Extraordinary South Korea

Welcome to Seoul, the cosmopolitan capital of South Korea, where gleaming skyscrapers, high-tech subways and catchy K-Pop beats meet ancient temples, pagoda palaces and sprawling outdoor markets. Arriving at the airport, a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to whisk you to your first hotel in the heart of this immense metropolis. Get to know your group and Pack Leader over a welcome drink before heading out to a local restaurant for a traditional Korean feast. Tuck into dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), gamja-cheon (potato pancake) or buckwheat noodles and raise a glass of soju to 10 days of adventure to come. 

Waking up to the city buzz, you’ll start your first full day with a masterclass in the ancient martial art of Taekwondo. Known for its roundhouse kicks, jumping spins and dramatic back-fist strikes, you’ll watch a demo before tying your own belt and practising a classic board smash. Having worked up an appetite, you’ll head to Tongin Market for lunch, exchanging old-style food tokens for a tasty box of street food. Then, it’s time to witness the changing of the royal guards at the Gyeongbokgung Palace – the largest and most striking of the Joseon Dynasty – and explore the tranquil alleys of photogenic Bukchon village, where the patterned walls and tiled roofs of traditional hanok homes contrast with the modern city.

Ever wanted to visit the most heavily armed border on earth? Today you’ll have your chance. North of Seoul lies the infamous demilitarized zone (DMZ), a 4 km-wide strip of no-man’s-land that serves as a buffer between North and South Korea  – and their opposing ideologies. Despite the intimidating electric fences and battle-ready tanks, the area is safe to visit and offers a unique insight into the feuding nations. From the Dora Observatory you’ll get a voyeuristic glimpse through binoculars of North Korean villages before exploring the Third Infiltration Tunnel to within 200 meters of the border. Returning to Seoul, you’ll have a free evening to decompress with your group in the vibrant student district of Hongdae. 

This morning, you’ll travel by high-speed train to charming Gyeongju, capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom for almost a thousand years. Often referred to as a ‘museum without walls’, you’ll discover the abundance of royal tombs, crumbling palaces and pagodas on a relaxed cycle tour of the city. Tonight’s dinner will be a ‘royal meal’,  to sample the region’s famed gastronomy. Consisting of 12 elements, including rice, soup, jjigae (stew), jeongol (hot pot), kimchi and various side dishes, the skillful cuisine was traditionally prepared by the country’s greatest chefs for generations of kings. Follow this up with a tasting of makgeolli (Korean rice wine) before bedding down in an authentic hanok – a truly local experience. 

After breakfast, you’ll visit the beautiful Bulguksa Temple, comprising a series of wooden buildings on raised stone terraces, designed to represent the land of Buddha. Then, you’ll travel by bus to Golgulsa Temple, at the foot of Mount Hamwolsan, where you’ll be welcomed for your overnight stay. Templestays are a unique way to experience the life of Korea’s Buddhist monks and you’ll be joining them in their daily activities, including archery practice (with a traditional gakgung bow), Sunmudo (a Buddhist martial art), meditation and chanting. With basic Monastic living quarters, simple vegetarian meals and gorgeous mountain views, it’s a chance for self-reflection in a peaceful natural setting. 

Rise with the sun for a walking meditation in the hills before bidding farewell to the monks and continuing on your way. Your first stop today is the stunning Haedong Yonggsunga Temple – one of the few Korean temples built along the coast. Then, it’s on to charismatic Busan, the nation’s second city, known for its golden beaches, seafood market and busy port. You’ll be cooking your own lunch today under the guidance of a local chef – think gimbap and kimchi pancakes – before exploring the quirky colorful streets of hillside Gamcheon village. Later, you’ll ride the exhilarating Songdo cable car to check out BIFF Square, a buzzing downtown street, home to Korea’s international film festival. 

After a busy few days, today is about taking it easy. We’ve left the morning free for you to relax and explore. Our recommendation? The gorgeous Haeundae Beach. This afternoon, you’ll gather with your group for an essential South Korean experience: a traditional jjimjilbang or bathhouse (nakedness is mandatory in most areas, but more on this in our important notes below). Consisting of hot and cold pools, massage areas, saunas and sleeping rooms, these communal spas are where locals come to unwind, hang out and pamper themselves as part of a weekly healthcare ritual. After a soothing soak and thorough scrub, you’ll emerge feeling rejuvenated and ready for your next activity: a private boat trip around Busan’s glittering harbor. 

Today, you’ll take a flight to Jeju Island, the country’s favorite holiday destination. Located off the southern tip of the Korean peninsula, its volcanic landscape, white-sand beaches and subtropical climate draw comparisons with Bali and Hawaii. After landing, you’ll stretch your legs with a short hike up Seongsan Ilchulbong. Jutting out into the ocean, this crown-shaped tuff volcano has steps leading up to the forested crater rim and a magnificent island vista. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Perhaps you’ll choose to visit Manjaggul (the world’s largest lava tube cave system), head to Jeju Folk Village or stroll along the local beach.

Start your day with a countryside hike along the Jeju Olle Trail, a vast network of paths crisscrossing the island. Passing through diverse landscapes, from black lava and tangerine groves to rolling grasslands and dramatic ocean cliffs, be sure to keep your camera handy for the Oedolgae Rock pinnacle and photogenic Jeongbang Falls, which tumble directly into the sea. After lunch at a seafood restaurant famed for its abalone, you’ll visit the Seogwipo Healing Forest and take a guided walk with your group along the peaceful trails – a natural tonic for our busy, modern lives. Feeling zen, you’ll have time this afternoon to choose your own activities, perhaps finishing with sunset drinks at the atmospheric Cliff bar. 

This morning, you’ll transfer back to the airport for the short flight north to Seoul. After leaving your bags at the hotel, your group will head up the city’s guardian mountain, Namsam, standing proud at 236 meters high. At the summit, you’ll climb the observation deck of the iconic Seoul N Tower for panoramic views across the city. Returning by cable car, you’ll prepare for your final night out, starting with a Korean BBQ inside a traditional hanok. Of course, we couldn’t let you leave without experiencing the hugely popular noraebang (Korean karaoke). With a private booth rented just for your group, you’ll be free to sing your heart out before finishing with drinks at Ikseondong Village. 

Your time in South Korea has come to an end and it’s time to make your own way to the airport for your onward flight home. It’s been an incredible 11 days of immersive activities with memories – and friendships – to last a lifetime. The best way to stave off those post-trip blues? Start planning your next adventure. How about Japan, Bali or the Philippines? Our team of Trip Experts are ready and waiting for your call.