South Korea: K-Pop & Kimchi

Welcome to South Korea. Home to Korean fried chicken and Squid Game, this place has ‘variety' written all over it. You'll spend the next 8 days with your jaws on the ground. First on the agenda: meet your Trip Leader and say annyeonghaseyo? (that's “hey, how's it going?”) to the people who'll make this adventure one to remember. Don't hang about, we've got a welcome dinner to get to. Local eats all round. Stay: Sollago Myeongdong Hotel or similar (D)

Beaut Buddhist temples. Striking skyscrapers. Crazy K-pop billboards. Ancient palaces. That's just a handful of things you'll find here.

First up's a walking tour of the big guns with our savvy Trip Leader who's got the insider info, including an appointment with Gyeongbok Palace. This place? Stun city. Like it's done a 12-step skincare routine – it's still in its prime. Built in 1395, it's the biggest of five grand palaces in Seoul. Witness all its glory and see the changing of the guards. You'll also get a chance to hire a hanbok – a traditional Korean dress.

Next up, we're exploring Bukchon Hanok Village, the Insa-dong district and Cheonggyecheon stream. Tonight, grab your pals and ask your Trip Leader for the closest night market. Faces will be stuffed with awesome local eats. Stay: Sollago Myeongdong Hotel or similar (B)

Heads up, the wakeup call is early this morning. Fill your stomachs with food before we're out the door with our Trip Leader. Our destination? The DMZ. It's the no military zone between North and South Korea. Here, we'll learn of the country's devastating history, spot North Korea and explore tunnels North Korea dug to sneak into South Korea. Back in Seoul, the afternoon is yours to delve deeper. Head to one of many locations dedicated to the war. Spend time in one of the awesome parks. Let your feet decide where to wander to.

Tonight, stuff your face with All. The. Food. Our rec? Gwangjang Market for delish street food bites. Loose pants are a must. Stay: Sollago Myeongdong Hotel or similar (B)

Ever been on a bullet train? Now's your chance. Get snacks. Get comfy. Get snoozing. Our destination? Gyeongju, where we'll hop onto our transfer to our temple stay for the night. This is local living, Buddhist-style. First, we'll delve into local etiquette and temple traditions during a tour. Then: limber up. We're taking part in a meditative martial arts training sesh. It's called Sunmudo and it's bringing you inner peace.

Tonight, we'll come together for dinner. It's veggie as Buddhists have a strict diet. So, be like a Buddhist. Gobble down those greens. And take it all in. Just a heads-up - there's no single supplement available at your accommodation tonight. Stay: Golgulsa Temple or similar (B/D)

Ready for more zen? There's an early morning meditation to get to. Relaxed doesn't cut it. Successfully floating on air, grab some brekkie before we head back to Gyeongju. First though, we're hitting Seokguram Grotto. It's part of the UNESCO fam and it's got a big buddha statue inside. In Gyeongju, our Trip Leader's taking us to the hot spots. Think: Bulguksa Temple and Daereungwon Tomb. Not only will our eyes be sparkling with impressive sights, but we'll get our fill of local knowledge too.

Back on the coach, we're heading to Busan with one thing on our minds. Where's the gimbap at? Stay: Stanford Inn Busan or similar (B)

Brekkie down our necks, we've got a full day in Busan – it's a seaport, so you know there's some sick sea views. Our Trip Leader's doing what they do best: leading the way with a brain full of everything you need to know about this city.

First up: Gamcheon Village. Colourful in every sense of the word. Bonus points if you snap a pic with the BTS mural. Grab a late lunch at Jagalchi Fish Market or Gukje International Market. You'll probs find something at the latter, unless raw fish (not sushi) is your thing. You do you, no judgement. And tonight? You'll want in on the optional activity we've got lined up. A K-pop dance class. Learning how to dance like Blackpink in South Korea should be on everyone's bucket list and you're the lucky soul that gets to do it. Stay: Stanford Inn Busan or similar (B)

Next stop: Jeonju. This place is beautiful. Our Trip Leader's showing off their skills on a walking tour where we hit spots like Hanok Village and take in sites like the Gyeonggijeon Shrine.

Later, you've got heaps of free time to grab a delish dinner. Our rec? Bibimbap. It's a rice bowl with veg, beef and a spicy gochujang sauce. And it's 100% local to this area. Meaning? It's the best you're gonna get.

Tonight, get ready for South Korean hospitality as we head to a traditional Hanok where we'll sleep on simple futon mattresses, however please note that a single supplement is not available on this night. Stay: Hanok Guesthouse or similar (B)

Rise and shine Topdeckers, we're having a full circle moment and heading back to Seoul for our final night. You've got some free time to buy any last min souvenirs, see spots you didn't catch a few days ago and fill your cup with more memories. There's also an optional stamp making class for the crafty among us.

Tonight, we'll have our final dinner together. It's Korean BBQ. Eat everything in sight. Talk about your best bits. And then? Get your fave song ready cos we're heading to the karaoke booth for a group singalong and to say cheers to an awesome trip. Stay: Sollago Myeongdong Hotel or similar (B/D)

Just like that, it's all over. How did that happen? Gear up for heaps of hugs and sad smiles. Then, board a flight to Tokyo to join our Japan: Sushi and Shrines trip. You don't wanna go home just yet, right? (B)