Best of South Korea image
Save 10% off, code required, ends 2026-06-30
Operated by G Adventures

Best of South Korea

From
CAD 3,554
Duration
8 days
Countries
South Korea
Activity
easy

The adventure

Ready for a unique travel experience? South Korea fits the bill and then some. On this eight-day trip, you’ll see the highlights in and around Seoul plus visit folk villages, unique Korean temples, and the bustling markets of Busan. Learn about the sombre history of North and South Korea and take an excursion to the Demilitarized Zone separating the two. This is the perfect snapshot of a country coming into its own as a top travel destination.

At a glance

Duration
8 days
Route
Seoul → Seoul
Countries
South Korea
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, National Parks & Wilderness, Rail Journeys, Wellness & Yoga, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Best of South Korea image

Day by day

Tranquil South Korean village scene with a mountain backdrop and local monument.
Your journey through

South Korea

Day 1Welcome to Seoul! As fellow travellers are arriving…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!
Historic Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, showcasing traditional Korean architecture.Seoul
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!
Map showing Seoul
Day 2Sit back and relax on a private bus…
Sit back and relax on a private bus and enjoy a tour of the bustling metropolis where modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and pop culture meet Buddhist temples and street markets. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folklore Museum, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong alley.
Day 3After breakfastStay 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 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.
Day 4Enjoy a peaceful morning meditation
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. Enjoy a visit 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, experience the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the surrounding Royal Tombs. After a great day in Gyeongju, travel by private bus to Busan.
Day 5Spend the day getting to know colourful Busan…
Spend the day getting to know colourful Busan visiting the 14th century seaside temple hidden in the rocks - Haedong Yonggungsa. After exploring the temple, visit the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, the bustling Jagalchi fish market, Gukjesijang market, and Yongdusan Park. The evening is yours to explore as you wish. Opt to take a see the Busan skyline with a nighttime yacht experience or ride the Coastal Monorail.
Day 6In the seaside city of BusanSeoul
Historic Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, showcasing traditional Korean architecture.Seoul
In the seaside city of Busan, visit Haeundae Beach and Dongbaekseom Island, 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.
Map showing Seoul
Day 7Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)Seoul
A breathtaking aerial view of a vibrant city illuminated at night.Seoul
Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), founded in 1953, separating North and South Korea. With over a million soldiers on watch each day, it is one of the last remnants of the Cold War. With a buffer zone 4km wide and spanning 250 km long there has been very little development in the area, therefore nature and wildlife have pretty much taken over. Spend about 3-4 hours visiting the Demilitarized Zone, then head to The War Memorial of Korea. Later, return back to Seoul for another night in the city.
Map showing Seoul
Day 8Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover South Korea

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Monochrome view of serene lake and hills in Seoul, South Korea.
Serene island reflection in a misty lake with mountains, captured in Gapyeong, South Korea.
A tranquil lake scene in Seoul dusted with fresh snow under a clear blue sky.
Explore the tranquil river and lush countryside in Gyeongju, South Korea, under a partly cloudy summer sky.
Tranquil lakeside scene in Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, surrounded by lush hills and serene water.

Upcoming departures

10% off Select Asia · ends 2026-06-30
DatesPrice / personAvailability
31 Jul 20267 Aug 2026CAD 4,199unknownBook my trip
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