Discover South Korea

Overview

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

South Korea is 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. Cherry blossom season: Experience the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossom season in South Korea, when the trees bloom with delicate pink blossoms. See the Dates & Prices tab for our special departures. One of Our Top Recommended Trips for 2026… Here’s Why K-Pop (and K-Pop Demon Hunters), kimchi, Squid Game… even Baby Shark: the global explosion of Korean culture (or hallyu) is one of the great cultural phenomena of our times. If you haven’t already, then now’s the time to visit South Korea and go beyond the headlines to explore a culture that everyone’s talking about, but few truly experience authentically − Sarah Puttnam, destination expert

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

Included

All accommodation: 10 Classic nights (hotels), 1 Simple night (Buddhist temple)
All breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners
Immersive itinerary with all transport (air-conditioned private minibus, bullet train and metro) and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Group arrival and departure transfers available

Not included

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. Also, check out Ancient & Modern Japan and Highlights of Japan, which you can combine with this adventure.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Adventure starts in Seoul
The adventure begins in Seoul, the buzzy capital of South Korea. Time permitting, the leader will arrange a short orientation tour near the hotel. 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. Around 6pm, say annyeonghaseyo (hello) to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner. Want more time in Seoul? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
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. Although not strenuous, the amount of walking today is considerable and fast-paced (we recommend comfortable walking shoes).
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. The Joint Security Area currently remains 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.
Day 4: Transfer to Gangneung. Visit Naksansa Temple, to Sokcho.
Today begins with a private transfer (approximately three hours) to Gangneung on Korea’s scenic east coast, known for its beaches, pine forests and rich cultural heritage. We begin at Seongyojang House, one of the country’s best-preserved Joseon Dynasty aristocratic residences, before visiting Anmok Coffee Street, a popular café district overlooking the ocean. In the afternoon, we continue north to Naksansa Temple, a beautiful Buddhist temple set on cliffs above the East Sea. Afterwards, we travel to Sokcho, a lively coastal city near Seoraksan National Park, famous for its seafood, mountain scenery and relaxed atmosphere. Sokcho belonged to North Korea from 1945 until the end of the Korean War.
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.
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).
Day 7: Transfer to Gyeongju; afternoon Korean cooking demonstration. Visit Tumuli Park with royal tombs dating to the Shilla dynasty
Today, we transfer (approximately 2hr 30min) to the historic city of Gyeongju, often called “the museum without walls” for its remarkable Shilla dynasty heritage. En route, we visit Dosan Confucian Academy, one of Korea’s most important Confucian institutions, set in peaceful natural surroundings. Enjoy a hands-on bibimbap-making experience where you’ll learn how to prepare one of Korea’s most iconic dishes using vegetables, herbs, rice, and seasonings, before lunching on the freshly prepared dish. Upon arrival in Gyeongju, we explore Daereungwon Tumuli Park, home to ancient royal burial mounds from the Shilla Kingdom, before checking in to our hotel and enjoying the evening at leisure.
Day 8: Full-day sightseeing, including Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple and Anapji Pond
This morning, we visit Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, two Unesco World Heritage sites and outstanding examples of Shilla dynasty Buddhist heritage. Seokguram is home to a serene stone Buddha overlooking the East Sea, while Bulguksa is renowned for its elegant architecture, stone pagodas and spiritual significance. In the afternoon, we explore the National Museum of Gyeongju, showcasing royal artifacts and archaeological treasures from the ancient Shilla Kingdom. We also visit Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia and one of Gyeongju’s most iconic landmarks. Our day ends at Anapji Pond and the lively Gyeongju Market area.
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. Due to an inclined walkway at the temple entrance, it is recommended to take a small overnight bag in your main luggage to use for the overnight stay at the temple (main luggage will be stored and securely locked in the group transport for the evening) if you wish. Haeinsa Temple is closed on a Monday and occasionally for local celebrations. If this occurs on a departure, we instead visit Busan on Day 9 from Gyeongju and then travel to Haeinsa Temple from Busan on Day 10, continuing the itinerary and returning to Seoul on Day 11. The departures starting on 18 October 2026, 19 September and 17 October 2027 follows this alternative plan.
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 (please note this is optional). 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!
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.
Day 12: Adventure ends in 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.

Important Information

The trip destination

Food

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 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

It is designed to highlight the best of the Republic of Korea (known as the ROK) with a mixture of sightseeing on foot and one short daywalk. 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. For guests who may suffer from claustrophobia, please note that the Third Tunnel (day 3) is a historic site that we may visit requiring a descent into an underground tunnel with narrow passages and low ceilings, offering a unique insight into North-South Korea history.

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 13 Sep 2026 / Thu, 24 Sep 2026	NOK 58 190 NOK 46 630	On request	NOK 14 250	On request
Sun, 18 Oct 2026 / Thu, 29 Oct 2026	NOK 60 475	On request	NOK 14 250	On request
Sun, 25 Oct 2026 / Thu, 05 Nov 2026	NOK 58 190	On request	NOK 14 250	On request
Tue, 23 Mar 2027 / Sat, 03 Apr 2027	NOK 60 880	On request	NOK 14 990	On request
Tue, 30 Mar 2027 / Sat, 10 Apr 2027	NOK 62 225	On request	NOK 14 990	On request
Sun, 11 Apr 2027 / Thu, 22 Apr 2027	NOK 60 880	On request	NOK 14 990	On request
Sun, 09 May 2027 / Thu, 20 May 2027	NOK 60 880	On request	NOK 14 990	On request
Sun, 19 Sep 2027 / Thu, 30 Sep 2027	NOK 60 880	On request	NOK 14 990	On request
Sun, 17 Oct 2027 / Thu, 28 Oct 2027	NOK 60 880	On request	NOK 14 990	On request
Sun, 24 Oct 2027 / Thu, 04 Nov 2027	NOK 60 880	On request	NOK 14 990	On request

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 13 Sep 2026 / Thu, 24 Sep 2026	NOK 58 190 NOK 46 630	On request	NOK 14 250	On request
Sun, 18 Oct 2026 / Thu, 29 Oct 2026	NOK 60 475	On request	NOK 14 250	On request
Sun, 25 Oct 2026 / Thu, 05 Nov 2026	NOK 58 190	On request	NOK 14 250	On request
Tue, 23 Mar 2027 / Sat, 03 Apr 2027	NOK 60 880	On request	NOK 14 990	On request
Tue, 30 Mar 2027 / Sat, 10 Apr 2027	NOK 62 225	On request	NOK 14 990	On request
Sun, 11 Apr 2027 / Thu, 22 Apr 2027	NOK 60 880	On request	NOK 14 990	On request
Sun, 09 May 2027 / Thu, 20 May 2027	NOK 60 880	On request	NOK 14 990	On request
Sun, 19 Sep 2027 / Thu, 30 Sep 2027	NOK 60 880	On request	NOK 14 990	On request
Sun, 17 Oct 2027 / Thu, 28 Oct 2027	NOK 60 880	On request	NOK 14 990	On request
Sun, 24 Oct 2027 / Thu, 04 Nov 2027	NOK 60 880	On request	NOK 14 990	On request

Discover South Korea

Overview

Itinerary

Photos

Important Information

Prices / Dates