12 days Seoul to Jeju Island
12 day South Korea Adventure
Explore South Korea’s unique history, natural beauty, rich culture and mouth-watering cuisine with our 12-day adventure tour.
From bustling, neon-lit metropolises to rolling countryside hills, long sandy beaches to temples in the mountains, and even a visit to the historic Demilitarized Zone, our adventure leaders will take you off-the-beaten-track and show you life like a local on this unforgettable South Korea tour. Eager to find out more? Use the chat on the right hand of your screen to speak to our experts or enquire below to book your incredible South Korea adventure!
What's included
Accommodation
Hostels, guest houses & temples
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
Arrive in the bustling capital and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from Namsan Mountain. Venture north of Seoul to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, before returning to explore the city’s unique ancient and modern districts.


Day 4: Sokcho
Head to Seoraksan National Park and embark on a hike to Ulsanbawi Rock where you’ll enjoy spectacular views over the park. Pay a visit to Abai, a village of North Korean refugees, before enjoying dinner with your group around the local markets.


Day 5-6: Gyeongju
Make your way to Gyeongju and explore its wonders by bike, from Cheonmachong Ancient Tombs to Hyanggyo Confucius School. Head to Golgulsa Temple, where you’ll experience an overnight temple stay. Learn the art of Sunmudo, take part in meditation classes, eat simple Buddhist meals and much more!


Day 7-9: Busan
Discover the port city as you visit South Korea’s biggest seafood market, hit up Nampo-dong and hop on the Marine Cable Car. Enjoy a free day to explore, whether you embark on a coastal walk, visit a temple in the cliff face or rejuvenate in a bathhouse, the choice is yours.


Day 10-12: Jeju Island
Hop off the plane in Jeju Island. Hike to the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong, enjoy a traditional liquor making workshop, take a yacht sailing tour, embark on a day-long trek along the Jeju Olle Trail, and kick back with a BBQ party by the beach.
South Korea Tour
Day 1 – Seoul:
Get ready to start your South Korea adventure tour by meeting your guide and group at the hostel in the afternoon! Listen to a pre-departure brief as you find out everything you need to know about your trip. This is also an opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over a Taekwondo class, and even learn some basic Korean phrases!
After time spent exploring Myeongdong, make your way to the top of Namsan Mountain, where you can admire spectacular views of Seoul lit up at night. Recognised as the most popular location in Seoul for couples, wander through the ‘padlocks of love’ locked at the base of Seoul N Tower, representing visitors’ endless love! If you want an even better view of the city, you can head to the top of the Tower.
Later, hop on public transport back to the district of Myeongdong where your accommodation is located. Enjoy some time to stroll around and explore the area or get an early night ready for your first full day tomorrow!
Day 2 – Seoul:
Today, you will visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Climb aboard a bus, taking you an hour north of Seoul to Imjingak, where you’ll have the chance to grab some breakfast.
Pay a visit to Dora Observatory where you can see the nearest North Korean villages through binoculars. If you’re lucky, you might even see some people in the streets. Next, descend into the 3rd Tunnel created by North Koreans, taking you as close as 170m to North Korea!
After, you will begin your journey back to Seoul and make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to talk to a North Korean defector on the bus. Back in Seoul, try out a K-Pop Dance Class and then enjoy a night out in Hongdae, best known for its endless restaurant and bar options.
Day 3 – Seoul:
Today, you’ll wake up nice and early for a day exploring the ancient side of Seoul. Hop on the metro to Gyeongbokgung Palace where you’ll have the chance to watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, before entering the palace itself. You can even do so in a hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) to get that additional historical experience! After, make your way to Bukchon Hanok Village, passing by the Blue House (South Korea’s White House) on the way. This was the official residence of South Korean Presidents until being recently opened to the public.
You’ll then be given time to explore Korea’s capital at your leisure. While your guides will have plenty of suggestions, you may wish to keep exploring the delights of Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong Art Street before escaping the hustle and bustle of the city with a walk down the Cheonggyecheon stream, an area of tranquility and relaxation restored during an urban renewal project.
In the evening, you will have some free time to explore Seoul further. Walk around Insadong Hanok Street, immerse yourself in local life with a group dinner at a pojangmacha – or head back to Myeongdong for a night out on a pub crawl!
Day 4 – Seoul & Sokcho:
Check out of your accommodation and depart to Sokcho, in the north-eastern part of the country. Arrive at Seoraksan National Park in the late morning and pay a visit to Sinheungsa Temple. Embark on a hike to Ulsanbawi Rock for spectacular views over the national park. For those looking for a less challenging hike, you can hike the well-signed waterfall trail and board a cable car to another peak.
Refuel with some lunch back at the entrance of the park before taking the bus to Sokcho town. Here, you’ll travel on a gatbae to cross the river to Abai, a small village formed by North Korean refugees. Explore the historical village before climbing to the Lighthouse Observatory for incredible views of Seoraksan Mountain, the East Sea and Sokcho.
In the evening, enjoy a dinner with the rest of the group in and around the local fish markets. We’d recommend one of the most famous Korean fried chicken restaurants in the area, Manseok, known for its sticky sweet and sour boneless fried chicken.
Day 5 – Gyeongju:
Prepare to set off early as you take the bus along the East Coast to the former capital Gyeongju. Along the way, K-Pop enthusiasts will get to stop off and take a picture at Jumunjin Bus Stop, better known for featuring as the artwork to one of BTS’ releases.
Once you arrive in Gyeongju, prepare for an afternoon exploring by bike! First up, explore Cheonmachong Ancient Tombs, part of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex in Tumuli Park. Then, make your way to Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia.
Want to experience authentic Korean food? Have dinner at Dosol Maeul, a local restaurant serving traditional Korean set meals in an equally authentic environment! Later, why not take a stroll around to Anapji Pond for some amazing nighttime views of the palace? Be sure to pack your cameras because the lights are stunning!
Day 6 – Gyeongju:
Enjoy a free morning in Gyeongju ahead of your temple stay later on.
Perhaps you could start the day early with a visit to Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Cultural Asset, or take the opportunity to have a lie-in. Grab a bite to eat for lunch in the city before transferring to Golgulsa Temple, where you’ll experience an overnight temple stay.
Upon arrival, check into the temple and start the day’s activities with a meditation class. Afterwards, try out the traditional arts Sunmudo and take part in the evening chanting service before sitting down to enjoy a simple Buddhist dinner of vegetables, rice and fruit with the other temple visitors.
Day 7 – Busan:
Wake up with the sunrise and take part in the morning chanting service and meditation, followed by starting the day right with a traditional breakfast.
After a relaxing morning, take the bus and make your way to Sin Gyeongju station where you’ll start your journey to Busan via high-speed train. Arrive quickly at your destination and board a privately hired bus to take you around for the day, starting with the unmissable Gamcheon Culture Village.
Hop back aboard your bus and head down to Songdo where you will board the Marine Cable Car and take in the impressive coastal views.
Following this, you will make your way to BIFF Square in Nampo-dong, home to the annual Busan International Film Festival, where you can try a variety of food options from local street vendors (but why not go for a Busan hotteok seeing as you’re in town?).
There’s also the nearby Jagalchi Market to explore, the biggest seafood market in South Korea. Wander through the bright and colourful stalls showcasing a huge variety of the day’s fresh catch.
Finally, head to your hostel in Haeundae where you will be given the evening to relax and unwind.
Day 8 – Busan:
Head out for a day exploring Busan. First up, visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a Buddhist temple nestled in the coastline’s cliffs.
Feeling in need of some more rejuvenation? Head to Spa Land in Centum City, located in Busan’s largest shopping complex! Make the most of South Korea’s high-quality jjimjilbang while you’re here and treat yourself to saunas, cold rooms, jacuzzis and more.
Finally, enjoy the evening with your fellow travelers trying local delicacies. Once the sun sets, be sure to admire the light show on Gwangan Bridge from the shore or perhaps opt for an evening boat cruise around the bay.
Day 9 – Busan:
Enjoy a free morning to explore Busan – venture out on your own, or take part in some of our suggested activities. For example, you might enjoy a trip on the coastal railway, the Haeundae Blueline. Alternatively, you can visit the observatory of the second-tallest building in Korea and take in the views, or embark on the Igidae Coastal Walk and Oryukdo Skywalk. You may even just opt for a relaxing morning on the beach!
Later, you will collect your belongings from the hostel and make your way to the airport where you’ll catch a plane to Jeju Island. Once you’ve checked in at your accommodation in Seogwipo, feel free to spend your evening venturing into Olle Maeil Market or exploring the nightlife the city has to offer.
Day 10 – Jeju Island:
Wake up on the wonderful island of Jeju and head to Jeongbang Waterfall. Start the day at the waterfall – the only one of its kind in Asia, this amazing natural wonder flows directly into the ocean. After this, you’ll embark on a trek along the beautiful Jeju Olle Trail.
Once the trek is completed, head to Seongsan Ilchulbong and enjoy a hike for some truly spectacular views across Jeju and out to sea. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a unique formation that was formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions over 5,000 years ago! Enjoy some time at the volcano, being sure to grab some photos, before you head to find something to eat.
You will then return to the hotel in the early afternoon and enjoy some well-deserved rest time! If you’d like to relax in the accommodation you can – otherwise, you can grab your sunglasses and head to relax on the beach.
Day 11 – Jeju Island:
Make the most of your second morning in stunning Jeju by sailing out on a yacht to relax and enjoy the fresh sea air with your fellow Dragons. The afternoon is then free for your own exploration! Not sure what to do? Make sure to ask our Adventure Leaders for their recommendations.
In the evening, kick back with a farewell barbecue dinner! Eat delicious food, watch the sun go down and if you want, party into the night by the seashore. Make the most of your time with your fellow travellers, as you’ll be saying goodbye in the morning!
[Traveller’s note: If you are traveling onto Japan as part of the 24-day Korea and Japan combo tour, the group dinner will be moved to the evening of Day 10 and you will depart this afternoon.]
Day 12 – Jeju Island:
You’ve reached the last day of your South Korea tour and the end of your Dragon Trip adventure! You can head back to Seoul, explore the wonders of Jeju Island further, or continue with your travels elsewhere.
Safe travels!
What our Dragons say
Traveling around South Korea was such an enjoyable experience!! One for the books 😎
— Christian
Damien, our guide, went above and beyond to ensure that the best time was had by all and he definitely succeeded in that!
— Emma
An amazing trip. Lots of fun, loads to do, amazing guides and you do some truly unique things.
— Lewis
A great itinerary and even better tour manager. Everything is exceptionally well run and the activities are diverse, informative and fun.
— Anonymous
A Taste of the South Korea Tour
Photos
Our South Korea tour package price includes the following features:
- Bilingual Adventure Leaders
- Transport within South Korea
- Accommodation (including hostels and temples!)
Check out our included activities for this South Korea tour below:
- Taekwondo Class (Seoul)
- Tour around the DMZ, including Dora Observatory, tunnels, and Q&A with North Korean defector (Seoul)
- K-Pop Class (Seoul)
- Visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace (Seoul)
- Visit to Seoroksan Park, including Bisundae and Keumganggul Cave, waterfalls, and Ulsanbawi Rock (Sokcho)
- Gatbae boat & visit to Abai Village (Sokcho)
- Cycling tour of Gyeongju (Gyeongju)
- Visit to Chunmachong Ancient Tombs in Daereungwon Tumuli Park (Gyeongju)
- Visit to Cheomseongdae (Gyeongju)
- Golgulsa Temple stay (Gyeongju)
- Traditional vegetarian dinner & breakfast (Gyeongju)
- Sunmudo training session (Gyeongju)
- Buddhist meditation session (Gyeongju)
- Private day tour of Busan, including Gamcheon Village, Songdo Marine Cable Car, and BIFF Square entertainment area (Busan)
- Visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (Busan)
- Hike to summit of Seongsan Ilchulbong (Jeju)
- Yacht sailing tour (Jeju)
- Half-day nature hike in Jeju Island (Jeju)
- Farewell BBQ dinner (Jeju)
Drones
The use of Drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is prohibited during this South Korea tour organized by The Dragon Trip. If you are in possession of a drone when entering the country it is your responsibility to be informed of and follow all local laws. This may include registering your drone with authorities. If you violate this policy or operate a drone illegally you are subject to removal from the tour as per our terms & conditions.
Activities that aren’t included:
- Visit to Seoul N Tower (Seoul)
- Meals & drinks (Seoul)
- Free half-day (Seoul)
- Dinner at the Fish Market (Sokcho)
- Free evening (Sokcho)
- Traditional set meal in Hanok (Gyeongju)
- Evening visit to Anapji (Gyeongju)
- Free morning (Gyeongju)
- Meals & drinks (Busan)
- Free evening (Busan)
- Visit to Centum Spa Land (Busan)
- Sightseeing boat tour (Busan)
- Karaoke (Busan)
- Free day (Busan)
- Free afternoon (Jeju Island)
Flights
If you would like us to help you arrange a flight back to Seoul, the we can do so at the fixed price of £95. These flights will arrive at Seoul Gimpo, the city’s domestic airport, usually before 1pm. If you are transiting onwards out of the country, you will need to transfer from Gimpo to Incheon Airport.
Room upgrades & additional nights
The price of a single room upgrade for the trip is £450 and a double room upgrade is £360 per room (£180 per person). Please note upgrades are not possible on the overnight ferry, temple or bathhouse.
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! Running from £2,895 – price including tour costs, extra accommodation and connecting flights. Contact us for further information.
A deposit is required to make a reservation on our South Korea tours, 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.
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