SOUTH KOREAN SOUL

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.

From $3,092 CAD per person
October & November 2024 Departures

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Seoul

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

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?

Included Meals - Breakfast

Day Highlights

• Tour the Gyeongbokgung Palace (Included)
  Of all the traditional Korean experiences (and believe us, there are a lot of ’em) this might just be the coolest. Don’t miss your chance to visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of 5 Royal Palaces in Seoul from the old ruling dynasty. We’ll also dress up in the Traditional Hanbok dress too.

• Shop Til You Drop in Seongsu (Included)
  Once home to hand-made shoe craftsmen, Seongsu is now one of Seoul’s most exciting shopping districts where you’ll find small cafes, pop-up shops and beautiful green space AKA Seoul Forest. You and your crew will have the chance to get lunch here, plus pick up some souvenirs for your fave folks back home.

• Take a K-Pop Dance Class (Optional $)
  K-Pop has put South Korea on the map in recent years, so it’d be rude to go on a South Korea trip and not learn to dance K-Pop style, right? We’ll be joined by K-Pop dance experts who’ll have you busting moves like a pro in no time – whether you’re a natural or you have two left feet.

• Watch a Live Baseball Game (Optional $)
  Baseball is HUGE in South Korea, and you’ll have the unique chance to watch a live game and revel in the unique atmosphere. Trust us, this isn’t one to miss. Please note: You'll need to secure your spot before you go.

Day 3 - Seoul and DMZ

Seoul
This morning we’ll head to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the strip of land which separates North and South Korea.

The DMZ
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.

Seoul
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).

Included Meals - Breakfast

Day Highlights

• Explore the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on a Peace Tour (Included)
  The DMZ remains an active Military installation, and we’ll visit for a Peace Tour which includes the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, the Dora Observatory (where you can see over into North Korea if the weather is right) and then to the Unification Village. The tour is semi-private with a local guide, and we’ll travel through the zone in a military shuttle.

• Discover Seoul at Night Time (Optional $) 

Day 4 - Seoul to Busan

Seoul
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)!

Busan
With a rich history, Busan is now known for its arty vibes, sumptuous street food and colourful buildings… so have your cameras at the ready. Tonight you’ll have a free evening to chill out with your Contiki crew. (Karaoke anyone?)

Included Meals - Breakfast

Day Highlights

• Take the High Speed Train from Seoul to Busan (Included)
  One end of the country to the other in just two-and-a-half hours? With superfast Wi-Fi and spectacular views? That’s right, you can’t explore South Korea without getting on a high-speed train.

• Discover Busan with a Local Guide (Included)
  Our local guide will show us Busan's best spots. For lunch, you’ll get to visit the international market where you’ll find a plethora of different fish dishes from across the continent. Busan is famous for being one of the only regions not to fall to the North Koreans during the war in the 50s. The Gamcheon Village was settled by refugees during the Korean War; it’s since had a refresh and is now known for it’s bright coloured buildings and awesome art school vibes

Day 5 - Busan

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 favourite shows. Then tonight we’ll get together to enjoy Busan by night on a private yacht – complete with snacks, drinks and big tunes.

Included Meals - Breakfast

Day Highlights

• Discover Busan by Night on a Private Yacht
  Tonight we’ll get together on our own private yacht and sail into the Harbour. Our entertainment? Why, awesome views of Busan by night of course! Plus lots of local beers, snacks and epic tunes. Don’t miss the Diamond Bridge lit up at night too (it’s simply spectacular).

Day 6 - Busan to Jeonju

Busan
Today we’ll take a turn for the traditional with a visit to Jeonju – a UNESCO listed city recognised for its Hanok heritage.

Jeonju
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.

Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch

Day Highlights

• Visit the Awon Hanok Museum & Gallery (Included)
  On our way to Jeonju, we’ll stop off at a traditional Hanok and bask in the mountain views. BTS filmed a music video here too, so this is the perfect place to follow in their footsteps. You’ll also have a chance to check out the onsite café and art gallery before we make our way to Jeonju.

• Enjoy a Traditional Korean Lunch (Included)
  We’ll tuck into a traditional bibimbap that Jeonju is famous for. Served warm in a brass bowl, with chilli on the side, there’s a chance that your meal will be delivered to you by robot (but we can’t make any promises).

• Make Your Own Traditional Korean Crafts (Make Travel Matter) (Optional $)
  Learn about & take part in making traditional crafts.

Day 7 - Jeonju to Seoul - Hongdae

Jeonju
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.

Seoul - Hongdae
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. 

Included Meals - Breakfast

Day Highlights

• Discover Gangnam (Contiki Style) (included)
  We’ll hit the Gangnam District, made famous by Psy, for a bit of shopping, browsing and posing in front of the Gangnam hands. Don’t miss coffee served by robots, or your chance to order an ice block from one of the many vending machines. Gangnam is home to lots of K-Wave stars too so keep your eyes peeled (and have your autograph book at the ready).

• Have Tea at a Buddhist Temple
  This afternoon, we’ll slow things down and take time to learn about the local Buddhist practices here in Seoul. We’ll partake in a few of them too, such as tea making and Sutra script writing. That’s right, culture never felt so calm. Please note: Exact temple activities could change depending on departure.

Day 8 - Seoul - Hongdae

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.

Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day Highlights

• Say Farewell over a Korean BBQ
  One final night. One final meal together. It HAS to be the world’s most popular Korean cuisine – that’s right, it’s BBQ time. The perfect chance to reminisce with great Korean food and even greater people.

• Rustle Up Your Very Own South Korean Feast
  With our local host in tow, we’ll visit a traditional farmers’ market to shop for some choice ingredients – which we’ll use later on during a Korean cooking class. You and your fellow travellers will cook up some seasonal dishes, and get to taste them afterwards!

Day 9 - End Seoul - Hongdae

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.

Included Meals - Breakfast

Give us a call to book this incredible holiday!