13 Day Essential Korea

Fully Guided Adventure Small Group

Our Price From 4,154 Per Person

Exclusive Savings 1,145 Per Person

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Trip Length

13 Days

Trip Starts

Seoul

Trip Finishes

Jeju

13 Day Essential Korea Itinerary (G Adventures)

Countries Explored: South Korea

Trip Operator

G Adventures

120 Reviews

Trip Style

Classic

Departures

Aug 2025 to Dec 2028

Budget

Affordable

Max. Group Size

Pace

Moderate

Guide Level

Fully Guided

Trip Code

AKSI

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 13 Day Essential Korea. South Korea, here you come. Explore futuristic skyscrapers, historic markets, picturesque temples and oh-so scenic walking trails on this 13-day adventure. First things first: your tastebuds will absolutely be taken care of with traditional delicacies like green tea and crisped-to-perfection fried chicken. But you'll of course venture deep into Korean culture with visits to the DMZ and Hanok villages, peaceful stays in a mountain temple, and watching haenyeo women divers off the shore of Jeju.

Itinerary

After the welcome meeting, join your CEO for an orientation walk down Cheonggyecheon Stream to learn about Seoul while walking past small waterfalls and nearly two dozen overhead bridges. Then, enjoy the dense grid of streets found in the bustling neighbourhood of Myeongdong which is packed with people at all hours of the day looking to enjoy some of the best shopping, street food, and nightlife in all of Korea. Opt for a group dinner to end your first night! Stay: Hotel Prince

After exploring the city, opt to see a show, explore a local museum, or hit the pavement and eat your way through street markets trying local fares such as bibimbap, soondae, and kimchi. Stay: Hotel Prince (B)

Stay in rooms called Ondol. These rooms are very traditional, heated to be cozy and comfortable, with beds made up directly on the floor. The rooms here are multi-share, divided up by male and female rooms. Enjoy a traditional dinner and breakfast during the stay. Have the opportunity to learn about temple etiquette, experience the daily drum and bell ritual and take an easy hike up to the only stone cave temple in Korea for morning meditation. Stay: Golgulsa Temple Stay (B/D)

Enjoy a peaceful morning meditation, martial arts practice, and drum and bell ritual before exploring in Gyeongiu. On the city tour visit to the UNESCO site of Bulguksa Temple located on the slopes of Mount Toham and admire the national treasures there, such as Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo, and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha. Afterwards, experience the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the surrounding Royal Tombs. Stay: Swiss Rosen Hotel Gyeongju (B)

Travel by bus to Busan. Along the way enjoy a day trip to Yangdong Folk Village, a 500-year-old UNESCO site located in Gyeongju National Park, to get a feel for life during the early Joseon Dynasty. Afterwards, continue on to the picturesque 14th century seaside temple hidden in the rocks - Haedong Yonggungsa. After exploring the temple, check in to your hotel and get your bearings with an orientation walk on Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Island (APEC House). Spend the evening getting to know colourful Busan, opt to treat yourself at a Jjimjilbang spa or sing your heart out at a popular karaoke bar. Stay: Felix Hotel by STX (B)

In the seaside city, Busan, visit the bustling Jagalchi fish market, Gukjesijang market, Yongdusan Park, and the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village before traveling back to Seoul. After arriving in Seoul by train, check out Korea's oldest traditional market - Namdaemun Market. Then make your way by cable car to N Seoul Tower to see this beautiful landmark and opt to make the trip up to the observation deck. Spend the rest of your day in Seoul opting to see Banpo Bridge, the floating islands, or hanging out in the Gangnam district. Stay: Hotel Prince (B)

Opt to visit the Samsung Leeum Contemporary Gallery, explore the Itaewon neighbourhood, or prebook the Kimchi making and Hanbok experience. Stay: Hotel Prince (B)

Today take a glimpse into traditional Korean life. After a free morning in Seoul, we head to the hanok village of Jeonju by train. Enjoy a tour of this picturesque hanok town, followed by a Hanjeongsik Dinner, a traditional Korean multiple course meal. Stay: Jeonju Goeul Hanok Accommodation (B/D)

From big city, to traditional towns, today we move to the greener side of South Korea. We'll venture to Damyang to take a tour of the mighty Juknokwon Bamboo forest, the greatest in South Korea. After some time under the bamboo blades, we travel to even greener pastures in the Boseong Green tea field. In the evening, arrive to Yeosu, where the city meets the sea. Stay: The Hotel Soo

Breathe in the sea air and join your CEO to visit some of the more iconic spots in Yeosu. Ride the cable car for a perfect seaside view of Odongdo Island. Then immerse yourself in larger than life sculptures and interactive art exhibits at Yeosu Art Land. Experience the art and walk out onto the Hand of Midas for an equally impressive view of the sea. In the afternoon, enjoy free time during your last night on the South Korean main land. Stay: The Hotel Soo (B)

In the morning, board a flight to the volcanic island of Jeju. With waterfalls, lava caves and miles of beaches, the next three days will not disappoint. After lunch on the island, head to Seongsan Sunrise Peak for an easy hike up the volcanic formation to reach an incredible views of the ocean. This afternoon, you'll have the unique opportunity to witness the women divers on Jeju. Watch as they dive for seafood, using their incredible breath-hold abilities. Then, join your group at the Seongeup Folk Village to learn about the history and people of Old Jeju. Stay: Hotel Jeju Skypark (B)

Today, immerse yourself in Jeju's natural side. In the morning, see the colorful side of Jeju at Hallim Park, the island's botanical garden. Stroll through the various themed gardens, caves and folk village all within this huge park. Then head Yongmeori Coast to witness the dramatic cliffs and to Mt. Sanbang for a short coastal hike to a temple atop the mountain. After lunch, we'll take the scenic route to Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls, perfect for a photo op. Last stop of the day is to Soesokkak Estuary where you'll hop aboard a boat for a tour of the sea and the incredible coastline. Stay: Hotel Jeju Skypark (B)

Depart at any time. (B)

Trip Inclusions

Visit the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea.
Sleep in a temple in Gyeongju-si.
Experience tranquility and tradition with an overnight stay at a historic hanok village.
Witness the remarkable women divers of Jeju Island.
Stroll through the serene and picturesque Damyang Bamboo Forest.

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Overnight Temple Stay, Gyeongju-si
Your Local Living Moment: Hanok Village Tour, Jeonju-si
Your Foodie Moment: Hanjeongsik Traditional Dinner, Jeonju
City tour of Seoul
DMZ visit
City tour of Gyeongju
Yangdong Folk Village visit
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Visit
City tour of Busan
Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Island (APEC House) Visit
N Seoul Tower Visit
Namdaemun Market Visit
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Damyang Bamboo Forest
Boseong Green tea field
Yeosu Cable Car Ride
Visit to Yeosu Art Land
Explore Seongsan Sunrise Peak
Visit Seongeup Folk Village
Tour of Yongmeori Coast & Mt
Sanbang
Visit Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls
Explore Shoesokkak Estuary
Free time in Seoul
Transport to/from included activities

Hotels (10nts) traditional temple and village stay (2nts)
ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout

11 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Private vehicle, Plane, Taxi, Walking

Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Brochure

G Adventures Earth (2024)

We’ve been the leaders in small-group adventure travel since 1990. How’d we get here? By listening to our travellers and giving them what they want: flexible itineraries, freedom to explore, smaller groups, safety and peace of mind, and locally based guides who show you your destination in a way you’d miss travelling any other way. Check out how we’re l...more

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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.

Essential Korea

Overview

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: Seoul

Day 2: Seoul

Day 3: Seoul - Gyeongju-si

Day 4: Gyeongju-si

Day 5: Gyeongju-si - Busan

Day 6: Busan - Seoul

Day 7: Seoul

Day 8: Seoul - Jeonju-si

Day 9: Jeonju-si - Yeosu

Day 10: Yeosu

Day 11: Yeosu - Jeju-si

Day 12: Jeju-si

Day 13: Jeju-si

Trip Inclusions Expand All

Journey Highlights

Trip Inclusions

Accommodation

Your Tour Guides

Meals Included

Transport

Trip Notes

Brochure

G Adventures Earth (2024)

Availability USD Twin Share (Per Person)Solo Share (Per Person)

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