Korea to Japan: Epic Eats & Bright City Lights

Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

From historic streets, eccentric pop scenes, exciting arcades, and buzzing fish markets, Japan and South Korea are two of the most unique countries on Earth.

Includes

Activities

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Local Living Moment: Hanok Village Stay, Jeonju Your Foodie Moment: Tongyeong Seafood Market, Tongyeong-si Your Big Night Out Moment: - Jeju, Jeju-si Your Discover Moment: Free time in Jeju Island, Jeju-si Your Big Night Out Moment: Kyoto Your Discover Moment: Kyoto
Delicious KFC dinner (Korean Fried Chicken!)
Visit HiKR Ground
Walk through Ikseon-Dong Alley and Gwangjang market
Free time in Seoul
Traditional Hanok Village stay
Visit to Gamcheon village
Tongyeong Cable Car ride
Visit to Tasting at Tongyeong Seafood market
Evening visit to Dongmun market
Short hike to Seongsan Sunrise Peak
Guided tour of Seongeup Folk Village
Watch the Haenyeo Women Divers
Visit to Hamdeok Beach
Free time in Jeju
Orientation walks in Tokyo and Takayama
Overnight stay in a traditional inn
Free time in Tokyo, Takayama, and Kyoto
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hostels & traditional inn (14 nts, multi-share & shared facilities).

1 dinner

Transport

Train, plane, private vehicle, walking.

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Highlights

Visit HiKR Ground in Seoul
Take in colorful Gamcheon village on a walking tour
Watch the Haenyeo of Jeju Island
Explore lively Tokyo
Spend a night in a traditional Minshuku (japanese inn)
Travel to culturally-rich Kyoto

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Train, plane, private vehicle, walking.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Seoul, South Korea

Finishes

Kyoto, Japan

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Seoul

Arrive at any time and welcome to South Korea's largest metropolis. There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting, so spend the day exploring on your own time. In the evening, meet your group and your CEO at the welcome meeting. After, head out for an orientation walk and welcome dinner to get to know your group and the city of Seoul. After filling up on some delicious Korean food, opt to join your CEO & new friends out on the town for your First Night Out. Maybe grab a beer or choose to test your singing voice at karaoke.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Accommodation - Dream Guest House

Day 2: Seoul

Start your day channeling your inner K Pop star at HiKR Ground. Then head to what may be the cutest street in all of Seoul, Ikseon-Dong Alley. After some shopping, instagrammable moments, and free time for lunch, explore the Gwangjang market and try some iconic Korean snacks. Then enjoy a free evening in the city.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Explore the 5 story, immersive experience dedicated to all things Korea. Think K-Pop, K-Drama and the most popular parts of Korean culture. Witness incredible art, listen to your favorite K-Pop band, and learn about Korean pop-culture.Activity - Stroll through the narrow alleys of Ikseon-dong where traditional hanok houses, modern cafes and hip restaurants coexist. Relax in quaint cafes or shop in local craft stores while admiring the beautiful hanok architecture. Hop in and out of local boutiques and galleries, stopping at the perfect photo stops at every turn.Free_time - Enjoy free time in Seoul. Check out N Seoul Tower, Gangnam neighborhood or Han River Park.Activity - Gwangjang Market is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea, with more than 5,000 shops. Famous for its fabric, local treasures, and noted to be one of the best places to go for authentic Korean street food in Seoul, you don't want to miss Gwangjang Market.Accommodation - Dream Guest House

Day 3: Seoul

Seoul is yours to explore today. With endless options, there's no bad way to enjoy this city. Opt to visit the DMZ, take a K Pop dance class, go on a Seoul City Tour or try your hand at some Korean delicacies at a cooking class.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - The day is yours to enjoy Seoul as you wish.Accommodation - Dream Guest House

Day 4: Seoul/Jeonju-si

In the morning, take the train to Jeonju, maybe the prettiest city in South Korea. After checking into your Hanok stay, take a CEO led tour of the town. Afterwards, take some time to explore the city on your own. Opt to wander through Jeonju Nambu Traditional Market, try your hand at Korean traditional handicraft at the Hanok Village Craft Museum or head to a local shop to try on a traditional Hanbok. This evening enjoy the comforts of traditional Korea and Korean culture at your hanok stay.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Join your CEO on a walk through some of Jeonju's special attractions, like the Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Jeondong Catholic Church, Korean Liquor museum and Jeonju handicraft exhibition hall. Stroll through the beautiful hanok streets and admire the traditional architecture.Free_time - Enjoy free time in Jeonju Hanok Village.Activity - Staying in a traditional hanok gives an amazing insight to Korean history and culture. With natural material and historic architecture, it will feel like you've been transported in time.Accommodation - Jeonju Goeul Hanok Accommodation

Day 5: Jeonju-si/Busan

Today, travel by bus to Nampodong, the centre of the coastal city of Busan. After dropping your luggage off at the hostel, we'll head to the colorful mountainside village of Gamcheon. This unique artistic village is full of colorful houses, murals and galleries. It's the perfect place for photos, art and culture lovers. Spend the evening exploring Busan as you'd like.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy free time in Nampodong, downtown Busan.Activity - Explore the pastel-coloured village of Gamcheon, nestled in the side of a mountain, with uniquely painted houses, murals, cafes, and shops.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - EZ Stay Guest House

Day 6: Busan

Jump in a bus with your group for a day trip to Tongyeong. In this beautiful seaside town, we'll ride the cable car for an incredible view and explore the seafood market for some tasty Korean snacks. Enjoy your Foodie Moment and try things like sea squirts and oysters, Tongyeong specialties. This evening, take some free time back in Busan before flying to the beach tomorrow.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy fresh seafood and savor them in the market's various restaurants. Tongyeong is most famous for its Sea Squirts and Oysters so make sure you try. In your free time, you can sit at a restaurant, try different delicacies or join a cooking class.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - The Tongyeong Cable Car offers stunning views of Hallyeohaesang National Park. Enjoy the panoramic scenery of the open sea and islands as you ride the cable car. The cable car ride also provides access to observation decks and walking trails, so visitors can explore the picturesque landscapes of the region.Accommodation - EZ Stay Guest House

Day 7: Busan/Jeju-si

After a free morning in Busan, fly to the subtropical island of Jeju. We'll spend the next three nights in downtown Jeju City. Settle in, then join your CEO at Dongmun Market, followed by a free night out on the town. You can opt to visit Dongmun Market at night, too, and witness the vibrant food stalls under the stars. Try some delicious black pork and wash it down with Jeju's famous orange juice. Five stars if you can find the dancing lobster stall!

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit this famous traditional market where you can try local specialties and fresh seafood - an excellent place to experience the flavors and culture of Jeju. Taste Jeju’s unique delicacies such as black pork and hallabong (tangerines) while enjoying the vibrant market atmosphere. Make sure you don't miss the famous Red Lobster Fire Dance Show while exploring the market.Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Accommodation - Visitor Guest House Jeju

Day 8: Jeju-si

Spend today getting a special inside look at the cultural side of Jeju. Start today with a tour of Seongeup Folk Village and learn about life of the people of old Jeju. Then we'll hike up the volcanic pathways to the top of Seongsan Sunrise Peak, an easy but rewarding hike. In the afternoon, we'll have the chance to witness the incredible haenyeo, women divers of Jeju. Watch these women, some even their 80's, dive to collect seafood and hold their breath for minutes at a time. Tonight, hit the town with your CEO and group for a Big Night Out! Enjoy a beer or your drink of choice! Karaoke, anyone?

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a guided tour of the traditional Jeju culture through this living museum. Here you can see traditional homes, harubang (stone statutes), lava walls and the way the people of Old Jeju lived.Activity - Take a short hike to see one of the most beautiful views in all of Jeju Island. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Seongsan Ilchilbong was formed around 5000 years ago by an underwater volcanic eruption that created this unforgettable scenery. This beginner hike has a well maintained trail and is suitable for all fitness levels.Activity - White sand and turquoise water. What better way to spend an afternoon? Choose to relax on the beach or take a short hike on the Olle Trail.Activity - Watch the amazing Haenyeo Performance and learn about the lives and traditions of Jeju's female divers. Watch as the haenyeo harvest seafood from the sea in live shows. Witness their incredible breath-holding techniques as they surface with abalone, conch, sea cucumbers and more. Afterwards, have a chance to interact with these amazing women, seeing their catch and maybe even purchasing their fresh seafood.Activity - Head out with your group for a night out in downtown Jeju. Follow your CEO to the best spot and, if you choose to enjoy a drink, opt for a local beer or fresh juice to reminisce about all the life-changing adventures you've just shared with newfound friends (and add tonight to the list)! Hit some karaoke and sing your heart out!Accommodation - Visitor Guest House Jeju

Day 9: Jeju-si

On this last day in paradise, explore the island how you wish. Opt to visit the galleries of Bunker de Lumieres, race carts at 9.81 Park or relax on one of the many beaches. Our favorites are Geumneung Beach and Hyeopjae Beach. You can also opt to hike a portion of the Olle trail. Ask your CEO about getting to and from some of the best sections of this amazing trek.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - There's plenty to see and do in Jeju, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax on the beach or try optional activities like visiting the Bunker De Lumieres, a Jeju City Tour, or hiking along the coast. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!Accommodation - Visitor Guest House Jeju

Day 10: Jeju-si/Tokyo

Say your final goodbyes to Jeju and South Korea before your flight to Tokyo. Spend the day exploring Tokyo on your own terms before meeting your group in the evening for a welcome meeting. Then, after the meeting, head out for a night of fun, drinks, and dancing for your first night out in Japan. Pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Accommodation - Imano Tokyo Hostel

Day 11: Tokyo

Get your bearings with an orientation walk before enjoying free time to explore buzzing Tokyo. Opt to check out Yoyogi Park, Asakusa shrine, quirky Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing, or explore the city's massive selection of shops and cafés.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Get out explore this vibrant city – there is so much to see and do!Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Accommodation - Imano Tokyo Hostel

Day 12: Tokyo/Takayama

Board a bullet train to picturesque Takayama, surrounded by the Japanese Alps. Take in the quaint streets of old town—lined with craft shops and sake breweries (mid-day sake bombs anyone?)—on a CEO-led orientation walk. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the area. In the evening, kick back and relax in a traditional inn complete with tatami floors, Japanese futons, and an onsen hot spring. Delight in a restorative soak in the healing waters.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.Activity - Hit the streets with your CEO and discover some of Takayama's highlights. Snap photos of a traditional Shinto shrine and wander the quaint lanes of this historic merchant city, passing homes dating back to the ancient Edo period.Free_time - Use free time to enjoy the area, sample sake or visit a nearby hot spring for a soak.Accommodation - Oyado Iguchi

Day 13: Takayama/Kyoto

Catch a train to Japan's imperial capital, Kyoto, and spend the rest of the day discovering this historic city. Then tonight, grab a drink (if you drink) during your Big Night Out! After a beer, you can opt to release your inner rock star during a karaoke session. Or visit one of Kyoto's many famous izakayas! Kanpai!

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.Free_time - Opt to check out Kiyomizu-dera Temple, walk under Fushimi Inari's many torii gates, take part in a traditional costume photoshoot, or experience a tea ceremony. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!Activity - Join your CEO and group for a night out on the town. Buy your drink-of-choice, then choose to sing your hear out at karaoke or hit one of Kyoto's many amazing bars.Accommodation - We Base Kyoto

Day 14: Kyoto

Kyoto is yours to explore today and the options are endless, so grab a buddy and get out there! Visit some of Kyoto's beautiful temples, participate in a tea ceremony, or take a calligraphy class (so you can make that postcard home look extra fancy).

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Opt to check out Kiyomizu-dera Temple, walk under Fushimi Inari's many torii gates, take part in a traditional costume photoshoot, or experience a tea ceremony. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!Accommodation - We Base Kyoto

Day 15: Kyoto

Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Share some last laughs and exchange social medias with your fellow travellers before departing at any time.
We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this iconic city.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
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 will do 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.

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 $4,849

(Tour only)

Per Person Standard

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

From historic streets, eccentric pop scenes, exciting arcades, and buzzing fish markets, Japan and South Korea are two of the most unique countries on Earth.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 20 Nov 2026

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Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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