South Korea Premium

10 Day Group Trip

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Explore South Korea in style on our 10-day Premium Tour. Discover this stunning country, an irresistible fusion of natural beauty, culture and gastronomic delight!

Take in some of Asia’s most buzzing cities, mountainous tranquility and an idyllic island on this varied 10-day Korea premium tour of a nation that is emerging as a cultural powerhouse! From a temple stay in the mountains to visiting the DMZ and peering into the hermit kingdom of North Korea - this tour packs a real punch!

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ITINERARY

Day 1: Hello Seoul!

Welcome to Korea! Your amazing South Korea Premium Tour kicks off this afternoon! You’ll meet your group and Adventure Leader for a welcome meeting, where you’ll learn about what the next 10 days have in store for you. They’ll also provide you with some key information about Korean culture, as well as some top tips for keeping as safe as possible while you travel.  

After this, you’ll get to know your new group of friends in the best way possible – over a delicious dinner in the city! We’ll then take you for the best views of the cityscape, heading to Namsan Mountain to take the cable car to the top. From there, it’s up higher still to the top of Seoul N Tower, promising to be a spectacular view that ends your first night on tour in style.  

Day 2: Palaces, Villages & Karaoke

This morning, you’re up bright and early to step right into a slice of Korean history, with a visit to the remarkable Gyeongbokgung Palace. While you’re here, you’ll watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, before stepping even further back in time to rent hanboks before you explore the palace’s sprawling grounds.  

You’ll have worked up an appetite by lunchtime, so we’ll take you to the quaint Bukchon Hanok Village for a local delicacy – samgye-tang (chicken ginseng soup). You’ll then have some free time to explore the winding alleys of the village, as well as nearby Insadong Art Street where you can explore antiques stores, teahouses, and handcraft shops.  

After grabbing yourself some dinner this evening, you’ve got the option of joining your group for a night of fun, Korea-style: karaoke! 

Day 3: DMZ & Seoul

Today, you’ll be embarking on a half-day tour to the DMZ. This fascinating location provides you with a unique opportunity to learn about Korea’s important history as you explore the area around the border with North Korea. While you’re here, you’ll visit the Dora Observatory, from which you can see North Korean villages with binoculars. You’ll also explore the Third Tunnels, made by North Koreans, which can bring you as close as within 200m of North Korea. You’ll depart for Seoul in the afternoon, but you’ll also get a truly unmissable chance to speak with a North Korean defector in a Q&A session. 

After an intense day, you can spend the rest of your afternoon relaxing with a stroll around Hongdae, a popular area for urban art amongst the young locals with street musicians, artists, shops, unique cafes and restaurants. This evening, get ready to visit one of Seoul’s most vibrant districts: Myeongdong. Explore the streets lined with vendors, in addition to a wealth of restaurants and stores, before heading for an evening of theatre, where you’ll see a fantastic, comedic Nanta Show.

Day 4: Gyeongju & Traditional Hanok Stay 

This morning, you’ll depart from Seoul by KTX, ready to head to your next destination: Gyeongju! Arriving around lunchtime, there’ll be time for you to grab some food and explore under your own steam for a couple of hours.  

In the late afternoon, we’ll reconvene for a cycling tour that hits all the most important spots in the town. Explore the Chunmachong Ancient Tombs, Daereungwon Tumuli Park, and Cheomseongdae – the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia.  

Then, this evening, get ready for a dining experience that’s a true taste of Korean culture. You’ll have a traditional set meal in a hanok, before we head for some gorgeous night-time views, marvelling at the beautiful lights at the Anapji Pond.  

For one final treat this evening, you’ll sample some traditional liquor over dinner with your Adventure Leader, before we head back to our traditional hanok for a good night’s sleep.  

Day 5: Temples, Sunmudo & Travel to Busan 

Head out of the city towards the gorgeous Golgulsa Temple, and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. Whilst you’re at the temple, you’ll get the chance to experience a different side of Korean culture, learning more about Buddhist traditional practices.  

We’ll immerse ourselves in temple life by taking part in a meditation session, a sunmudo martial arts training class, and an archery lesson, topped off by a Buddhist vegetarian dinner.  

It’s then back on the bus as we head to our next destination: Busan! You’ll check into your hotel this evening, ready to start afresh in this bustling city tomorrow.  

Day 6: Culture Villages, Cable Cars & Sea Views

This morning, we’re off in the morning to a truly remarkable temple, Haedong Yonggungsa – it differs from many others due to its location right on the cliffside, with waves crashing underneath.  

We’ll then depart to explore the stunning Gamcheon Culture Village – Busan’s Macchu Picchu! Take some time here to explore under your own steam, before we head to the Songdo Marine Cable Car for spectacular sea views, and BIFF Square – a film lover’s paradise.  

The evening is then yours to explore as you see fit – but if you like, you can opt to join some of your group for drinks in the bustling Haeundae district.  

Day 7: Cooking Class & Boat Party

After a slightly more leisurely start to the day, you’ll meet your group in the mid-morning to head to your next unmissable experience: a traditional cooking class! You’ll learn to make lots of Korean specialities – and sample them for lunch as well!  

You can then spend your afternoon as you see fit: 

  • If you’d like, you can head to a jjimjilbang (Korean spa) for an afternoon of pampering!  
  • You can explore some of the city’s stunning sandy beaches, and take a swim in the ocean.  
  • You can opt for a fantastic additional extra – a traditional pottery-making class!  

Tonight, boogie on our evening boat party as it cruises around the harbour and bay, before opting to head back out into Haeundae for a fun-filled night of drinks and dinner.  

Day 8: Flight to Jeju Island

This morning, you’ll fly to the final stop on your Korea Premium Tour: Jeju Island! We’ll transfer you to and from, arriving in the early afternoon. After dropping your bags, you’ve got a moment to catch your breath before we’re taking you to the coast for a spot of fishing. Jump on board a yacht and see what you can catch!  

This evening is yours to explore Jeju Island, giving you the chance to explore the local options for dinner.  

Day 9: Hikes, Waterfalls & BBQ's

Today, we’re spending half a day hiking to take in the natural wonders of the island. We’ll take you down the Jeju Olle Trail No.7, passing through verdant pathways and coastal walks. Along the way, you’ll be able to visit Jjeongbang Waterfall, and grab a look at Oedolgae Rock, a famous formation that’s the perfect picture background!  

This afternoon is yours to explore under your own steam. You might: 

  • Hike to the top of Seongsan Ilchubong. Also known as Sunrise Peak, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was formed over 5000 years ago!  
  • Discover the Sangumburi crater, a 650m wide crater that’s now home to a spectacular array of plant life.  
  • Explore Jeju Folk Village, where you’ll find recreations of over 100 traditional 19th-century Jeju houses.  

It’s our last night in Korea together, so we’ll send you off in style – with a Korean BBQ dinner! Here, you’ll be able to celebrate an amazing trip with your group before we all head our separate ways the next morning back in Seoul. 

Day 10: Flight to Seoul & Farewell

Your South Korea Premium Tour comes to an end today. You'll catch a flight back to Seoul, which is included in the trip - or if you like, extend your stay on the stunning island of Jeju!

TRIP DETAILS

Duration

Enjoy 10 days / 9 nights of epic activities, starting in Seoul and finishing in Seoul!

Group Size

Group sizes are a maximum of 16 people. 

Meals

All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners are included in this trip.

Accommodation

9 nights of beautiful accommodation is included in the trip! Your standard accommodation will be clean, comfortable premium hotels across South Korea and rooms will be twin-shared.

 

You'll also experience a unique stay in a traditional Hanok!

 

If you'd like to arrive early or stay extra nights after your trip, we can book pre or post night accommodation for you - just drop us an email to request the dates! 

 

If you'd like a little extra comfort or privacy or, private upgraded rooms are available on request. 

What's Included?

Included:

  • Accommodation
  • An epic Adventure Leader
  • All local transport within South Korea
  • Welcome dinner (Seoul) 
  • Namsan Mountain cable car & Seoul N Tower (Seoul) 
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace visit (Seoul) 
  • Lunch in Bukchon Hanok Village (Seoul) 
  • Bukchon Hanok Village & Insadong Art Street visit (Seoul) 
  • Half-day DMZ Tour & talk with North Korean defector (Seoul) 
  • Nanta Show (Seoul) 
  • Cycle tour, with visits to Chunmachong Ancient Tombs, Daereungwon Tumuli Park, and Cheomseongdae (Gyeongju) 
  • Traditional hanok meal (Gyeongju) 
  • Anapji Pond evening visit (Gyeongju) 
  • Traditional liquor tasting evening (Gyeongju) 
  • Full day Golgulsa Temple visit and experience (Gyeongju) 
  • Haedong Yonggungsa Temple visit (Busan) 
  • Busan tour inc. Gamcheon Culture Village, Songdo Marine Cable Car, BIFF Square (Busan) 
  • Traditional cooking class (Busan) 
  • Haeundae sightseeing boat party (Busan) 
  • Yacht sailing & fishing experience (Jeju) 
  • Half-day hike (Jeju) 
  • Farewell BBQ Dinner (Jeju) 

Optional Activities

Not Included:

  • International flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas

Activities that aren’t included:

  • Hanbok rental at Gyeongbokgung Palace 
  • Pottery-making class in Busan (optional extra) 

To find out more about these activities and to reserve your space, please contact info@gatewaygotravel.com. 

Arrival Information

Airport transfers are not included in the trip - please contact us if you'd like to arrange transfer for an extra cost.

 

Our friendly experts can recommend the best way of reaching the accommodation, and you'll also get specific information on making your way to the accommodation in your Pre-Departure Booking Pack.

Requirements

Travel insurance for Korea is compulsory to join the trip. Your group leader will ask for proof of this on the first day of the trip.

 

We recommend checking the official gov.uk website for up to date visa entry requirements. 

 

It’s also recommended to have onward travel booked out of South Korea before travelling there, as you may get asked for proof of this before boarding your flight. If you need any further help please contact us.

 

Please also let us know if you have any medical or dietary requirements so we can ensure everything is in place for you before you arrive!

After your Trip

Your South Korea Premium Tour will finish in Seoul. Please contact us if you'd like to pre-book your airport transfer for an extra cost.

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10 DAYS FROM ONLY £2849

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