+1 (646) 972-4274  explore@socaislands.com
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From $4,925

Extraordinary South Korea

11 days, 10 nights South Korea
View departure dates
  • Tour code

    KORADV01

  • Start

    Seoul

  • End

    Seoul

  • Min. age

    16 years old

  • Group size

    6-16 persons

  • Trip style

    Explorer

  • Trip pace

    Active

  • Language

    English

Discover South Korea, a vibrant destination where history, technology, and culture collide. This adventure takes you from the neon-lit streets and K-pop energy of Seoul to the ancient palaces of Gyeongju and the serene landscapes of Jeju Island, offering a mix of iconic sights and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

What you will see and do

Take a masterclass in the ancient martial art of Taekwondo

Take a masterclass in the ancient martial art of Taekwondo

Practice archery and meditate with Buddhist monks at the Golgulsa Temple

Practice archery and meditate with Buddhist monks at the Golgulsa Temple

Spend the night in a traditional Hanok Guesthouse

Spend the night in a traditional Hanok Guesthouse

What's included

All activities mentioned on the itinerary

Accommodations in double rooms

Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip

One farewell group lunch or dinner

Max 20 travellers per group

Arrival and departure airport transfers

Group transportation

Soca Islanders must provide proof that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Remember, international flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a double room with two beds. If you'd prefer a private double (for couples), single room, or private transportation for you and your group, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

Group itinerary

Arrive at Seoul’s ICN or GMP airport and meet your private Flash Pack transfer to your stylish downtown hotel. Start your adventure with a traditional Korean feast and raise a glass of soju with your fellow travllers to toast the journey ahead.

Begin the day with a masterclass in Taekwondo, practicing the iconic board smash. Refuel at the bustling Tongin Market with a taste of Seoul’s street food delights. Explore the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace and witness the ceremonial changing of the guards, then wander the charming alleys of photogenic Bukchon Village.

Visit the infamous DMZ, one of the most heavily armed borders in the world. See North Korean villages through binoculars and explore the Third Infiltration Tunnel, reaching just 200 meters from the border. Unwind with a free evening in Hongdae, Seoul’s vibrant nightlife district.

Travel by high-speed train to historic Gyeongju for a relaxed cycling tour of royal tombs, ancient palaces, and pagodas. Dine on a ‘royal meal,’ a 12-dish feast prepared by local chefs, and sample makgeolli, traditional Korean rice wine. Sleep overnight in an authentic hanok, a traditional Korean home.

Visit the stunning Bulguksa Temple, a series of wooden buildings on raised terraces symbolizing the land of Buddha. Continue to Golgulsa Temple at Mount Hamwolsan for an afternoon with Buddhist monks. Participate in archery with traditional gakgung bows, Sunmudo martial arts, meditation, and chanting alongside the monks.

Rise early for a peaceful walking meditation before visiting Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched along Korea’s sparkling coastline. Travel to Busan, famous for golden beaches and bustling seafood markets. Learn to prepare lunch with a local chef gimbap, kimchi pancakes, and more before exploring the city and taking in views from the Songdo cable car.

Enjoy a free morning for leisure or exploring, with Haeundae Beach highly recommended. Relax at a traditional jjimjilbang bathhouse with hot and cold pools (note: nudity is required in most areas). End the day with a private boat trip around Busan’s sparkling harbor.

Fly to Jeju Island, a subtropical paradise of volcanic landscapes, beaches, and unique villages. Stretch your legs with a short hike up Seongsan Ilchulbong, a crown-shaped tuff volcano rising dramatically from the ocean. Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace discover secluded beaches, local villages, and ancient caves.

Hike a section of the Jeju Olle Trail, passing black lava fields, tangerine groves, grasslands, and coastal cliffs. After lunch, enjoy a guided forest bathing walk at Seogwipo Healing Forest. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, with optional sunset drinks at the atmospheric Cliff Bar.

Fly back to Seoul and enjoy free time exploring the city. Kick off your final night with a Korean BBQ feast, followed by karaoke in a private booth. Finish the evening with drinks in the charming streets of Ikseondong Village.

After 11 days of cultural immersion, make your way to the airport for your onward journey. Take home memories of new friendships, stunning landscapes, and the unique experiences that only South Korea can offer.

Tour FAQS

Fly into and out of Gimpo International Airport (GMP) or Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul.

Yes. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure or book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer is included. If you choose alternative pre-tour accommodation or arrive by another mode of transport, you’ll need to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Our arrival transfers are private to Soca Islands and are organised in groups based on flight times. Sometimes this means a short wait at the airport until other flights arrive.

While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:

  1. Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
  2. Up-to-date medical advice:
    • US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
    • UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
    • Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.

3. Government travel advice:

    • US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
    • UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
    • Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.

    • 4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.

    We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

    There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.

    We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.

    Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.

    Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.

    While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:

    1. Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
    2. Up-to-date medical advice:
      • US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
      • UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
      • Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.

    3. Government travel advice:

    • US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
    • UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
    • Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.

    • 4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.

    We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

    Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.

    We believe solo travelers shouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the world. That’s why our group trips are designed around shared accommodation and do not include a single supplement. Solo travelers joining our group trips are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

    Some of our Independent trips are structured differently. For these itineraries, solo travelers will need to book at the single occupancy rate.

    Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.

    Would you like to learn more or customise our Extraordinary South Korea trip?

    Have questions about accommodations, accessibility, group preferences, or dietary needs? Complete the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.

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