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South Korea: Secrets Of The Peninsula
Group Tour
Overview
One of the world’s most progressive economies, yet still technically at war for more than 70 years with its northern neighbour, South Korea is something of an enigma. Sandwiched between the Yellow Sea to the west and the Sea of Japan to the east, it provides a fascinating mix of the traditional and the innovative, where five thousand years of culture rubs shoulders with some of the most advanced technology on earth.
Beginning in the country’s thriving capital, Seoul, this remarkable ...
One of the world’s most progressive economies, yet still technically at war for more than 70 years with its northern neighbour, South Korea is something of an enigma. Sandwiched between the Yellow Sea to the west and the Sea of Japan to the east, it provides a fascinating mix of the traditional and the innovative, where five thousand years of culture rubs shoulders with some of the most advanced technology on earth.
Beginning in the country’s thriving capital, Seoul, this remarkable adventure takes us from the vibrancy of its most progressive city, on a journey that encompasses the Korean War and the once powerful kingdoms of the Joseon and Silla. We will visit the evocative site of the infamous DMZ along the 38th Parallel, as well as a dazzling collection of World Heritage Sites that hark back to the golden ages of Buddhist art and Korean culture. We will also savour the colours and flavours of local markets and local cuisine and enjoy the pristine beauty of some of the country’s most picturesque national parks.
A feast for all the senses, this will be a journey into the very heart of the paradox that is South Korea.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
Private minibuses, coaches and a local train journey
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
8 nights x Standard
1 night x Simple
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience. This can obviously vary greatly across both countries and tours. On this particular trip we will be in hotels, a temple stay and a Hanok (traditional Korean House). NB, at your temple stay, room configuration will be made up of two or four-beds with an en suite and will be strictly divided by gender. Four bed rooms at the temple may include bunk beds. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour Starts in Seoul
Day 1 Tour Starts in Seoul
We begin our journey in Seoul, a city whose rich mix of ancient traditions and modern innovation has seen it rise to become one of East Asia’s cultural, technological and historic hubs. Tracing its origins back to the 18th century BCE, the city today is home to nearly 10 million people, as well as no fewer than five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a vibrant arts scene and some of the finest museums and markets in the country.
Accommodation will be available from early afternoon today, and the tour will start with a group welcome dinner this evening (2027 only).
Day 2 Seoul: Inwangsan Mountain Trail & City Tour
Day 2 Seoul: Inwangsan Mountain Trail & City Tour
Following breakfast, we'll journey along the city’s Inwangsan Mountain Trail this morning, renowned for its rugged beauty and striking rock formations. Returning to the capital later we then explore something of the city’s historic heart, visiting Gwanghwamun Plaza and the Joseon palace of Gyeongbokgung, before witnessing the ceremonial changing of the guard at the Gwanghwamun Gate. Finishing with a wander amongst the cultural treasures of Insadong and the traditional architecture of Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, we’ll end the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
Note: The hike along the Inwangsan Mountain Trail will have an approximate duration of 2 to 3 hours 30 minutes and be 4km in length.
Day 3 Seoul: DMZ Visit & Market Tour
Day 3 Seoul: DMZ Visit & Market Tour
One of the most politically sensitive borders on earth, the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) divides the peninsula roughly in half. Some four kilometres in depth and around 250 kilometres long, it divides the north and south near the 38th parallel. A semi-private tour of the area this morning will include a visit to the Freedom Bridge and the DMZ Museum, before we transfer back to Seoul for lunch. The afternoon then sees us visiting the recreated village of Namsangol Hanok, with its Joseon-era architecture, before we swap tradition for iconic Korean street food and the lively bustle and dynamic nightlife of Myeong-dong.
Note: The visit to the DMZ is subject to being cancelled last minute due to local security conditions.
Day 4 Seoul - Train to Andong: Hahoe World Mask Museum
Day 4 Seoul - Train to Andong: Hahoe World Mask Museum
Departing the South Korean capital this morning we travel next to the eastern city of Andong, considered by many to be the spiritual and cultural heart of the country. Travelling by high-speed train we arrive in time to enjoy a tour around the city. A treasure house of Korean customs and architecture, we begin with a visit to the extensive Hahoe World Mask Museum, before attending a traditional performance of a Hahoe Mask Dance show. A chance to enjoy the serene beauty of the UNESCO Site of Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy will then be followed by an opportunity to savour Andong’s renowned local cuisine.
Day 5 Gayasan: Haeinsa Temple Stay
Day 5 Gayasan: Haeinsa Temple Stay
Transfer to the nearby city of Daegu this morning, where the bustling Seomun Market awaits us. One of the largest traditional markets in South Korea, Seomun’s narrow alleyways provide a perfect place to soak up some local colour, and perhaps find a souvenir or two. From here we then travel to Gayasan National Park, where the majestic 9th century temple of Haeinsa sits resplendent on the slopes of Mount Gayasan. Home to the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, the temple is another of South Korea’s magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites and, interestingly, also our home for the evening.
Note: The overnight temple stay is an authentic Buddhist experience and as such, enforces guests to stay in same-gender accommodation. This is to uphold a sense of spiritual discipline and avoid distraction during a time of meditation and reflection. Room configuration varies and each room will consist of two or four beds and have an en suite. Four bed rooms may include bunk beds.
Day 6 Gyeongju: Cycle Tour and Traditional Teahouse Visit
Day 6 Gyeongju: Cycle Tour and Traditional Teahouse Visit
An early start sees us attending the temple’s morning ceremony before departing Haeinsa Temple and travelling to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned as Korea's "museum without walls."
After lunch in the vibrant Hwangnidan-gil district, you can choose to enjoy a walk through the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, including Cheonmachong (Heavenly Horse Tomb), or a cycle around the historic landmarks such as the Cheomseongdae Observatory, King Naemul's Tomb, and Banwolseong Fortress wall. Both groups reunite before exploring the Gyeongju National Museum, home to Korea's finest collection of Silla treasures, including its famous gold crowns.
The day will conclude with a visit to the traditional Gyochon Hanok Village, featuring an authentic, tranquil teahouse experience and a tour of the beautifully restored Woljeonggyo Bridge, where you can soak up the charm before heading to your hotel.
Note: Guests joining the cycling tour will be provided with a bicycle helmet and a brief safety and low-gear orientation. Guests who prefer not to cycle are welcome to explore the area on foot using a printed walking guide and map.
Day 7 Gyeongju - Gyeongju National Park
Day 7 Gyeongju - Gyeongju National Park
Following breakfast this morning we take a journey through the lush landscapes of the Gyeongju National Park, home to the iconic settings of the Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto. One of the most famous and important temples in Korea, Bulguska is considered a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art and, along with nearby Seokguram, occupies pride of place amongst South Korea’s UNESCO treasures. A visit to the scenic setting of Bomun Lake will then be followed by an evening’s walk to Woljeong Bridge and the historical ‘gateway’ that connects the Silla palaces to the south.
Day 8 Gyeongju - Busan: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple & Haeundae Beach
Day 8 Gyeongju - Busan: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple & Haeundae Beach
Departing Gyeongju after breakfast we head next for South Korea’s second largest city. Known for its beaches and its seafood, Busan lies on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula and is home to the country’s busiest port. After dropping off luggage at our hotel, we then head out to explore something of the city, visiting the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and the popular setting of Haeundae Beach. In the company of our guide we will enjoy a food-focused walking tour around Haeundae’s bustling streets, followed perhaps by a chance to experience a little something of the area’s vibrant nightlife.
Day 9 Busan: Cooking Class & Gamcheon and Dakbatgol Village Tours
Day 9 Busan: Cooking Class & Gamcheon and Dakbatgol Village Tours
An insightful food experience is on the menu for this morning, where we will learn more about authentic local specialities and traditional culinary techniques. Busan’s varied cuisine reflects its historical importance as a major refugee centre during the Korean War and today provides an opportunity to celebrate and savour something of its culinary legacy. The food theme then continues with a visit to BIFF Square, known for its bustling streets and vibrant food stalls, before immersing ourselves in the art culture and charming streets of Gamcheon and the Dakbatgol Mural Village. Day’s end sees us enjoying the sunset on Gwangalli Beach.
Day 10 Busan - Jeonju: Juknokwon Bamboo Forest
Day 10 Busan - Jeonju: Juknokwon Bamboo Forest
We turn west today, towards the bamboo forests of Damyang County. Initially our journey takes us via the temple of Ssanggyesa, a historic Buddhist sanctuary that sits amongst the picturesque landscapes of the Hadong region. Nestling amongst the serene peaks of the Jiri Mountain range, the temple’s tranquil surroundings provide an idyllic spot to break our journey. From here we continue to Damyang, where we find a picturesque patchwork of tea plantations, historic gardens and rich bamboo forests that provide a chance to sample local bamboo tea and walk amongst towering bamboo and majestic sequoia trees.
Day 11 Jeonju: Mudeungsan National Park Hike
Day 11 Jeonju: Mudeungsan National Park Hike
After breakfast this morning we transfer to Mudeungsan National Park, to enjoy a gentle hike to the Jeungsimsa Temple. Skirting the edge of Mudeungsan Mountain, the park is a relative newcomer to the list of South Korea’s national parks and overlooks Gwangju, a city often cited as the birthplace of Korean democracy. The temple itself lies amongst the western foothills and can date its origins back to the Silla kingdom of the 6th century. Lunch at a local restaurant today will be followed by some free time back in Jeonju this afternoon.
Note: the hike through Mudeungsan National Park will be 40 minutes to Jeungsimsa Temple and 40 minutes back to the starting point. The walk is a light-moderate hike with a combination of well-maintained trails and natural terrain, with some rocky sections and gentle inclines.
Day 12 Jeonju - Seoul: Jeonju Hanok Village and Hwaseong Fortress
Day 12 Jeonju - Seoul: Jeonju Hanok Village and Hwaseong Fortress
After breakfast, we venture into Jeonju, a city whose culinary and cultural traditions can be traced back over 1,300 years. Our first stop is Nambu Market, one of South Korea’s oldest markets and still a bustling hub of local crafts and food stalls. We then head to Jeonju’s well-preserved Hanok Village, home to hundreds of beautifully restored traditional houses.
Continuing on to Suwon, we visit the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress, built during the late Joseon period (1777–1800) as a symbol of King Jeongjo’s devotion to his father. Our journey concludes back in Seoul for our final evening and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 13 Tour ends in Seoul
Day 13 Tour ends in Seoul
The tour ends after breakfast.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Hotel The Botanik Sewoon, Seoul
Located in the dynamic Sewoon district and offering easy access to iconic landmarks including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Hotel The Botanik Sewoon is an eco-friendly urban oasis in Seoul. Guest rooms are thoughtfully designed with modern interiors, ensuring comfort and convenience for each guest. There are many communal facilities available, including a wine library, a fitness centre and a cinema screening room. Botanik Kitchen offers a variety of dishes made with fresh ingredients and great care in a cosy, modern setting.
Stanford Hotel, Andong
The Stanford Hotel offers a blend of traditional with modern to provide a comfortable stay in Andong. Guest rooms are bright and spacious with views overlooking the Andong countryside. An international buffet is served daily in the open and airy Café Stanford and you can enjoy a nightcap and a selection of bar food at Manhattan Bar. Enjoy an array of pastries and hot drinks at Soho Coffee & Bakery and relax after a day of touring at the tranquil sauna and spa.
Haeinsa Temple, Gayasan National Park
A World Heritage Site and a working Buddhist practice centre, Haeinsa Temple is one of South Korea's most important pilgrimage sites and offers a remote accommodation option, located in the remote mountains of the southern Korean peninsula. During your stay, you will experience a Buddhist way of life, from the food you eat, to taking part in Buddhist meditation. Accommodation is basic yet clean and comfortable. Rooms will be gender-divided, staying in shared accommodation of either two or four-beds. This is a great opportunity to connect with traditional Korean Buddhist way of life and re-connect with a simpler way of life.
Baymond Hotel, Busan
Baymond Hotel is located enviably five-minutes' walk from Haeundae Beach and offers a relaxing haven in the heart of Busan. With luxurious interiors throughout and a rooftop offering an outdoor swimming pool and spectacular views over Haeundae Beach and the Sea of Japan, Baymond Hotel is the ideal accommodation option to really experience the city. The on site restaurant, Mond, offers a beautiful continental buffet breakfast.
Royal Jimil Hanok Hotel, Jeonju
The Royal Jimil Hanok Hotel combines traditional hanok style features with modern facilities. Designed to provide guests with serenity and cultural immersion, the Royal Jimil Hanok Hotel is the perfect choice for any stay in Jeonju. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, en suite and free WiFi. On site, there is also a restaurant and a relaxing hanok cafe, as well as peaceful gardens.
Amid Hotel Seoul, Seoul
Located within walking distance of the lively food and shopping districts of Insadong and Myeongdong, Amid Hotel Seoul is an ideal modern 4-star hotel option in Seoul. The property has a city-view terrace offering panoramic views over the city, and is home to an on-site spa and gourmet restaurant. Rooms are simple yet convenient and include air conditioning, mini bar and blackout curtains. Amid Hotel Seoul also offers a fitness centre and an on-site bakery offering a selection of sandwiches, coffees and bagels,
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| VS 5502 | London Heathrow (LHR) 19:35 | Seoul Incheon (ICN) 16:15 |
| VS 209 | Seoul Incheon (ICN) 12:20 | London Heathrow (LHR) 18:50 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders do not currently require a visa for South Korea.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to South Korea but you do currently need to show authorities.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
From April to June, South Korea brings mild temperatures with generally pleasant weather and opportunity to see the famous cherry blossoms. The Summer months of July and August are more hot and humid and monsoon season can hit in July. September to November is one of the best times to visit South Korea with crisp and clear skies and vibrant autumn leaves, perfect weather for sightseeing.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious, but not all Wild Frontiers tours are the same, and it is important that you choose a tour which is suitable for you. To help you decide and ensure you choose a suitable tour, please refer to our helpful guide here. As a minimum, you should make sure that you read the day-by-day itinerary and the Key Aspects to Consider sections carefully. Should you still have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour, then please contact us.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour. Please note there will be some light hiking including in the programme.
The visit to the Korean Demilitarised Zone can be cancelled last minute if there are security issues and you must bring your passport with you when visiting as it will be checked.
The overnight temple stay is an authentic Buddhist experience and as such, enforces guests to stay in same-gender accommodation. This is to uphold a sense of spiritual discipline and avoid distraction during a time of meditation and reflection. Room configuration varies and each room will consist of two or four beds and have an en suite. Four bed rooms may include bunk beds.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights apart from the Haeinsa Temple stay where you will share a room with people of the same gender; rooms will be made of up to 2-4 beds, and 4 bed rooms may be bunk beds.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 11036 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.