Current as of: March 28, 2024 - 22:25
Current as of: March 28, 2024 - 22:25
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
South Korea has long been overshadowed by neighbouring Japan. But it’s a dynamic country, steeped in culture, tradition and history, with vibrant cities, rich landscapes, friendly local people and staggering nature. Join this trip to immerse yourself in the contemporary culture of bustling Seoul, meditate and spend the night in an ancient temple, discover the beauty of Seoraksan National Park and explore the colourful markets of Busan. This, combined with the chance to taste some of the most underrated cuisine in the world, makes a trip to South Korea unforgettable.
Highlights
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
It is designed to highlight the best of the Republic of Korea (known as the ROK). Most of our travel is by private vehicle, so the journeys are not physically demanding. We walk mostly in cities and towns and, although not strenuous, the amount of walking each day can be considerable and fast-paced (we recommend good, comfortable walking shoes). We also ascend and descend a lot of steps. The walk in Seoraksan National Park is optional.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 16
Depart London
The adventure begins in Seoul, the buzzy of South Korea. Time permitting, the leader will arrange a short orientation tour near the hotel.
In the evening, we can visit Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest food markets in Seoul, where local people meet after work to enjoy traditional foods and liquor. The market also sells vintage clothing and textiles during the day but comes alive in the evenings when unique foods such as bindaetteok, a popular pancake with makkolli, the traditional Korean rice wine, are served.
Accommodation: Kukdo Hotel (or similar)
Arrive in Seoul. Time permitting and depending on the arrival time of the group flight, the leader will arrange a short orientation tour in proximity of the hotel.
This evening, we visit Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest food markets in Seoul, where local people meet after work to enjoy traditional foods and liquor. The market also sells vintage clothing and textiles during the day, but comes alive in the evenings when unique foods such as bindaetteok, a popular pancake with makkolli, the traditional Korean rice wine, are served.
Accommodation: Kukdo Hotel or similar
Today we enjoy a walking tour of Seoul. We first head to the Cheonggyecheon, an age-old canal in downtown Seoul that was filled with concrete in the 1960s but reopened in 2005 in its original state. We continue to Tapgol Park, the central point of the Korean independence movement in 1919. From here, we head to Insadong, the artisan neighbourhood where traditional teahouses and souvenir shops are lined up in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.
After, we visit Jogyesa Temple, one of the most beautiful temple complexes in the heart of Seoul. At Gwanghwamoon, admire impressive statues of Admiral Yi and King Sejong, men who played vital roles in Korean history.
The next stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built by the Joseon dynasty in 1394, this immense complex was the centre of power until Japanese occupation at the start of the last century. At the palace, we may see the changing of guards.
Our last visit today is Bukchon Hanok Village, which is home to hundreds of traditional hanok houses from the Joseon dynasty.
(Please note, the order of these activities may change).
Accommodation: Kukdo Hotel (or similar)
Today we visit Panmunjom, the only place on the peninsula where North and South Koreans can meet face to face. It was here the peace treaty was signed in 1953 and where both parties agreed on a Joint Security Area (JSA) in the middle of the border between the two countries, also known as DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). After a short briefing by US army personnel, we enter the JSA; here we visit Freedom House, the blue barracks sharing a conference room for talks between both North and South Korea, the visitor’s observation post and the Bridge of No Return. En route, we enjoy a traditional Korean dish for lunch.
Due to government restrictions, this excursion is guided by a local JSA-specialised guide and not by your tour leader. The Panmunjom tour may be withdrawn at any time and, in such cases, this trip is substituted with visits to other key areas in the North-South Korea history, such as the Third Tunnel. We must also mention that some nationalities are not permitted to take part in the tour (at the time of writing this includes nationals from Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan and Syria) and it will be more difficult to obtain permission for South Korean and Chinese nationals to join the tour. Strict rules are in place for DMZ tours and, as such, passport details must be provided in advance. For dual passport holders, please ensure you provide Exodus with the exact passport details you will be entering South Korea with (and will be required to carry on the day tour).
During the tour, it is critically important you follow instructions from military personnel and guides. Please refer to the What to Take section of the Trip Notes for information on required attire for this trip.
May 2023 update: The Joint Security Area is currently closed and could re-open at any time. Entry into the DMZ area itself is open and other key sites such as the Third Tunnel are still possible to visit.
Accommodation: Kukdo Hotel (or similar)
Today begins with a private transfer (approximately three hours) to Gangneung on the east coast. In the heart of Gangwon Province, we visit one of the most picturesque culinary bases in Korea, where all the food is produced and processed naturally and according to centuries-old recipes; fermented food such as kimchi, red pepper paste, doenjang (bean paste) and fish sauce is stored and aged in clay vessels, sometimes for more than five years. Herbs are grown and harvested from gardens, and wild herbs collected from the mountains.
Here we learn how bibimbap is made, a traditional dish of rice with vegetables, herbs, meat and several side dishes. We then lunch on this freshly cooked, healthy food.
In the afternoon, we transfer to Sokcho, a lively coastal city that belonged to North Korea from 1945 until the end of the Korean War.
Accommodation: Sea Cruise Hotel Sokcho (or similar)
On the beautiful east coast, the Seorak Mountains are the most famous in Korea. At the foot of the peaks is an enormous Buddha statue, which acts as a start point for a variety of trails between 2km and 10km (1.25mi and 6.2mi). The leader guides those who wish on an easy and short optional walk. A more leisurely option is to take a cable car to one of the mountaintops to enjoy fantastic views.
Accommodation: Sea Cruise Hotel Sokcho (or similar)
We transfer (approximately four hours) to Andong by private minibus and visit the Andong Hahoe Village, where ancient traditions influenced by the teachings of Confucius are still alive. The inhabitants live in the same way their ancestors did, in simple houses for the common farmers and in richly decorated houses for the yangban (gentry).
Accommodation: Park Hotel (or similar)
We transfer (approximately 2hr 30min) to Gyeongju by private minibus, stopping en route to visit the Dosan Confucian School. In the afternoon, we visit Tumuli Park, which has royal tombs dating to the Shilla dynasty. The numerous artifacts found in these tombs show the remarkable technological and cultural advancement of that period (600 CE to 900 CE). We also visit Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. The 362 stones used to build it represent the 362 days in the lunar calendar.
Accommodation: Commodore Hotel (or similar)
Seokguram Grotto, which we visit this morning, was discovered by a postman sheltering from the rain. Inside the human-made cave, he found an astonishingly beautiful statue of Buddha, constructed during the Shilla dynasty. The grotto is now a Unesco World Heritage site. From here, we visit Bulguksa Temple, constructed in the same period.
This afternoon, we visit the National Museum of Gyeongju, where we can relive the rich and advanced culture of the Shilla dynasty and see numerous archaeological findings. Our day ends with a stop at Anapji Pond, an artificial pond constructed in the royal palace grounds, before exploring Gyeongju food market.
Accommodation: Commodore Hotel (or similar)
This morning, we transfer to Haeinsa Temple (approximately three hours). It is one of the oldest in Korea and home to the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, engraved on 80,000 woodblocks between 1237 and 1248.
Here we experience a strict Buddhist lifestyle and meet monks dedicating their lives to prayer and meditation. On entering the temple, exchange your own clothes for simple monk clothing and, after the initial introductions and opening ceremony, walk around the beautiful temple complex. After the vegetarian Buddhist dinner, we join a tea ceremony. Lights out at 9pm this evening, ready for our early wake-up.
Please note, during our temple stay, the programme and order in which it runs can be subject to changes.
Accommodation: Haeinsa Temple
We wake at 3.30am to participate in the first ceremony and meditation. After breakfast at 6am, we depart the temple and transfer to Busan (approximately two hours).
From the impressive Gwangalli Bridge, we can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Busan shoreline. We learn the tragic history of the Korean War (1950-1953) at the UN War Cemetery, then visit the Nurimaru APEC House, a wonderful location with gorgeous views over the ocean. We also visit Jagalchi Fishmarket, one of the largest markets of its kind, to see a dazzling array of fish. Here you can taste Korean sashimi before heading into the adjacent Gukje Market to shop for souvenirs. After dinner, enjoy an optional visit to the Busan Tower (387ft/118m high) for amazing night vistas!
Accommodation: Crown Harbor Hotel (or similar)
This morning, we take a bullet train back to Seoul (approximately three hours) and transfer to our hotel. This afternoon is free for last-minute shopping or to perhaps visit the vibrant Hongdae university district. You may also like to spend your final evening in Seoul exploring the lively nightlife of the Itaewon neighbourhood.
Accommodation: Kukdo Hotel (or similar)
Our adventure ends after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home. Of course, if you’d like to spend a little longer exploring, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Tranfer to airport; fly to London.
We mainly stay in three- and four-star hotels with modern facilities and comforts.
One night is spent in a traditional temple, where facilities are basic and shared. As it is a religious institution, rooms are twin/triple/quadruple share basis with Western-style beds and assigned by sex, so couples are not permitted to share a room. The temple offers a unique programme where you can appreciate the life of a Buddhist monk, experience woodblock printing and chamseon, a traditional meditation method of Buddhism in Korea. You may also learn the Buddhist teaching by touring the small hermitages and temples around the Gaya Mountain with Haeinsa as its main temple.
2024 departures
The below accommodation is a list of the standard hotels used for 2024 departures. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at alternative hotels of a similar quality.
Single supplements
Single supplements can be pre-booked for 10 nights of the tour at the hotel accommodation. These must be requested before departure and are subject to availability.
A single supplement is not available for one night of the tour at the Haeinsa Temple.
Single supplement from USD 1,102
All breakfasts, two lunches and one dinner are included.
Korean food is generally healthy and based upon rice, vegetables and meats. During the trip, we experience a wide variety of tasty meals including staple foods such as rice, porridge, soups, stews, barbecued or broiled meat and fish along with a large selection of banchan (side dishes) and kimchi (fermented cabbage), which is served at almost every meal.
Transfers to and from the airport are in a private vehicle (normally a mini-coach). On other days, we mostly use private vehicle transport but also make use of the metro system and bullet train from Busan to Seoul.
Korea has four seasons, with a wet monsoon/summer season in the middle of the year and a cold winter from November to March.
We aim to avoid the coldest parts of winter and hot-humid summer. Therefore, we visit in spring (late March to May). Cherry blossoms generally bloom at the end of March/early April and autumn (September-November), with a stunning array of foliage colours, warm temperatures and clear skies. Average temperatures during these seasons are 15C-25C (59F-77F). While these are not rainy seasons, the odd shower cannot be ruled out and evenings are cooler.
Start hotel: Kukdo Hotel, 164 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Phone: +82 2-6466-1234
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately.
Airport: Incheon International Airport (ICN)
The start hotel is approximately one to two hours’ drive (traffic dependant) from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Seoul
Location end: Seoul
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers, will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact your sales representative.
Clothing for the DMZ tour
Military policy requires all visitors to display a neat and presentable appearance. There are strict rules on attire for this day and this generally means the following are prohibited:
Suggested attire for this tour includes flat closed-toe shoes, plain jeans, trousers (pants) or a long skirt, and a plain long-sleeved shirt or T-shirt.
From April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024, visitors from the UK, US, Canada, Australia and 18 other countries no longer need to obtain a K-ETA to enter South Korea visa-free. Visit the official K-ETA website for more information.
Please note, requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
South Korea's time zone: Asia/Seoul (UTC +09:00)
South Korea's electricity: Plug type F (two round pins) – 220V, 60Hz
South Korea's currency: South Korean won (KRW)
Money exchange is available upon arrival at Incheon Airport and in major cities, as are ATMs.
ATMs are widely available in large cities such as Seoul and Busan; however, they do not accept all debit cards – please look for those displaying Cirrus or Maestro symbols.
Major credit cards (Visa or Mastercard) are widely accepted.
We recommend you allow approximately 14,450-21,000 won (US$11-US$16) for lunches and 21,000-40,700 won (US$16-US$31) per dinner not included.
We advise travellers to have access to more spending money than they think is needed, rather than less.
Optional excursions
Local staff are paid well and fairly for their work. However, you may want to show appreciation for your leader’s services with a tip. The amount is at your discretion but, as a guide, we suggest 5,000-6,700 won (US$3.80-US$5.10) per day. Additionally, approximately 3,280 won (US$2.50) per day for your driver if you wish to show appreciation for their services.
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Cultural respect
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.