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Tour Overview

From bustling, neon-lit metropolises to rolling countryside hills, long sandy beaches to temples in the mountains, and even a visit to the historic Demilitarized Zone, our adventure leaders will take you off-the-beaten-track and show you life like a local on this unforgettable South Korea tour. Eager to find out more? Use the chat on the right hand of your screen to speak to our experts or enquire below to book your incredible South Korea adventure! ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Visit the Demilitarized Zone and have the chance to talk to a North Korean defector (Seoul)

  • Spend the night at Jjimjilbang the traditional bathhouses (Sokcho)

  • Overnight stay at Golgulsa Temple (Gyeongju)

  • Take part in a Haenyeo Divers Experience (Jeju)

  • Enjoy a BBQ party by the beach (Jeju)

Places You'll See

Wander Around Seoul

Visit Korean Dmz

Explore Jeju Island

View From Busan

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Your South Korean Adventure Today!

Location: Seoul

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Dinner

Get ready to start your South Korea adventure tour by meeting your guide and group at the hostel in the afternoon! Listen to a pre-departure briefing to learn everything you need to know about your trip, including some basic Korean phrases to help you along the way.

After this, it’s time for your first unmissable activity – a Taekwondo training session! Test your skills and see if you’ve got what it takes to be the best in class.

After working up an appetite, we’ll head back into Myeongdong for a special welcome dinner with your group. Enjoy a delicious first meal together, getting to know your fellow travellers and toasting to the start of an incredible adventure!

Next, you’ll make your way to the top of Namsan Mountain by cable car, where you can admire spectacular views of Seoul lit up at night. Recognised as the most popular location in Seoul for couples, wander through the ‘padlocks of love’ locked at the base of Seoul N Tower, representing visitors’ endless love! If you want an even better view of the city, you can head to the top of the Tower.

Later, take the cable car down and enjoy a walk back to your accommodation in the district of Myeongdong. Spend some time strolling around and exploring the area or grab an early night to prepare for your first full day tomorrow!
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Day 2 : Visit The Dmz & Try A K-Pop Dance Class

Location: Seoul

Accommodation: Hostel

Today, you will visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Climb aboard a bus, taking you an hour north of Seoul to Imjingak, where you’ll have the chance to grab some breakfast.

Pay a visit to Dora Observatory where you can see the nearest North Korean villages through binoculars. If you’re lucky, you might even see some people in the streets. Next, descend into the 3rd Tunnel created by North Koreans, taking you as close as 170m to North Korea!

After, you will begin your journey back to Seoul and make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to talk to a North Korean defector. Back in Seoul, try out a K-Pop Dance Class and then enjoy a night out in Hongdae, best known for its endless restaurant and bar options.

Day 3 : Historic Seoul

Location: Seoul

Accommodation: Hostel

Today, you’ll wake up nice and early for a day exploring the ancient side of Seoul. Hop on the metro to Gyeongbokgung Palace where you’ll have the chance to watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, before entering the palace itself. You can even do so in a hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) to get that additional historical experience! After, make your way to Bukchon Hanok Village, passing by the Blue House (South Korea’s White House) on the way. This was the official residence of South Korean Presidents until being recently opened to the public.

You’ll then be given time to explore Korea’s capital at your leisure. While your guides will have plenty of suggestions, you may wish to keep exploring the delights of Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong Art Street before escaping the hustle and bustle of the city with a walk down the Cheonggyecheon stream, an area of tranquility and relaxation restored during an urban renewal project. If you’re after something more modern, a trip to the HiKR Ground might be in store – here, you can learn all about the K-wave, and even record your own music video!

In the evening, you will have some free time to explore Seoul further, to find yourself something delicious to eat. Why not try grabbing food and drinks in the Euljiro/Itaewon area?

Day 4 : Seoraksan National Park & Traditional Liquor Tasting In Sokcho

Location: Seoul, Sokcho-si

Accommodation: Hostel

Check out of your accommodation and depart to Sokcho, in the north-eastern part of the country. Arriving at Seoraksan National Park in the late morning, embark on a rewarding hike to Ulsanbawi Rock, where you’ll be greeted with spectacular panoramic views. For those looking for a less challenging option, follow the well-signed waterfall trail and take a cable car to another scenic peak. After your hike, refuel with lunch at the entrance of the park before boarding the bus to Sokcho town, where you’ll hop on a gatbae to cross the river to Abai, a small village originally formed by North Korean refugees.

In the evening, follow your Adventure Leader on a food market tour, exploring Sokcho’s best culinary hotspots before heading into the local fish markets for dinner. Whether you choose fresh seafood straight from the market or opt for one of the town’s best-loved restaurants, such as Manseok, famous for its sticky sweet and sour boneless fried chicken, this is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Sokcho’s incredible food scene.

Later, round off the evening with a traditional liquor tasting, hosted by your Adventure Leader, to experience the flavors of Korea in a truly local way.

Day 5 : Experience Authentic Korean Food In Gyeongju

Location: Gyeongju-si

Accommodation: Hostel

Prepare to set off early as you take the bus along the East Coast to the former capital Gyeongju. Along the way, K-Pop enthusiasts will get to stop off and take a picture at Jumunjin Bus Stop, better known for featuring as the artwork to one of BTS’ releases.

Once you arrive in Gyeongju, prepare for an afternoon exploring by bike! First up, explore Cheonmachong Ancient Tombs, part of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex in Tumuli Park. Then, make your way to Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia.

Want to experience authentic Korean food? Have dinner at Dosol Maeul, a local restaurant serving traditional Korean set meals in an equally authentic environment! Later, why not take a stroll around to Anapji Pond for some amazing nighttime views of the palace? Be sure to pack your cameras because the lights are stunning!

Day 6 : Explore Gyeongju

Location: Gyeongju-si

Accommodation: Temple Stay

Meals Included: Dinner

Enjoy a free morning in Gyeongju ahead of your temple stay later on.

Perhaps you could start the day early with a visit to Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Cultural Site, try out a tea house, visit Gyeongju Museum, or explore the Old Town. Otherwise, you could take the opportunity to have a lie-in! Grab a bite to eat for lunch in the city before transferring to Golgulsa Temple, where you’ll experience an overnight temple stay.

Upon arrival, check into the temple and start the afternoon’s activities with a meditation class. Afterwards, try out the traditional arts Sunmudo and take part in the evening chanting service before sitting down to enjoy a simple Buddhist dinner of vegetables, rice, and fruit with the other temple visitors.

Day 7 : Welcome To Busan!

Location: Busan

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wake up with the sunrise and take part in the morning chanting service and meditation, followed by starting the day right with a traditional breakfast.

After a relaxing morning, take the bus and make your way to Gyeongju station where you’ll start your journey to Busan via high-speed train. Arrive quickly at your destination and board a privately hired bus to take you around for the day, starting with the unmissable Gamcheon Culture Village.

Hop back aboard your bus and head down to Songdo where you will board the Marine Cable Car and take in the impressive coastal views.

Following this, you will make your way to BIFF Square in Nampo-dong, home to the annual Busan International Film Festival, where you can try a variety of food options from local street vendors (but why not go for a Busan hotteok seeing as you’re in town?).

Finally, head to your hostel in Haeundae where you will be given the evening to relax and unwind, or explore the town at your own leisure.

Day 8 : Discover Busan

Location: Busan

Accommodation: Hostel

Head out for a day exploring Busan. First up, visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a Buddhist temple nestled in the coastline’s cliffs.

Feeling in need of some more rejuvenation? You could head to Spa Land in Centum City, located in Busan’s largest shopping complex! Make the most of South Korea’s high-quality jjimjilbang while you’re here and treat yourself to saunas, cold rooms, jacuzzis and more.

Finally, enjoy the evening with your fellow travelers trying local delicacies. Once the sun sets, be sure to admire the light show on Gwangan Bridge from the shore or perhaps opt for an evening sightseeing boat cruise around the bay. Once you’re back on dry land – try your hand at karaoke!

Day 9 : Make Bibimbap In Busan!

Location: Busan

Accommodation: Hostel

Enjoy a free morning to explore Busan – venture out on your own, or take part in some of our suggested activities. For example, you might enjoy a trip on the coastal railway, the Haeundae Blueline. Alternatively, you can visit the observatory of the second-tallest building in Korea and take in the views, or embark on the Igidae Coastal Walk and Oryukdo Skywalk. You may even just opt for a relaxing morning on the beach!

If you’d like to get one last dose of Korean culture in Busan, you could even try your hand at making the traditional staple, bibimbap, in a cooking class!

Later, you will collect your belongings from the hostel and make your way to the airport where you’ll catch a plane to Jeju Island. Once you’ve checked in at your accommodation in Seogwipo, feel free to spend your evening venturing into Olle Maeil Market or exploring the nightlife the city has to offer.

Day 10 : Wake Up On Jeju!

Location: Jeju-si

Accommodation: Hotel

Wake up on the beautiful island of Jeju and start your day with a trek along the Jeju Olle Trail, soaking in iconic coastal views and serene natural surroundings. Next, visit Jeongbang Waterfall, the only waterfall in Asia that flows directly into the ocean – a breath-taking sight to complete your morning.

Then, hike to Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO World Heritage Site formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions over 5,000 years ago. After taking in the panoramic views, you can enjoy an optional lunch by the volcano or catch a Haenyeo performance at 13:30 (please note this performance is subject to availability/weather dependent). Recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Haenyeo tradition reflects resilience, sustainability, and the deep bond between Jeju’s people and the sea. These incredible women, some in their 60s and 70s, dive without oxygen, embodying perseverance and the spirit of Jeju.

Returning to the hotel in the early afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to explore. You could:

- Head to Jungmun Beach to catch some rays
- Visit the beautiful Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
- Explore the Maritime Park and Saeyeongyo Bridge

For a wonderful end to the day, opt to visit The Cliff for a drink with a truly special view of the sunset.

Day 11 : Set Sail In Jeju

Location: Jeju-si

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Make the most of your second morning in the mesmerising Jeju by visiting the Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliffs, a striking volcanic rock formation shaped by nature over thousands of years. After taking in the dramatic coastal scenery, reboard the bus and head to the yacht sailing tour, where you’ll set sail on the open sea, relax in the fresh ocean air and enjoy the company of your fellow Dragons.

The afternoon is then yours to explore at your own pace – whether you choose to unwind, visit more of Jeju’s natural wonders, or ask our Adventure Leaders for their top recommendations. In the evening, gather for a farewell barbecue dinner, where you can sample Jeju’s famous black pork, watch the sun set over the island and, if you’re up for it, celebrate into the night by the seashore. Make the most of these final moments with your fellow travellers before saying annyeonghi gaseyo in the morning!

Day 12 : Farewell!

Location: Jeju-si

You’ve reached the last day of your South Korea tour and the end of your Dragon Trip adventure! You can head back to Seoul, explore the wonders of Jeju Island further, or continue with your travels elsewhere.

Safe travels!

What's Included

  • Accommodation

  • All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

  • Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation

  • Entrance Fees

    except optional activities

  • Fully Guided

What's Not Included

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • International Travel

Optional Extras

  • Pre-Trip Night in Seoul (Twin/Double)*

    *The price is for the room.

  • Seoul Private Airport Transfer

    Up to 4 passengers.

  • Flight Jeju-Seoul

    Flight between Jeju-Seoul

  • Seoul Private Airport Transfer

    Up to 2 passengers.

  • Post-Trip Night in Jeju (Twin/Double) *

    *The price is for the room.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    All entrance fees for included activities are included in the tour price.

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Yes.

  • Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

    Yes.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No, but details will be provided before tour starts.

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    JPY.

  • Company Instant Book

    Yes, if you book at least 60 days before the trip starts.

  • What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?

    We will contact you at least 60 days before the tour starts and arrange a free date change at your convenience.

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Low -

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No, this is a backpacking tour for young adults.

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes, more details will be provided pre-departure.

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    No.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes, these can be booked on request (with extra charge).

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No, but most people do not need a visa to enter South Korea. Most nationalities do not need a visa to enter South Korea. If you do need a visa for any reason, do let us know.

  • Do I need any special vaccinations for Japan?

    No vaccinations are required to enter Japan. Tap water is safe to drink anywhere in Japan.

  • What travel insurance do I need to join the tour?

    We require all our customers to have backpackers travel insurance when coming on the trip. We recommend purchasing a travel insurance that offers ‘Bad Weather or Natural Disaster Coverage’. Please bring details of your travel insurance along with you. In the event of an accident, we may need to contact your insurance company on your behalf, so we will need the insurance company’s name and phone n

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    No, this tour is designed for solo travellers.

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    We recommend to have one small luggage for our tour.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, they are locals who speak fluent English and have guided our trips with experience.

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    Yes, The Dragon Trip in an international travel company and we have trippers from all over the world.

  • I’m a vegetarian/have allergies – will I be able to get the right food?

    Yes! With so many food choices, Japan can meet the needs of individuals with special dietary needs or requests. Just tell your Adventure Leader and they can help you find something suitable. You will probably discover a new dish that you love!

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No, you will need to book your own international flights. We can help you to book flight between Jeju & Seoul with extra cost.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Majority of our clients are solo travellers and our prices are based on sharing in dorm style rooms. We do offer single room upgrades for those who do not wish to share a room.

  • Can you guarantee same-sex dorm rooms?

    We always strive to ensure the highest level of comfort and convenience for our valued clients during their travels with us. However, for our tours in Asia, we cannot guarantee same-sex dorm rooms in the hostels we use, particularly during high season, such as the cherry blossom season in Japan. Please rest assured that we do our utmost to accommodate our clients' preferences wherever possible. However, the availability of same-sex dorm rooms ultimately depends on the policies of the hostels we work with. In some cases, different genders may be allocated to the same room due to limited availability.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Please speak to our sales team as soon as possible to see how we can help.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    All our accommodation is check regularly to make sure it's a safe and clean environment.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    We are not perfect but we aim to be, that is why year on year we aim to increase the proportion of local businesses we work with as well as reduce the average carbon footprint of all of our group tour adventures. We do this by measuring our performance and making small but positive changes to how we operate.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    You will receive a booking pack with all the pick up times, accommodation and activities included.

  • Who should I contact in the event of an emergency on tour?

    Depending upon where you are travelling, the following emergency contact numbers are available for The Dragon Trip: China: +86 21 2206 4018 Japan: +81 50 1742 2696 South Korea (can only be used in Korea): 00308 491 0186 Singapore: +65 3158 0233 Southeast Asia, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka: +84 284 458 1410

  • Passport Details

    For most destinations we will require the details to be submitted on our online form (the link for which will be provided post-booking and prior to your travel date). Please note that this needs to be complete & accurate to avoid any late update fees for accommodation and transport bookings. IMPORTANT NOTE: China tours is the only destination where we require an actual copy of your passport. We require these in order to book travel tickets for clients and passports are used during the check-in.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    The Dragon Trip has been trading since March 2011

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, although you will have to make your own way to where the group is heading to out of your own expense.

  • Why do the tours have an age range?

    While we strive to cater to a diverse range of travellers, it is important to consider whether the tour aligns with your expectations and preferences. We want your travel experience to be enjoyable and fulfilling, and we believe that selecting a tour that matches your age group and interests is crucial in achieving that. Our tours are very active and jam-packed, including early starts and getting on and off local transportation. There will be a lot of walking, and activities such as cycling. You could be walking up to 20,000 steps per day!

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Our tours are aimed at fun, out-going and open minded individuals. We typically get people aged between 18 to 55 travelling on our trips. Feel free to contact us to see the ages of the people who are booked already. Some of our trips have an upper age limit because of the pace of the tour, style of accommodation and the average age of the group - please do not be offended if we check your age and perhaps recommend a different itinerary. Our premium trips are suitable for most.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Leo  

More than I expected.

09-Nov-2023

It was more than I expected. I was expecting to come in for a travelling information session. It ended with some of the best experiences, I've ever had. The tour guide was awesome and the group all clicked, things just fell in line. There was a sense of cohesion and community ...more ...less

Pablo  

Great Trip

12-Oct-2023

Everything was fine. Dragon Trip even solved an issue caused by the different a currency exchange really fast. In addition it seems the price is very fair!

Pauline  

Well balanced tour

19-Oct-2023

We visited both tourist and hidden locations in order to get the best experience out of this trip!

Trusted Customer  

Jane

09-Nov-2023

I really enjoyed this trip! Damien is an amazing tour guide and really goes above and beyond to teach you about Korean culture. You could choose to join him for his dinner choices each night which was lovely because you'd get insider knowledge into the local dishes and he's just great to chat to. The group itself was great and everyone was up for being involved with everything which made the experience even better :) the age ranges of my tour was around 23-32 (just putting this in as this was something I was curious about when booking). My only slight disappointment was not being able to do horse riding at the temple stay. This was written as an optional activity in the itinerary but was not available at the temple which was sad. I think Korea is a beautiful place and this tour does a great job at showing you a lot of that. It's very fast paced (like a lot of tours) so make sure you're well rested beforehand! I'd recommend this tour to everyone : ...more ...less

Ruby  

Phenomenal Trip

22-Dec-2023

A phenomenal trip actually! My first time leaving Europe for Asia and I was welcomed with open arms! Made many a new friend, had great laughs, great opportunities, and our tour guide Damien was accomodating changes to the plan, allowing for more time spent where the group wanted and keepin us busy without ever feeling overwhelmed!! A truly great experience! ...more ...less

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Thursday

Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025
$2173 (USD)

Sunday - Thursday

Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025
$2173 (USD)

Sunday - Thursday

Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 26, 2025
$2136 (USD)

Sunday - Thursday

Jun 22, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025
$2136 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    The Dragon Trip requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 65 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the dragon trip charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

12-day South Korea Tour

12 Days Starting in Seoul and ending in Jeju

Visiting: Seoul, Sokcho-si, Gyeongju-si, Busan, Jeju-si

Tour operator:

The Dragon Trip

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 20

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-55

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active, Adventure Tours, Budget

Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Walking

From: $2136 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 28-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

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