12-DAY SOUTH KOREA TOUR by The Dragon Trip

Destination
Starts at

Seoul

Destination
Ends at

Jeju City

Destination
Duration

12 days

Destination
Group Size

Maximum 20

Destination
Physical Rating

challenging Information

Destination
Style

discovery Information

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

  1. Day 1 Seoul

    14:00 - Welcome Meeting at the hostel14:30 - Head to Taekwondo Class by public transportation15:30 - 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 dinner18:00 - 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.21:00 - Options at Namsan Mt         - 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 - 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.

    Accommodation

    Seoul - STEP INN Myeongdong 1 Or similar

    Activities Included
    • Taekwondo Class
    • Go top of N Tower for even better views
    • Lock your “padlock of love” onto the railing
    Optional Activities
    • Dinner at Myeongdong
  2. 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 eveningSuggestions:- 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-wave13:00 - 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)

    Accommodation

    Seoul - STEP INN Myeongdong 1 Or similar

    Activities Included
    • Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
    • Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
    Optional Activities
    • Rent Hanbok
    • Makgeolli Making Class
    • Dinner and drinks in Euljiro/Itaewon
  3. 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 3rd tunnels made by North Koreans. Be as close as 170m to North Korea while hiking in the tunnels.         - 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 HongdaePossible 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(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 leader21:30 - Night out in Hongdae

    Accommodation

    Seoul - STEP INN Myeongdong 1 Or similar

    Activities Included
    • K-pop dance class
    Optional Activities
    • Night out in Hongdae
  4. 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 peakOpt 2: Bisundae and Keumganggul Cave. - Takes around 3hrsOpt 3: Waterfalls (Yukdam, Biryong and Towangsung Falls) - Takes around 2 hrsOpt 4: Ulsanbawi Rock. - Takes around 4 hrsYour 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 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 eveningTBA - Traditional Liquor Tasting (Arranged by Adventure Leader at the hostel. This activity is included. Drinking age in South Korea is 19.)

    Accommodation

    Sokcho - Haru Guesthouse Or similar

    Activities Included
    • Seoraksan National Park
    • Abai Village Visit
    • Traditional Liquor Tasting
    Optional Activities
    • Dinner at Fish Market
  5. 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 stopson 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 dinnerPLEASE 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.Some activities may not be possible due to covid.Moderate physical strength is required for Sunmudo Training and morning hike

    Accommodation

    Gyeongju - Golgulsa Temple stay (no room upgrade, sex-segregated rooms)

    Activities Included
    • Orientation (temple etiquette)'
    • Meditation
    • Take part in Communal Work
    • Sunmudo Training
    • Traditional vegetarian dinner
  6. Day 6 Gyeongju

    5:00 AM - Wake up for morning Buddhist chanting and meditation session6:30 - Traditional Buddhist vegetarian breakfast7:00 - Take a rest before check-out at 8am8:15 - Transfer from Golgulsa Temple to Gyeongju9:00 - 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 townAsk your Adventure Leader for Suggestions15:00 - Check-in available at hostelHostel Check-in is at 3pm. Guests can leave their bags downstairs in the provided area ahead of their afternoon check-in. Ask your Adventure Leader for more information.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 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. Ask directions from your leader.19:00 - Eat a traditional set meal in a hanok at your own expense (Optional) Expect to pay around 15,000 KRW excluding drinksFree EveningSuggestions: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.

    Accommodation

    Gyeongju - Blueboat Hostel - (Shared bathroom for all - Simple breakfast included) Or similar

    Activities Included
    • cycling tour of the old town of Gyeongju
    Optional Activities
    • Eat a traditional set meal in a hanok
  7. Day 7 Busan

    9:00 - Check-out from the Blueboat Hostel9:10 - Board bus to Gyeongju station. Temple shuttle buses will take you to the station10:11 - 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 hostel

    Accommodation

    Busan Blueboat Hostel Haeundae & Libero Hotel Or similar

    Activities Included
    • Visit to Gamcheon Culture Village
    • Depart for Songdo Beach, then take the Songdo Marine Cable Car
    • Walk to the trendy BIFF Square entertainment and shopping area in Nampo-dong
  8. 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.

    Accommodation

    Busan Blueboat Hostel Haeundae & Libero Hotel Or similar

    Activities Included
    • Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
    Optional Activities
    • relax in a Jjimjilbang
    • sightseeing boat ride in Haeundae and Gwangan Bridge
    • Dinner and drinks in Haeundae
    • Noraebang (Karaoke)
  9. 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 info@thedragontrip.com if you would like to book this optional activity.* This activity is required to book 3 weeks before trip starting dateFree afternoonSuggestions:Haeundae Blueline Park,Observatory at the second tallest building in KoreaHuinnyeoul Culture VillageAsk directions from your leader.TBA - Transfer to Busan airport and flight to JejuTBA - Transfer to the hotel, check in then free eveningPrivate transportation.You need to be on time at the hostel for the pick-up.Baggage Allowance: 15kg Checked-in Luggage + 10kg Hand luggage

    Accommodation

    Jeju Shinshin Cheonjiyeon Hotel Or similar

    Optional Activities
    • Morning beach time
    • Busan cooking class
    • Free afternoon
  10. Day 10 Jeju

    8:00 Depart to Olle Trail No.7. Private Bus Transfer9:00 Half-day nature hike tour in Jeju island:        Trek along the Jeju Olle Trail No.7 and Oedolgae Rock        Jungbang waterfallOlle 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 mins12:00 - 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 IlchulbongRest of the day at leisureSuggestions: (Ask directions from your leader.)Olle Maeil MarketJungmun Beach,Cheonjiyeon Waterfall,Walk around Maritime Park and Saeyeongyo Bridge,Sunset drinks at The Cliff

    Accommodation

    Jeju Shinshin Cheonjiyeon Hotel Or similar

    Activities Included
    • Half-day nature hike tour in Jeju island
    • Head to Seongsan Ilchulbong and hike to the top
    Optional Activities
    • lunch near the volcano.
  11. Day 11 Jeju

    10:00 - Depart from hotel11:00 - Yatch Sailing tour13:00 Return to hotel. If you wish to go elsewhere directly after yacht sailing, please let your Adventure Leader know beforehand.Free afternoonSuggestions: Ask directions from your leader.Jungmun Beach,Cheonjiyeon Waterfall,Walk around Maritime Park and Saeyeongyo Bridge,Sunset drinks at The Cliff18:45 - 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.

    Accommodation

    Jeju Shinshin Cheonjiyeon Hotel Or similar

    Activities Included
    • Yacht sailing tour
    • Farewell Jeju Black Pork BBQ for dinner.
  12. Day 12 Post-trip night

    Trip ends this morning at the hotel. Check-out before 11 am. TBA - Expected Schedule for the optional flight and airport transfer:08:30 - Transfer to the airport11:00 - Then fly from Jeju to Seoul Gimpo.Before 13:00 - Arrive Seoul Gimpo before 1 pm.* 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 info@thedragontrip.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 SeoulPlease email us at info@thedragontrip.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.
  • Accommodation: A mix of comfortable hostels and unique stays like temple accommodations
  • 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 (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

Important Info

  • Where does the trip start and finish? This tour starts in Seoul and ends in Jeju. Throughout, all your local travel is included, excluding airport transfers. You have the option of booking an additional flight from Jeju to Seoul at the end of the tour.
  • When do the trips depart? Can I begin my trip on a non-listed date? You can find all of our set departure dates on the calendar at the top of the page. You can join a trip at any point – if you need to discuss a situation like this, such as joining a tour late, email our team on info@thedragontrip.com.
  • What is the accommodation used on this tour? On this adventure tour, you’ll be based in hostels. All of the hostels we use are clean, comfortable, and well-located. In them, you’ll have all bedding provided for you, so no need to bring anything extra! Please note that during the Golgulsa Templestay experience, you’ll sleep on the floor in traditional Korean style rather than on a bed – an authentic cultural experience to remember!
  • Some of the hostels we use on this tour include:  Step Inn Myeongdong 1 (Seoul), Haru Guesthouse (Sokcho), Blueboat Guesthouse (Gyeongju), Golgulsa Templestay (Gyeongju), Blueboat Hostel Haeundae (Busan), Shinshin Hotel (Jeju)
  • Please note that while gender-specific dorm rooms are available in some destinations, there is a chance that your hostel accommodation will be mixed dorms.
  • What is the general demographic of travellers on this tour? While we get a huge range of people on this tour, we tend to see that this tour is most popular with people in their early-20s to mid-30s.
  • The use of Drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is prohibited during this South Korea tour organized by The Dragon Trip. If you are in possession of a drone when entering the country it is your responsibility to be informed of and follow all local laws. This may include registering your drone with authorities. If you violate this policy or operate a drone illegally you are subject to removal from the tour as per our terms & conditions.

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

All payments are non-refundable. If you cancel before the final payment has been paid,

your deposit will not be refunded but can be transferred to another available departure

date or tour. If you cancel once final payment has been made, no refund will be issued

and you will have to claim through your travel insurance. You may exchange your place

with someone else but this will incur a fee from the company and will not be possible

within 60 days of travel. Before this date, it can be done for a fee of £100 (or another

amount depending on costs). If you fail to make full payment when requested by

Transforma Travel Group, we will treat the booking as cancelled and retain the deposit

paid on booking as a cancellation fee.


You may terminate the contract without paying any further termination fee before the

start of the tour in the event of exceptional circumstances, for instance if there are

serious security problems at the destination which are likely to affect the package.


For full details and cancellation charges, see our
Booking Terms & Conditions.


Payment Conditions:

A deposit is required to make a reservation on our South Korea tours, with the balance due 70 days prior to departure (unless booking with one of our promotions, for which specific balance due dates may apply).


The deposit is 10% of the group tour price (unless stated otherwise). If you book on to our South Korea tours less than 70 days prior to departure, the full balance will be due within 3 days of booking.


Any bookings within 40 days prior to the departure are on a request basis. Please contact our team at info@thedragontrip.com to check availability.

Terms & Conditions

For full details, see our Booking Terms & Conditions.