Trip Style
Basix
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
CJYK
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 9 Day Essential South Korea. 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, this place really does have it all.
You’ll 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 anyone?)....read more 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.
You’ll 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 anyone?)....read more 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.
Itinerary
Eoseo oseyo! Welcome to South Korea. Your adventure begins in Seoul, the vibrant capital of high-tech gadgetry, towering skyscrapers and scrumptious eats. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, explore this modern Asian metropolis at your own pace and discover how ancient traditions come together with the modern in one of Asia's great cities. After you meet your trip leader and group members, you’ll head out on an orientation walk to get your bearings and note down some good nightlife spots for later. Then, perhaps grab dinner to get your first taste of some authentic Korean cuisine and get to know your group. (D)
This morning, you’ll visit HiKR Ground, where you can experience media art and maybe make your own music video. Then, tour Gwangjang Market with your leader and maybe pick up some local treats or souvenirs from one of the 5000 shops and stalls. In your free afternoon, maybe visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, which once served as the main palace for the Joseon dynasty or take a lesson in basic Korean so you can talk with the locals. Tonight, you’ll have a group dinner where you might be able to try local dishes like hand cut noodles or bulgogi. After, maybe head to some coin karaoke (where you pay 30 cents per song) and belt out a few favourites to get the night going.
Say goodbye to Seoul and hop on a local bus to Jeonju – known for the Hanok Heritage Village, home to traditional houses, craft shops, food stalls and the 15th-century Gyeonggjieon Shrine. Arrive around midday before your leader takes you on an orientation walk to see the downtown area. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste some dalgona (a honeycomb toffee known as Korean sugar candy) at a local store before a free afternoon. This evening, visit Nambu Market with your leader. Here, you can learn about the recent success of the youth incubation program, which offers free rent to young business owners to save the market and keep the community thriving. Tonight, you’ll stay in a hanok (a traditional Korean house).
This morning, wander around the gorgeous architecture, galleries, shops and streets on a leader-led walk. After, you have a free day to explore at your own pace. Maybe wander the Jaman Art Village to see the colourful murals or walk along the Sinabro-gil Trail – an easy 1-hour trail from Jeonju Hanok Village where you can see the Seungam Village and Temple. Take the chance to learn some new moves and sign up for a K-pop dance class or further explore the picturesque streets, with its famed shopping strips, filmmaking scene and fun bangs (singing rooms, arcades, DVD rooms and photo rooms). Later, sit down for an optional group dinner – maybe try some bibimbap (a rice bowl served with gochujang and various toppings like egg, vegetables and sliced meat).
Travel to Webongsansung this morning for a short walk with your leader. This location was actually used for a photoshoot for the famous K-pop group BTS! Wander around the lush greenery and abandoned architecture of the area, then visit Ahwon Gotack. This hanok and gallery is set among green mountains and gardens and was also used as a filming location for a music video. After wandering around the traditional house and gardens, you’ll head to a local restaurant where you can pick up some lunch before taking a bus to Yeosu. When you arrive in the afternoon, you have the option to hop on the cable car here, which provides panoramic views of the glittering water and coastline below. The cable car will take you to the street food tents – where tents and carts are set up along the seaside – where you can choose some local street dishes for dinner and watch the sunset. Alternatively, head straight to your guest house in Yeosu and wander around the city at your own pace.
Get up early this morning and check out Hyangilam Temple – this small Buddhist temple sits atop a forested coastal cliff and features dramatic ocean views. After, you’ll take a bus to Busan – the large port city known for its beaches, mountains and temples. Along the way, you’ll make a stop where you can grab some lunch, then head to your hostel. When you’re settled, maybe spend your free afternoon learning some new skills at a calligraphy class or wander the shoreline of Haeundae Beach.
You’ll visit the colourful labyrinth-like streets in the Gamcheon Culture Village this morning. This area is known for its brightly coloured houses and is the perfect spot for a pic – so don’t forget your camera! After wandering the twisted alleyways, head to Jagalchi market, where you can pick up an optional lunch. This world-famous market sells fresh fish and seafood, perfect to feast on by the water. Your afternoon is free to explore at your own pace – maybe head to the chic waterfront complex The Bay 101 and grab a drink in one of the open-air bars, take a taekwondo class or stroll through the Centum shopping complex to pick up some souvenirs. Tonight, why not hop on the Haewoondae ferry and watch Busan light up as the sun goes down.
Maybe pick up some coffee and breakfast this morning before heading to the Urban Smart Farm Social Company with your group. This social enterprise, backed by the government and local NGOs, is a great example of how locals have innovated agricultural growth within shipping containers to grow fresh produce in a busy city. Learn about their sustainability efforts and then carry on to Igidae Beach for a gentle coastline hike. When you’ve worked up an appetite, you might want to grab some lunch before heading back to Seoul on the train. When you arrive, you have a free afternoon. Maybe explore more of Seoul's districts you might have missed – with cafes, modern restaurants, parks and alleys, there’s no shortage of places to find! Why not keep the night going and head out to some bars afterwards to celebrate the end of your trip with new friends? (D)
With no further activities planned today, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to spend more time in Seoul, just speak to your booking agent.
Trip Inclusions
- 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.
- Hostel (Multi-share) (7 nights)
- Hanok (1 night)
- 2 Dinners included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
Brochure
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Availability
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Flexible Deposit
Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.
Guaranteed Departures
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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.
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.
Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person, Twin share
| Multishare (Prices Shown) | $ 0 |
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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