Uncover Korea: K Pop & Hanok Villages
10 days, Seoul to Jeju-si
Itinerary
Day 1Seoul
Arrive at any time and welcome to South Korea's largest metropolis. There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting, so spend the day exploring on your own time. In the evening, meet your group and your CEO at the welcome meeting. After, head out for an orientation walk and welcome dinner to get to know your group and the city of Seoul. After filling up on some delicious Korean food, opt to join your CEO & new friends out on the town for your First Night Out. Maybe grab a beer or choose to test your singing voice at karaoke.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Dream Guest House (or similar)
Meals included:
DinnerDay 2Seoul
Start your day channeling your inner K Pop star at HiKR Ground. Then head to what may be the cutest street in all of Seoul, Ikseon-Dong Alley. After some shopping, instagrammable moments, and free time for lunch, explore the Gwangjang market and try some iconic Korean snacks. Then enjoy a free evening in the city.
HiKR Ground
Explore the 5 story, immersive experience dedicated to all things Korea. Think K-Pop, K-Drama and the most popular parts of Korean culture. Witness incredible art, listen to your favorite K-Pop band, and learn about Korean pop-culture.
Ikseon-dong Alley
Stroll through the narrow alleys of Ikseon-dong where traditional hanok houses, modern cafes and hip restaurants coexist. Relax in quaint cafes or shop in local craft stores while admiring the beautiful hanok architecture. Hop in and out of local boutiques and galleries, stopping at the perfect photo stops at every turn.
Free Time
Enjoy free time in Seoul. Check out N Seoul Tower, Gangnam neighborhood or Han River Park.
Gwangjang Market Visit
Gwangjang Market is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea, with more than 5,000 shops. Famous for its fabric, local treasures, and noted to be one of the best places to go for authentic Korean street food in Seoul, you don't want to miss Gwangjang Market.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Gangnam District Visit
Gangnam has plenty to do and see in this historically rich, fast-developing neighbourhood. Gangnam Station is the busiest subway station in Seoul and has a huge underground shopping centre, so feel free to shop until you drop. Choose to visit Bongeunsa, a Buddhist Temple in the centre of Gangnam, or enjoy the nightlife and restaurants in this area.
N Seoul Tower Visit
Take the cable car to visit the most iconic landmark in Seoul! Located at the top of Mt Namsan, and standing at 480m above sea level, what used to be a broadcasting station before it was open to the public, is now a beautiful observatory. If you'd like to go up the tower to the observatory an additional fee is required.
Accommodation
Dream Guest House (or similar)
Day 3Seoul
Seoul is yours to explore today. With endless options, there's no bad way to enjoy this city. Opt to visit the DMZ, take a K Pop dance class, go on a Seoul City Tour or try your hand at some Korean delicacies at a cooking class.
Free Time
The day is yours to enjoy Seoul as you wish.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Visit
Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) the de facto border between North and South Korea, which cuts the peninsula in half. Created in 1953, it is the most heavily militarized border in the world.
K-Pop Dance Class
Channel your inner pop star at a K-pop dance classes. Learn the latest K-pop choreography with professional instructors and feel the energy of K-pop & K-pop culture. Classes are available for various skill levels, so even beginners can participate easily. These classes often end with a recording session, allowing participants to take home a video of their performance as a special souvenir.
Seoul City Tour
Enjoy a bus tour of the bustling capital of South Korea. Visit different areas of the city including Gyengbokgung Palace, National Folklore Museum, Jogyesa Temple, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong alley.
Accommodation
Dream Guest House (or similar)
Day 4Seoul/Jeonju-si
In the morning, take the train to Jeonju, maybe the prettiest city in South Korea. After checking into your Hanok stay, take a CEO led tour of the town. Afterwards, take some time to explore the city on your own. Opt to wander through Jeonju Nambu Traditional Market, try your hand at Korean traditional handicraft at the Hanok Village Craft Museum or head to a local shop to try on a traditional Hanbok. This evening enjoy the comforts of traditional Korea and Korean culture at your hanok stay.
Jeonju Hanok Village Orientation Walk
Join your CEO on a walk through some of Jeonju's special attractions, like the Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Jeondong Catholic Church, Korean Liquor museum and Jeonju handicraft exhibition hall. Stroll through the beautiful hanok streets and admire the traditional architecture.
Free Time
Enjoy free time in Jeonju Hanok Village.
Your Local Living Moment: Hanok Village Stay
Staying in a traditional hanok gives an amazing insight to Korean history and culture. With natural material and historic architecture, it will feel like you've been transported in time.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Hanbok Wearing
Immerse yourself into the colorful and beautiful culture of South Korea. Dress in the traditional Korean Hanbok clothing in no better place than the picturesque town of Jeonju Hanok Village. With your hair done and your hanbok on, head out into the town for some pictures.
Jeonju Hanok Village Craft Museum
Visit the Hanok Village Craft Museum and choose to experience some of the many hands on, traditional Korean crafts activities. Choose to make Hanji, traditional Korean paper, or try the pottery wheel and shape your own ceramic bowl, vase or plate. Opt to try the art of traditional Korean calligraphy with a brush and ink to create beautiful characters. Or try your hand at fan crafting & painting. Create and decorate your very own vibrant, colorful Korean fan. Its common to see designs like flowers, birds and landscapes, so choose your favorite design and decorate how you'd like.
Accommodation
Jeonju Goeul Hanok Accommodation (or similar)
Day 5Jeonju-si/Busan
Today, travel by bus to Nampodong, the centre of the coastal city of Busan. After dropping your luggage off at the hostel, we'll head to the colorful mountainside village of Gamcheon. This unique artistic village is full of colorful houses, murals and galleries. It's the perfect place for photos, art and culture lovers. Spend the evening exploring Busan as you'd like.
Free Time
Enjoy free time in Nampodong, downtown Busan.
Gamcheon Culture Village
Explore the pastel-coloured village of Gamcheon, nestled in the side of a mountain, with uniquely painted houses, murals, cafes, and shops.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Island (APEC House) Visit
Visit Haeundae Beach, one of Korea's most beautiful beaches. Enjoy a walk along the shore, or take a swim (don't forget your suit!) And see the famed APEC House built to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Corporation (APEC) summit meeting in 2005 on Dongbaek Island.
Jjimjilbang
Treat yourself in one of Busan's jjimjilbans, a Korean spa bath house, with an array of hot spring tubs to rejuvenate mind, body, and soul.
Accommodation
EZ Stay Guest House (or similar)
Day 6Busan
Jump in a bus with your group for a day trip to Tongyeong. In this beautiful seaside town, we'll ride the cable car for an incredible view and explore the seafood market for some tasty Korean snacks. Enjoy your Foodie Moment and try things like sea squirts and oysters, Tongyeong specialties. This evening, take some free time back in Busan before flying to the beach tomorrow.
Your Foodie Moment: Tongyeong Seafood Market
Enjoy fresh seafood and savor them in the market's various restaurants. Tongyeong is most famous for its Sea Squirts and Oysters so make sure you try. In your free time, you can sit at a restaurant, try different delicacies or join a cooking class.
Hallyeosudo Cable Car
The Tongyeong Cable Car offers stunning views of Hallyeohaesang National Park. Enjoy the panoramic scenery of the open sea and islands as you ride the cable car. The cable car ride also provides access to observation decks and walking trails, so visitors can explore the picturesque landscapes of the region.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Skyline Luge
Jump in a kart and cruise down the track in South Korea's Skyline Luge. Choose your path, and control your speed as you zoom down the track. Choose to ride it multiple times to experience the different tracks and don't forget to look up for an ocean view. While the luge is the main attraction, you can also zipline or ride the scenic chairlift.
Accommodation
EZ Stay Guest House (or similar)
Day 7Busan/Jeju-si
After a free morning in Busan, fly to the subtropical island of Jeju. We'll spend the next three nights in downtown Jeju City. Settle in, then join your CEO at Dongmun Market, followed by a free night out on the town. You can opt to visit Dongmun Market at night, too, and witness the vibrant food stalls under the stars. Try some delicious black pork and wash it down with Jeju's famous orange juice. Five stars if you can find the dancing lobster stall!
Jeju Dongmun Market
Visit this famous traditional market where you can try local specialties and fresh seafood - an excellent place to experience the flavors and culture of Jeju. Taste Jeju’s unique delicacies such as black pork and hallabong (tangerines) while enjoying the vibrant market atmosphere. Make sure you don't miss the famous Red Lobster Fire Dance Show while exploring the market.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Accommodation
Visitor Guest House Jeju (or similar)
Day 8Jeju-si
Spend today getting a special inside look at the cultural side of Jeju. Start today with a tour of Seongeup Folk Village and learn about life of the people of old Jeju. Then we'll hike up the volcanic pathways to the top of Seongsan Sunrise Peak, an easy but rewarding hike. In the afternoon, we'll have the chance to witness the incredible haenyeo, women divers of Jeju. Watch these women, some even their 80's, dive to collect seafood and hold their breath for minutes at a time. Tonight, hit the town with your CEO and group for a Big Night Out! Enjoy a beer or your drink of choice! Karaoke, anyone?
Seongeup Folk Village
Enjoy a guided tour of the traditional Jeju culture through this living museum. Here you can see traditional homes, harubang (stone statutes), lava walls and the way the people of Old Jeju lived.
Seongsan Sunrise Peak Visit
Take a short hike to see one of the most beautiful views in all of Jeju Island. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Seongsan Ilchilbong was formed around 5000 years ago by an underwater volcanic eruption that created this unforgettable scenery. This beginner hike has a well maintained trail and is suitable for all fitness levels.
Hamdeok Beach
White sand and turquoise water. What better way to spend an afternoon? Choose to relax on the beach or take a short hike on the Olle Trail.
Haenyeo Women Divers Performance
Watch the amazing Haenyeo Performance and learn about the lives and traditions of Jeju's female divers. Watch as the haenyeo harvest seafood from the sea in live shows. Witness their incredible breath-holding techniques as they surface with abalone, conch, sea cucumbers and more. Afterwards, have a chance to interact with these amazing women, seeing their catch and maybe even purchasing their fresh seafood.
Your Big Night Out Moment: - Jeju
Head out with your group for a night out in downtown Jeju. Follow your CEO to the best spot and, if you choose to enjoy a drink, opt for a local beer or fresh juice to reminisce about all the life-changing adventures you've just shared with newfound friends (and add tonight to the list)! Hit some karaoke and sing your heart out!
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Yongduam Rock
After years of erosion from Jeju's sun, sea and wind, the Yongduam Rock appeared. One of Jeju's most popular spots, take some time to see this crazy volcanic rock formation on the coast of downtown Jeju.
Yongyeon Cloud Bridge
Walk across this suspension bridge connecting the two sides of the Yongyoen Valley. Enjoy the stroll during the day for a beautiful view of the coast and a temple. Wait until night for a perfect sunset sky or watch the bridge light up in the dark.
Accommodation
Visitor Guest House Jeju (or similar)
Day 9Jeju-si
On this last day in paradise, explore the island how you wish. Opt to visit the galleries of Bunker de Lumieres, race carts at 9.81 Park or relax on one of the many beaches. Our favorites are Geumneung Beach and Hyeopjae Beach. You can also opt to hike a portion of the Olle trail. Ask your CEO about getting to and from some of the best sections of this amazing trek.
Your Discover Moment: Free time in Jeju Island
There's plenty to see and do in Jeju, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax on the beach or try optional activities like visiting the Bunker De Lumieres, a Jeju City Tour, or hiking along the coast. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Bunker des Lumières
Bunker des Lumières is an immersive art exhibition located in an old bunker in Jeju. The exhibition uses advanced projection technology to display famous artworks on the walls, creating a mesmerizing and immersive experience. Visitors can walk through the bunker and be surrounded by vibrant, moving images of masterpieces, making it a unique and captivating cultural attraction. The exhibition often features rotating themes, providing new and exciting experiences with each visit.
Oreum Hiking
Hike along the island's volcanic hills, known as oreums. These small, dormant volcanic cones provide stunning views of Jeju's landscape. Popular oreums like Seongsan Ilchulbong and Darangshi Oreum are perfect for hiking, offering trails that range from easy to moderate difficulty. Many oreums also feature lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, making each hike a unique adventure.
Hike the Olle Trail
Spend your day hiking a portion of the Olle Trail. This 437 km loop around the edge of Jeju island offers amazing nature walks, cultural sites, waterfalls and spectacular views. Check with your CEO about getting to and from some of the best portions of the trail. Route 6 and 7 are considered some of the most popular. Hikes can be half day or full day, depending on the portion(s) chosen and are suitable for all fitness levels.
Accommodation
Visitor Guest House Jeju (or similar)
Day 10Jeju-si
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.