to Cheomseongdae (Gyeongju)
- Golgulsa Temple stay (Gyeongju)
- Traditional vegetarian dinner & breakfast (Gyeongju)
- Sunmudo training session (Gyeongju)
- Buddhist meditation session (Gyeongju)
- Private day tour of Busan, including Gamcheon Village, Songdo Marine Cable Car, and BIFF Square entertainment area (Busan)
- Visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (Busan)
- Hike to summit of Seongsan Ilchulbong (Jeju)
- Yacht sailing tour (Jeju)
- Half-day nature hike in Jeju Island (Jeju)
- Farewell BBQ dinner (Jeju)
What's not included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Hotel Transfers (unless otherwise stated in the Included Activities section above)
- Flights to and from the destination
- Visit to Seoul N Tower (Seoul)
- Meals & drinks not specified in the programm (Seoul)
- Makgeolli Making Class (Seoul) – £70
- Dinner at the Fish Market (Sokcho)
- Traditional set meal in Hanok (Gyeongju)
- Evening visit to Anapji (Gyeongju)
- Meals & drinks (Busan)
- Visit to Centum Spa Land (Busan)
- Sightseeing boat tour (Busan)
- Karaoke (Busan)
- Bibimbap cooking class (Busan) – £85
- Any activities within free time
Customer Reviews
Accommodation
NOTE:
Shared occupancy rooms in hostels (4/8 pax) with shared bathroom facilities. Shared occupancy room in temple stay with shared bathroom facilities