Discover South Korea

The adventure begins in Seoul, the buzzy capital of South Korea. Time permitting, the leader will arrange a short orientation tour near the hotel. We can visit Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest food markets in Seoul, where local people meet after work to enjoy traditional foods and liquor. The market also sells vintage clothing and textiles during the day but comes alive in the evenings when unique foods such as bindaetteok, a popular pancake with makkolli, the traditional Korean rice wine, are served. Around 6pm, say annyeonghaseyo (hello) to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner. Want more time in Seoul? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Today we enjoy a walking tour of Seoul. We first head to the Cheonggyecheon, an age-old canal in downtown Seoul that was filled with concrete in the 1960s but reopened in 2005 in its original state. We continue to Tapgol Park, the central point of the Korean independence movement in 1919. From here, we head to Insadong, the artisan neighbourhood where traditional teahouses and souvenir shops are lined up in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. After, we visit Jogyesa Temple, one of the most beautiful temple complexes in the heart of Seoul. At Gwanghwamoon, admire impressive statues of Admiral Yi and King Sejong, men who played vital roles in Korean history. The next stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built by the Joseon dynasty in 1394, this immense complex was the centre of power until Japanese occupation at the start of the last century. At the palace, we may see the changing of guards. Our last visit today is Bukchon Hanok Village, which is home to hundreds of traditional hanok houses from the Joseon dynasty. Please note, the order of these activities may change. Although not strenuous, the amount of walking today is considerable and fast-paced (we recommend comfortable walking shoes).

Today we visit Panmunjom, the only place on the peninsula where North and South Koreans can meet face to face. It was here the peace treaty was signed in 1953 and where both parties agreed on a Joint Security Area (JSA) in the middle of the border between the two countries, also known as DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). After a short briefing by US army personnel, we enter the JSA; here we visit Freedom House, the blue barracks sharing a conference room for talks between both North and South Korea, the visitor’s observation post and the Bridge of No Return. En route, we enjoy a traditional Korean dish for lunch. Due to government restrictions, this excursion is guided by a local JSA-specialised guide and not by your tour leader. The Panmunjom tour may be withdrawn at any time and, in such cases, this trip is substituted with visits to other key areas in the North-South Korea history, such as the Third Tunnel. We must also mention that some nationalities are not permitted to take part in the tour (at the time of writing this includes nationals from Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan and Syria) and it will be more difficult to obtain permission for South Korean and Chinese nationals to join the tour. Strict rules are in place for DMZ tours and, as such, passport details must be provided in advance. For dual passport holders, please ensure you provide Exodus with the exact passport details you will be entering South Korea with (and will be required to carry on the day tour). During the tour, it is critically important you follow instructions from military personnel and guides. Please refer to the What to Take section of the Trip Notes for information on required attire for this trip. The Joint Security Area currently remains closed and could re-open at any time. Entry into the DMZ area itself is open and other key sites such as the Third Tunnel are still possible to visit.

Today begins with a private transfer (approximately three hours) to Gangneung on Korea’s scenic east coast, known for its beaches, pine forests and rich cultural heritage. We begin at Seongyojang House, one of the country’s best-preserved Joseon Dynasty aristocratic residences, before visiting Anmok Coffee Street, a popular café district overlooking the ocean. In the afternoon, we continue north to Naksansa Temple, a beautiful Buddhist temple set on cliffs above the East Sea. Afterwards, we travel to Sokcho, a lively coastal city near Seoraksan National Park, famous for its seafood, mountain scenery and relaxed atmosphere. Sokcho belonged to North Korea from 1945 until the end of the Korean War.

On the beautiful east coast, the Seorak Mountains are the most famous in Korea. At the foot of the peaks is an enormous Buddha statue, which acts as a start point for a variety of trails between 2km and 10km (1.25mi and 6.2mi). The leader guides those who wish on an easy and short optional walk. A more leisurely option is to take a cable car to one of the mountaintops to enjoy fantastic views.

We transfer (approximately four hours) to Andong by private minibus and visit the Andong Hahoe Village, where ancient traditions influenced by the teachings of Confucius are still alive. The inhabitants live in the same way their ancestors did, in simple houses for the common farmers and in richly decorated houses for the yangban (gentry).

Today, we transfer (approximately 2hr 30min) to the historic city of Gyeongju, often called “the museum without walls” for its remarkable Shilla dynasty heritage. En route, we visit Dosan Confucian Academy, one of Korea’s most important Confucian institutions, set in peaceful natural surroundings. Enjoy a hands-on bibimbap-making experience where you’ll learn how to prepare one of Korea’s most iconic dishes using vegetables, herbs, rice, and seasonings, before lunching on the freshly prepared dish. Upon arrival in Gyeongju, we explore Daereungwon Tumuli Park, home to ancient royal burial mounds from the Shilla Kingdom, before checking in to our hotel and enjoying the evening at leisure.