Best of South Korea - 10 days

Best of South Korea - 10 days

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10 Days From

$3585

$2732

Best of South Korea - 10 days

10 Days Starting and ending in Seoul, South Korea

Visiting: Seoul, DMZ, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju Island

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2544/BOSK

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

-75

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Sailing

Activities:

Cycling, Hiking

From: $3585 $2732 (USD) Operator discount: -$717 Travel Club discount: -$136 -24%

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through South Korea, exploring its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. Begin in Seoul, where you'll marvel at the panoramic views from N Tower and delve into history at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Experience the poignant DMZ, with a rare glimpse into North Korea and a chat with a defector. Cycle through the ancient streets of Gyeongju, savor traditional liquors, and immerse yourself in temple life at Golgulsa. In Busan, cook authentic Korean dishes, visit the cliffside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, and enjoy a cable car ride. Discover Jeju Island's natural beauty with hikes, yacht sailing, and a farewell BBQ. With a mix of cultural experiences, scenic adventures, and local cuisine, this small group tour offers an unforgettable South Korean adventure.

Highlights

  • Seoul - Admire the view from N Tower and see Gyeongbokgung Palace

  • DMZ - Peek into North Korea from the Observatory and meet a North Korean defector

  • Gyeongju - Cycle the streets of the ancient Silla capital and see Anapji Pond

  • Busan - Cook South Korean cuisine with a local chef and visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

  • Jeju Island - Hike along the Jeju Olle Trail and climb Sunrise Peak

  • Explore the vibrant Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan

  • Experience a traditional Korean cooking class in Busan

  • Enjoy yacht sailing and fishing on Jeju Island

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Seoul

Location: Seoul

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Seoul! Make your way to our start hotel via public transport or private transfer - we can book an airport transfer for you if you wish. Freshen up at the hotel or head out to explore independently before our welcome meeting at 17:00. We then enjoy an included group dinner. Get to know the rest of the group and sample your first Korean cuisine before we ride the cable car to the top of Namsan Mountain and head to the top of N Tower to enjoy the panoramic views of the city you will be exploring over the next few days.

Day 2: Seoul

Location: Seoul

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Take a tour through Seoul’s fascinating history as you head Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Step further back into time and try on a Hanbok at the Bukchon Hanok village, before indulging in a delicious local lunch and exploring the Insadong Art Street.





Tonight you can relax or join an optional activity. We embrace Korea's K-Pop scene, which has spread around the world with popular bands such as BTS. It's karaoke time!

Day 3: The Dmz

Location: DMZ

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we have a fascinating if sobering visit to the DMZ - the Demilitarized Zone. Officially, the Korean War is still ongoing, although the fighting largely ended in 1953. An uneasy peace has ensued since, maintained largely by the 4km wide DMZ, which stretches across the entire Korean Peninsula, separating the South from the North.





During our visit we will be able to peek into the secretive North from the Observatory and can see the tunnels built under the DMZ as part of a plan by the North to invade. You will also have the once in a lifetime opportunity to chat to a defector from North Korea, to find out what life is really like in the country.





After our trip to the DMZ, we return to Seoul. We enjoy a wander around the cultural Hongdae area before enjoying an acrobatic Nanta Show in the Myeongdong district this evening. Afterwards, for those who wish to enjoy a drink or two, we will take you to some of the best bars in the city.

Day 4: Gyeongju

Location: Gyeongju

Accommodation Name: simple hanok

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Seoul - Gyeongju. Leaving Seoul behind, we head south to Gyeongju, former capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom. There's an included cycle ride around the city this afternoon, stopping at many sights including Chunmachong Ancient Tombs, Daereungwon Tumuli Park, and Cheomseongdae – the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia.





This evening, we enjoy a group dinner at a traditional Hanok house and enjoy the night-time views of Anapji Pond, constructed in 674 CE by King Munmu of the powerful Silla Kingdom. There is a chance to sample some traditional liquor before retiring for the night in our simple hanok, a truly Korean experience!

Day 5: Golgulsa Temple

Location: Gyeongju

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Golgulsa Temple stay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gyeongju - Golgulsa Temple - Busan. Today we head into the mountains and our destination, Golgulsa Temple. We'll immerse ourselves in temple life, joining prayer and enjoying a meditation session. We can also have a go at archery and watch a Sunmudo martial arts demonstration, with time to hike in the lush surroundings of the temple too.





We will take part in communal work, then enjoy simple but wholesome food at the temple, including a traditional vegetarian dinner. We then head to Busan, where we will spend the night.

Day 6: Busan

Location: Busan

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, explore the bustling culture capital of Busan. Arrive at the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and explore this temple nestled into the cliffs, before departing to explore the stunning Gamcheon Culture Village – Busan’s Macchu Picchu! Then take the Songdo Marine Cable Car for sky-high views of the city and ocean!





For dinner, we will be at the BIFF Square, where you can check out the handprints of your favourite Korean film stars. If you’d like to rest up after, you can – or enjoy drinks at Haeundae.

Day 7: Busan

Location: Busan

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, start the day with a traditional Korean cooking class and whip up some delicacies. You’ve then got some free time – relax at a jjimjilbang (a Korean spa), or enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Take a swim in the ocean, relax by the beach and sample some of the Busan-style hotteoks. These fried pancakes are a local specialty! Later on, you can opt to take part in a pottery making class.





Tonight, boogie on our evening boat party before our guide takes you out in Haeundae for a fun-filled experience, complete with drinks and dinner (own expense).

Day 8: Jeju Island

Location: Jeju Island

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Busan - Jeju Island. There's an included flight to Jeju Island today, known as the 'Hawaii of Korea'! There's included yacht sailing and fishing on arrival, as well as plenty of free time this afternoon. Head to the Olle market to try some seafood, relax at Jungmu Beach or perhaps visit the cascading Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, one of many natural landmarks on Jeju.

Day 9: Jeju Island

Location: Jeju Island

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Start your day with a hike along the Jeju Olle Trail, taking in spectacular views and waterfalls. We’ll break for lunch before hiking onto Oedolgae Rock, with vistas of volcanic cliffs and yellow fields of canola.





In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to chill on the beach. If you’re not a fan of sand, you can admire the tranquil scenery as you head your way to view the crater in Sangumburi, hike Seongsan Ilchulbang (Sunrise Peak) or visit the Jeju Folk Village.





Our last night is a BBQ party at a local restaurant. You’ll get sunset drinks, amazing food, and a chance to reflect on an awesome Korean experience.

Day 10: Seoul

Location: Seoul

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Jeju Island - Seoul. Today there is an included flight back to Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP), where our tour comes to an end at around 13:00 hrs.







Please note: International flights depart from Incheon International Airport (ICN). You will need to make your own way there. The AREX airport express train travels directly between the two airports and the journey takes approximately 50 minutes. International flights should not depart before 17.00 hrs.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    4-5-star hotels, hanok & temple stay

  • Daily breakfast, 4 lunches (inclusive of cooking class) & 4 dinners

    The tour includes daily breakfast, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners, with one lunch being part of a cooking class.

  • 1 night simple hanok accommodation in Gyeongju

    Experience a night in a simple hanok accommodation in Gyeongju.

  • 7 nights in 4-5-star hotels

    Stay for 7 nights in 4-5-star hotels during the tour.

  • Escorted by a bi-lingual adventure leader

    The tour is escorted by a bi-lingual adventure leader.

  • 2 economy flights from Busan - Jeju and Jeju - Seoul

    The tour includes 2 economy flights from Busan to Jeju and from Jeju to Seoul.

  • All transportation via public transport and private transfers

    All transportation during the tour is provided via public transport and private transfers.

  • DMZ excursion and chat with a North Korean defector

    Participate in a DMZ excursion and have a chat with a North Korean defector.

  • Nanta Show in Seoul

    Enjoy a Nanta Show in Seoul as part of the tour.

  • Korean cooking class in Busan

    Take part in a Korean cooking class in Busan.

  • Yacht sailing and fishing on Jeju Island

    Experience yacht sailing and fishing on Jeju Island.

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping

    Tipping is an entirely personal gesture and is not included in the tour.

  • Optional activities

    Optional activities are not included in the tour.

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour.

  • Airport transfers

    Airport transfers are not included in the tour.

Age Policy

GH requires a Tour Suitability Form to be completed by all passengers aged 60 plus. 75 is maximum age.

Mode of Transport

Travel through South Korea with ease using public transport and private transfers, including two economy flights from Busan to Jeju and Jeju to Seoul.

Accommodation

Enjoy a mix of accommodations including 7 nights in 4-5-star hotels, a night in a simple hanok in Gyeongju, and an immersive temple stay at Golgulsa Temple.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    During the tour, you will stay in a mix of accommodations including 7 nights in 4-5-star hotels and 1 night in a simple hanok accommodation in Gyeongju. Additionally, there is an overnight stay at Golgulsa Temple where you will experience temple life.

  • Are there any flights included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes two economy flights: one from Busan to Jeju Island and another from Jeju Island back to Seoul.

  • What activities are included on Jeju Island?

    On Jeju Island, you will enjoy yacht sailing and fishing, hike along the Jeju Olle Trail, visit Oedolgae Rock, and have the opportunity to relax on the beach. The tour also includes a farewell BBQ on the final night.

  • Will there be any opportunities to interact with locals during the tour?

    Yes, you will have several opportunities to interact with locals, including a Korean cooking class in Busan with a local chef and a chance to chat with a North Korean defector during the DMZ excursion.

  • What is the highlight of the visit to the DMZ?

    The highlight of the visit to the DMZ is the opportunity to peek into North Korea from the Observatory and to chat with a North Korean defector, providing a unique insight into life in the secretive state.

  • Is there any special attire required for the tour?

    While there is no specific attire required for the entire tour, you will have the chance to try on a Hanbok, traditional Korean clothing, during the visit to Bukchon Hanok village in Seoul.

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes daily breakfast, 4 lunches (including a cooking class), and 4 dinners. Meals will feature traditional Korean cuisine, and there is a farewell BBQ on the final night.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

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

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Saturday

Mar 13, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025
$3685 $2983 (USD)

Operator discount: -$553 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$149 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

Mar 20, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
$3685 $2983 (USD)

Operator discount: -$553 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$149 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

Mar 27, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$3685 $2983 (USD)

Operator discount: -$553 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$149 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$3685 $2983 (USD)

Operator discount: -$553 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$149 (USD)

Sunday - Tuesday

Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025
$3685 $2983 (USD)

Operator discount: -$553 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$149 (USD)

Sunday - Tuesday

Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025
$3585 $2903 (USD)

Operator discount: -$538 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$145 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

May 08, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$3585 $2732 (USD)

Operator discount: -$717 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$136 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

May 15, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$3585 $2732 (USD)

Operator discount: -$717 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$136 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

Jun 05, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
$3585 $2903 (USD)

Operator discount: -$538 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$145 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

Jun 19, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025
$3545 $3039 (USD)

Operator discount: -$355 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$152 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025
$3545 $3039 (USD)

Operator discount: -$355 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$152 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
$3545 $3039 (USD)

Operator discount: -$355 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$152 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$3585 $2903 (USD)

Operator discount: -$538 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$145 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$3585 $2903 (USD)

Operator discount: -$538 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$145 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$3585 $2903 (USD)

Operator discount: -$538 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$145 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
$3585 $2903 (USD)

Operator discount: -$538 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$145 (USD)

Sunday - Tuesday

Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025
$3585 $2903 (USD)

Operator discount: -$538 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$145 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$3585 $2903 (USD)

Operator discount: -$538 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$145 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

Oct 23, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
$3585 $2903 (USD)

Operator discount: -$538 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$145 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

Nov 13, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
$3585 $2732 (USD)

Operator discount: -$717 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$136 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

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