South Korea Essentials – 10 Day Tour

After breakfast at the hostel, you will have the morning free to explore Seoul. If you’re a K-pop fan, meet the rest of the group around lunch time at HiKR Ground, a 4-storey interactive center with a K-Pop museum and learn about the K Wave sweeping the world! The afternoon is yours to explore.

Accommodation: Twin Share – OYO Myeongdong 3 (or similar)
Activities: HiKR visit
Optional Extras: NA
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Moderate

Seoul is all yours today to choose your own adventure. You could start your morning with a walk along Seoullo 7017, a beautiful sky garden offering city views and a variety of plants, or dive into history at the National Museum of Korea, exploring its free permanent collection of over 12,000 artifacts. For a cultural experience, wander through Ihwa Mural Village and capture photos of vibrant murals created by local artists. If you’re interested in beauty treatments, consider booking a session at one of Myeongdong’s renowned skin clinics or hair therapy centers, famous for their world-class products and services. Meet up with the rest of the group when they return to Seoul around 4pm, and head out in the evening for another amazing Korean dinner!

Accommodation: Twin Share – OYO Myeongdong 3 (or similar)
Activities: N/A
Free Time Suggestions: Seoullo 7017, National Museum of Korea, Ihwa Mural Village, Beauty treatment
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Moderate

Today is all about exploring the more traditional areas of Seoul to see another side of the city. Your adventure begins with the changing of the guard ceremony at the awe-inspiring Gyeongbokgung Palace. Truly a symbol of grandeur and history, where you’ll explore ancient courtyards, majestic architecture, and serene gardens. You also have the chance to wear the traditional ‘hanbok’ while exploring the palace for that extra authentic feel! We will then walk through the perfectly preserved Hanok Village before heading to the bustling Insadong art street. Later in the evening your guide will take you on a street food tasting tour through the famous Gwangjang Market to sample the best street food in the city! Afterwards, you can enjoy the breathtaking night views from the top of Namsan Mountain, where you will see the famous tower illuminated in pink, blue, and green.

Accommodation: Twin Share – OYO Myeongdong 3 (or similar)
Activities: Changing of the guard viewing, Gyeongbokgung Palace visit, Hanok Village visit, Insadong visit, Gwangjang Market food tour, Namsan Mountain by night
Optional Extras: Hanbok rental, traditional lunch in the Hanok Village
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Physical Rating: High

Get ready to experience the serenity of a small, working temple nestled in the mountains outside Seoul. With beautifully decorated temples and shrines dotting the grounds, you will be transported to a world away from the noise and neon of the big city. You will be taking part in temple life including, evening bell tolling, and prayer chanting. This is your opportunity to reset and recharge before the next leg of your adventure.

Accommodation: Multi-share (floor sleeping) – Samgaksan Geumseonsa Temple (or similar)
Activities: Evening chanting ?Impact Moment
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Physical Rating: Low

After morning chanting and another healthy Buddhist meal for breakfast, we will say goodbye to our little retreat in the mountains and make our way to the small city of Jeonju. Famous for its food, drink, and immaculately preserved traditional village area, we will head out to explore after checking in to our beautiful wooden Hanok guesthouse. You will have the opportunity to taste a variety of Korean rice wines while learning about the unique drinking culture, feel free to explore Makgeolli Alley at your own pace and eat like a local. Here you can try some ‘anju’, which are special foods specifically made to be enjoyed while having a few drinks.

Accommodation: Twin share – Laon Hanok Gguljam (or similar)
Activities: Morning chanting, Hanok village walk, Makgoli tasting session
Optional Extras: Traditional bibimbap lunch, Gyeongijeon Shrine, Brewery visit, Makgoli Alley
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Low

After we say goodbye to Jeonju, we’ll jump on a bus to our next destination; the ancient capital of Gyeongju! Known as the “Museum Without Walls,” this mesmerizing destination boasts an extraordinary collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient temples, and royal tombs that whisper tales of a bygone era. After dropping our bags off you will have time to freshen up before we explore the town on bikes, to visit all the destinations which make Gyeongju so famous. In the evening, we will make our way over to the Anapji Pond and gaze upon the mirrored reflections of the structures around the water.

Accommodation: Multishare – Blue Boat Hostel (or similar)
Activities: Guided bike tour, UNESCO historical sites visit, Anapji Pond at night
Meals: N/A
Physical Rating: Low

You have a free day today in Gyeongju to explore further. You are welcome to join the rest of your group visiting one of the most significant temples in the country, Bulguksa after their morning activity. This ancient temple is nestled amidst lush forests and scenic landscapes and is a true masterpiece of architecture, history, and tranquillity.

You might also choose to explore the ancient burial mounds at Tumuli Park, taking in the history of Silla kings and nobles. Or opt to delve further into the rich history and culture of the Silla Kingdom at Gyeongju National Museum, with its extensive collection of artifacts.

If you’re after a relaxing day, take a leisurely bike ride or a boat trip around the scenic Bomun Lake, perfect for picnics. Join the rest of the group in the evening for testing out some of the bars and restaurants in the old town.

Accommodation: Multishare – Blue Boat Hostel (or similar)
Activities: N/A
Free Time Suggestions: Tumuli Park, Gyeongju National Museum, Bomun Lake
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Moderate

Today we head to Busan, a city on the water surrounded by beaches and mountains. After checking in right in the centre of downtown, we will check out the famous Jagalchi Market and shopping districts. The afternoon is yours to explore with visits to the Gamcheon Cultural Village or maybe bathing in the steaming water of a jjimjilbang (public bathhouse) as suggestions.

Our final night kicks off with a farewell dinner to celebrate an incredible trip together, sharing laughs and memories over delicious local dishes. After dinner, we’ll head to one of the city’s famous karaoke rooms to sing the night away with your One Life family in one of the lively nightlife districts.

Accommodation: Twin share – Toyoko Inn (or similar)
Activities: Jagalchi Market visit, Karaoke
Optional Extras: Cable Car
Free Time Suggestions: Gamcheon Cultural Village, bathhouse, Night out in Seomyeon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Physical Rating: Moderate

Sadly it is time to say goodbye. Fill up on breakfast before leaving the hotel and on to the next part of your journey. We are sure that the memories you created, the places you explored, and the friendships you forged along the way will stay with you forever!

You can either take the train from Busan back to Seoul Station, or fly back from Gimhae Airport. Annyeonghi gaseyo!

Accommodation: N/A
Activities: N/A
Optional Extras: Seoul return train journey (Add-on during checkout)
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: N/A