China and South Korea: East Asia Adventure image
Operated by G Adventures

China and South Korea: East Asia Adventure

From
CAD 5,649
Duration
15 days
Countries
South Korea, China
Activity
moderate

The adventure

China and South Korea, let’s go! This two-week adventure brings the best of both worlds — ancient wonders, futuristic cities, and street food so good you’ll dream about it for years. Stroll through neon-lit Seoul and cutting-edge Beijing, sleep in a traditional hanok house, scale the Great Wall, and stand in awe before the Terracotta Warriors. With every bite, step, and story, you’ll dive deep into two vibrant cultures that are close in distance but worlds apart in feel. Bags packed? Let’s do this.

At a glance

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

Where you'll go

China and South Korea: East Asia Adventure image

Day by day

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

South Korea & China

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalIs Beijing top of your must-see list? Booking pre-trip accommodations will let you do Beijing your way before meeting up with the group.
Is Beijing top of your must-see list? Booking pre-trip accommodations will let you do Beijing your way before meeting up with the group.
Day 2Enjoy an included visit to the Great WallHead out of town to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Spend time wandering around, taking photos, and picking up souvenirs. In the afternoon head to Tiananmen Squarem followed by a night walk to the local market.
Head out of town to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Spend time wandering around, taking photos, and picking up souvenirs. In the afternoon head to Tiananmen Squarem followed by a night walk to the local market.
Day 3Take the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City
Cityscape featuring towering high-rise buildings against a mountainous backdrop.Beijing
Take the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City. Later, board a fast train to Xi'an.
Map showing Beijing
Day 4Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasuresTrain is our main mode of transport in China and it's a great way to travel. We aim to get the best sleeping berths available on each train journey. However, train tickets availability is limited during peak travel times, including summer vacations and Chinese national holidays. As such, it is possible that the group may be separated into different carriages or assigned top sleeping berths.
Train is our main mode of transport in China and it's a great way to travel. We aim to get the best sleeping berths available on each train journey. However, train tickets availability is limited during peak travel times, including summer vacations and Chinese national holidays. As such, it is possible that the group may be separated into different carriages or assigned top sleeping berths.
Day 5Wake this morning and grab coffee…
Wake this morning and grab coffee and a snack on the train as you prepare to pull into Suzhou. After arrival, visit Suzhou's famed Master of the Nets Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in China and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander around Shantang Street. Enjoy a free dinner before riding the metro back to the hotel with your CEO.
Day 6This morning
This morning, ride the bullet train to Shanghai. Join your CEO for an orientation walk of the famed Bund and Nanjing Shopping Road before a free evening in Shanghai.
Day 7This morning
This morning, join your CEO for an orientation walk around the city to see the shops and historic buildings. Join your CEO at the Shanghai Museum or head out to venture through this beautiful city on your own. Maybe start with a visit to the nearby Yuyuan Gardens.
Day 8Say goodbye to China today as we board…Seoul
Historic Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, showcasing traditional Korean architecture.Seoul
Say goodbye to China today as we board our flight to Seoul, South Korea! We trade in our xiao long bao for kimchi and bibimbap! And after arrival, you have the rest of the day to get acquainted with our first stop in South Korea.
Map showing Seoul
Day 9Sit 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 10After 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 11Enjoy 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 12Spend 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 13In 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 14Visit 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 15Departure 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

DatesPrice / personAvailability
26 Jul 20269 Aug 2026CAD 5,799unknownBook my trip
31 Jul 202614 Aug 2026CAD 5,799unknownBook my trip
Operated by G Adventures

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