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18 TO 35S ESSENTIAL SOUTH KOREA

From £1,164pp | 9 days / 8 nights | South Korea

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OVERVIEW
18 to 35s Essential South Korea

Guided Small Group Adventures for 18 to Thirties

9 days / 8 nights | South Korea

Experience all the essential sights of South Korea on this nine-day journey through Seoul, Jeonju, Daegu, Busan and more. From the thriving pop culture to the natural oasis of gleaming gardens, you'll join a group of travellers looking to forge new connections. 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 along coastal beaches and hit the nightlife in your spare time (coin karaoke really brings people together). 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 K-pop dance moves or visiting the DMZ along the border of North Korea.

Tour Route Map
PRICE & INCLUSIONS
Guide Price
£1,164pp

* We negotiate new offers daily, from discounted flights, tours and vehicle hire, to free upgrades, added value and unique inclusions.

What's Included
  • included

    Hostel (Multi-share) (6 nights), Hanok (2 nights)

  • included

    2 dinners

  • excluded

    International Flights

ITINERARY
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Day 1 - Seoul
Eoseo oseyo! Welcome to South Korea. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Seoul – the vibrant capital of high-tech gadgetry, towering skyscrapers and scrumptious eats. If you arrive early, maybe explore this modern Asian metropolis at your own pace and discover how ancient traditions come together with the modern in one of Asia's great cities. You could also visit HiKR Ground, where you can experience media art and make your own music video. After you meet your trip leader and group members, you’ll head out on an orientation walk to get your bearings and note down some good nightlife spots for later. Then, grab dinner to get your first taste of some authentic Korean cuisine and get to know your group.

Day 2 - Seoul
This morning, visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace – a former royal palace established in 1395, which once served as the main palace for the Joseon dynasty. After, tour the 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, maybe try local dishes like hand cut noodles or bulgogi. You could also discover the K-beauty scene, where you can get skin checks, colour analysis and beauty treatments. Tonight, maybe head to some coin karaoke (where you pay 30 cents per song) and belt out a few favourites to get the night going.

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. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk to see the downtown area. You’ll also taste some dalgona (a honeycomb toffee known as Korean sugar candy) at a local store before a free afternoon. This evening, visit Nambu Market with your leader. Here, you can learn about the recent success of the youth startup program, which offers free rent to young business owners to save the market and keep the community thriving. Tonight, you’ll stay in a hanok (a traditional Korean house).

Day 4 - Jeonju
This morning, wander around the gorgeous architecture, galleries, shops and streets on a leader-led walk. After, you’ll visit the Jeonju Hanji and Crafts Center, where you’ll learn about the traditional Korean paper and how it has impacted the lifestyle of the locals. See hanji crafts, tools, ancient manuscripts and books on display, then try your hand at hanji making. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe wander the Jaman Art Village to see the colourful murals, walk along the Sinabro-gil Trail or take the chance to learn some new moves and sign up for a K-pop dance class. Later, sit down for an optional group dinner and maybe try some bibimbap (a rice bowl served with gochujang and various toppings like egg, vegetables and sliced meat).

Day 5 - Wanju/Daegu
Travel to Webongsansung this morning for a short walk 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 gallery is set among green mountains and gardens and was also used as a filming location for a music video. After exploring the traditional houses and gardens, continue your journey to Daegu. When you arrive, visit the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine to learn about traditional Korean practices and gain insights into Donguibogam – a UNESCO World Heritage record. Renowned for its collection of medicinal herbs, Daegu is a hub of traditional medicine. The evening is free, so maybe wander through Seomun Market, one of Daegu's most historic and bustling traditional markets, or visit Daegu Tower for panoramic views of the skyline and the surrounding mountains.

Day 6 - Busan
Get up early this morning and board a train to Busan – a large port city known for its spas, beaches and temples. When you arrive, visit the colourful labyrinth-like streets in the Gamcheon Culture Village. This area is known for its brightly coloured houses and is the perfect spot for a pic – so don’t forget your camera! Then, maybe spend your free afternoon learning some new skills at a calligraphy class or wander the shoreline of Haeundae Beach. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.

Day 7 - Busan
Today is a free day to explore everything Busan has to offer. Maybe head to the chic waterfront complex The Bay 101 and grab a drink in one of the open-air bars, take a taekwondo class or stroll through the Centum shopping complex to pick up some souvenirs. You could also spend the day relaxing in the hot springs at Spaland, known for having both traditional Korean-style baths and modern spa treatments. Tonight, maybe hop on the Haewoondae ferry and watch Busan light up as the sun goes down.

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 shipping containers to grow fresh produce in a busy city. Learn about their sustainability efforts and then carry on to Igidae Beach for a gentle coastline walk. When you’ve worked up an appetite, you might want to grab some lunch before heading back to Seoul on the train. When you arrive, you have a free afternoon. Maybe explore more of Seoul's districts you might have missed – with cafes, modern restaurants, parks and alleys, there’s no shortage of places to find! Why not keep the night going and head out to some bars to celebrate the end of your trip with some new friends?

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.

FLIGHTS
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Flights

As we can offer you such a flexible choice of flights, we don't include international airfares with our tour prices. The price you pay will be determined by the time of year you travel, your departure airport, airline and availability.

Your Trailfinders Travel Consultant will be able to find the best flights to suit you and your choice of tour.

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What visas (if any) will I need?

We will advise entry requirements for any destination/countries booked through Trailfinders and this will be shown on the ViewTrail app. For information and assistance with entry requirements and travel visas, our team of visa experts offer fast and friendly service. Take a look at our visa pages, email visas@trailfinders.com or call on 020 7368 1504 for more information.
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Where can I get government advice about travelling abroad?

For advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements, local laws, travel warnings and more, visit www.travelaware.campaign.gov.uk.
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What vaccinations will I need?

This depends on where you are heading. For all the latest information on health risks and vaccinations you require for your trip, visit the Travel Health Pro website. Trailfinders operates a travel clinic in Kensington London. Book your appointment on our website, email clinic@trailfinders.com or call us on 020 7938 3999.
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What different travel styles do you offer?

  • Travel Pass: Explore at your own pace, with unbeatable flexibility. Our travel passes are a fun and budget-friendly way to explore a destination!
  • Small Group: Travel with a small and sociable group of like-minded travellers, with an expert guide to take care of all the details so you can focus on the fun.
  • Group: Don’t fancy going it alone? Join a sociable group tour for young travellers. Led by knowledgeable local leaders, these tours give you the chance to meet new people, see new places and have exciting new experiences.
  • Local Add on: Bring a destination to life with our selection of exciting local experiences.
  • Hostel Pass: Whether you’re backpacking in Australia or interrailing in Europe, Trailfinders recommends using Hostelworld.com for your accommodation – it’s a fast and easy booking system with over 16,000 hostels in 180 countries to choose from.
  • Working Holiday: Forget ‘living like a local’ and actually become a local! Working abroad is by far the best way to really get to know a place, to make new friends and fund more travelling. We have arrival packs in Australia and New Zealand to get you started.
  • Gap Year: The ultimate post-uni or career break! Spend up to a year travelling, embarking on exciting new experiences, meeting new people, making new memories, and having the time of your life!
  • Mini Gap: Wanting to travel but can’t stretch your time or budget to a full gap year? Our selection of Mini Gap’s are just what you need!
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