Korea Winter Tour

Day 1: Seoul  

Your Korea Winter Tour starts today! You’ll meet your group and Adventure Leader at 5pm today, where you’ll have a trip briefing. They’ll tell you everything about the adventures that lie in store, as well as providing you with advice on adapting to local culture and staying safe whilst travelling. After this, you and your group will head out for a welcome meal to give you some time to get to know your fellow travellers!

You’ll then head up to a Seoul tourist hotspot – Namsan Mountain! Take the cable car up to the top for an incredible skyline, and if you need some more height you’ve got the option to head up the N Tower.  

Day 2: Seoul 

You’re up bright and early this morning, ready to head to the magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace. Every morning, it’s the site of the Royal Changing of the Guard, which is an unmissable watch! We’ll take you inside to take a peek at the beautiful site, and if you’re so inclined you have the option to rent a hanbok. This is a traditional Korean outfit, and makes for some beautiful photographs against the backdrop of the Palace! 

Once we’re finished there, we’re heading to the Bukchon Hanok Village. Here, you’ll have time to get some lunch before you explore the winding streets of the area on foot. After that, we’re off to Insadong Art Street! This lively spot is a photographer’s dream, as it’s filled with colour and art.  

If you’d like, this evening you can join us for karaoke! After all, what better way is there to bond with your group?  

Day 3: Seoul  

Today, you’re heading to the DMZ to get an unmissable experience learning more about Korean history. While you’re there, you’ll visit the Dora Observatory where you can see the nearest North Korean villages through binoculars. After that, you’ll descend into the tunnels created by North Koreans, which take you within 200m of North Korea. You’ll also get a unique opportunity to take part in a Q&A session with a North Korean defector, where you’ll get the chance to learn more about their unique perspective. 

We’ll be back in the mid-afternoon, where you’ll have a free afternoon to explore the Insadong area. If you’re keen to write to family, why not seize the chance to buy a postcard and send it home?  

This evening, you can join us for a Nanta Show if you’d like. This high-energy Korean performance is funny, fast-paced, and makes for a great evening out. Then, why not finish the night by grabbing dinner and drinks in the Myeongdong area? 

Day 4: Nami Island 

This morning, we’ll transfer you by private car to Gapyeong, where you’ll board the ferry to Nami Island. You’ll spend some time exploring the amazing island at your own leisure, with time for you to grab yourself some lunch.  

Once you’re back on-shore, you’ll transfer to your next accommodation – a campsite! You’ll stay in some luxurious-style caravan accommodation tonight, which comes complete with its own private onsen. We’ll get you settled in, then you’ll spend an evening playing games and eating a BBQ dinner with your fellow travellers.  

Day 5: Vivaldi Ski Resort  

After breakfast at the campsite today, you’re off to the next stop on your Korea Winter Tour – the Vivaldi Ski Resort! You’ll arrive by private car, in time to get yourself unpacked and settled. Then, if you’re a newbie to skiing, you can opt to take an introductory lesson where you can get to grips with the basics.  

You’ve got a ski lift pass and clothing rental included – which means no need to bulk up your backpack! Spend the day on the snowy slopes, zooming around with your fellow travellers.  

Day 6: Vivaldi & Gyeongju  

This morning is a free morning, so you can make the most out of any remaining time out on the snow. In the early afternoon, we’ll head back to Seoul, ready to jump on a train to Gyeongju in the late afternoon. You’ll check in to your new accommodation tonight – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime stay in a traditional Korean hanok!  

Day 7: Gyeongju 

While the choice is yours, this morning you may want to take a visit to the Bulguksa Temple. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.  

Once you’re back in Gyeongju, you can opt to join your group for lunch before you head off on a walking tour of the area. You’ll explore the Chunmachong Ancient Tombs at Daereungwon Tumuli Park, before you visit Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia. 

For a touch of tradition, this afternoon you can choose to join your group for tea at a 300-year-old Korean hanok, or join them for a traditional Korean dinner. You’ll also get the chance to visit the beautiful Anapji Pond, before your final unmissable experience of the day. You’ll head to a traditional liquor tasting – so it’s a good job that it’s at the end of the day! 

Day 8: Busan 

You’re off to your final stop on the Korea Winter Tour today – Busan! Take the fast train, arriving just in time to jump on a private bus, ready to head to Gamcheon Village. This vibrant, colourful district is picture-perfect, and thanks to its stacked hillside streets has earned itself the name ‘the Machu Picchu of Busan’!  

Back in central Busan, you’ll have some time to seek out lunch before you explore the trendy BIFF Square and Jagalchi Market. We’ll then take you to the beautiful shoreline of Busan, where you’ll get the best views of the ocean on board the Songdo Marine Cable Car!  

This evening is yours to explore Busan on your own time, with the option of joining your group for dinner.  

Day 9: Busan  

You’re up early this morning, ready to depart for the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. It’s one of the rare temples that you’ll find in Korea not set high-up in the hills, as it sits perched on the dramatic rocky shoreline. After some time exploring here, you’ve got some options for some more free time in Busan. If you’d like, you can pay a visit to Centum Spaland, which is a traditional Korean jimjilbang (bathhouse).

Once you’ve finished relaxing, you’ll meet your group for a farewell dinner, where you can toast to a trip with all kinds of memories made!  

Day 10: Busan & Seoul 

Today sadly marks the end of your Korea Winter Tour. You’ll take the KTX high-speed train back from Busan to Seoul, ready to head home.  

Experiences included in your Korea Winter Tour:

A cable car ride to the top of Namsan Mountain, where you’ll get incredible views of the entire Seoul skyline.

A visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you’ll see the Royal Changing of the Guard ceremony.

A half-day trip to the DMZ, where you’ll visit the tunnels, Dora Observatory, and have a Q&A session with a North Korean defector.

A trip to explore the stunning Nami Island, a magnificent island known as a natural wonderland, and a romantic winter destination.

An unmissable skiing experience at the Vivaldi Ski Resort, with a lift pass and ski/clothing hire included.

A walking tour of the fascinating traditional centre of Gyeongju, complete with visits to the Chunmachong Ancient Tombs and Cheomseongdae.

A traditional liquor tasting experience, where you’ll try the finest that Gyeongju has to offer.

A tour around the Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its colourful facades and nicknamed ‘the Machu Picchu of Busan’.

A trip high above the Busan coastline in the Songdo Marine Cable Car, where you’ll see the cityscape in one direction, and the endless ocean in the other.

A visit to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of Korea’s only coastal temples.