South Korea Family Tour 

Day 1: Welcome to Seoul 

It’s time for your South Korea family tour to get underway! Once you’ve checked in to your hotel, you’ll meet your Adventure Leader for a welcome meeting and trip briefing. You’ll learn about the fun that lies in store for you, along with some key information on adjusting to life in South Korea. After this, you’ll head off to your first unmissable activity – a taekwondo class! You’ll work up an appetite learning the basics, and then return to your hotel.  

This evening, you have the opportunity to join your group for a dinner, or you can explore the area yourself. However, after this, you’ll all head to the Namsan Cable Car station and take a ride up to the Tower Observatory. From here, you can get spectacular views of the Seoul skyline at night.  

Day 2: Seoul  

This morning, you’ll jump on public transport to head to your first stop of the day, Gyeongbok Palace. At 10am, you’ll watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, before you head to the hanbok  rental store. You’ll have the option here of renting some traditional Korean clothing before you enter the palace. Take some time to explore the palace and grounds – it’s well worth the visit!  

For lunch, your Adventure Leader is taking you to an amazing spot in the city – Bukchon Hanok Village. This village is filled with traditional Korean houses (hanoks), and you’ll have some time to explore the quaint streets before you head off. Next, you’re visiting Insadong. This area offers a slice of traditional Korean culture, and you’ve got some time to explore. You can visit antique shops, traditional tea houses, or head into the handcraft shops for some unique souvenirs. 

Tonight, you’re heading to a Nanta show! This non-verbal comedy show uses music to tell a funny story about four chefs who are tasked with preparing a wedding banquet in an hour. After this, you’ll have some free time to explore Myeongdong by night. 

Day 3: Seoul 

Today, you’ve got a free day to explore in Seoul – but feel free to ask your Adventure Leader for recommendations. You might take in more of the city, take a day tour to Nami Island, or visit Lotte World!  

Day 4: Jeonju 

It’s time to head to the next base on your South Korea family tour – Jeonju! You’ll transfer via high-speed train (KTX), arriving in Jeonju late morning. Head over to the gorgeous Hanok Village, drop your luggage, and then head off to another unmissable activity. You’re taking part in a Bibimbap cooking class, where you’ll learn how to make this traditional dish in a city famed for it. Bibimbap literally translates to “mixed rice”, and consists of rice topped with sauteed veg, kimchi, meat and egg.  

After this, you’ll have some time to explore the streets of Jeonju’s Hanok Village. There are lots of stores, snacks, and cafés hidden throughout – try and find your favourite! 

This evening, check into your accommodation – a traditional hanok stay. You’ll be overnight in one of the beautiful traditional Korean houses. You’ve then got some time to explore the area yourself at your own leisure.  

Day 5: Gyeongju 

This morning, you’re off to Gyeongju via an express bus. After you’ve dropped your luggage at your next hotel, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the city centre, telling you about the history of the area. Among other places, you’ll visit the Chunmachong Ancient Tombs, Daerungwon Tumuli Park, and Cheomseongdae. The latter is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia! You’ll also pay a visit to a 300-year old hanok for a tea tasting.  

A traditional Korean meal lies in wait for you this evening, before you head off for one last view of the day. Head to Donggung Palace for the amazing night views of Anapji Pond. Then rest up after a busy day!  

Day 6: Gyeongju & Golgulsa  

You have a free morning to explore Gyeongju! Your guide can give you some tips here, particularly if you’re interested in seeing the UNESCO Bulguksa Temple, or the Woljeonggyo Bridge.  

In the early afternoon, you’ll jump on a private shuttle bus bound for Golgulsa Temple. This will your accommodation tonight, and you’ll sleep like the monks do! Once you’ve arrived, your plans will follow the temple’s schedule for the day. However, you’ll have an orientation complete with etiquette tips, a meditation, some time for communal work, and sunmudo training. You’ll then have a traditional vegetarian Buddhist dinner before retiring to bed.  

Day 7: Golgulsa & Busan 

Rise and shine! An early start this morning sees you waking for a morning meditation and Buddhist chanting session. You’ll have a final traditional Buddhist breakfast in the temple this morning, and then you’re taking the KTX to your final destination, Busan.  

Arrive in time to take a late morning trip to Gamcheon Village, where you’ll have some free time to explore the cultural area and grab some lunch. This afternoon, we’re taking you to Songdo Beach, where you’ll take the marine cable car for some spectacular views. After, head to the Jagalchi Fish Market and then onto the trendy BIFF Square area. Here, you’ll be able to take part in some shopping and try the local delicacy, Busan-style hotteok. Transfer to your hotel, and then enjoy a free evening in Busan.  

Day 8: Busan 

This morning, start your day with a visit to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Considered Korea’s most beautiful temple, it takes a rare pride of place sitting along the coastline, while most temples are in the mountains.  

In the afternoon, you can chill out on Gwangalli beach. Take your time relaxing on the sand and taking in the views, or head to one of the many waterfront restaurants and cafés. Finally, finish your South Korea family tour in style – on a boat! You’ll take a sightseeing tour of the Busan coast, before enjoying one final free evening in the city. Be sure to ask your guide for recommendations!  

Day 9: Farewell 

Today, your South Korea family tour comes to an end. You’ll check out of your hotel in Busan, and take the KTX back to Seoul, ready to head back to the airport.