Transport

Søk & reserver billetter til buss, tog og ferger. Sjekk priser på alle våre mange transport alternativer og sjekk ut unik buss & tog pass over hele verden

Transfer

Søk & reserver transfers over hele verden. Unn deg litt komfort ved ankomst og reserver smidig og trygg transport til ditt bestemmelsessted med våre mange samarbeidspartnere over hele verden →

Show search

Cruise & seiling

Søk & reserver cruise og seile opplevelser over hele verden. Opplev verden fra dekket på at av våre mange alternativ. Her finner du alt fra verdens ikoniske elver, seile opplevelser, ekspedisjonscruise og tradisjonelle cruise →

Show search

Leiebil

Få friheten og muligheten til å utforske din drømmereise i ditt eget tempo. Her finner du gunstige priser om du er på forretningsreise, planlegger en «road trip» i USA, Australia og Afrika eller bare trenger egnet transport i en kortere periode

Show search

Fly & Drive

Friheten med å utforske verden på egenhånd passer utmerket for en rekke reisemål i verden. Med vårt verktøy kan du lett finne de beste leiebilløsninger, bobilutleie og til og med leie av motorsykkel mo du vil gjennomføre noen av de legendariske veistrekningene i verden. ¨ Benytt deg av vårt interaktive kart og sett sammen den perfekte rundreisen.

Show search

Tema & Gruppereiser

Oppdag vår spennende verden med gruppe og temareiser til over 177 land og territorier. Oppdag populære og obskure reisemål, bisarre festivaler, dyreopplevelser og aktive reiser. Her finner du reiseforslag for alle interesser og ønsker med bryllupsreiser, sol & bad til ukjente strender og ekstreme ekspedisjoner for den eventyrlystne eller for familien. Se alle våre reiser her

Show search

Utflukter

Oppdag ukjente sider i noen av verdens mest kjente byer og utforsk nye steder. Bli med oss og oppdag nye sider i kanskje kjente byer. Vi gir deg alt fra fantastiske matopplevelser og gatekunst til ikoniske landemerker og tradisjonelle utflukter. Se alle våre utflukter →

Show search

Hotel & Overnatting

Finn ditt favoritt hotell eller leilighet over hele verden. Vi gir deg muligheten til å bestille ditt drømmeopphold og velg mellom en mengde ulike leverandører for å garantere best mulig tilgang og pris. Bestill ditt bosted →

Show search

Skreddersy din reise

Vi er alle individualister og av og til passer det best å utforske verden i eget tempo. Her finner du forslag til bryllupsreiser, eksotiske strender og ukjente tropiske øyer, dykkereiser og tusenvis av skreddersydde reiseforslag. Se alle reiseforslagene →

Eventbilletter

Planlegg reisen og få med deg konserter, sportsarrangement og inngangsbilletter. Unngå å miste ditt favoritt band på konsert eller lange køer til inngang på severdigheter. Bestill heller dine billetter på forhånd. Bestill billetter her →

Annon Informasjon

Enhver reise krever nøye planlegging og vi har samlet en del informasjon som kan gjøre reiseforberedelsene litt enklere. Har du en riktig forsikring til den reisen og formålet med reisen dekker? Har du sjekket visumregler?

Tour Details

Discover South Korea

Explore bustling Seoul, visit the DMZ and see beautiful landscapes in the Land of the Morning Calm

BOOK THIS TRIP SEND REQUEST

Tour Code : AOD

The journey is provided by

Destinations : South Korea

Tour Starts : Seoul

Tour Ends : Seoul

Group Size : 6 - 16

Ages : 16+

Activity :

12 days from

NOK 52 325

Overview

Explore bustling Seoul, visit the DMZ and see beautiful landscapes in the Land of the Morning Calm

South Korea has long been overshadowed by neighbouring Japan. But it’s a dynamic country, steeped in culture, tradition and history, with vibrant cities, rich landscapes, friendly local people and staggering nature. Join this trip to immerse yourself in the contemporary culture of bustling Seoul, meditate and spend the night in an ancient temple, discover the beauty of Seoraksan National Park and explore the colourful markets of Busan. This, combined with the chance to taste some of the most underrated cuisine in the world, makes a trip to South Korea unforgettable.

Highlights

Learn about ancient and modern history in Seoul
Spend a night and join ceremonies at the Unesco-listed Haeinsa Temple
Visit Panmunjom and the DMZ to learn how Korea was divided
Discover the bustling, colourful markets of Busan
Be captivated by the culinary delights of South Korea

Key Information

10 nights in three- and four-star hotels and one night temple stay
Sightseeing on foot and one short daywalk
Group usually 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Travel by air-conditioned private minibus, bullet train and metro
Cherry blossom and autumn colours departures available

Included

All breakfasts, two lunches, one dinner
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Free group arrival and departure transfers available

Not included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request and subject to availability)
Visas or vaccinations

Itinerary

Show All

Day 1: Start Seoul
The adventure begins in Seoul, the buzzy of South Korea. Time permitting, the leader will arrange a short orientation tour near the hotel. In the evening, we can visit Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest food markets in Seoul, where local people meet after work to enjoy traditional foods and liquor. The market also sells vintage clothing and textiles during the day but comes alive in the evenings when unique foods such as bindaetteok, a popular pancake with makkolli, the traditional Korean rice wine, are served. Accommodation: Best Western Premier Kukdo Hotel (or similar)
Day 2: Full-day Seoul walking tour including Insadong artisan area, Jogyesa Temple and Gyeongbokkung Palace
Today we enjoy a walking tour of Seoul. We first head to the Cheonggyecheon, an age-old canal in downtown Seoul that was filled with concrete in the 1960s but reopened in 2005 in its original state. We continue to Tapgol Park, the central point of the Korean independence movement in 1919. From here, we head to Insadong, the artisan neighbourhood where traditional teahouses and souvenir shops are lined up in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. After, we visit Jogyesa Temple, one of the most beautiful temple complexes in the heart of Seoul. At Gwanghwamoon, admire impressive statues of Admiral Yi and King Sejong, men who played vital roles in Korean history. The next stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built by the Joseon dynasty in 1394, this immense complex was the centre of power until Japanese occupation at the start of the last century. At the palace, we may see the changing of guards. Our last visit today is Bukchon Hanok Village, which is home to hundreds of traditional hanok houses from the Joseon dynasty. (Please note, the order of these activities may change). Accommodation: Best Western Premier Kukdo Hotel (or similar)
Day 3: Visit Panmunjom to learn how Korea was divided
Today we visit Panmunjom, the only place on the peninsula where North and South Koreans can meet face to face. It was here the peace treaty was signed in 1953 and where both parties agreed on a Joint Security Area (JSA) in the middle of the border between the two countries, also known as DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). After a short briefing by US army personnel, we enter the JSA; here we visit Freedom House, the blue barracks sharing a conference room for talks between both North and South Korea, the visitor’s observation post and the Bridge of No Return. En route, we enjoy a traditional Korean dish for lunch. Due to government restrictions, this excursion is guided by a local JSA-specialised guide and not by your tour leader. The Panmunjom tour may be withdrawn at any time and, in such cases, this trip is substituted with visits to other key areas in the North-South Korea history, such as the Third Tunnel. We must also mention that some nationalities are not permitted to take part in the tour (at the time of writing this includes nationals from Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan and Syria) and it will be more difficult to obtain permission for South Korean and Chinese nationals to join the tour. Strict rules are in place for DMZ tours and, as such, passport details must be provided in advance. For dual passport holders, please ensure you provide Exodus with the exact passport details you will be entering South Korea with (and will be required to carry on the day tour). During the tour, it is critically important you follow instructions from military personnel and guides. Please refer to the What to Take section of the Trip Notes for information on required attire for this trip. May 2023 update: The Joint Security Area is currently closed and could re-open at any time. Entry into the DMZ area itself is open and other key sites such as the Third Tunnel are still possible to visit. Accommodation: Best Western Premier Kukdo Hotel (or similar)
Day 4: Transfer to Gangneung; afternoon Korean cooking demonstration
Today begins with a private transfer (approximately three hours) to Gangneung on the east coast. In the heart of Gangwon Province, we visit one of the most picturesque culinary bases in Korea, where all the food is produced and processed naturally and according to centuries-old recipes; fermented food such as kimchi, red pepper paste, doenjang (bean paste) and fish sauce is stored and aged in clay vessels, sometimes for more than five years. Herbs are grown and harvested from gardens, and wild herbs collected from the mountains. Here we learn how bibimbap is made, a traditional dish of rice with vegetables, herbs, meat and several side dishes. We then lunch on this freshly cooked, healthy food. In the afternoon, we transfer to Sokcho, a lively coastal city that belonged to North Korea from 1945 until the end of the Korean War. Accommodation: Sea Cruise Sokcho (or similar)
Day 5: Enjoy an easy walk in Seoraksan National Park
On the beautiful east coast, the Seorak Mountains are the most famous in Korea. At the foot of the peaks is an enormous Buddha statue, which acts as a start point for a variety of trails between 2km and 10km (1.25mi and 6.2mi). The leader guides those who wish on an easy and short optional walk. A more leisurely option is to take a cable car to one of the mountaintops to enjoy fantastic views. Accommodation: Sea Cruise Sokcho (or similar)
Day 6: Transfer to Andong; visit the Andong Hahoe Folk Museum
We transfer (approximately four hours) to Andong by private minibus and visit the Andong Hahoe Village, where ancient traditions influenced by the teachings of Confucius are still alive. The inhabitants live in the same way their ancestors did, in simple houses for the common farmers and in richly decorated houses for the yangban (gentry). Accommodation: Park Hotel (or similar)
Day 7: Transfer to Gyeongju; visit Tumuli Park and Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia
We transfer (approximately 2hr 30min) to Gyeongju by private minibus, stopping en route to visit the Dosan Confucian School. In the afternoon, we visit Tumuli Park, which has royal tombs dating to the Shilla dynasty. The numerous artifacts found in these tombs show the remarkable technological and cultural advancement of that period (600 CE to 900 CE). We also visit Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. The 362 stones used to build it represent the 362 days in the lunar calendar. Accommodation: Commodore Hotel (or similar)
Day 8: Full-day sightseeing, including Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple and Anapji Pond
Seokguram Grotto, which we visit this morning, was discovered by a postman sheltering from the rain. Inside the human-made cave, he found an astonishingly beautiful statue of Buddha, constructed during the Shilla dynasty. The grotto is now a Unesco World Heritage site. From here, we visit Bulguksa Temple, constructed in the same period. This afternoon, we visit the National Museum of Gyeongju, where we can relive the rich and advanced culture of the Shilla dynasty and see numerous archaeological findings. Our day ends with a stop at Anapji Pond, an artificial pond constructed in the royal palace grounds, before exploring Gyeongju food market. Accommodation: Commodore Hotel (or similar)
Day 9: Transfer to Haeinsa Temple; explore the grounds, eat a traditional vegetarian meal and take part in a Buddhist ceremony
This morning, we transfer to Haeinsa Temple (approximately three hours). It is one of the oldest in Korea and home to the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, engraved on 80,000 woodblocks between 1237 and 1248. Here we experience a strict Buddhist lifestyle and meet monks dedicating their lives to prayer and meditation. On entering the temple, exchange your own clothes for simple monk clothing and, after the initial introductions and opening ceremony, walk around the beautiful temple complex. After the vegetarian Buddhist dinner, we join a tea ceremony. Lights out at 9pm this evening, ready for our early wake-up. Please note, during our temple stay, the programme and order in which it runs can be subject to changes. Accommodation: Haeinsa Temple
Day 10: Early morning ceremony and meditation; transfer to Busan; city tour including local markets
We wake at 3.30am to participate in the first ceremony and meditation. After breakfast at 6am, we depart the temple and transfer to Busan (approximately two hours). From the impressive Gwangalli Bridge, we can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Busan shoreline. We learn the tragic history of the Korean War (1950-1953) at the UN War Cemetery, then visit the Nurimaru APEC House, a wonderful location with gorgeous views over the ocean. We also visit Jagalchi Fishmarket, one of the largest markets of its kind, to see a dazzling array of fish. Here you can taste Korean sashimi before heading into the adjacent Gukje Market to shop for souvenirs. After dinner, enjoy an optional visit to the Busan Tower (387ft/118m high) for amazing night vistas! Accommodation: Crown Harbor Hotel (or similar)
Day 11: Bullet train to Seoul; transfer to hotel. Free afternoon
This morning, we take a bullet train back to Seoul (approximately three hours) and transfer to our hotel. This afternoon is free for last-minute shopping or to perhaps visit the vibrant Hongdae university district. You may also like to spend your final evening in Seoul exploring the lively nightlife of the Itaewon neighbourhood. Accommodation: Best Western Premier Kukdo Hotel (or similar)
Day 12: End Seoul
Our adventure ends after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home. Of course, if you’d like to spend a little longer exploring, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Photos

Important Information

The trip destination

10 nights in three- and four-star hotels and one night temple stay
Sightseeing on foot and one short daywalk
Group usually 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Travel by air-conditioned private minibus, bullet train and metro
Cherry blossom and autumn colours departures available

Food

All breakfasts, two lunches and one dinner are included. Korean food is generally healthy and based upon rice, vegetables and meats. During the trip, we experience a wide variety of tasty meals including staple foods such as rice, porridge, soups, stews, barbecued or broiled meat and fish along with a large selection of banchan (side dishes) and kimchi (fermented cabbage), which is served at almost every meal.

Weather

Korea has four seasons, with a wet monsoon/summer season in the middle of the year and a cold winter from November to March.

We aim to avoid the coldest parts of winter and hot-humid summer. Therefore, we visit in spring (late March to May). Cherry blossoms generally bloom at the end of March/early April and autumn (September-November), with a stunning array of foliage colours, warm temperatures and clear skies. Average temperatures during these seasons are 15C-25C (59F-77F). While these are not rainy seasons, the odd shower cannot be ruled out and evenings are cooler.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate).

It is designed to highlight the best of the Republic of Korea (known as the ROK). Most of our travel is by private vehicle, so the journeys are not physically demanding. We walk mostly in cities and towns and, although not strenuous, the amount of walking each day can be considerable and fast-paced (we recommend good, comfortable walking shoes). We also ascend and descend a lot of steps. The walk in Seoraksan National Park is optional.

Prices / Dates

By accepting our offer in writing, you/you confirm that our terms and conditions have both been read and understood and that cancellation fees may apply if the trip is cancelled.

Please enter the number of travelers:

Adult

Children

BOOK THIS TRIP

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 12 May 2024 / Thu, 23 May 2024	NOK 52 325	On request	NOK 9 365	Available
Sun, 15 Sep 2024 / Thu, 26 Sep 2024	NOK 52 325	On request	NOK 9 365	Available
Sun, 20 Oct 2024 / Thu, 31 Oct 2024	NOK 52 325	On request	NOK 9 365	Available

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 12 May 2024 / Thu, 23 May 2024	NOK 52 325	On request	NOK 9 365	On request
Sun, 15 Sep 2024 / Thu, 26 Sep 2024	NOK 52 325	On request	NOK 9 365	On request
Sun, 20 Oct 2024 / Thu, 31 Oct 2024	NOK 52 325	On request	NOK 9 365	On request

We will get back to you with an offer on the requested trip / package within 48 hours. All offers are non-binding and are usually valid for 7 days. Please note that reserved services can be canceled within these 7 days and that price may change until a final order is received.

SEND REQUEST

BOOK THIS TRIP SEND REQUEST