Current as of: March 28, 2024 - 22:25

South Korea

Discover South Korea Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: South Korea
  • Programmes: Culture
  • Activity Level:

    2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

  • 12 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: AOD
  • Carbon Footprint: 18kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Explore bustling Seoul, visit the DMZ and see beautiful landscapes in the Land of the Morning Calm

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.

At a Glance

  • 10 nights in three- and four-star hotels and one night temple stay
  • Sightseeing on foot and one short daywalk
  • Group usually 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Travel by air-conditioned private minibus, bullet train and metro
  • Cherry blossom and autumn colours departures available

Highlights

  • Learn about ancient and modern history in Seoul
  • Spend a night and join ceremonies at the Unesco-listed Haeinsa Temple
  • Visit Panmunjom and the DMZ to learn how Korea was divided
  • Discover the bustling, colourful markets of Busan
  • Be captivated by the culinary delights of South Korea

Is This Trip for You?

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

Itinerary

AOD Map

Land Only

  • Start City: Seoul
  • End City: Seoul

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Seoul

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)

Day 2
Full-day Seoul walking tour including Insadong artisan area, Jogyesa Temple and Gyeongbokkung Palace

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Visit Panmunjom to learn how Korea was divided

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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4
Transfer to Gangneung; afternoon Korean cooking demonstration

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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5
Enjoy an easy walk in Seoraksan National Park

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Transfer to Andong; visit the Andong Hahoe Folk Museum

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
Transfer to Gyeongju; visit Tumuli Park and Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
Full-day sightseeing, including Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple and Anapji Pond

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9
Transfer to Haeinsa Temple; explore the grounds, eat a traditional vegetarian meal and take part in a Buddhist ceremony

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

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10
Early morning ceremony and meditation; transfer to Busan; city tour including local markets

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11
Bullet train to Seoul; transfer to hotel. Free afternoon

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12
End Seoul

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Three- and four-star hotels and one temple stay

Discover South Korea

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.

  • Seoul (four nights): Kukdo Hotel
  • Sokcho (two nights): Sea Cruise Sokcho
  • Andong (one night): Park Hotel
  • Gyeongju (two nights): Commodore Hotel
  • Haeinsa (one night): Haeinsa Temple Stay (sharing room by sex)
  • Busan (one night): Crown Harbor Hotel

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

Food & Drink

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.

Transport

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.

Weather & Seasonality

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.

Joining Instructions

Key information

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)

Getting to the start hotel

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.

Catching your return flight

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.

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Casual clothing is all that is required. Outside of business situations, Koreans are very relaxed about dress so formal attire is unnecessary
  • On spring and autumn departures, it is possible that some nights outside the main cities are surprisingly cold, so bring a jumper and/or warm jacket and warm trousers (pants)
  • As there is a certain amount of walking involved, a comfortable pair of walking shoes is a requirement. Ideally these should be easy to put on and take off for the fairly regular occasions when shoes must be removed before entering homes or temples
  • Towel for the temple stay
  • Water bottle: Tap water is safe to drink here so remember to bring a refillable water bottle and keep hydrated during the day

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:

  • Flip-flops, sandals and high heel shoes
  • Clothing with profane or provocative text
  • Sports or athletic clothing (including gym shorts or track/stretch pants)
  • Sleeveless shirts
  • Round-neck T-shirts
  • Tank tops
  • Sheer/provocative or excessively baggy clothing
  • Ripped jeans or military-style clothing

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.

Practical Information

Visa

South Korea

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.

Vaccinations and Health

South Korea

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.

Local Time

South Korea's time zone: Asia/Seoul (UTC +09:00)

Electricity

South Korea's electricity: Plug type F (two round pins) – 220V, 60Hz

Money

South Korea's currency: South Korean won (KRW)

ATM Availability

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.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

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

  • JUMP Show, Martial Arts and Comedy, Seoul: 40,000- 60,000 won (US$31-US$46)

Tipping

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.

People, Places & Planet

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.

  • The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
  • This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food, and by supporting other local enterprises.
  • Guests stay at Haeinsa Temple, one of the oldest in Korea. Here we experience a strict Buddhist lifestyle and meet monks who dedicate their lives to prayer and meditation, enjoy a vegetarian Buddhist dinner and join a tea ceremony. Our visit and stay contributes to the upkeep of the temple.
  • With a strong emphasis on culture and history, this trip provides plenty of opportunities to visit various museums and cultural sites. Our visits benefit the local people and contribute to the preservation of their cultural assets through the money spent on entrance fees and other purchases made in the area.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

  • By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment. For example, we don’t just stay in busy cities such as Seoul or Busan every night of the tour.
  • Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
  • We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste. For example, we encourage eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead encourage clients to drink the tap water, which is safe to drink in South Korea. We encourage all clients to take a refillable water bottle with them on the tour.
  • Our guides educate guests on how to appropriately separate and dispose of any waste and encourage guests to use reusable chopsticks and canvas tote bags for shopping.

 Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

  • Read about Exodus Travels’ Planet Promise here, including our rewilding and carbon compensation commitments for every customer who travels.
  • We choose to travel predominantly by road during the trip and bullet train from Busan to Seoul as opposed to taking any domestic flights.
  • Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary mostly use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
  • Vegetarian options are available at most of the accommodations and restaurants.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

  • Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
  • Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip. Tap water in South Korea is safe for drinking, hence we strongly encourage clients to bring their own reusable water bottles for this purpose and minimise our usage of single-use plastic bottles.

Cultural respect

  • The most common greeting in South Korea is with a bow.
  • Objects, gifts and food should be offered and received with two hands.
  • Spoons are used to eat soup, but chopsticks are used for everything else.

Important Information

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. 

How To Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

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.