South Korea Expedition
Experience the rhythm of South Korea on this 8-day expedition through neon cities, ancient traditions, and unforgettable local experiences.
Begin in Seoul, where royal palaces meet buzzing street life - dress in traditional hanbok, wander historic alleyways, and end the night singing your heart out at karaoke. Dive into modern Korean culture with a K-pop dance class, then journey south through storybook hanok villages, sacred temples, and coastal cities. Brew your own makgeolli in Jeonju, cycle among ancient tombs in Gyeongju, and explore Busan’s vibrant markets and seaside temples before returning to the capital by high-speed train.
From palaces to pop culture, hanok stays to street food - this is South Korea unfiltered!
October 12th - 19th 2027
Expedition Highlights
★ Step back in time at Gyeongbokgung Palace, dressed in traditional hanbok as you explore royal courtyards and learn about Korea’s Joseon dynasty.
★ Wander the narrow lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village, where beautifully preserved wooden homes sit quietly among Seoul’s modern skyline.
★ Belt out your favourite hits at a lively Korean karaoke (noraebang) session — a must-do cultural experience and a guaranteed group favourite.
★ Learn a K-pop dance routine in a professional studio, gaining a fun behind-the-scenes glimpse into Korea’s global pop phenomenon.
★ Travel south to Jeonju Hanok Village, the heart of Korean culinary heritage, and take part in a hands-on makgeolli brewing experience.
★ Stay overnight in a traditional hanok, sleeping on heated ondol floors and experiencing the quiet charm of Korea’s historic architecture.
★ Explore the ancient capital of Gyeongju, visiting the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple and cycling through Tumuli Park among royal tombs.
★ Stroll through Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond at dusk, when lantern reflections bring Korea’s historic past beautifully to life.
★ Discover Busan’s coastal charm at the dramatic Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched above the sea with sweeping ocean views.
★ Dive into Busan’s vibrant local culture at Jagalchi Fish Market and Gukje Market, sampling street snacks or watching the city’s seafood trade in action.
★ Ride Korea’s high-speed KTX train back to Seoul, experiencing the efficiency and innovation that define modern South Korea.
8 Day Itinerary
Day 1 (October 12): Welcome to Seoul
Meals: Dinner
Welcome to South Korea! Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, meet your driver and transfer into the heart of Seoul. After checking in and settling into your hotel, gather for a welcome dinner at a traditional Korean BBQ restaurant. Grill premium meats at the table, sample classic banchan side dishes, and toast to the adventure ahead as you get to know your fellow expedition members.
Overnight: Seoul
Day 2 (October 13): Palaces, Hanbok & Historic Neighbourhoods
Meals: Breakfast
Begin the day by dressing in traditional hanbok, selecting your own colours and styles before stepping back into Korea’s royal past. Visit the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most important palace of the Joseon Dynasty, followed by a visit to the National Folk Museum to learn about Korean daily life through the centuries.
After returning your hanbok, wander the charming alleyways of Bukchon Hanok Village, where beautifully preserved wooden homes sit quietly between modern neighbourhoods.
In the evening, enjoy a lively karaoke (noraebang) session - a beloved Korean pastime and a guaranteed highlight.
Overnight: Seoul
Day 3 (October 14): K-Pop Dance Class & Seoul at Leisure
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, travel by public transportation to a professional dance studio and learn a K-pop dance routine, gaining a fun behind-the-scenes look at Korea’s global pop culture phenomenon.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Explore local cafés, browse shops, visit neighbourhood markets, or simply soak up the rhythm of the city at your own pace.
Overnight: Seoul
Day 4 (October 15): Explore Jeonju & Makgeolli Brewing
Meals: Breakfast
Check out and travel south to Jeonju, one of Korea’s most culturally rich cities. Upon arrival, explore Jeonju Hanok Village, home to hundreds of traditional houses, artisan workshops, and historic streets.
Later, take part in a hands-on makgeolli brewing experience, learning how Korea’s traditional rice wine is made before sampling your creation.
Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening soaking up Jeonju’s slower pace.
Overnight: Jeonju
Day 5 (October 16): Temples, Bikes & Hanok Stay
Meals: Breakfast
Travel onward to Gyeongju, often referred to as “the museum without walls.” Visit the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple, one of Korea’s most important Buddhist sites, renowned for its elegant stone pagodas and serene mountain setting.
Later, enjoy a gentle bike ride through Tumuli Park, cycling among ancient royal tombs from the Silla Dynasty.
As evening falls, stroll around Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, where lantern reflections shimmer across the water.
Tonight, stay overnight in a traditional hanok, sleeping on heated ondol floors and experiencing the quiet charm of historic Korean architecture.
Overnight: Gyeongju Hanok
Day 6 (October 17): Seaside Shrines & Colourful Busan
Meals:
Depart Gyeongju and travel to Busan, South Korea’s vibrant coastal city. En route, visit the dramatic seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched above the ocean with sweeping coastal views.
Continue to Jagalchi Fish Market, where stalls overflow with fresh seafood and the energy of daily trade fills the air. Wander nearby Gukje Market for local snacks and street food.
Later, explore the colourful hillside streets of Gamcheon Cultural Village, famous for its murals, staircases, and creative community spaces.
Check into your hotel and relax for the evening.
Overnight: Busan
Day 7 (October 18): Busan → Seoul by High-Speed Train
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Busan before transferring to the station to board the high-speed KTX train back to Seoul. Sit back and watch the landscape blur past as you experience one of the world’s most efficient rail systems.
Upon arrival in Seoul, check into your hotel and enjoy time at leisure before gathering for a farewell dinner, celebrating an unforgettable journey through South Korea’s culture, cities, and traditions.
Overnight: Seoul
Day 8 (October 19): Departure from Seoul
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Incheon International Airport for your onward flight. From royal palaces and hanok villages to K-pop culture and coastal temples, this expedition has offered a rich and balanced journey through South Korea unfiltered.
Included
✓ Accommodation for 7 nights (twin share) in carefully selected, well-located hotels, plus 1 night in a traditional hanok
(Single supplement available for an additional cost)
✓ Daily breakfasts (7), welcome Korean BBQ dinner, and farewell dinner in Seoul
✓ All main entrance fees to attractions and cultural sites listed in the itinerary
✓ Guided visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Folk Museum, including traditional hanbok hire
✓ Guided walk through Bukchon Hanok Village, exploring Seoul’s most charming historic neighbourhood
✓ Lively Korean karaoke (noraebang) experience in Seoul
✓ K-pop dance class in a professional studio, offering a fun behind-the-scenes glimpse into modern Korean culture
✓ Guided exploration of Jeonju Hanok Village, the heart of Korea’s culinary heritage
✓ Hands-on makgeolli brewing experience, learning to make Korea’s traditional rice wine
✓ Visit to Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples
✓ Bike ride through Tumuli Park, cycling among ancient royal tombs from the Silla Dynasty
✓ Evening stroll at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, beautifully illuminated at dusk
✓ Visit to the dramatic seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan
✓ Guided visits to Jagalchi Fish Market, Gukje Market, and Gamcheon Cultural Village
✓ High-speed KTX train journey from Busan to Seoul
✓ All ground transportation in comfortable, modern, air-conditioned private vehicles
✓ The services of experienced local English-speaking guides throughout the journey
✓ Arrival airport transfer from Incheon International Airport and departure airport transfer to Incheon Airport
Not Included
✗ International flights to and from South Korea
✗ Travel insurance
✗ Any optional excursions or activities not specified in the itinerary
✗ Any entrance fees to sites not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary
✗ Meals and drinks not listed as included in the itinerary
✗ Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, or minibar charges
✗ Tipping and gratuities for drivers, guides, hotel staff, and restaurant servers (at your discretion)
✗ Visa fees (if applicable) and any related processing charges