Essential South Korea

9 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
Experience all the essential sights of South Korea on this nine-day journey through Seoul, Jeonju, Yeosu, Busan and more. From the thriving pop culture to the natural oasis of gleaming gardens, this place really does have it all. You’ll feast on Korean BBQ, noodles and street food, follow in the footsteps of popular K-pop group BTS at some scenic filming loca...
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$2,310
From$1,650
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • Rub shoulders with the locals at Nambu Market, which recently provided free rent to young entrepreneurs to keep the market alive. Then, stay in a hanok (a traditional Korean house) and experience what it’s like to live day to day in Jeonju.
    • Feast on delicious local cuisine, with included dinners where you might be able to try some traditional Korean noodles, Korean BBQ or fried chicken, and plenty of time to wander around street food markets and restaurants.
    • Discover Seoul at your own pace with tonnes of free time to explore the various districts throughout the city. Maybe hit up karaoke (or noraebang, in Korean), go bar hopping with your local leader or grab a coffee at one of Seoul's famous themed cafes.
    • Experience the natural beauty of South Korea from Ahwon Gotack – with lush, green surroundings, it’s a stark contrast to the big cities Korea is famous for. Soak up the tranquil mountain views and enjoy a moment to enjoy the silence of nature.
    • Learn how the community have innovated agricultural growth at the Urban Smart Farm Social Company – a social enterprise backed by the government and local NGOs, focused on sustainability.

What's this trip about?

    Experience all the essential sights of South Korea on this nine-day journey through Seoul, Jeonju, Yeosu, Busan and more. From the thriving pop culture to the natural oasis of gleaming gardens, this place really does have it all. You’ll feast on Korean BBQ, noodles and street food, follow in the footsteps of popular K-pop group BTS at some scenic filming locations, take easy hikes through coastal beaches and rolling green mountain landscapes and hit the nightlife in your spare time (coin karaoke anyone?). Stay in a hanok (traditional Korean house), rub shoulders with the locals and enjoy loads of free time to choose your own adventure, whether that’s learning taekwondo or visiting the DMZ along the border of North Korea.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range18 to 35 years
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CitySeoul
End CitySeoul

Travel Themes

  • 18 - 30's

Destinations

Attractions

  • Busan
  • Seoul

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • Seoul - Orientation Walk
    • Seoul - HiKR Ground
    • Seoul - Gwangjang market
    • Jeonju - Orientation Walk
    • Jeonju - Nambu Market Visit
    • Jeonju - Hanok Village Tour
    • Wanju - Ahwon Gotack
    • Wanju - Webongsansung Hike
    • Yeosu - Hyangilam Temple
    • Busan - Gamcheon Art Village
    • Busan - Igidae Coastal Walk
    • Busan - Urban Smart Farm Visit

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Seoul

Eoseo oseyo! Welcome to South Korea. Your adventure begins in Seoul, the vibrant capital of high-tech gadgetry, towering skyscrapers and scrumptious eats. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, explore this modern Asian metropolis at your ...

Day 2 Seoul

This morning, you’ll visit HiKR Ground, where you can experience media art and maybe make your own music video. Then, tour Gwangjang Market with your leader and maybe pick up some local treats or souvenirs from one of the 5000 shops and stalls. In your free afternoon,...

Day 3 Jeonju

Say goodbye to Seoul and hop on a local bus to Jeonju – known for the Hanok Heritage Village, home to traditional houses, craft shops, food stalls and the 15th-century Gyeonggjieon Shrine. Arrive around midday before your leader takes you on an orientation walk to see...

Day 4 Jeonju

This morning, wander around the gorgeous architecture, galleries, shops and streets on a leader-led walk. After, you have a free day to explore at your own pace. Maybe wander the Jaman Art Village to see the colourful murals or walk along the Sinabro-gil Trail – an ea...

Day 5 Wanju / Yeosu

Travel to Webongsansung this morning for a short hike with your leader. This location was actually used for a photoshoot for the famous K-pop group BTS! Wander around the lush greenery and abandoned architecture of the area, then visit Ahwon Gotack. This hanok and gal...

Day 6 Busan

Depending on the group’s desires, you might want to get up early enough to watch the sunrise this morning, over the Hyangilam Temple – this small Buddhist temple sits atop a forested coastal cliff and features dramatic ocean views. Watch the sun bring the day to life ...

Day 7 Busan

You’ll visit the colourful labyrinth-like streets in the Gamcheon Culture Village this morning. This area is known for its brightly coloured houses and is the perfect spot for a pic – so don’t forget your camera! After wandering the twisted alleyways, head to Jagalchi...

Day 8 Seoul

Maybe pick up some coffee and breakfast this morning before heading to the Urban Smart Farm Social Company with your group. This social enterprise, backed by the government and local NGOs, is a great example of how locals have innovated agricultural growth within ship...

Day 9 Seoul

With no further activities planned today, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to spend more time in Seoul, just speak to your booking agent.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,650
Price per day$183
Last Updated: 12/20/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
23 Mar 2025
31 Mar 2025
$1,780
13 Apr 2025
21 Apr 2025
$2,015
11 May 2025
19 May 2025
$1,940
25 May 2025
02 Jun 2025
$1,865
15 Jun 2025
23 Jun 2025
$1,715
13 Jul 2025
21 Jul 2025
$1,730
10 Aug 2025
18 Aug 2025
$1,865
14 Sep 2025
22 Sep 2025
$1,715
28 Sep 2025
06 Oct 2025
$1,780
12 Oct 2025
20 Oct 2025
$2,015

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for all types of travelers at a range of different price points and trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hostel (Multi-share) (7 nights),Hanok (1 night)

Transportation & Flights

Public Bus,Private Vehicle,Train,Metro,

Transportation & flights

Public Bus,Private Vehicle,Train,Metro
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements If you require an address for your visa application please use: Hotel address: 109 Baekbeom-ro Mapo-gu Seoul. post code: 04146 Our local operator’s details are: 8 Birds Tours & Events Hyoungyoon Park(박형윤) and Daniel Lee Gray Seoul Jongrogu Donhwamunro 88-1, 3rd floor 42 Ho +82-10-9003-1918
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines Speeding, running red lights and other risky driver behaviour is reasonable common in the Republic of Korea (South Korea). Please exercise caution when crossing roads and do not expect traffic to stop at pedestrian crossings. Taxis often do not have seatbelts, particularly in the back seats.
Age Requirements
18 to 35 years
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Cocoa Guest House
  • 3rd Floor, Wausan-ro 17gil, 19-9 Mapo-gu
  • Seoul
  • KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
Trip ID
intrepid-CJYK

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