South Korean Soul
South Korean Soul
South Korean Soul
9 Days Starting and ending in Seoul Metropolitan Area
Visiting: Seoul, Busan, Jeonju-si, Hongdae Street
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KPOP2415
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
From:
$2665
$2399 (USD)
Operator discount: -$266
Tour Overview
Ready to ride that K-wave? This is the South Korea trip you’ve been waiting for – with military history, majestic mountain views and a few robots in between. You’ll discover Seoul with local guides, zoom on a high-speed train, go extra authentic in Jeonju, and even star in your own K-pop video(!) With a night time boat tour, baseball, BBQs and plenty of delicious street food.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Seoul
Location: Seoul
Accommodation: Hotel, Ibis Insadong (or similar)
Well hello there, and welcome to your 9-day trip to South Korea. You’ll meet your crew in the afternoon, and in a super central location too. Following on from some free time to explore the Insadong Hanok village, we’ll regroup for some famous Korean fried chicken (and beer too if you like – you’re on vacation after all).
Day 2: Seoul
Location: Seoul
Accommodation: Hotel, Ibis Insadong (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our Seoul City tour begins bright and early today with a visit to the traditional Gyeongbokgung Palace. To cap off the experience, we’ll also have the chance to dress in traditional Hanbok dress. Afterwards we’ll head to Seonsgu – one of the best up and coming districts of Seoul – to check out the shops, cafes and treat ourselves to some lunch. Don't pass up the opportunity to take part in a dynamic K-Pop dance class or to catch a stray at one of Korea's famous baseball games. Tonight, you’re free to explore Seoul however you like. Strapped for ideas? Why not try the Korean War Memorial Museum, or check out Seoul Tower when it’s lit up at night?
Day 3: Seoul And Dmz
Location: Seoul
Accommodation: Hotel, Ibis Insadong (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we’ll head to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the strip of land which separates North and South Korea.
With a local guide on hand to answer our questions, we’ll see the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, and the Dora Observatory (where, if it’s sunny, you’ll be able to see all the way into North Korea) and then the Unification Village.
After a rather sobering morning outing, we’ll head back to Seoul in the afternoon for a sunset city walk (timings do apply for this one though).
Day 4: Seoul To Busan
Location: Seoul, Busan
Accommodation: Felix by STX (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we’ll step away from the historic sites and hustle and bustle of Seoul and head off to Busan on a high-speed train (travellin’ like locals, baby)!
With a rich history, Busan is now known for its arty vibes, sumptuous street food and colorful buildings… so have your cameras at the ready. Tonight you’ll have a free evening to chill out with your Contiki crew. (Karaoke anyone?)
Day 5: Busan
Location: Busan
Accommodation: Felix by STX (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wakey wakey folks, we have a whole day to explore the beauty of Busan (the world’s 5th largest port). Home to Haeundae, this is one of South Korea’s best beach spots – don’t miss those coastal walks and sublime city views. Any K-drama fans in the house? Talk to your Trip Manager about filming locations nearby from your favorite shows. Then tonight we’ll get together to enjoy Busan by night on a private yacht – complete with snacks, drinks and big tunes.
Day 6: Busan To Jeonju
Location: Busan, Jeonju-si
Accommodation: Hanok Guest House (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we’ll take a turn for the traditional with a visit to Jeonju – a UNESCO listed city recognised for its Hanok heritage.
After checking out spots from BTS’ music videos and sampling candy made famous from ‘Squid Game’, we’ll enjoy a traditional bibimbap lunch (that might be delivered to you by robot). This afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the traditional village, checking out the multiple crafts and cuisines on display. We’ll have time to learn about traditional Korean crafts and culture, and then tonight we’ll bed down at a local guest house and discover Korean hospitality at its finest.
Day 7: Jeonju To Seoul - Hongdae
Location: Jeonju-si, Seoul, Hongdae Street
Accommodation: Hotel, Amanti (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we're heading back to where it started - Seoul. We’ll stay in Hongdae – one of the city’s best up and coming areas, home to some cool shops, eateries and edgy nightlife.
Is it possible to visit South Korea without seeing Gangnam? Nope – that’s why we’ll make a pit-stop there. Afterwards, we’ll visit a local Buddhist temple to take part in some traditional Buddhist practices, including meditative art and tea making. If the weather is kind tonight, we’ll head out to Yeouido Hangang Park for a riverside picnic. AKA vibes, tunes and convenience store ramen.
Day 8: Seoul - Hongdae
Location: Seoul, Hongdae Street
Accommodation: Hotel, Amanti (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
On our final full day in Seoul, we won’t waste any time hangin’ around. You’ll have the chance to unleash your inner K-Pop star when we make our very own music video at HIKR Ground. Afterwards, you’ll have the chance to shop for K-Beauty must-haves and traditional Korean cooking staples. Yup, there’s a farmer’s market visit waiting for us, plus the chance to try your hand at Korean cooking.
Tonight, we’ll sign off with a farewell dinner… and it won’t just be any old farewell dinner. Korean BBQ? You bet.
Day 9: End Seoul - Hongdae
Location: Seoul, Hongdae Street, Seoul
Meals Included: Breakfast
And with that, our South Korea trip is complete. We’ll depart this morning after breakfast. Culturally fulfilled? Yep. Better and more well rounded? Of course. Already planning the next one? Absolutely.
Check out our Q&As
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025
Friday - Saturday
Jun 28, 2024 - Jul 06, 2024Friday - Saturday
Aug 30, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024Friday - Saturday
Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024Friday - Saturday
Oct 11, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024Friday - Saturday
Oct 25, 2024 - Nov 02, 2024Friday - Saturday
Nov 08, 2024 - Nov 16, 2024Friday - Saturday
Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025Friday - Saturday
Mar 21, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025Friday - Saturday
Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025Friday - Saturday
Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Friday - Saturday
May 09, 2025 - May 17, 2025Friday - Saturday
May 23, 2025 - May 31, 2025Friday - Saturday
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025Friday - Saturday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025Friday - Saturday
Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Friday - Saturday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Friday - Saturday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Friday - Saturday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Friday - Saturday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025Friday - Saturday
Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025Friday - Saturday
Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions