South Korean Soul Trip

Day 1  Seoul        
Welcome to your 9-day trip to South Korea. You’ll meet your crew in the afternoon at your centrally location hotel. After some free time to explore the Insadong Hanok village, regroup for some famous Korean fried chicken.  

Day 2  Seoul    
Start bright and early today for a Seoul City tour with a visit to the traditional Gyeongbokgung Palace. To cap off the experience, you’ll also have the chance to dress in traditional Hanbok dress. Afterwards the group will 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    
This morning 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, head back to Seoul in the afternoon for a sunset city walk if time allows.  

Day 4  Seoul to Busan    
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! 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?)  

Day 5  Busan    
Enjoy a whole day exploring 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 the group will get together to enjoy Busan by night on a private yacht – complete with snacks, drinks and big tunes (additional cost applies)  

Day 6  Busan to Jeonju  
Today 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’, 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. There’ll be time to learn about traditional Korean crafts and culture, and then tonight bed down at a local guest house and discover Korean hospitality at its finest.

Day 7  Jeonju  
Today head back to where it started - Seoul. 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 the group will make a pit-stop there. Afterwards 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, you’ll have the opportunity to head out to Yeouido Hangang Park for a riverside picnic. AKA vibes, tunes and convenience store ramen.  

Day 8  Seoul to Hongdae    
On your final full day in Seoul you’ll have the chance to unleash your inner K-Pop star when you 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, sign off with a farewell Korean barbecue dinner.