10 days Seoul to Jeju Island
10 day South Korea Premium Tour
Explore South Korea in style on our 10 day Premium Tour. Discover this country that is an irresistible fusion of natural beauty, culture and gastronomic delight!
Take in some of Asia’s most buzzing cities, mountainous tranquility and an idyllic island on this varied 10 day tour of a nation that is emerging as a cultural powerhouse! Your adventure leader will help reveal the magic of this country with a whole series of hands-on experiences. From a temple stay in the mountains, a K-Pop experience to visiting the DMZ and peering into the hermit kingdom of North Korea – this tour packs a real punch. Plus there’s plenty of opportunities to sample the rich variety of Korean cuisine.
What's included
Accommodation
Boutique hotels, luxury hotels & a temple stay
Adventure Leader
Epic Adventure Leaders
Local transport
All transport from Seoul to Jeju Island
Activities
Tonnes of activities included
Optional activities can be added.
Read more
Itinerary & map
Day 1-3: Seoul
Explore the capital city - check out hipster districts, marvel at the metropolis from the N Tower, admire the comic artistry of a Nanta Show, wander around Royal Palaces and have a K Pop Experience.


Day 3: DMZ
Gaze into the hermit kingdom of North Korea and discover more about the history of this divided peninsula. See the tunnels built to invade the South and chat to a defector about the experiences there.


Day 4-5: Gogulsa Temple and Gyeongju
Take a couple of days away from it all with a slice of zen in the mountains. Get involved in temple life and learn how to meditate, shoot an arrow and enjoy the simple life amidst this spectacular setting! Plus a cycling tour around the ancient attractions of Gyeongju.


Day 6-8: Busan
Enjoy this ocean-side gem with a Korean cooking class, beachside BBQ and time by the beaches. What's more- we'll check out a Korean spa, sample delicious street food and check out the famous fish market!


Day 9-10: Jeju Island
Enjoy an epic hike along the Olle Trail checking out waterfalls, volcanic cliffs and canola fields. Spend time by the ocean and be awed by the Haenyeo Divers experience where Korean women catch fish with a knife in their teeth.
Itinerary Notice:
For the trip departing Sunday 1st October 2023, please note that due to the National Foundation Day public holiday in South Korea, the DMZ is closed on October 3rd. As this intersects with our itinerary, please see the below adjustments:
The tour will stay in Seoul for 2 nights first (instead of 3 consecutive nights), and then continue the tour with Gyeongju on Day 3 (instead of Day 4 of the original itinerary).
The tour will fly from Jeju to Seoul on Day 9 (instead of original Day 10), to complete the third overnight stay at Seoul at the end of the tour. The DMZ tour will be on Day 10 (instead of the original Day 3) after which the trip will finish. Accommodation is not included after Day 10.
South Korea Premium Tour
Day 1: Seoul – City Views
Welcome to Korea! Today, you’ll start your journey of discovery with a group dinner (included in price), where you’ll sample your first tastes of the delights of the Korean cuisine. It’s then time to enjoy a striking city-scape, with a mesmorizing panorama of the metropolis below from top Seoul’s N Tower. Gaze down at the city you will be enjoying over the next few days.
Day 2: Seoul – Zen to Gangnam Style
Start the day with a slice of zen as you stroll along the Cheonggyecheon stream. Once you’ve suitably relaxed, stroll over to Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Step further back into time and try on a Hanbok at the Bukchon Hanok village before a delicious local lunch.
This evening, it’s time to step right into the beating heart of Korea’s K-Pop scene with a night of karaoke.
Day 3: DMZ – Peer into North Korea
Today, you have a chance to understand the tragic history of this divided peninsula, with a trip to the border with North Korea – the DMZ. Visit the observatory, look into the hermit kingdom, and see the tunnels underneath built by the North to invade the South. Learn more about the social history with a chat to a defector from the North.
After taking on board a weighty morning, relax while you stroll around Hongdae, a popular area for urban art amongst the young locals with street musicians, artists, shops, unique cafes and restaurants.
This evening, get ready to visit one of Seoul’s most vibrant districts: Myeongdong. Marvel at the acrobatic and comedic majesty of the Nanta Show, before we take you to some of our favourite bars in the city!
Day 4: Gyeongju – Ancient Wonder
Start your day with a meditation in the mountains, before enjoying a breakfast with a Buddhist monk and some refreshing tea. It’s then time to try your hand at archery before bidding farewell to the tranquility of temple life.
Next, you’ll head over to the treasure trove of Gyeongju, filled with incredible ancient sites. Cycle around the charming city, with opportunities to stop in at ancient tombs and forests. Sip a cup of tea while you hear more about the history at a 300 year old ancient tea house.
This evening, get ready for a dining experience like no other. You’ll have a traditional set meal in a hanok, before marvelling at the stunning night-time views at Anapji Pond. Sample some traditional liquor as the final touch to the evening.
Day 5: Golgulsa – Temple Life
Head out of the city towards the gorgeous Golgulsa Temple, and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. Whilst here, experience a different side of Korean culture. We’ll immerse ourselves in the temple life as we hike around the lovely scenery in the morning.
After lunch, test your aim in archery class, and watch the martial art of Sunmudo – and try it out for yourself! You’ll end the day with traditional dinner, plus a chanting and meditation session.
Day 6: Busan – A Taste of Food and A View from the Top
You’ve enjoyed the food – so why not try your hand at creating it yourself? Today, you’ll take part in a Korean cooking class. Discover the art of Korean cuisine with an experienced local chef, and then sample some local rice wine. Then, immerse yourself into the Gamcheon village, a place with colourful houses built on slopes and layered streets. Take the Songdo Marine Cable Car for sky-high views of the city and ocean!
For dinner, we will be at the BIFF Square, where you can check out the handprints of your favourite Korean film stars. If you’d like to rest up after, you can – or enjoy drinks at Haeundae.
Day 7: Busan – Seafood, swims and soju
Kick off today with a trip to one of the most beautiful temples by the shore in Korea – Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Enjoy your free time in the afternoon by relaxing at a Jjimjilbang, known as a Korean spa – or, you can enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Take a swim in the ocean, relax by the beach and sample some of the Busan style hotteoks. These fried pancakes are a local speciality!
Tonight, we will have an evening boat party, and our guide will take you out in Haeundae for a fun-filled experience, complete with drinks and dinner.
Day 8: Jeju – Diving and Sundowners
Fly over to Jeju Island for our final stop on our Korea premium tour. Take some time to enjoy the natural splendours of the surroundings too – Jeju is known as the “Hawaii of Korea”, and it’s easy to see why! Grab a sundowner as you look out over at the majesty of the volcanic peaks, which jut out above the ocean. We include a truly magical experience with yacht sailing and fishing out in the ocean!
Then, you’ll get a free afternoon where you can head over to the Olle Market for some seafood, a swim at the Jungmu Beach, or water activities. You might want to visit the stunning Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, or stroll along the Maritime Park and Saeyeongyo Bridge.
This evening, we’ll enjoy some drinks by a cliff, watching the sun set.
Day 9: Jeju – Waterfalls, Volcanoes and Beach BBQ
Start your day with a hike to the top of Seongsan Ilchubong. Also known as Sunrise Peak, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was formed over 5000 years ago! Next, embark on a hike along the Jeju Olle Trail, taking in spectacular views and waterfalls. We’ll stop for a revitalising lunch before hiking onto Oedolgae Rock, with vistas of volcanic cliffs and yellow fields of canola.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to chill on the beach. If you’re not a fan of sand, you can admire the tranquil scenery as you head your way to view the crater in Sangumburi, or visit the Jeju Folk Village.
Our last night is a BBQ party at a local restaurant. You’ll get sunset drinks, amazing seafood, and a chance to reflect on an awesome Korean experience.
Day 10: Jeju Island
Your Korea premium tour comes to an end today. You’ll catch a flight back to Seoul which is included in the trip – or, if you want, extend your stay on the stunning island of Jeju!
What you will experience


K Pop Karaoke experience
Try your hand at singing some K Pop hits in the heart of one of the city’s most iconic districts.


Jeju Island Hiking
Ascend Sunrise Peak and enjoy the spectacular views of Jeju with all its volcanic beauty.


Korean Cooking Class
The gastronomy on this trip is a constant joy- learn how to make your own delicious Korean food with a tutorial with a master chef!
Gangnam Karaoke experience
Try your hand at singing some K Pop hits in the heart of one of the city’s most iconic districts.
Soju sampling
Discover the joys of the delicious local spirt: soju.
Spa experience
Relax in a jimjilbang and take advantage of the myriad of spas, pools and relaxing areas.
DMZ Visit
Peer into the hermit kingdom, meet a defector and learn more about the history of this divided peninsula with a trip to the edge of the unknown.
Nanta Show
Experience the full slapstick, comedic majesty of this Nanta Show.
Temple Stay
Immerse yourself in temple life with Sunmudo, archery, horse-riding and meditation with the monks.
Yacht Sailing and Fishing
Relax on the ocean and enjoy the views from the sea as you experience a slice of Jeju’s culture.
Jeju Hiking
Ascend Sunrise Peak and enjoy the spectacular views of Jeju with all its volcanic beauty.
Beach BBQ
One of many foodie experiences – enjoy some delicious BBQ on the beach – great food, sundowners and ocean views.
Korean cooking class
Learn from an expert chef- the art of cooking delicious Korean food.
Where you will stay


L7 Myeongdong
Take in the urban chic of Seoul in this boutique, hipster hotel located in the heart of one of trendiest districts of this buzzing metropolis!


Temple Stay
Take in a truly unique sleeping experience as we stay in a temple ensconced in the mountains – immerse yourself in the tranquility of temple life!


Lareem Boutique Hotel
Pop down to the beach or grab a refreshing cocktail in the gardens as you take in delights of Jeju Island.
Photos
Our South Korea premium tour price includes the following features:
- Bilingual Adventure Leaders
- Transport within South Korea
- Accommodation based on twin occupancy (including boutique hotels, luxury hotel and a temple stay)
- All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
Check out our included activities for this South Korea premium tour below:
- Group Dinner on first night
- Seoul N Tower
- Yoga in a traditional house
- Gyeongbokgung Palace- Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
- See the Blue House
- Lunch at Tonjin Traditional Market
- Soju Sampling experience
- Karaoke Night in Gangnam
- DMZ experience including meeting a defector and Dora Observatory
- Nanta Show
- Horse riding
- Sunmudo Demonstration
- Meditation session
- Tea with a Buddhist monk
- Archery lesson
- Tea in an ancient tea house
- Hanok set lunch
- Anapji Pond
- Songdo Marine Cable Car
- Jagalchi Fish Market
- Centum Spa Land
- Haenyeo Divers experience
- Jeju Olle Trail
- Liqueur making experience
- Beach side BBQ
We do not include International flights. Breakfasts, 2 dinners and 2 lunches are included but the rest of the meals are not included although we can help with booking places to eat.
Flights
This tour includes a flight back to Seoul so you can book return flights from Seoul or if you fancy staying on the idyllic island of Jeju then let us know!
Room upgrades & additional nights
The price of a single room upgrade for the trip is £730.
We can arrange additional nights accommodation in Seoul or Jeju Island if you plan on arriving early or staying on at the end of your trip. Please email info@thedragontrip.com for prices.
Combine South Korea with Japan
Want to take your adventure further? Start your trip in Tokyo, take our full Japan tour and then fly from Osaka to Seoul to enjoy our South Korean tour! We can then include both tour costs, extra accommodation and connecting flights. Contact us for further information.
A deposit is required to make a reservation on our South Korea premium tour, with the balance due 70 days prior to departure (unless booking with one of our promotions, for which specific balance due dates may apply).
The deposit is 10% of the group tour price (unless stated otherwise). If you book on to our South Korea tours less than 70 days prior to departure, the full balance will be due within 3 days of booking.
No bookings can be accepted within 40 days of a trip departure date.
Visit our FAQs page. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us.