South Korea Highlights

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
South Korea Highlights
South Korea Highlights
South Korea Highlights
South Korea Highlights
South Korea Highlights
South Korea Highlights
South Korea Highlights
South Korea Highlights
South Korea Highlights
South Korea Highlights
South Korea Highlights
South Korea Highlights
South Korea Highlights
South Korea Highlights
9 Days
From AUD $4745
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(15 reviews)

South Korea Highlights

South Korea Highlights

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

A destination of natural wonder, culinary delights and cityscapes, South Korea is a rewarding trip for any traveller.

Highlights

  • Spend a fascinating day exploring the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) on a guided tour. Discover why this intriguing place has been awash with tension and political pressure since the Korean War.
  • Take a street food tour of the renowned Gwangjang markets in Seoul, feasting on bite-sized delights, and indulge in an authentic all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ experience for your final night.
  • Explore the seaside Sokcho and discover the island village of Abai, home to hundreds of North Korean refugees, and learn about their experience in a sobering talk with the community before enjoying a delicious home-cooked dinner.
  • Spend a night in a traditional Hanok house in the Andong Hahoe folk village, walking past the traditional homes to imagine the country in its past life.
  • Visit coastal Haedong Temple, explore the colourful Gamcheong Culture Village, then meet a Haeyno diver in Busan for an insider’s view of this predominantly female profession.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle,Public Bus,Metro,Taxi,Boat,High Speed Train

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Seoul, Korea, Republic Of

Finishes

Seoul, Korea, Republic Of

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Seoul
Annyeong! Welcome to South Korea. Your adventure begins in Seoul – the capital city of high-tech gadgetry, soaring skyscrapers and delicious eats. If you arrive early, explore this metropolis at your own pace and discover how ancient traditions come together with the modern in one of Asia's great cities. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon. After, your leader will take you to visit the renowned Gwangjang Market for a street food dinner tour. Here, you’ll find some of Korea’s streeside favourites like mayak gimbap (rice rolls), mandu (North Korean dumplings), bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and kimchi. Later, follow your leader to the top of Naksan to see Seoul’s skyline at night.

Included Activities:

  • Seoul - Gwangjang market
  • Seoul - Naksan night view over the city

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Seoul
Embrace an early morning for a tour of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). From the South Korean side of the Zone, you’ll learn how this peninsula has been divided since the devastating Korean War. You’ll visit the Third Tunnel of Aggression, the Unification Bridge, Imjingak Park and the Dora Observatory. In the afternoon, explore Gyeongbukgung Palace – the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty – and the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village. Your tour will finish in the late afternoon in Bukchon, where you might like to stay as there's plenty to explore. Or, maybe visit Namsan Mountain or Yongsan's War Museum.

Included Activities:

  • Seoul - Gyeongbukgung Palace
  • Seoul - Demilitarized Zone (DMZ/South Korea)
  • Seoul - Bukchon Hanok Village

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Sokcho
In the morning, take a local express bus to the east coast city of Sokcho. When you arrive, head to the Sokcho Central Market for an insight into how the locals go about their daily lives and maybe try a few local snacks. After, you’ll have some free time before heading to Abai – a small island village in Sokcho that, for generations, has been a haven for refugees fleeing the war from North Korea. Getting here is half the fun – you’ll have to work together to pull a rope on a small barge to get to the other side. Visit a North Korean refugee’s family and listen to their story of how history reshaped their life. Then, take part in a cooking demonstration and learn how to make giant Korean dumplings. Have dinner together, maybe trying things like home-cooked japchae (stir fried glass noodles), kimbap (Korea’s version of sushi rolls) and rice beer. The payment the family receives for this dinner will be contributed to the Abai Village Preservation Society.

Included Activities:

  • Sokcho - Local market visit
  • Sokcho – Community cooking & dinner in village of Abai
  • Sokcho - Island village of Abai
  • Sokcho - North Korea refugee family visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Sokcho
Head to Seoraksan – Korea’s most well-known mountain and the third highest in the peninsula – and go for a hike to see the views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The afternoon and evening is yours to explore Sokcho. Maybe visit Yeoung Geum Jung Pagoda, which is on the coast overlooking the sea. Or hire a bike and ride around the scenic Yeongrang Lake. Maybe try Korean hotpot for dinner or visit Sokcho Expo Tower. Otherwise, you could take a walk along Sokcho Harbor or opt for a relaxing soak at the Cheoksan Hot Springs.

Included Activities:

  • Sokcho - Seoraksan Mountain Hike

Optional Activities:

  • Sokcho - Yeoung Geum Jung Pagoda - Free
  • Sokcho – Bike Ride around Yeongrang Lake (25 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Andong
Hit the road this morning for Andong Hahoe Folk Village. This settlement is easy to walk around, so you’ll join your leader on a stroll through the traditional houses (including the one that hosted Queen Elizabeth II in 1999). Visit the remnants of a traditional school to see how students studied in the past, then walk to Buyongdae Hill for a bird’s eye view of the village, dotted with traditional Hanok houses. Being a traditional Korean outpost, there may also be masked dancers performing in town. To learn more about this ritual, why not visit the nearby mask museum. Later, head to your accommodation for the night – staying in an authentic Hanok (traditional Korean house) is a unique experience and the perfect opportunity to gain more insight into local life.

Included Activities:

  • Andong - Andong folk village
  • Andong – Village Traditional Dance Performance (except for Monday)

Accommodation:

  • Hanok (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Busan
After saying goodbye to your host family, make your way to Busan – South Korea’s second-largest city is home to mountains, beaches, hot springs and deliciously fresh seafood. When you arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to talk to a Haenyeo diver. Haenyeo (sea women) dive into the sea to collect clams, sea urchins and oysters and are famous for being able to hold their breath for a very long time. A dwindling industry, this has been a main source of income for the divers (predominantly female) to support their families through changing times. Visit the local Haenyeo community centre and meet with an ex-diver to hear about her experience, the changes Busan has gone through and her life now. Then visit Haedong Temple – the famous Buddhist temple by the sea. Explore this rare gem, backdropped by the ocean, before going to Gamcheong Culture Village for an overview of the city. There are a few different spots to watch the sunset, so maybe grab a few of your group members and head to one of the many scenic viewpoints.

Included Activities:

  • Busan - Haedong Temple
  • Busan - Gamcheon Art Village
  • Busan - Haenyeo (female diver) visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Busan
This morning, head to the seaside town of Ikidae and take a coastal walk (and optional plogging). Then, visit to a local ‘Smart Farm’ – this incubation site is where startups are growing crops in recycled shipping containers, as well as turning them into shops and cafes. The rest of the day is yours. Tonight, maybe take an optional night cruise and see Busan from the water as the sun goes down. You can also visit Haeundae Night Market or see the buskers on the boardwalk.

Included Activities:

  • Busan – Local ‘Smart Farm’ visit
  • Busan - Coastal walk

Optional Activities:

  • Busan - Night cruise (40 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Seoul
This morning, jump on the KTX Bullet Train and head back to Seoul. When you arrive, the rest of afternoon is yours to explore. Perhaps venture out and explore the National Museum, Leeum Art Museum or check out the huge range of shopping in Seoul’s Dongdaemun. This evening, join your travel pals for the final group dinner at an all-you-can-eat barbecue feast – you can't leave Korea without experiencing this iconic dish!

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Seoul
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. With no activities planned, you’re free to leave at any time. If you’d like to spend more time in Seoul, just speak to your booking agent.
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 $4,745
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

A destination of natural wonder, culinary delights and cityscapes, South Korea is a rewarding trip for any traveller.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 14 Mar 2026

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
4.0
Paul
Traveled, March 2024

03/24/2024

A great trip with an insight into the history of Korea, some breathtaking views and local markets. All with amazing local food. Just wish we had more time.

4.0
Wendy
Traveled, March 2024

03/23/2024

As a first time Intrepid tourist and in my mid 60’s now - it’s a great trip to do - thoroughly recommend

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