12-Day trip to South Korea

After breakfast, you’ll begin exploring Seoul with your tour guide. As South Korea’s vibrant capital, Seoul is known for its cutting-edge technology, impressive skyscrapers, and mouthwatering cuisine.

You’ll begin exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is the largest and most iconic of Seoul’s five grand palaces, featuring the impressive Gwanghwamun Gate and the changing of the royal guard ceremony.

Bukchon Hanok Village, home to hundreds of traditional houses, or hanoks, dating back to the Joseon dynasty. Today, many of these hanoks function as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants, and tea houses, offering a glimpse into traditional Korean culture. 

In the afternoon, you’ll dive into a kimchi-making class, learning the art of creating this iconic Korean dish. 

Included: Breakfast, Transfers, Guided tour, Lunch and Cooking Class.

Today, you’ll explore the intriguing Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a weapons-free buffer zone between North and South Korea.

During your visit, you’ll have the unique opportunity to peer into secretive North Korea from the Dora Observatory and explore the tunnels built by the North as part of an invasion plan. MAKE SURE TO BRING YOUR PASSPORT TO THE DMZ.

Highlights include:
– Imjingak Park
– Freedom Bridge
– The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel
– DMZ Theater / Exhibition Hall
– Dora Observatory
– Dorasan Station & Unification Village (pass by)

After we will visit the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge.

Please be advised that the DMZ tour confirmation will be finalised closer to the date due to the region’s volatility. Should the tour be unavailable, we will arrange an alternative activity for that day.

Hotel: AMID Hotel or similar in Seoul (4-star) or similar

Included: Breakfast, Transfers, Guided tour, All entrances & Lunch

Today, you will leave Seoul and head to Seoraksan. This is home to one of the most famous national parks in South Korea. The park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and cultural significance. 

Sinheungsa Temple – You will visit the oldest Zen temple in South Korea, was built by a traveling Shilla monk by the name of Jajang Yulsa in AD 652 and has been destroyed by fire and rebuilt many times. This is located in Seoraksan National Park.

Gwongeumseong by cable car – A stone fortress found directly at the top of Seoraksan Mountain. You will explore this area by riding a scenic cable car up the side of the mountain. The fascinating rock formations are one of the highlights of Seoraksan National Park.

Daepohang fish market – You will end the day by heading to Sokcho to enjoy Sokcho’s freshest seafood at a charming market – Daepo Fish Market. 

Hotel: Ramada by Wyndham Gangwon Sokcho in Sokcho (4-star) (or similar)

Included: Breakfast, Transfers, Guided tour, all activities & Lunch

Today you will hit the road for a one-of-a-kind experience, Golgulsa Templestay in Gyeongju. This offers an unparalleled glimpse into traditional Korean culture. Spending a night here allows you to experience the deeply rooted practices of a working temple, and it’s an opportunity to gain a sense of inner peace and perspective that few other travel experiences can provide.

Why Golgulsa Templestay?

At Golgulsa, you’ll immerse yourself in a spiritual world as you follow the daily routines of the monks, learning meditation techniques, participating in chanting ceremonies, and discovering the principles that guide a mindful life. Accommodations are modest but comfortable, shared with two to five guests of the same gender. While you’ll sleep on floor mats, it’s all part of the authentic temple experience, encouraging simplicity and awareness of the present moment.

What You’ll Gain:

• Mindfulness and Reflection: The structured activities allow you to step away from the business of life and embrace a slower pace, perfect for reconnecting with yourself.
• Shared Community Experience: Sharing a room and participating in group activities fosters camaraderie with fellow travellers, creating memories that last long after the trip.
• A Unique Cultural Opportunity: Very few people get to experience monastic life first-hand. A night at Golgulsa is a rare chance to try out this honoured way of life.

Optional Hotel Stay

If you prefer more conventional accommodations, a nearby hotel is available for an additional €140. This includes twin sharing and access to hotel facilities for a relaxing evening. However, this option may lack the same cultural immersion that Golgulsa Templestay offers. If you opt for this option, you will not participate in the day activities at the temple, but you could have a relaxed afternoon using the facilities at the hotel.  The additional cost for this is €140 based on twin sharing.

Included: Breakfast, Transfers, Guided tour, lunch, dinner (only at templestay).

Bulkuska Temple – Throughout the history, the city has remained as an important centre of Korean Buddhism. Bulkuksa, located on the East of Gyeongju, is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the Republic of Korea. The temple is considered as a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art of the Silla kingdom, encompassing seven national treasures of the Republic of Korea.

Explore the timeless charm of Yangdong Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site where traditional Korean houses and centuries-old customs come to life. Wander through this living museum to experience Korea’s rich cultural heritage in an authentic village setting.

Transfer to Busan – check-in to hotel and have free time to explore the area. 

Hotel – Busan Asti Hotel (4-star) or similar

Included: Breakfast, lunch, transfers, guided tour and all entrances. 

Today’s highlight will be Gamcheon Cultural Village – which is a romantic alley where history, culture, and art meet. While the village’s beautiful landscape gave it the nickname of the Machu Picchu of Korea, the town was a part of the painful history of Busan. Refugees settled in Gamcheon Village during the Korean War and cultivated the mountainous region to make a living. In 2009, students, artists, and residents decorated the village as a part of the Village Art Project, and the town grew into a leading tourist attraction of Busan since then.

Before visiting Gamcheon Village, you will also stop at the following:

• Busan Tower
• Jaglachi Fish Market
• BIFF Square Plaza
• Songo Cable Car

After, move to Busan Airport and fly to Jeju Island.

Domestic flights: late afternoon

Hotel: Ocean Suites Jeju Hotel (4-star) or similar in Jeju

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Transfers, Flight, Guided tour and all entrances.

Meet your tour guide in the morning and begin an exciting journey through the natural and cultural highlights of eastern Jeju Island.

• Seongsan Sunrise Peak (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – Admire one of Jeju’s most iconic volcanic landmarks, renowned for its spectacular coastal views and dramatic crater landscape.
• Seopjikoji – Enjoy a scenic walk along this picturesque cape, famous for its rugged cliffs, panoramic ocean views, and beautiful coastal scenery.
• Jongdal-ri Shore Road (Drive Pass) – Take in the breathtaking coastal landscapes as you pass along this charming seaside route.
• Manjanggul Cave (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – Explore one of the world’s finest lava tube systems, showcasing remarkable geological formations created by Jeju’s volcanic history.
• Seongeup Folk Village – Step back in time and discover traditional Jeju culture, architecture, and local customs in this well-preserved historic village.

After a memorable day of sightseeing, transfer to your hotel.

Hotel: Ocean Suites Jeju Hotel (4-star) or similar in Jeju

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Transfers, Guided tour and all entrances.

Meet your tour guide in the morning and explore the scenic western region of Jeju Island.

• Hyeopjae Beach – Relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters, white sandy beach, and stunning views of Biyangdo Island.
• Hallim Park – Discover one of Jeju’s most beautiful botanical parks, featuring themed gardens, lava caves, subtropical plants, and cultural exhibits.
• O’sulloc Tea Museum – Learn about Korea’s rich tea culture while exploring picturesque green tea fields and interactive exhibits.
• Jusangjeolli Cliff – Marvel at the spectacular volcanic rock formations created by lava flows meeting the sea, one of Jeju’s most impressive natural attractions.

After sightseeing, transfer to Jeju Airport for your domestic flight to Seoul.

Domestic Flight: Late afternoon

Upon arrival in Seoul, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Hotel: AMID Hotel or similar in Seoul (4-star) or similar

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Transfers, Flight, Guided tour and all entrances.

Today is your final day in South Korea. Enjoy some free time at leisure to explore Seoul, do some last-minute shopping, or simply relax before your departure.

Guests wishing to retain their room longer may opt for a late check-out at an additional cost, subject to hotel availability.

In the evening, transfer to the airport at approximately 7:00 PM for your onward flight.

Included: Breakfast & Transfer to airport.

Every client is required to have a travel insurance package. This needs to be presented to us.

1. Single Supplement is €730
2. Single Supplement if hotel in Gyeongju is chosen instead of temple stay: €870 

Spring in South Korea is one of the most beautiful and pleasant seasons to visit the country. The weather is generally mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C in most regions. It’s a great time to enjoy outdoor activities without the summer heat or winter chill. April is also the peak of cherry blossom season in South Korea, making it a popular month for tourists.

South Korea uses the Type F plug. Type F electrical plugs used in South Korea are manufactured to the CEE 7/4 and CEE 7/7 standards and is commonly referred to as a Schuko plug. The line and neutral plug contacts for South Korea Type F plugs are two round pins with a 4.8 millimeter diameter.

Maltese citizens and most European citizens who are planning a trip to South Korea aren’t required to apply for a visa if they wish to go for short stays (tourism). But it’s required to obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA or eVisa) before entering South Korea. The Globaltravelbook team will guide you with the process.

Please inform us of your nationality before booking.