Kick off your South Korea adventure in the vibrant capital city of Seoul. Meet your travel crew and enjoy some free time exploring the traditional Insadong Hanok Village, known for its charming alleyways and cultural treasures. In the evening, dive into Korea’s culinary culture with a feast of crispy fried chicken and an optional cold beer to toast the start of your journey as you get to know your group.

Accommodation: Ibis Insadong Hotel (or similar) | Seoul

Begin the day with a guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks, where you’ll have the chance to dress in traditional Hanbok attire for the full cultural experience. Afterward, explore Seongsu, a trendy neighborhood buzzing with unique cafes, shops, and local eats. In the evening, relax at Yeouido Hangang Park with a riverside picnic featuring convenience store ramen, tunes, and great vibes.

Accommodation: Ibis Insadong Hotel (or similar) | Seoul
Included Meals: Breakfast

Start your day with a journey to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a historic area separating North and South Korea. With an expert guide, explore the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and the Unification Village, gaining insight into the region’s history. Return to Seoul for a free evening to dive deeper into the city’s bustling nightlife or cultural landmarks.

Accommodation: Ibis Insadong Hotel (or similar) | Seoul
Included Meals: Breakfast

Hop on a high-speed train and journey to Busan, South Korea’s coastal gem. Known for its artistic vibe, colorful streets, and mouthwatering street food, Busan offers endless photo opportunities. Spend your evening exploring the city or unwind with your new mates – karaoke, anyone?

Accommodation: Felix by STX (or similar) | Busan
Included Meals: Breakfast

Discover the wonders of Busan, including Haeundae Beach, known for its stunning coastal walks and sweeping city views. K-drama fans can visit nearby filming locations for a dose of nostalgia. In the evening, take in the city from an optional private yacht tour complete with snacks, drinks, and epic tunes, showcasing Busan’s vibrant nightlife from the water.

Accommodation: Felix by STX (or similar) | Busan
Included Meals: Breakfast

Travel to Jeonju, a UNESCO-recognized city celebrated for its Hanok heritage. Explore sites featured in BTS music videos, sample candy made famous by “Squid Game”, and enjoy a traditional bibimbap lunch, possibly served by a robot! Spend the afternoon exploring the Jeonju Hanok Village, delving into Korean crafts and cuisine before settling into a charming local guesthouse for the night.

Accommodation: Hanok Guest House (or similar) | Jeonju
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Return to Seoul and settle into the trendy Hongdae district, famous for its edgy nightlife, hip shops, and eateries. Stop by the iconic Gangnam area to snap photos and soak in the energy before visiting a Buddhist temple for meditative art and tea-making. For sports enthusiasts, catch the excitement at one of South Korea’s famous baseball games.

Accommodation: Amanti Hotel (or similar) | Seoul
Included Meals: Breakfast

Embrace the K-Pop culture with an optional dance class and create your own music video at HIKR Ground. Spend your afternoon shopping for K-Beauty products and Korean cooking essentials. Cap off your trip with an unforgettable farewell dinner featuring Korean BBQ – a delicious and interactive way to say goodbye to South Korea.

Accommodation: Amanti Hotel (or similar) | Seoul
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Say goodbye to South Korea as your trip concludes after breakfast. With unforgettable memories, cultural experiences, and new friendships, it’s time to start planning your next adventure!

Included Meals: Breakfast

Supplier cancellation and refund policy:
Refunds will be processed according to the following time frames:

Cancellations between 1-7 days incur a 75% fee.

Between 8-21 days incur a 50% fee.

Between 22-59 days incur a 25% fee.

Cancellations 60 days and over you can transfer your deposit to another trip for free with FlexDeposit.

Please see our Terms and Conditions page for Happy Travels specific cancellation and refund policy.

Your visa requirements can change depending on your citizenship. Be sure to check official government website to check for visa requirements.

South Korea uses the South Korean Won (₩). Local currency is readily available through ATM’s, which will be available in most regions you travel to on this trip.

In South Korea, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type C and F are used. The standard voltage is 220 V at a frequency of 60 Hz.

South Korean culture and society is a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Ingrained within its rich culture is a deep sense of community and the utmost respect for elders. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Revealing clothing can be viewed as culturally insensitive off the beach. Shorts are generally fine (as long as they aren’t too short). In terms of behaviour, public displays of affection between men & women are considered shocking in some places.

Although cities like Seoul boast dynamic gay districts such as Jongno and Itaewon, public displays of affection, especially same sex, can attract stares and, in some situations, outright discrimination.

Smoking is common in South Korea. But it’s illegal to smoke in public places. There are specific smoking zones across the cities where smoking is permitted.

English isn’t widely used in South Korea, so a translation app can be quite helpful. And your Trip Manager or Local Guide can give you some tips on words you can try.

If your local service provider doesn’t have an international pack, you can buy a SIM card &/or handset at any mobile phone shop and some convenience stores. ‘Top up’ credit vouchers are available at most phone shops, local post offices or at the airport. Most areas have 4G coverage, but major cities will have 5G.

South Korean trips with Contiki operate from March to November. Usually, Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November) are considered the best times to visit because of the pleasant weather.

Tipping isn’t customary in South Korea (and can sometimes be considered rude!). So, please check with your Trip Manager or Local Guide if you’re unsure whether a tip would be appropriate or not. You’re welcome to tip your Contiki Team if you love their service too!

Yep, public transport is excellent in South Korea. And if you’re planning to explore the city in your free time, it’s best done via metro and bus (since taxis are quite expensive!). You can purchase a T-Money travel card at the airport or convenience stores in Seoul. These cards can be used on the bus or train and can be topped up as often as needed. Your Trip Manager can assist with pointing out locations near the start hotel to purchase a T Money travel card if needed.

You can bring one bag or suitcase of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”), with a max weight of 20kg (44lbs). Please note you’ll be responsible for getting your own luggage on and off the coach and train from Seoul to Busan.

The trip officially finishes at 9am on Day 9 at the Amanti Hotel Hongdae. So, you can book flights home at any time in the afternoon. The Amanti Hotel in Hongdae is approximately 45 kms from Incheon Airport and takes approximately 60 mins to reach via bus.

Absolutely! This tour is perfect for solo travellers, with group activities that are great for meeting new people. You’ll be travelling with a diverse group of fellow adventurers, making it easy to socialize and bond during the trip.

Group sizes stay fairly small on this trip – as low as 12 or up to 30 travellers max.

Detour trips offer a different type of experience and max out at 16 people led by a local host.

Included in the cost are essential travel elements such as accommodation, transport, and meals (breakfast is typically offered daily, along with selected authentic meals). Included Experiences feature must-see attractions and activities. You’ll also benefit from expert Contiki staff support throughout the trip. Special requests, such as birthdays or proposals, can often be accommodated with prior communication.

Contiki trips offer a great degree of flexibility so certain elements are not included in the base price. Flights to and from the trip’s starting and ending points must be arranged separately. Some experiences and activities require additional costs and are available as Free Time Add-Ons. Meals outside of included options and travel insurance are also not covered.

The Trip Manager is responsible for organising the trip and providing essential information, fun facts, and local food recommendations. They ensure the trip runs smoothly, addressing any concerns or issues. The Trip Manager also offers cultural and historical insights, delivering informal talks when relevant.

Contiki are leaders in organised youth travel, offering incredible travel experiences for young people between 18 and 35 years old since 1962. With over 60 years of expertise, Contiki specialises in creating memorable, social, and immersive journeys. The brand focuses on two core values: “Make Every Moment Count” and “We’re About People”. The “Travel Together” philosophy embodies the spirit of shared travel experiences, connecting people with destinations, cultures, and the environment in meaningful ways.

Contiki tailors travel experiences specifically for 18-35-year-olds, ensuring fun, dynamic itineraries that bring together like-minded people. This age range fosters connections that feel instant, creating a social travel environment that blends adventure and new friendships.

Contiki revolutionises hassle-free travel. From solo adventurers to groups, every trip is meticulously planned, ensuring that every detail, from accommodation to transport, is taken care of. This allows travellers to enjoy stress-free experiences, while adding personalised activities during their free time. Each journey is led by an expert Trip Manager who provides hands-on support, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Contiki is committed to sustainable travel practices, working towards a low-carbon future with its four-point Climate Action Plan. Since 2022, all Contiki trips are carbon natural, contributing to environmental sustainability. The company is on a journey to Net Zero, prioritizing carbon reductions and supporting environmentally conscious travel.

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all Contiki tours, covering cancellation, medical expenses, personal injury, loss of property, and adventure activities. It’s essential to ensure the policy covers all the activities included in the trip.

World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.

We endorse the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that all travellers take out travel insurance. If you already have Travel Insurance please understand that it is your responsibility to ensure that your Travel Insurance covers you for all of the adventure style travel you have booked with us.