12-Day South Korea Tour: Seoul, DMZ, Sokcho, Gyeongju, Busan, and Jeju

Get ready to start your South Korea adventure tour by meeting your guide and group at the hostel in the afternoon! Listen to a pre-departure briefing as you find out everything you need to know about your trip, and even learn some basic Korean phrases.

After this time, it’s time for your first unmissable activity – a Taekwondo training session! Have you got what it takes to be the best in class? After this, we’ll head back into Myeongdong, where you and your group can opt to grab some dinner.

You’ll then make your way to the top of Namsan Mountain by cable car, where you can admire spectacular views of Seoul lit up at night. Recognised as the most popular location in Seoul for couples, wander through the ‘padlocks of love’ locked at the base of Seoul N Tower, representing visitors’ endless love! If you want an even better view of the city, you can head to the top of the Tower.

Later, take the cable car down and enjoy a walk back to your accommodation in the district of Myeongdong. Spend some time strolling around and exploring the area or grab an early night to prepare for your first full day tomorrow!

Today, you’ll wake up nice and early for a day exploring the ancient side of Seoul. Hop on the metro to Gyeongbokgung Palace where you’ll have the chance to watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, before entering the palace itself. You can even do so in a hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) to get that additional historical experience!

You’ll then be given time to explore Korea’s capital at your leisure. While your guides will have plenty of suggestions, you may wish to:

Explore the delights of Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong Art Street, before escaping the hustle and bustle of the city with a walk down the Cheonggyecheon stream, an area of tranquility and relaxation restored during an urban renewal project.
Take a trip to the HiKR Ground – here, you can learn all about the K-wave, and even record your own music video!
Explore the Gangnam District – a shopper’s paradise!
Opt to join some of your group in a makgeolli-making class. It’s a traditional Korean rice wine – meaning you’re sure to have some fun trying to concoct it!
In the evening, you will have some free time to explore Seoul further, to find yourself something delicious to eat. Why not try grabbing food and drinks in the Euljiro/Itaewon area?

Today, you will visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Start your journey with a bus ride an hour north of Seoul to Imjingak, where you’ll have the chance to grab some breakfast. While here, you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to talk to a North Korean defector and hear their story, depending on availability.

Next, head to Dora Observatory, where you can use binoculars to catch a glimpse of nearby North Korean villages – if you’re lucky, you might even spot some people in the streets. Afterward, descend into the 3rd Tunnel, a passage created by North Koreans, bringing you as close as 170m to North Korea!

Once back in Seoul, channel your inner performer with a K-Pop Dance Class to see if you’ve got what it takes to make it in the industry. Later, opt to spend the evening in Hongdae, famous for its endless selection of restaurants and bars.

Check out of your accommodation and depart to Sokcho, in the north-eastern part of the country. Arrive at Seoraksan National Park in the late morning and embark on a hike to Ulsanbawi Rock for spectacular views.

For those looking for a less challenging hike, you can hike the well-signed waterfall trail and board a cable car to another peak. Refuel with some lunch back at the entrance of the park before taking the bus to Sokcho town. Here, you’ll travel on a gatbae to cross the river to Abai, a small village formed by North Korean refugees.

In the evening, enjoy a dinner with the rest of the group in and around the local fish markets. We’d recommend one of the most famous Korean fried chicken restaurants in the area, Manseok, known for its sticky sweet and sour boneless fried chicken. Then this evening, you’re in for a treat – with a traditional liquor tasting hosted by your Adventure Leader!

Prepare to set off early as you take the bus along the East Coast to the former capital Gyeongju. Along the way, K-Pop enthusiasts will get to stop off and take a picture at Jumunjin Bus Stop, better known for featuring as the artwork to one of BTS’ releases.

Once you arrive in Gyeongju, you’ll head to the site of your unmissable stay in Korea – Golgulsa Temple! They’ll have a schedule for you here, but in the afternoon you can expect an orientation on temple life, a meditation session, sunmudo training and a traditional vegetarian Buddhist dinner.

Wake up with the sunrise and take part in the morning chanting service and meditation, followed by starting the day right with a traditional breakfast. You’ll then transfer back to Gyeongju for a free morning, where you could:

Visit Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Cultural Site
Try out a local tea house
Visit Gyeongju Museum
Explore the Old Town.

We’ll rendezvous again in the mid-afternoon for a cycle tour with the rest of your group.

First up, explore Cheonmachong Ancient Tombs, part of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex in Tumuli Park. Then, make your way to Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia.

Hungry from a busy day and want to experience authentic Korean food? You can opt to join your group for dinner in a local hanok, where you can try a traditional Korean set meal!

Later, why not take a stroll around to Anapji Pond for some amazing nighttime views of the palace? Be sure to pack your cameras because the lights are stunning!

This morning, make your way to Gyeongju station, to start your journey to Busan via high-speed train. Arrive quickly at your destination and board a privately hired bus to take you around for the day, starting with the unmissable Gamcheon Culture Village.

Hop back aboard your bus and head down to Songdo where you will board the Marine Cable Car and take in the impressive coastal views. Following this, you will make your way to BIFF Square in Nampo-dong, where you can try a variety of food options from local street vendors (but why not go for a Busan hotteok seeing as you’re in town?).

Finally, head to your hostel in Haeundae where you will be given the evening to relax and unwind, or explore the town at your own leisure.

Head out for the morning to explore one of Korea’s most beautiful temples – Haedong Yonggungsa, a Buddhist temple nestled in the coastline’s cliffs.

Feeling in need of some more rejuvenation? You could head to Spa Land in Centum City, located in Busan’s largest shopping complex! Make the most of South Korea’s high-quality jjimjilbang while you’re here and treat yourself to saunas, cold rooms, jacuzzis and more.

Finally, enjoy the evening with your fellow travelers trying local delicacies. Once the sun sets, be sure to admire the light show on Gwangan Bridge from the shore or perhaps opt for an evening sightseeing boat cruise around the bay. Once you’re back on dry land – you could try your hand at karaoke!

Enjoy a free morning to explore Busan – venture out on your own, or take part in some of our suggested activities. For example, you might enjoy a trip on the coastal railway, the Haeundae Blueline. Alternatively, you can visit the observatory of the second-tallest building in Korea and take in the views, or embark on the Igidae Coastal Walk and Oryukdo Skywalk. You may even just opt for a relaxing morning on the beach!

If you’d like to get one last dose of Korean culture in Busan, you could even try your hand at making the traditional staple, bibimbap, in a cooking class!

Later, you will collect your belongings from the hostel and make your way to the airport where you’ll catch a plane to Jeju Island. Once you’ve checked in at your accommodation in Seogwipo, feel free to spend your evening venturing into Olle Maeil Market or exploring the nightlife the city has to offer.

Wake up on the wonderful island of Jeju and start your day with a trek along the beautiful Jeju Olle Trail, taking in stunning coastal views and serene natural surroundings. After this, head to Jeongbang Waterfall – the only waterfall of its kind in Asia that flows directly into the ocean. An amazing natural wonder to complete your morning.

Once the trek is completed, head to Seongsan Ilchulbong and enjoy a hike for some truly spectacular views across Jeju and out to sea. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a unique formation that was formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions over 5,000 years ago! Enjoy some time at the volcano, being sure to grab some photos, before you head to find something to eat.

You will then return to the hotel in the early afternoon, where the rest of your day is at your leisure. You could:

Head to Jungmun Beach to catch some rays
Visit the beautiful Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
Explore the Maritime Park and Saeyeongyo Bridge

For a wonderful end to the day, opt to visit The Cliff for a drink with a truly special view of the sunset.

Make the most of your second morning in stunning Jeju by sailing out on a yacht to relax and enjoy the fresh sea air with your fellow Dragons.

The afternoon is then free for your own exploration! Not sure what to do? Make sure to ask our Adventure Leaders for their recommendations.

In the evening, kick back with a farewell barbecue dinner! Sample the delicious local specialty of black pork, watch the sun go down and if you want, party into the night by the seashore. Make the most of your time with your fellow travellers, as you’ll be saying goodbye in the morning!

You’ve reached the last day of your South Korea tour and the end of your Dragon Trip adventure! You can head back to Seoul, explore the wonders of Jeju Island further, or continue with your travels elsewhere.

Safe travels!