Soulful South Korea

Touch down in Seoul at Incheon International Airport (ICN) and head to your hotel in central Seoul, where our Local Insider will meet you. They will accompany the group throughout the trip. Join your fellow travellers in the lobby for a welcome meeting at 5pm before heading out for dinner together. There’s no better way to start your trip than a Korean barbecue, which will feature roasting meats and vegetables over coals before wrapping them in a lettuce leaf with ssamjang sauce. Round off your first night at the N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city. 

Loosen up with a yoga class ahead of a day exploring the capital. If you’ve seen the Netflix series Squid Game you’ll recognise several locations as you go. Your first stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace, the home of the Joseon dynasty from 1395 until its destruction during the Japanese invasion of 1592. Watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony before moving on to the Blue House – the South Korean presidential residence. After lunch at Tongin Market, stroll through the maze-like alleyways of Bukchon Hanok Village, lined with traditional houses. Later on, ready yourself for a night of karaoke. 

This morning, you’ll visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) – a strip of land that runs along the border with North Korea. Catch a glimpse of the closest North Korean villages from the Dora Observatory before descending into the DMZ tunnels, hiking as close as 170m (558ft) away from the border. En route back to Seoul, a North Korean defector will offer a fascinating insight into life in the world’s most secretive country. Later on, you’ll have an opportunity to attend a Nanta show (a non-verbal comedy cooking performance) or explore the lively Itaewon district, renowned for its abundance of restaurants, bars and clubs. 

Leave Seoul behind as you venture east to Seoraksan National Park – a 398sqkm (154sqmi) expanse of mountains and forests, home to over 2,000 animal species, including Korean gorals, musk deer and Siberian flying squirrels. Take in the scenery while hiking to Ulsanbawi Rock, known for its six jagged granite peaks. In the afternoon, ride the Gatbae Boat (featured in many Korean TV dramas) to Abai Village, which became a refuge for displaced North Koreans in the 1950s. There’s also time to check out the Lighthouse Observatory for superb views of Sokcho city and Seoraksan Mountain. 

Your journey continues south to Golgulsa Temple, just outside Gyeongju on the slopes of Hamwolsan Mountain. Built in the sixth century, the temple houses 12 caves carved into the cliffside that are connected by steep stairs, with a large stone statue of Buddha at the highest point. Here, you’ll have the option to go horse riding and learn all about the traditional Buddhist martial art of sunmudo, followed by a delicious vegetarian dinner. Spend the rest of the evening learning all about Buddhist chanting and meditation before settling down for the night.

Rise and shine: it’s time to put your new knowledge into practice in an early morning Buddhist chanting and meditation session. Afterwards, try your hand at archery, before leaving for Gyeongju, the former capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom. There, you’ll embark on a bike tour of the main landmarks, including Bulguksa Temple and Cheonmachong Tomb. Enjoy an authentic dinner in a hanok (traditional Korean house) followed by a visit to Wolji Pond, part of the spectacular Donggung Palace complex that is worth catching when illuminated at night.

Today, you’ll arrive in Busan on the south coast. It’s renowned for its culinary scene that you’ll discover in a cooking masterclass with an experienced local chef. After learning the techniques and flavour combinations used in Korean cuisine, you’ll get to enjoy your creations accompanied by rice wine, with a tea ceremony to follow. Spend the afternoon sunbathing and swimming at Songdo Beach, or take the cable car for aerial views of South Korea’s second-largest city. Treat yourself to an evening of relaxation at Centum Spa Land, where you can enjoy hot tubs, saunas, massages and more. 

Seafood fan? You’re in luck. Busan is home to Jagalchi Market, the largest seafood market in South Korea. It’s a true feast for the senses and there’s not much you won’t find while wandering between the pungent stalls. Select whatever fresh seafood you like and take it upstairs to the restaurant floor to be cooked for lunch. If seafood isn’t your thing, don’t worry – nearby BFF Square is a street food haven. Explore at leisure before reconvening at Haeundae Beach to taste a variety of soju (a clear, subtly sweet Korean spirit); non-alcoholic alternatives are also on offer. 

Jeonju, which literally translates as “perfect region”, is the ideal place to spend the final day of your trip. It’s the birthplace of bibimbap, a hugely popular rice bowl meal topped with vegetables, meats, sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, and an egg. As well as eating this classic dish, you'll also be able to try 17 different side dishes to complete the experience. Afterwards, step back in time at the hanok village and admire the beautifully preserved traditional architecture before enjoying local beers at a craft brewery and sampling makgeolli (a milky, rice-based Korean liquor).  

There’s still time to squeeze in a walk along the Jeonjuchun River and a visit to Nambu Market before catching the train back to Seoul – at 3.24pm. An earlier departure is also available should you need to catch an earlier flight out of Seoul airport (ICN). It’s then time to bid farewell to your new friends as you begin your journey home, or opt to extend your stay in South Korea and see what else the country has to offer.