Why book the Exploring South Korea tour?
This 12-day shoestring tour from Seoul to Jeju Island is one of the most comprehensive ways to experience South Korea beyond Seoul. In 12 days you take a Taekwondo class, ride Namsan Mountain cable car, visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in hanbok, go to the DMZ including the 3rd Tunnel (170m from North Korea), take a K-pop dance class, hike Seoraksan National Park, take the Gatbae boat to Abai village, do an overnight temple stay at Golgulsa, cycle around Gyeongju's ancient tombs and Cheomseongdae observatory, take the bullet train to Busan, visit Gamcheon Village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, fly to Jeju Island, hike to the UNESCO Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), and finish with a farewell BBQ dinner and a yacht trip. Group departures run in spring and autumn with a maximum of 18.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to South Korea?
Yes. Seoul, the DMZ, Gyeongju (Korea's ancient capital), Busan and Jeju together give you a complete picture of the country: modern and ancient, serious and playful, coastal and highland. The tour leader handles all logistics, including the domestic flight from Busan to Jeju.
What is the best time of year to do this tour?
Scheduled departures run in spring and autumn. Spring (April-May) brings cherry blossoms and mild temperatures. Autumn (September-November) offers crisp clear days, colourful foliage on Seoraksan, and comfortable trekking conditions. Both are excellent. Summer is hot and humid. Winter is cold but visually dramatic.
Who is this tour aimed at?
The tour notes set a minimum age of 16 and a maximum age of 55. This is an active, backpacking-style tour with a lot of walking and physical activity. It is aimed at younger, energetic travellers who want a social group adventure rather than a sedate sightseeing tour.
Why does this tour cost what it does?
We get it, Korea can be explored independently. But consider what's included: an English-speaking tour leader throughout, hostels, hotels and a temple stay, all internal transport including bus and train tickets and a domestic flight from Busan to Jeju, a Taekwondo class, a K-pop dance class, cable car on Namsan Mountain, DMZ visit, Gyeongju cycling tour, Seoraksan National Park, Gamcheon Village, Songdo Marine Cable Car, Seongsan Ilchulbong hike, a yacht trip on Jeju, and two group meals (temple dinner and breakfast, plus a farewell BBQ).
What is actually included in the price?
English-speaking tour leaders, all internal transport (bus and train tickets), accommodation (hostels, hotels and temple), domestic flight from Busan to Jeju Island, 4 simple breakfasts in Seoul hostel, Golgulsa Temple Buddhist dinner and breakfast, Jeju Island BBQ dinner, and entry, transport and escort to activities listed (Taekwondo class, cable car, DMZ, K-pop class, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoraksan, Sokcho Gatbae boat, Gyeongju cycling tour, Gamcheon Village, Songdo Marine Cable Car, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Jeju Olle Trail trek, Seongsan Ilchulbong hike, sailing yacht trip).
What is NOT included and how much extra should I budget?
International flights, travel insurance, airport arrival and departure transfers, most meals, activities and entrances not listed, drinks, snacks, tips, optional extras (baseball match, pub crawl, Jjimjilbang spa, Noraebang karaoke, cable car on Seoraksan, glass-bottomed cable car at Songdo). Budget for meals at around 3-4 per day on your own.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Reserve your place with a deposit and pay the balance 8 weeks before departure.
How physically demanding is this tour?
Active and physical. The tour notes describe it explicitly as an active, backpacking-style tour with a lot of walking. Day 4 involves several hours hiking at Seoraksan National Park. Day 10 includes a hike to the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong on Jeju. The Taekwondo class and K-pop dance class are active. There is a minimum age of 16 and a maximum age of 55. Comfortable with sustained walking and occasional strenuous hikes is the right fitness baseline.
What if I have mobility issues?
This tour involves significant walking and active participation. It is not suitable for those with significant mobility limitations. Contact us if you have specific concerns.
What is the temple stay like physically?
The overnight temple stay at Golgulsa involves following the monks' schedule: meditation, communal work, Sunmudo training (a Korean martial art), and sleeping on the floor on blankets. It is not physically demanding, but sleeping on the floor may be uncomfortable for those with back issues.
Is South Korea safe to visit?
South Korea is one of Asia's safest countries for tourists. Crime rates in tourist areas are very low. The DMZ visit is a managed, escorted experience on the South Korean side.
Is it safe for women travelling solo?
Yes. South Korea is widely considered one of the safest countries in Asia for solo women. The group format also means you travel with a tour leader and fellow travellers throughout.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
South Korea has excellent medical facilities. The tour leader will help arrange medical assistance. Travel insurance with medical cover is compulsory.
What is the accommodation actually like?
A mix of hostels, hotels and a temple. In Seoul you stay at Step Inn Myeongdong 1 or similar, a well-located modern hostel. In Sokcho, Haru Guesthouse or similar. In Gyeongju, Blueboat Hostel or similar. In Busan, Busan Blueboat Hostel or similar at Haeundae. On Jeju Island, Shinshin Hotel or similar. The Golgulsa Temple stay is on the floor of a traditional temple.
What is the Golgulsa Temple stay like?
Golgulsa is a Buddhist temple near Gyeongju. You follow the monks' daily schedule, including meditation, communal work, Sunmudo martial arts training, chanting and a vegetarian dinner. Accommodation is sleeping on the floor with blankets, sheets and pillows provided. It is an authentic, immersive experience, not a luxury one.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
Hostels and hotels throughout the tour have Wi-Fi. The temple stay at Golgulsa has no Wi-Fi.
Can I upgrade accommodation?
Private departure bookings can include upgraded accommodation options. Contact us to discuss.
What kind of food will we eat?
Korean cuisine is vibrant and distinct. The included BBQ dinner on Jeju is classic Korean-style, with meats grilled at the table. The Golgulsa temple meals are simple Buddhist vegetarian food (vegetables, rice, fruit). Beyond included meals you will eat independently, and Korea is excellent for street food: Gamcheon Village for local snacks, Manseok fried chicken in Sokcho, Busan hotteok from street vendors, and the temple town of Gyeongju for traditional Korean set meals at Dosol Maeul restaurant.
Can you cater for vegetarian
vegan
Is it safe to drink the water?
Tap water in South Korea is safe to drink, as it meets high municipal standards. Still, most locals drink filtered or bottled water. A refillable bottle is recommended.
Is this trip good for solo travellers?
Yes, this is one of our best tours for solo travellers. The backpacking format, age range (16-55), and social activities (K-pop dance class, temple stay, farewell BBQ, optional Noraebang karaoke nights) create a very social atmosphere.
Do I have to share a room?
Hostels on this tour offer dorm and private room options depending on the property. The temple stay is communal. Contact us if you need more specific information on room types at each stop.
What is the group size and who else will be on the trip?
Minimum 4, maximum 18. Shoestring tours attract a young, international mix, primarily from the UK, Europe, Australia and North America, in the 16-35 age range.
Can I book this as a private tour?
Yes, private departures on different dates can be arranged.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
The minimum age is 16. Children aged 15 or under may be accepted in some circumstances. Contact us for family-specific advice.
Do I need a visa for South Korea?
Most Western nationalities, including US, UK, Australian and EU citizens, do not need a visa for South Korea for stays under 90 days. Check current requirements on the official Korean Immigration Service website.
What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes and at least one pair of hiking boots or trail shoes for Seoraksan and Jeju. Layers for variable weather (spring and autumn can range from 10-25 degrees C). Modest clothing for the temple stay. A small day pack. South Korea uses Type C and F plugs at 220V.
Are any vaccinations required?
No vaccinations are specifically required for South Korea. Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. Consult your GP.
Do I need to book international flights through you?
No. You fly into Incheon International Airport in Seoul. Note that airport arrival and departure transfers are NOT included in this tour. The tour ends on Jeju Island, and if returning to Seoul for your flight home, allow time for the domestic flight from Jeju to Gimpo Airport and the 35-minute metro to Incheon.
What about tipping?
Tipping is not part of Korean culture and is generally not expected. However, it is acceptable to tip the tour leader.
Can I do the K-pop dance class?
Yes, it is included in the itinerary on Day 3 in Seoul.
Can I do the Jjimjilbang (Korean spa experience)?
Yes. A Jjimjilbang visit (sauna, cold rooms, jacuzzis) is available as an optional activity on Day 8 in Busan, typically at Centum Spa Land. The tour leader will brief the group on etiquette, dress code and payment beforehand.
Can I take the Seoraksan cable car?
Yes. A cable car up one of the peaks at Seoraksan National Park is available on Day 4 as an optional extra.
Can I add extra nights in Seoul or Jeju?
Yes. Additional nights in Seoul or Jeju can be booked as extensions.
How far ahead should I book?
Spring and autumn departures fill up. Booking 2-4 months ahead is advisable for peak season departures.
How does booking work?
Complete the online reservation form on the Dates & Prices page. Pay a deposit, hold a reservation, or pay in full. The balance is due 8 weeks before departure.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation. World Nomads is our recommended provider.
What is your cancellation policy?
A sliding-scale cancellation fee applies. Full terms are in the booking conditions on our website. We are UK-registered and financial protection is provided through Trust My Travel.
What if my preferred dates are sold out?
Contact us about alternative spring or autumn dates. Related tours include Nepal Express (6 days) and India Express (5 days) if you are looking for other compact Asian adventures.
