Essential Korea image
Operated by G Adventures

Essential Korea

From
CAD 6,857
Duration
13 days
Countries
South Korea
Activity
moderate

The adventure

South Korea, here you come. Explore futuristic skyscrapers, historic markets, picturesque temples and oh-so scenic walking trails on this 13-day adventure. First things first: your tastebuds will absolutely be taken care of with traditional delicacies like green tea and crisped-to-perfection fried chicken. But you'll of course venture deep into Korean culture with visits to the DMZ and Hanok villages, peaceful stays in a mountain temple, and watching haenyeo women divers off the shore of Jeju.

At a glance

Duration
13 days
Route
Seoul → Jeju-si
Countries
South Korea
Activity level
moderate
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, National Parks & Wilderness, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking, Wellness & Yoga, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Essential 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 8Today take a glimpse into traditional Korean lifeSeoul
Aerial cityscape of Seoul with mountains, showcasing the urban density and architecture.Seoul
Today take a glimpse into traditional Korean life. After a free morning in Seoul, we head to the hanok village of Jeonju by train. Enjoy a tour of this picturesque hanok town, followed by a Hanjeongsik Dinner, a traditional Korean multiple course meal.
Map showing Seoul
Day 9From big city
From big city, to traditional towns, today we move to the greener side of South Korea. We'll venture to Damyang to take a tour of the mighty Juknokwon Bamboo forest, the greatest in South Korea. After some time under the bamboo blades, we travel to even greener pastures in the Boseong Green tea field. In the evening, arrive to Yeosu, where the city meets the sea.
Day 10Breathe in the sea air and join…
Breathe in the sea air and join your CEO to visit some of the more iconic spots in Yeosu. Ride the cable car for a perfect seaside view of Odongdo Island. Then immerse yourself in larger than life sculptures and interactive art exhibits at Yeosu Art Land. Experience the art and walk out onto the Hand of Midas for an equally impressive view of the sea. In the afternoon, enjoy free time during your last night on the South Korean main land.
Day 11In the morning
In the morning, board a flight to the volcanic island of Jeju. With waterfalls, lava caves and miles of beaches, the next three days will not disappoint. After lunch on the island, head to Seongsan Sunrise Peak for an easy hike up the volcanic formation to reach an incredible views of the ocean. This afternoon, you'll have the unique opportunity to witness the women divers on Jeju. Watch as they dive for seafood, using their incredible breath-hold abilities. Then, join your group at the Seongeup Folk Village to learn about the history and people of Old Jeju.
Day 12Today
Today, immerse yourself in Jeju's natural side. In the morning, see the colorful side of Jeju at Hallim Park, the island's botanical garden. Stroll through the various themed gardens, caves and folk village all within this huge park. Then head Yongmeori Coast to witness the dramatic cliffs and to Mt. Sanbang for a short coastal hike to a temple atop the mountain. After lunch, we'll take the scenic route to Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls, perfect for a photo op. Last stop of the day is to Soesokkak Estuary where you'll hop aboard a boat for a tour of the sea and the incredible coastline.
Day 13Departure 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
2 Aug 202614 Aug 2026CAD 7,619AvailableBook my trip
7 Aug 202619 Aug 2026CAD 7,619AvailableBook my trip
14 Aug 202626 Aug 2026CAD 7,619unknownBook my trip
16 Aug 202628 Aug 2026CAD 7,619unknownBook my trip
21 Aug 20262 Sep 2026CAD 7,619unknownBook my trip
30 Aug 202611 Sep 2026CAD 7,619AvailableBook my trip
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