Premium South Korea

Intrepid Travel · 9 days

4.5

1 Reviews

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Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

On this nine-day Premium adventure, you’ll explore the culture and cuisine of South Korea from unique perspectives with a local leader who has all the insights.

Highlights

Visit the home of Daniel Gray – a food expert and food tour pioneer who worked on Netflix’s Street Food Asia Seoul – for a fascinating lecture on local cuisine, food history and a homemade meal.
Immerse yourself in the local way of life for Korean monks at your Premium Feature Stay in Hainesa Temple on Mt Gaya – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Three Jewels Temples representing Dharma.
Visit Jeju Island, where you’ll visit Seongsan Ilchulbong or Jeju Seongsan Sunrise Mountain/Castle – a volcanic peak nicknamed Sunrise Peak with sweeping panoramic views that earned Korea its first ever UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meet a local Haenyno – one of the local women divers who go diving for shellfish 10 m under the sea on Jeju Island. Learn about the local fishing culture and why these women, some in their 80s, still practice diving.
By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Public Transit,Private Vehicle,Ferry

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Seoul, Korea, Republic Of

Finishes

Jeju Island, Korea, Republic Of

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Seoul

Eoseo oseyo! Welcome to Korea. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins in Seoul, where you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After meeting your fellow travellers and trip leader, you’ll head out on a short walking tour of modern Seoul and the Gongdeok entertainment district. Then, sit down to a group welcome dinner of Korean hotpot – a delicious favourite full of mixed vegetables, meat and noodles. Learn more about Korean local food over dinner and drinks and then, maybe walk along the tranquil Cheonyecheon stream or visit the Gwangjang or Dongdaemun night market.

Included Activities:

Seoul - Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

Lotte city Mapo or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Seoul

This morning you’ll visit Gyeongbokgung Palace – the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty which dates back to 1395 – and Bukchon (the North Village) – home to many restored traditional Korean houses known as hanoks. From here, head to the home of Daniel Gray – the food expert that worked on Netflix's Street Food Asia Seoul. Sit down for a lecture on Korean food history and then take the opportunity to help make your lunch while you taste local delicacies and drinks from all over the country. After returning to your hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with a North Korean defector to hear their harrowing tale of struggle, and ultimately, triumph. The evening is then yours to explore at your own pace or rest at your accommodation. You might like to visit Myeongdong – Soeul’s famous shopping street and a great place to sample some Korean street food.

Included Activities:

Seoul - Gyeongbukgung Palace
Seoul - Korean Food Lecture and Homemade Lunch
Seoul - Bukchon Hanok Village
Seoul - North Korean Defector meeting

Accommodation:

Lotte city Mapo or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Jeonju

Rising early, it’ll be a thought-provoking morning as you visit the South Korean side of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). After stopping for breakfast on the way, you’ll learn how this peninsula has been divided ever since the devastating Korean War. You’ll visit to points of interest including the Third Tunnel of Aggression and Imjingak Peace Park. After some free time for lunch, a private transfer will take you to the picturesque village of Jeonju. Dinner will be at a traditional bibimbap restaurant – the bibimbap here is listed as the representative bibimbap of Korea.

Included Activities:

Seoul - DMZ Tour and Imjingak Peace Park

Accommodation:

Jeonju Ggotsim hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Jeonju

For breakfast this morning, you’ll enjoy a local delicacy – Jeonju beansprout rice soup. You’ll then hop in a private transfer and drive to Damyang where you’ll head out on a scenic bamboo forest walk. Try some of the popular bamboo ice cream and for lunch, try another local delicacy – tteok galbi (marinated and charcoaled beef). You can then continue the culinary delights with an optional visit to a local roastery cafe, famous for their baked goods. Or, maybe opt to stretch your legs on a walk around Damyang, stopping in at the local shops and parks. Visit a brassware store and workshop and learn about the craft from the craftsman himself, and then walk around the hanok village and learn about Jeonju's art culture. Head back to Damyang, where the evening is then free for you to choose your own adventure.

Included Activities:

Damyang - Bamboo Forest Walk
Jeonju - Hanok Village
Jeonju - Brassware Workshop

Accommodation:

Jeonju Ggotsim hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Hapcheon

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you’ll start the drive to Gayasan National Park on Mt Gaya to check out Haeinsa Temple – your incredible Exclusive Feature Stay for tonight! This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the Three Jewels Temples representing Dharma or the Buddha’s teachings. When you arrive, you’ll have some tea with one of the monks to learn about his life here, the history of the temple and his story. Following the temple’s schedule for the rest of a day, take an afternoon orientation and tour the temple with a local guide and then sit down for dinner as a group. As per the temple’s schedule, you’ll also take part in an evening meditation before bed.

Included Activities:

Haeinsa - Tea with a monk
Haeinsa - Temple Tour and Dinner
Haeinsa - Evening Meditation

Accommodation:

Haeinsa temple or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Mokpo

Bidding your farewells to Haeinsa Temple, you’ll head to the islands of the Shinan archipelago. When you arrive, you’ll visit a local’s home and learn about life in South Korea’s southern regions. We will visit the historic coastal city of Mokpo which is home to Yudal Mountain and South Korea’s proud naval heritage. You will take the longest and highest cable car in South Korea up Mount Yudal for spectacular views of the surrounding islands. On your way to your hotel for the evening we will visit Manho village, known for its architectural landmarks, quaint shops dating back to the early 20th century and local fish market. Your evening is free to explore Mokpo with its lively atmosphere, local restaurants and seafront promenade.

Included Activities:

Mokpo - Mount Yudal Cable Car
Mokpo - Manho Village and Fish Market Visit
Mokpo - Local home visit

Accommodation:

Mokpo Ocean Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Jeju Island

This morning after breakfast, you’ll drive to Mokpo Harbor and take a ferry to Jeju Island. After checking in to your accommodation, your leader will take you on a tour of the island’s eastern coast. You will visit an orange farm for a citrus-themed refresh, then head to Seongsan Ilchulbong (translating to castle mountain). Nicknamed Sunrise Peak, this gorgeous viewpoint was created by volcanic activity in the sea about 5000 years ago. This is also the first site in Korea ever registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is now one of the most popular scenic destinations in Korea. Take your time enjoying the panoramic views of the ocean, Udo Island, Hallasan Mountain and the volcanic landscape. On the way back to the hotel, you'll visit a Jeju folk village before a free evening to enjoy as you wish.

Included Activities:

Mokpo - Ferry to Jeju
Jeju - Orange Farm
Jeju - Jeju Folk Village
Jeju - Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) Visit

Accommodation:

Lotte city Jeju or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Jeju Island

This morning after breakfast, your exploration of Jeju Island will extend to the island’s west. You will visit Jeju Green Tea Farm – the tea culture in Jeju is strong, and you can take pictures in the rolling fields. Take in the impressive sight of Sanbansan Mountain this afternoon – a huge lava dome often circled with clouds, which creates a mystical atmosphere. The impressive natural wonders will continue with a walk along the Olleh hiking trail, the layers of stacked sandstone creating an otherworldly scene. Finally, you’ll meet with a local Haenyno – one of the local women divers within the community who go diving for shellfish 10 m under the sea. Learn about the local fishing culture here and why these women, some in their 80s, still practice diving. Head out to a final dinner with your group at a local black pork BBQ restaurant to celebrate a trip well-travelled.

Included Activities:

Jeju - Osulloc Teahouse
Jeju - Sanbang-san Mountain
Jeju - Haenyno Meeting
Jeju - Farewell Dinner

Accommodation:

Lotte city Jeju or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Jeju Island

After breakfast, there are no activities planned for today and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in South Korea, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

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 $6,295

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

On this nine-day Premium adventure, you’ll explore the culture and cuisine of South Korea from unique perspectives with a local leader who has all the insights.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 21 Jun 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

Alexandra

Traveled, March 2024

04/03/2024

This was a great tour! The accommodation was fantastic, exactly what you expect for a premium tour. It is great for pairs and solo travellers, and Yong was a great guide. Purple Island, DMZ, and the temple stay were my favourite!

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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