Essential South Korea

Intrepid Travel · 9 days

5.0

3 Reviews

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Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Experience all the essential sights of South Korea on this nine-day journey through Seoul, Jeonju, Daegu, Busan and more.

Highlights

Rub shoulders with the locals at Nambu Market, which recently provided free rent to young entrepreneurs to keep the market alive. Then, stay in a hanok (a traditional Korean house) and experience what it’s like to live day to day in Jeonju.
Feast on delicious local cuisine, with included dinners where you might be able to try some traditional Korean noodles, Korean BBQ or fried chicken, and plenty of time to wander around street food markets and restaurants.
Discover Seoul at your own pace with tonnes of free time to explore the various districts throughout the city. Maybe hit up karaoke (or noraebang, in Korean), go bar hopping with your local leader or grab a coffee at one of Seoul's famous themed cafes.
Experience the natural beauty of South Korea from Ahwon Gotack – with lush, green surroundings, it’s a stark contrast to the big cities Korea is famous for. Soak up the tranquil mountain views and enjoy a moment to enjoy the silence of nature.
Learn how the community have innovated agricultural growth at the Urban Smart Farm Social Company – a social enterprise backed by the government and local NGOs, focused on sustainability.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Public Bus,Private Vehicle,Train,Metro

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Seoul, Korea, Republic Of

Finishes

Seoul, Korea, Republic Of

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Seoul

Eoseo oseyo! Welcome to South Korea. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Seoul – the vibrant capital of high-tech gadgetry, towering skyscrapers and scrumptious eats. If you arrive early, maybe explore this modern Asian metropolis at your own pace and discover how ancient traditions come together with the modern in one of Asia's great cities. After you meet your trip leader and group members, you’ll head out on an orientation walk to get your bearings and note down some good nightlife spots for later. Then, grab dinner to get your first taste of some authentic Korean cuisine and get to know your group.

Included Activities:

Seoul - Orientation Walk
Seoul - T-money Card

Optional Activities:

Seoul - DMZ Tour (80 USD)

Accommodation:

Hostel (Multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Seoul

This morning, visit the Gyungbokgung Palace – a former royal palace established in 1395, which once served as the main palace for the Joseon dynasty. After, tour the Gwangjang Market with your leader and maybe pick up some local treats or souvenirs from one of the 5000 shops and stalls. In your free afternoon, maybe try local dishes like hand cut noodles or bulgogi or visit HiKR Ground, where you can experience media art and make your own music video. You could also discover the K-beauty scene, where you can get skin checks, colour analysis and beauty treatments. Tonight, maybe head to some coin karaoke (where you pay 30 cents per song) and belt out a few favourites to get the night going.

Included Activities:

Seoul - Gyungbokgung Palace
Seoul - Gwangjang market

Optional Activities:

Seoul - HiKR Ground - Free
Seoul - Korean Class (30 USD)
Seoul - Hanbok Hire (25 USD)

Accommodation:

Hostel (Multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Jeonju

Say goodbye to Seoul and hop on a local bus to Jeonju, known for the Hanok Heritage Village – home to traditional houses, craft shops, food stalls and the 15th-century Gyeonggjieon Shrine. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk to see the downtown area. You’ll also taste some dalgona (a honeycomb toffee known as Korean sugar candy) at a local store before a free afternoon. This evening, visit Nambu Market with your leader. Here, you can learn about the recent success of the youth incubation program, which offers free rent to young business owners to save the market and keep the community thriving. Tonight, you’ll stay in a hanok (a traditional Korean house).

Included Activities:

Jeonju - Orientation Walk
Jeonju - Nambu Market Visit

Accommodation:

Hanok (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Jeonju

This morning, wander around the gorgeous architecture, galleries, shops and streets on a leader-led walk. After, you’ll visit the Jeonju Hanji Museum, where you’ll learn about the traditional Korean paper and how it has impacted the lifestyle of the locals. See hanji crafts, tools, ancient manuscripts and books on display, then try your hand at hanji making. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe wander the Jaman Art Village to see the colourful murals, walk along the Sinabro-gil Trail or take the chance to learn some new moves and sign up for a K-pop dance class. Later, sit down for an optional group dinner and maybe try some bibimbap (a rice bowl served with gochujang and various toppings like egg, vegetables and sliced meat).

Included Activities:

Jeonju - Hanok Village Tour
Jeonju - Hanji Paper Making

Optional Activities:

Jeonju - K-Pop Dance Class (50 USD)

Accommodation:

Hostel (Multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Wanju/Daegu

Travel to Webongsansung this morning for a short walk with your leader. This location was actually used for a photoshoot for the famous K-pop group BTS! Wander around the lush greenery and abandoned architecture of the area, then visit Ahwon Gotack. This hanok and gallery is set among green mountains and gardens and was also used as a filming location for a music video. After exploring the traditional houses and gardens, continue your journey to Daegu. When you arrive, visit the Museum of Oriental Medicine to learn about traditional Korean practices and gain insights into Donguibogam – a UNESCO World Heritage record. Renowned for its collection of medicinal herbs, Daegu is a hub of traditional medicine. The evening is free, so maybe wander through Seomun Market, one of Daegu's most historic and bustling traditional markets, or visit Daegu Tower for panoramic views of the skyline and the surrounding mountains.

Included Activities:

Wanju - Ahwon Gotack
Wanju - Webongsansung Visit
Daegu - Museum of Oriental Medicine

Accommodation:

Hostel (Multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Busan

Get up early this morning and board a train to Busan – a large port city known for its spas, beaches and temples. When you arrive, visit the colourful labyrinth-like streets in the Gamcheon Culture Village. This area is known for its brightly coloured houses and is the perfect spot for a pic – so don’t forget your camera! Then, maybe spend your free afternoon learning some new skills at a calligraphy class or wander the shoreline of Haeundae Beach. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.

Included Activities:

Busan - Gamcheon Art Village

Optional Activities:

Busan - Calligraphy Class (30 USD)
Busan - Baseball Game (Apr-Sep - prices from) (20 USD)
Busan - Korean Head Spa (subject to availability - from) (130 USD)

Accommodation:

Hostel (Multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Busan

Today is a free day to explore everything Busan has to offer. Maybe head to the chic waterfront complex The Bay 101 and grab a drink in one of the open-air bars, take a taekwondo class or stroll through the Centum shopping complex to pick up some souvenirs. You could also spend the day relaxing in the hot springs at Spaland, known for having both traditional Korean-style baths and modern spa treatments. Tonight, maybe hop on the Haewoondae ferry and watch Busan light up as the sun goes down.

Optional Activities:

Busan - Spaland (20 USD)
Busan - Taekwondo Class (minimum 8 pax required) (50 USD)
Busan - Baseball Game (Apr-Sep - prices from) (20 USD)

Accommodation:

Hostel (Multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Seoul

Maybe pick up some coffee and breakfast this morning before heading to the Urban Smart Farm Social Company with your group. This social enterprise, backed by the government and local NGOs, is a great example of how locals have innovated agricultural growth within shipping containers to grow fresh produce in a busy city. Learn about their sustainability efforts and then carry on to Igidae Beach for a gentle coastline walk. When you’ve worked up an appetite, you might want to grab some lunch before heading back to Seoul on the train. When you arrive, you have a free afternoon. Maybe explore more of Seoul's districts you might have missed – with cafes, modern restaurants, parks and alleys, there’s no shortage of places to find! Why not keep the night going and head out to some bars to celebrate the end of your trip with some new friends?

Included Activities:

Busan - Igidae Coastal Walk
Busan - Urban Smart Farm Visit

Accommodation:

Hostel (Multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Seoul

With no further activities planned today, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to spend more time in Seoul, just speak to your booking agent.

Optional Activities:

Seoul - Painting Class (50 USD)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $2,480

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Experience all the essential sights of South Korea on this nine-day journey through Seoul, Jeonju, Daegu, Busan and more.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 15 Mar 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Jay

Traveled, April 2024

04/17/2024

Fantastic introduction to Korean food and culture. This trip had a great mix of walking, eating and chillin. If you’re an expert in Korean food, this may not be the best tour since it’s an intro with slightly more western tastes in mind, but we did try exotic things like murder hornet soju! Haha everything was good and the group was awesome. Everyone got along well, and the guide Michelle made the tour go very smoothly. Some days were >20k steps so def being comfortable walking shoes. One thing to remember is that the dmz visit is not a part of the tour, and in general the dmz is not available on Mondays… so if adding on, you’d have to stay until Tuesday or do it Sunday before tour starts.

5.0

Andrew

Traveled, September 2023

09/25/2023

I have way to many positive things to mention about this trip. First of all Jacob our tour guide went beyond being an amazing leader. The first few days by myself in in Seoul were overwhelming but having Jacob who knew what he was doing in the city made it feel like our group was part of the city, and we felt safe and comfortable walking the streets Jacob's amount of knowledge about the food , history and hidden gems made the days fly by. All accommodations and restaurants were fantastic. I absolutely recommend this tour. The only problem with the tour was that it ended too early. Because of this tour I am absolutely coming back to South Korea and hope Jacob can be my tour guide. Thanks for an amazing trip.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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