12-Day
South Korea
12-Day South Korea
Wonderful Adventure: From Seoul to Jeju Island
Wonderful Adventure:
From Seoul to Jeju Island
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
12-Day
Wonderful Adventure:
Highlights
- Bhuddhist Temple Stay
- Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tour
- Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village
- Sokcho & Seoraksan National Park
- Jeju Island hikes and boat tour
Next trip: 2 to 13 November 2025
From: AUD $3,187 / USD $2,076
We take the time to understand your interests, preferences,
budget
and a travel style to design your ideal itinerary
We take the time to understand your interests, preferences, budget and a travel style to design your ideal itinerary
Embark on a captivating 12-day South Korea adventure that will immerse you in the diverse tapestry of this enchanting nation. Explore Seoul’s vibrant streets, journey to the Demilitarized Zone, and savour the serenity of Gyeongju’s ancient treasures. Experience Busan’s coastal beauty, then soak in the natural wonders of Jeju Island. Join us for a memorable exploration, and discover the heart and «Seoul» of South Korea.
Operated In
English
Operator
The Dragon Trip
Price From
AUD $3,187 / USD $2,076
Start In -> Ends In
Seoul to Jeju-do
Duration
12 days
Travel Dates
2 to 13 November 2025
Itinerary
Introduction
Day 1: Meet your fellow dragons & Namsan Mountain
Get ready to start your South Korea adventure tour by meeting your guide and group at the hostel in the afternoon! Listen to a pre-departure brief as you find out everything you need to know about your trip. This is also an opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over a Taekwondo class, and even learn some basic Korean phrases!
After time spent exploring Myeongdong, make your way to the top of Namsan Mountain, where you can admire spectacular views of Seoul lit up at night. Recognised as the most popular location in Seoul for couples, wander through the ‘padlocks of love’ locked at the base of Seoul N Tower, representing visitors’ endless love! If you want an even better view of the city, you can head to the top of the Tower.
Later, hop on public transport back to the district of Myeongdong where your accommodation is located. Enjoy some time to stroll around and explore the area or get an early night ready for your first full day tomorrow!
Day 2: Korean Demilitarized Zone & Talk to a North Korean defector
Today, you will visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Climb aboard a bus, taking you an hour north of Seoul to Imjingak, where you’ll have the chance to grab some breakfast.
Pay a visit to Dora Observatory where you can see the nearest North Korean villages through binoculars. If you’re lucky, you might even see some people in the streets. Next, descend into the 3rd Tunnel created by North Koreans, taking you as close as 170m to North Korea!
After, you will begin your journey back to Seoul and make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to talk to a North Korean defector. Back in Seoul, try out a K-Pop Dance Class and then enjoy a night out in Hongdae, best known for its endless restaurant and bar options.
Day 3: Gyeongbokgung Palace
Today, you’ll wake up nice and early for a day exploring the ancient side of Seoul. Hop on the metro to Gyeongbokgung Palace where you’ll have the chance to watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, before entering the palace itself. You can even do so in a hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) to get that additional historical experience! After, make your way to Bukchon Hanok Village, passing by the Blue House (South Korea’s White House) on the way. This was the official residence of South Korean Presidents until being recently opened to the public.
You’ll then be given time to explore Korea’s capital at your leisure. While your guides will have plenty of suggestions, you may wish to keep exploring the delights of Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong Art Street before escaping the hustle and bustle of the city with a walk down the Cheonggyecheon stream, an area of tranquility and relaxation restored during an urban renewal project. If you’re after something more modern, a trip to the HiKR Ground might be in store – here, you can learn all about the K-wave, and even record your own music video!
Day 4: Seoraksan National Park
Check out of your accommodation and depart to Sokcho, in the north-eastern part of the country. Arrive at Seoraksan National Park in the late morning and embark on a hike to Ulsanbawi Rock for spectacular views. For those looking for a less challenging hike, you can hike the well-signed waterfall trail and board a cable car to another peak.
Refuel with some lunch back at the entrance of the park before taking the bus to Sokcho town. Here, you’ll travel on a gatbae to cross the river to Abai, a small village formed by North Korean refugees.
In the evening, enjoy a dinner with the rest of the group in and around the local fish markets. We’d recommend one of the most famous Korean fried chicken restaurants in the area, Manseok, known for its sticky sweet and sour boneless fried chicken.
Then this evening, you’re in for a treat – with a traditional liquor tasting!
Day 5: Take the train to Gyeongju & Explore Cheonmachong Ancient Tombs
Prepare to set off early as you take the bus along the East Coast to the former capital Gyeongju. Along the way, K-Pop enthusiasts will get to stop off and take a picture at Jumunjin Bus Stop, better known for featuring as the artwork to one of BTS’ releases.
Once you arrive in Gyeongju, prepare for an afternoon exploring by bike! First up, explore Cheonmachong Ancient Tombs, part of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex in Tumuli Park. Then, make your way to Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia.
Want to experience authentic Korean food? Have dinner at Dosol Maeul, a local restaurant serving traditional Korean set meals in an equally authentic environment! Later, why not take a stroll around to Anapji Pond for some amazing nighttime views of the palace? Be sure to pack your cameras because the lights are stunning!
Day 6: Golgulsa Temple & Community work at temple
Enjoy a free morning in Gyeongju ahead of your temple stay later on.
Perhaps you could start the day early with a visit to Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Cultural Site, try out a tea house, visit Gyeongju Museum, or explore the Old Town. Otherwise, you could take the opportunity to have a lie-in! Grab a bite to eat for lunch in the city before transferring to Golgulsa Temple, where you’ll experience an overnight temple stay.
Upon arrival, check into the temple and start the afternoon’s activities with a meditation class. Afterwards, try out the traditional arts Sunmudo and take part in the evening chanting service before sitting down to enjoy a simple Buddhist dinner of vegetables, rice, and fruit with the other temple visitors.
Day 7: Meditation with a Buddhist Monk, Gamcheon Culture Village & Explore Busan nightlife
Wake up with the sunrise and take part in the morning chanting service and meditation, followed by starting the day right with a traditional breakfast.
After a relaxing morning, take the bus and make your way to Gyeongju station where you’ll start your journey to Busan via high-speed train. Arrive quickly at your destination and board a privately hired bus to take you around for the day, starting with the unmissable Gamcheon Culture Village.
Hop back aboard your bus and head down to Songdo where you will board the Marine Cable Car and take in the impressive coastal views.
Following this, you will make your way to BIFF Square in Nampo-dong, home to the annual Busan International Film Festival, where you can try a variety of food options from local street vendors (but why not go for a Busan hotteok seeing as you’re in town?).
Finally, head to your hostel in Haeundae where you will be given the evening to relax and unwind, or explore the town at your own leisure.
Day 8: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple & Free Afternoon
Head out for a day exploring Busan. First up, visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a Buddhist temple nestled in the coastline’s cliffs.
Feeling in need of some more rejuvenation? You could head to Spa Land in Centum City, located in Busan’s largest shopping complex! Make the most of South Korea’s high-quality jjimjilbang while you’re here and treat yourself to saunas, cold rooms, jacuzzis and more.
Finally, enjoy the evening with your fellow travelers trying local delicacies. Once the sun sets, be sure to admire the light show on Gwangan Bridge from the shore or perhaps opt for an evening sightseeing boat cruise around the bay. Once you’re back on dry land – try your hand at karaoke!
Day 9: Korean Cooking Class (Optional)
Enjoy a free morning to explore Busan – venture out on your own, or take part in some of our suggested activities. For example, you might enjoy a trip on the coastal railway, the Haeundae Blueline. Alternatively, you can visit the observatory of the second-tallest building in Korea and take in the views, or embark on the Igidae Coastal Walk and Oryukdo Skywalk. You may even just opt for a relaxing morning on the beach!
If you’d like to get one last dose of Korean culture in Busan, you could even try your hand at making the traditional staple, bibimbap, in a cooking class!
Later, you will collect your belongings from the hostel and make your way to the airport where you’ll catch a plane to Jeju Island. Once you’ve checked in at your accommodation in Seogwipo, feel free to spend your evening venturing into Olle Maeil Market or exploring the nightlife the city has to offer.
Day 10: Jjeongbang Waterfall & hike in Jeju
Wake up on the wonderful island of Jeju and head to Jjeongbang Waterfall. Start the day at the waterfall – the only one of its kind in Asia, this amazing natural wonder flows directly into the ocean. After this, you’ll embark on a trek along the beautiful Jeju Olle Trail.
Once the trek is completed, head to Seongsan Ilchulbong and enjoy a hike for some truly spectacular views across Jeju and out to sea. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a unique formation that was formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions over 5,000 years ago! Enjoy some time at the volcano, being sure to grab some photos, before you head to find something to eat.
You will then return to the hotel in the early afternoon and enjoy some well-deserved rest time! If you’d like to relax in the accommodation you can – otherwise, you can grab your sunglasses and head to relax on the beach.
Day 11: Yacht Sailing tour & Farewell BBQ
Make the most of your second morning in stunning Jeju by sailing out on a yacht to relax and enjoy the fresh sea air with your fellow Dragons. The afternoon is then free for your own exploration! Not sure what to do? Make sure to ask our Adventure Leaders for their recommendations.
In the evening, kick back with a farewell barbecue dinner! Eat delicious food, watch the sun go down and if you want, party into the night by the seashore. Make the most of your time with your fellow travellers, as you’ll be saying goodbye in the morning!
Day 12: Say your goodbyes!
You’ve reached the last day of your South Korea tour and the end of your Dragon Trip adventure! You can head back to Seoul, explore the wonders of Jeju Island further, or continue with your travels elsewhere.
Safe travels!
Places you’ll see
What’s Included
Accomodation
This tour includes shared Dorm accommodation. Upgrades to private rooms are possible throughout the trip except for the temple.
We can arrange additional nights accommodation in Seoul or Jeju Island if you plan on arriving early or staying on at the end of your trip.
Accommodation is in hostels, guesthouses & temples. They are in clean, safe and well-located hostels which meet Cubikoo Travel´s high standards on a multi-share basis. All of our accommodation has its own unique Korean charm, and at the same time are safe, clean, and hygienic.
One night is spent in a temple.
Guide
English-speaking Adventure Leaders
Transport
All internal flights and bus tickets during the trip
Additional Services
– Entry, transport and adventure leaders to some of Korea’s unmissable attractions
– All taxes and charges.
The following activities are included:
- Taekwondo Class (Seoul)
- Tour around the DMZ, including Dora Observatory, tunnels, and Q&A with North Korean defector (Seoul)
- K-Pop Class (Seoul)
- Visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace (Seoul)
- Visit to Seoroksan Park, including Bisundae and Keumganggul Cave, waterfalls, and Ulsanbawi Rock (Sokcho)
- Gatbae boat & visit to Abai Village (Sokcho)
- Traditional liquor tasting (Sokcho)
- Cycling tour of Gyeongju (Gyeongju)
- Visit to Chunmachong Ancient Tombs in Daereungwon Tumuli Park (Gyeongju)
- Visit to Cheomseongdae (Gyeongju)
- Golgulsa Temple stay (Gyeongju)
- Traditional vegetarian dinner & breakfast (Gyeongju)
- Sunmudo training session (Gyeongju)
- Buddhist meditation session (Gyeongju)
- Private day tour of Busan, including Gamcheon Village, Songdo Marine Cable Car, and BIFF Square entertainment area (Busan)
- Visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (Busan)
- Hike to summit of Seongsan Ilchulbong (Jeju)
- Yacht sailing tour (Jeju)
- Half-day nature hike in Jeju Island (Jeju)
- Farewell BBQ dinner (Jeju)
Meals (veg and vegan options available)
Most meals are not included on this tour but your Adventure Leader will recommend incredible local restaurants to allow you to try as much of the local food as possible.
Any meals that are included come as part of an unmissable activity
This tour offers Vegetarian and Vegan food options on request. Simply let Cubikoo Travel know the food option that you prefer.
What’s Not Included
Flights
International flights are not included
This tour includes airport transfers to Jeju Airport at 10.30am on the last day of your tour. If you would like us to help you arrange a flight back to Seoul, we can do that, please let us know during the booking process. There are two airports in Seoul and this flight arrives at the domestic Gimpo airport. If you are looking to connect to an international flight, you may have to transit to the international Incheon airport.
Insurance
Travel Insurance is not included but compulsory. We can provide you with the best option based on your needs.
Additional Services
- Flights to and from South Korea
- Airport transfers in Seoul
- Transport from Jeju Island back to Seoul
- Visit to Seoul N Tower (Seoul)
- Meals & drinks (Seoul)
- Dinner at the Fish Market (Sokcho)
- Traditional set meal in Hanok (Gyeongju)
- Evening visit to Anapji (Gyeongju)
- Meals & drinks (Busan)
- Visit to Centum Spa Land (Busan)
- Sightseeing boat tour (Busan)
- Karaoke (Busan)
- Bibimbap cooking class (Busan)
- Any activities within free time
Optional
Want to take your adventure further? Check out the Japan & South Korea 25-Day Tour. Fly from Osaka to Seoul to Tokyo and spend an extra 13 days in Japan.
Customer Reviews
Francisco
October 22nd, 2024
October 22nd, 2024
«The 12 day South Korea tour was an amazing experience full of so many “Excitements” and unique things to see and do! It’s a very active trip, and well worth it. I enjoyed all the varied activities we did and not a single second was dull. It all came together to create an unforgettable experience! And a special thank you to our amazing tour guide, Julian! The best tour guide you could ever ask for! Always going above and beyond to make sure we had a great time in this incredible country. If you’re on the fence, just book it!»
Trip date: October 2024
Elvia
October 23rd, 2024
October 23rd, 2024
«Julián, our guide he above and beyond. Do to inclement weather we didn’t have the chance to do certain scheduled activities, but there was always a plan B, over all it was fantastic, recommendation to eat, A+»
Trip date: October 2024
Ashleigh
October 2nd, 2024
October 2nd, 2024
«Brilliant tour – gives you plenty of free time to explore as well as making sure you catch all of the “must-dos”! I was worried about staying in hostels, but needn’t have been – they were all much nicer than those I’ve been to in other countries, more like budget hotels than hostels. Our guide was great and had some excellent dinner recommendations ❤️ my highlights were the temple stay (get up early, you won’t regret it!), the beautiful seaside temple in Busan, and the yacht trip on Jeju «
Trip date: May 2024
Don’t miss the chance to have a unique travel experience.
Pack your bags and let’s travel together!
Good to Know
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Typhoid – Recommended for South Korea. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis A – Recommended for South Korea. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Tuberculosis – Recommended for South Korea. Ideally 3 months before travel.
- Hepatitis B – Recommended for South Korea. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Japanese B encephalitis – Recommended for South Korea. Ideally 1 month before travel.
Visa
Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you’re planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
Payment Information
A minimum payment of 5% is required to confirm your booking with Cubikoo Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 75 days prior to the departure date of your tour. Fees charged in Australian dollars (AUD) or US dollars (USD), where applicable. Prices may vary due to market fluctuations.
Some departure dates and prices may vary and Cubikoo Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
The following cards and payment methods are accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Bpay, Bank transfer.
Cancellation Policy
Your money is safe with Cubikoo Travel, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
Cubikoo Travel is an authorised Agent of the tour operator “The Dragon Trip”. Please familiarise yourself with payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Your options if plans change
We understand these are uncertain times and want to make sure you feel confident about your options if your plans change.
Cancellation
If there’s no other option than to cancel, we’d like to make sure you’re aware of the potential fees involved. The overview below shows this tour’s cancellation fees depending on how far ahead of the departure date you cancel.
- Up to 71 days before departureYou forfeit your deposit
- 70 days before departure
You forfeit 100% of the tour cost
Read The Full Cancellation Policy
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact hello@cubikootravel.com who are ready and waiting to help you.
Travel Protection
This tour not include travel protection. Cubikoo Travel will customised travel protection that is suited to you. Travel protection would be charged separately and based on your needs.
Flexible Payment Options
You can pay with a Credit Card or Pay Pal account to ensure that your booking are always easy
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Mobile: +61 434 634 172 – E-mail: mytrip@cubikootravel.com
TravelManagers Australia Pty Ltd trading as Cubikoo Travel
ACN 113 085 626. A member of IATA, ATIA, CLIA.
Mobile: +61 434 634 172
E-mail: mytrip@cubikootravel.com
TravelManagers Australia Pty Ltd
trading as Cubikoo Travel.
ACN 113 085 626.
A member of IATA, ATIA, CLIA