TRIP SNAPSHOT

9 days

1 country

Visiting 1 country: South Korea

11 meals

Twin-share / double / single room

6 nights in hotel-style accommodation (twin or double), 1 night in a traditional Hanok (multi-share), 1 night in a temple (multi-share)

Delve Deep

Delve Deep is those iconic sights, and then some. Local culture, local food, and MORE.

20 travellers (max)

Trip Leader

Driver

Coach, high-speed trains

TRIP VIBE = iconic sights and in-depth adventures with a local Trip Leader. Where’s South Korea on your travel bucket list? Newsflash. It’s about to take the #1 spot. Big buddhas. Colourful cities. Quirky K-pop style. There’s PLENTY to experience here. We don’t just skim the surface. We delve in deep. Think: atmospheric history, zen meditations, historic temples, traditional stays and allllll the tastiest local food this country has to offer. You in?

Map & itinerary

Day 1 - Seoul

Welcome to South Korea. Home to Korean fried chicken and Squid Game, this place has awesome written all over it. You’re gonna spend the next 8 days with your jaws on the ground. First on the agenda: meet your Trip Leader and say annyeonghaso? (that’s “hey, how’s it going?”) to the people who’re gonna make this adventure one to remember. Don’t hang around, we’ve got a welcome dinner to get to. Local eats all round.

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Sollago Myeongdong Hotel or similar

Meals
  • Dinner

Day 2 - Seoul

You’ve never seen a city like Seoul. Beaut Buddhist temples. Sick skyscrapers. Crazy K-pop billboards. Ancient palaces. That’s just a handful of things you’ll find here. First up’s a walking tour of the big guns with our savvy Trip Leader who’s got allll the insider deets, including an appointment with Gyeongbok Palace. This place? STUNNING. Like it’s done a 12-step skincare routine cos it's still in its prime. Built in 1395, it’s the biggest of five grand palaces in Seoul. Witness all its glory and see the changing of the guards. You’ll also get a chance to hire a hanbok – a traditional Korean dress. Photoshoot, anyone? Next up, we’re exploring Bukchon Hanok Village, the Insa-dong district and Cheonggyecheon stream. The vibes of these three? 100% unique. Tonight, grab your pals and ask your Trip Leader for the closest night market. Faces will be stuffed with awesome local eats.

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Sollago Myeongdong Hotel or similar

Activities
  • Full day tour of Seoul with Trip Leader
Meals
  • Breakfast

Your Options

  • Hanbok rental at Gyeongbok Palace: from 15 USD per person

Day 3 - Seoul, including the DMZ

No lie, the wake up call is early this morning. Fill your stomachs with food before we’re out the door with our Trip Leader. Our destination? The DMZ. It’s the no military zone between North and South Korea. Here, we’ll learn of the country’s devastating history, spot North Korea and explore tunnels North Korea dug to sneak into South Korea. Back in Seoul, the afternoon is yours to delve deeper. Head to one of many locations dedicated to the war. Spend time in one of the awesome parks. Let your feet decide where to wander to. Or learn how to write your name in Korean and engrave it on a seal at an optional stamp making class. Tonight, stuff your face with All. The. Food. Our rec? Gwangjang Market for delish street food bites. Loose pants are a must.

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Accommodation:Sollago Myeongdong Hotel or similar

Activities
  • Tour of the DMZ with Trip Leader
Meals
  • Breakfast

Your Options

  • Stamp making class in Seoul: from 45 USD per person

Day 4 - Seoul – Buddhist Temple Stay

Ever been on a bullet train? Now’s your chance. Get snacks. Get comfy. Get snoozin’. Our destination? Gyeongju, where we’ll hop onto our transfer to our temple stay for the night. This is REAL local livin’, Buddhist-style. First, we’ll delve into local etiquette and temple traditions during a tour. Then: limber up. We’re taking part in a meditative martial arts training sesh. It’s called Sunmudo and it’s bringing you inner peace. Tonight, we’ll come together for dinner. It’s veggie as Buddhists have a strict diet. So, be like a Buddhist. Gobble down those greens. And enjoy every single second of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Golgulsa Temple or similar

Activities
  • Bullet train from Seoul
  • Overnight temple stay, including a martial arts class
Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Day 5 - Buddhist Temple Stay – Gyeongju – Busan

Ready for more zen? There’s an early morning meditation to get to. Relaxed doesn’t cut it. Successfully floating on air, grab some brekkie before we head back to Gyeongju. First though, we’re hitting Seokguram Grotto. It’s part of the UNESCO fam and it’s got an epic buddha statue inside. In Gyeongju, our Trip Leader’s taking us to the hot spots. Think: Bulguksa Temple and Daereungwon Tomb. Heads will explode. Not only will our eyes be sparkling with incred sights, but we’ll get our fill of awesome local knowledge too. Back on the coach, we’re heading to Busan with one thing on our minds. Where’s the gimbap at?

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Stanford Inn Busan or similar

Activities
  • Early morning meditation during temple stay
  • Half day tour of Gyeongju with Trip Leader
Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 6 - Busan

Brekkie down our necks, we’ve got a FULL day in Busan – it's a seaport, so you know you’re gonna have some sick sea views. Our Trip Leader’s doing what they do best: leading the way with a brain full of everything you need to know about this city. First up: Gamcheon Village. Colourful in every sense of the word. Bonus points if you snap a pic with ‘Harry Potter’ - you’ll know it when you see it. Grab a late lunch at Jagalchi Fish Market or Gukje International Market. You’ll probs find something at the latter, unless raw fish (not sushi) is your thing. You do you, no judgement. And tonight? You want in on the optional activity we’ve got lined up. A K-pop dance class. Learning how to dance like BTS in South Korea should be on everyone’s bucket list and you’re the lucky soul that gets to do it. You’re welcome.

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Accommodation:Stanford Inn Busan or similar

Activities
  • Full day tour of Busan with Trip Leader
Meals
  • Breakfast

Your Options

  • K-pop dance class: from 50 USD per person

Day 7 - Busan – Jeonju

Next stop: Jeonju. This place is beautiful. Our Trip Leader’s showing off their skills on a walking tour where we hit spots like Hanok Village and take in sites like the Gyeonggijeon Shrine. Later, you’ve got heaps of free time to grab a delish dinner. Our rec? Bibimbap. It’s a rice bowl with veg, beef and a spicy gochujang sauce. And it’s 100% local to this area. Meaning? It’s the best you’re gonna get. Tonight, get ready for authentic South Korean hospitality as we head to a traditional Hanok where we’ll sleep on simple futon mattresses. Another real local experience, done.

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Hanok Guesthouse or similar

Activities
  • Walking tour of Jeonju with Trip Leader
Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 8 - Jeonju – Seoul

Rise and shine Topdeckers, we’re having a full circle moment and heading back to Seoul for our final night. You’ve got some free time to buy any last min souvenirs, see spots you didn’t catch a few days ago and fill your cup with more awesome mems. Tonight, we’ll have our final (*sob*) dinner together. It’s Korean BBQ. Delish. Eat everything in sight. Talk about your best bits. And then? Get your fave song ready cos we’re heading to the karaoke booth for a group singalong and to say cheers to an awesome trip.

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Sollago Myeongdong Hotel or similar

Activities
  • Korean BBQ dinner at local restaurant
  • Karaoke experience in Seoul
Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Day 9 - Seoul

Just like that, it’s all over. How did that happen? Gear up for heaps of hugs and sad smiles. Then, board a flight to Tokyo to join our Delve Deep: Japan trip. You don’t wanna go home just yet, right?

Your Inclusions

Meals
  • Breakfast

WORTH NOTING

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FAQs

You will be provided with a thin floor mattress and bedding at the Hanok. During your stays at both the Hanok and Temple, you will be staying in multi-share rooms with same-gender trip mates. Single supplement is not available for these nights.

Please note that towels aren’t provided at the Temple, so you’ll need to bring your own if you’d like to shower during your stay.

The currency in South Korea is the South Korean Won (KRW).

Absolutely! It’s a requirement that all Topdeckers have comprehensive travel insurance to cover the likes of cancellation, personal injury and medical expenses. You’ll be barred from travelling with us without it. It’s also super important you read the fine print of the policy you’re taking out, so you know exactly what activities you are covered for (looking at you, adrenalin junkies!) and what your excess limits are in cases of emergency – before, during and after your trip. As a rule, you should book your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip.

Obtaining the correct visas for your trip is your own responsibility. Not having correct visas could mean missing out on part (or all) of your trip. Ask your travel agent or check with the appropriate embassies before you depart, remembering that visa requirements can change at short notice.

Please note: For most countries where visas are required, it's NOT possible to obtain a visa while on the trip. Some visas take 3-4 weeks to obtain – so get on it early!

Tipping is not customary in South Korea and is not expected. In true Topdeck style, your Topdeck Crew will not ask for a tip at the end of your trip – as per our ‘No Tipping Policy’.

See all FAQs

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