12 Day South Korea Explorer
Australian Owned Company
Return Flights included
7 Day change of mind
Fully Escorted by English speaking tour guide
Day by Day Itinerary
Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, Pocheon, Cheolwon
Highlights
Gyeongbokgung Palace and Hanbok Experience:
Discover the grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the most iconic royal palace in Seoul, while dressed in a traditional Korean hanbok. This immersive experience allows you to step back in time and explore Korea’s rich cultural heritage in an unforgettable way.
KTX Train Journey from Seoul to Busan:
Travel at lightning speed from Seoul to Busan on the KTX train, South Korea’s cutting-edge high-speed rail system. This journey not only saves time but also offers stunning views of the Korean countryside as you zip across the peninsula.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple:
Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of South Korea’s rare seaside temples, offering breathtaking ocean views and a serene spiritual atmosphere. This temple is a must-see for those seeking to combine natural beauty with cultural exploration.
Golgulsa Temple Stay and Sunmudo Meditation:
Experience the ancient martial art of Sunmudo during a temple stay at Golgulsa, where you’ll practice meditation and traditional Korean archery. This unique spiritual retreat offers a deep dive into Korea’s Buddhist traditions amidst a tranquil natural setting.
DMZ Tour and Peace Observatory:
Embark on a DMZ tour to explore the Korean Demilitarized Zone, including the 2nd Tunnel and Peace Observatory, where you can peer into North Korea. This tour offers a rare and insightful look into the history and ongoing tensions between the two Koreas.
Itinerary
Home 
Seoul
Welcome to Seoul!
On arrival into Incheon International Airport (ICN) you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your accommodation.
After checking in and settling into your room, take some time to freshen up and relax. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore nearby areas such as Myeongdong, which is famous for its vibrant shopping streets and delicious street food. Alternatively, take a leisurely walk along the scenic Cheonggyecheon Stream, a restored urban waterway that runs through downtown Seoul.
Enjoy your first evening in Seoul at your leisure, perhaps sampling local cuisine at a nearby restaurant.
Meals: In-flight meals
Accommodation: Hotel Amid or Similar 4 Star
Please note:
If purchasing the land only option, please be advised that transfers are not included. You will need to make your own way to the joining hotel.
Depending on the time of your departure flight, the start date of your tour may be the day prior.
Seoul
After breakfast, your first excursion will be experiencing traditional Korean culture by wearing a hanbok and visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty.
Be sure to witness the colourful changing of the guard ceremony at the palace gates. Afterward, head to Bukchon Hanok Village, where you’ll wander through its picturesque alleys lined with well-preserved hanok houses. This village offers a glimpse into traditional Korean life and stunning views of the city.
In the afternoon, make your way to N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain. You’ll take a bus and then a lift to the observation deck, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Seoul’s skyline. Spend some time taking in the scenery and perhaps visiting the tower’s digital observatory and love locks area. After a day full of exploration, return to your hotel to relax and recharge for tomorrow’s activities.
Meals:Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Amid or Similar 4 Star
Seoul 
Busan
After breakfast, check out and prepare for your journey to Busan. You’ll take the high-speed KTX train from Seoul to Busan, a comfortable and efficient way to travel across the country in about 2.5 hours.
Upon arrival in Busan, visit Jagalchi Fishery Market, South Korea’s largest seafood market. Here, you can witness the bustling activity as vendors sell fresh seafood and enjoy a meal at one of the market’s eateries.
Next, explore Kukje International Market, a sprawling market where you can find a variety of goods, from clothing to electronics. Continue your tour with a visit to Busan Tower, located in Yongdusan Park. The tower offers stunning views of Busan’s harbour and cityscape. In the late afternoon, head to Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its colourful houses, steep streets, and artistic installations. This vibrant village is often referred to as the “Machu Picchu of Busan.” After a full day, check into your hotel in Busan and relax for the evening.
Meals:Breakfast
Accommodation: Busan Crown Harbor 4 Star (or similar)
Busan
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before starting your day. Begin with a visit to Haedong Yonggung Temple, a beautiful Buddhist temple set against the backdrop of the sea. The temple’s serene atmosphere and stunning views make it a must-visit spot. Next, head to Haeundae Blueline Park, where you’ll take a unique ride on the Sky Capsule along the coastline, offering picturesque views of the ocean and surrounding areas.
Relax at Haeundae Beach, one of Busan’s most famous beaches. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or simply enjoy the seaside atmosphere, Haeundae Beach is the perfect spot. In the afternoon, take a scenic yacht cruise along the coast, providing a different perspective of Busan’s beautiful shoreline. Finish your day with a visit to Oryukdo Skywalk, a thrilling glass bridge that offers breathtaking views of the cliffs and ocean below. Afterward, return to your hotel and enjoy your evening at leisure.
Meals:Breakfast
Accommodation: Busan Crown Harbor 4 Star (or similar)
Busan 
Gyeongju
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Travel to Gyeongju and visit Yangdong Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This well-preserved traditional village showcases Joseon-era architecture and offers insights into Korean history and culture.
Continue your exploration with a visit to Tumuli Park, known for its large burial mounds of ancient kings and nobility of the Silla Dynasty. The park’s lush greenery and historical significance make it a fascinating destination.
This afternoon, head to Gyeongju National Museum, where you’ll find an extensive collection of artefacts from the Silla Dynasty, providing a deeper understanding of Korea’s ancient history. Afterward, stroll along Hwangridan-gil Road, a popular street lined with trendy cafes, shops, and traditional houses. This charming area is perfect for an afternoon walk and offers plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining. Check into your hotel in Gyeongju and relax for the evening.
Meals:Breakfast
Accommodation: Commodore Hotel 4 Star (or similar)
Gyeongju - Temple Stay Experience
Your first stop today will be Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique architecture and serene surroundings. Explore the temple grounds and appreciate its historical and cultural significance. Afterward, head to Golgulsa Temple for a unique temple stay experience.
At Golgulsa Temple, you’ll participate in various activities designed to give you a deeper understanding of Korean Buddhism and traditional practices. Start with an archery experience, where you’ll learn the basics of traditional Korean archery. Then, engage in Sunmudo meditation, a unique Korean Zen martial art that combines meditation and physical exercise. Watch a Sunmudo performance to see the martial art in action, followed by an orientation and training session where you can practise the techniques yourself.
Participate in the 108 Times Bows, a meditative practice that involves performing 108 prostrations. This activity is both physically and spiritually rewarding. Enjoy a traditional temple meal for dinner, offering a unique culinary experience. After a fulfilling day at the temple, return to your hotel for a restful night.
Meals:Breakfast
Accommodation: Commodore Hotel 4 Star (or similar)
Gyeongju Seoul
After breakfast, check out and board the KTX train back to Seoul.
Upon arrival, explore Hongik University Street, a vibrant area known for its youthful energy, street performances, and indie music scene. Enjoy shopping, street food, and the creative atmosphere that makes this neighborhood so popular.
In the afternoon, relax on a Han River cruise, offering beautiful views of Seoul’s skyline and landmarks. The cruise provides a peaceful break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
After the cruise, check into your hotel in Seoul and enjoy the evening at your leisure. You might want to explore nearby areas or simply relax at the hotel.
Meals:Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Amid or Similar 4 Star 4
Seoul
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Participate in a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Korean temple food, preparing two kinds of vegetarian meals. This hands-on experience offers insights into the dietary practices of Korean monks and the principles of temple cuisine.
Next, visit Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s oldest traditional markets. The market is famous for its street food and traditional goods, offering a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Sample local delicacies such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls).
In the afternoon, explore Jongmyo Shrine, a Confucian shrine dedicated to the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the shrine offers a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse into Korea’s royal history. Continue your tour with a visit to Myeongdong Street, one of Seoul’s busiest and most vibrant districts. Enjoy shopping at popular stores and trying various street foods.
In the evening, watch the Nanta Show, a popular non-verbal performance that combines traditional Korean drumming with comedy and drama. The high-energy show is entertaining and engaging for audiences of all ages. After the show, return to your hotel and relax.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Amid or Similar 4 Star
Seoul Cheolwon Pocheon
Embark on a thought-provoking journey to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world, symbolising the division between North and South Korea since the Korean War armistice in 1953.
Your visit begins at the 2nd Tunnel, one of four known infiltration tunnels dug by North Korea. Discovered in 1975, this tunnel is a stark reminder of the hostilities that still linger on the Korean Peninsula. The tunnel is large enough to accommodate an army, and it is believed that it was constructed to enable a surprise attack on Seoul. Today, it stands as a reminder of the fragile peace that exists between the two Koreas.
Next, you’ll visit Woljeongri Station, also known as the “Iron Triangle Battlefield.” This station was once a bustling stop on the Seoul-Wonsan Line before the Korean War disrupted its operations. The station serves as a poignant symbol of the war’s destructive impact and the enduring division of the Korean Peninsula. Your DMZ tour continues to the Peace Observatory Tower, where you can peer across the border into North Korea. The observatory offers panoramic views of the lush landscapes of the North, a rare glimpse into a land that remains largely hidden from the outside world.
After exploring the DMZ, your journey continues to the scenic Cheolwon Hantan River Jusangjeolli Clifft Road. This natural wonder is renowned for its unique basalt formations, created by the cooling and contraction of volcanic lava millions of years ago.. The serene landscape offers a moment of reflection, allowing you to absorb the day’s experiences while enjoying the tranquillity of the natural environment.
The day concludes with an overnight stay at your hotel in Pocheon, where you can relax and unwind, processing the day’s profound and contrasting experiences.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Pocheon Hanhwa Resort or Similar 4 Star
Pocheon Seoul
Spend the day exploring Pocheon, starting with a visit to Pocheon Art Valley, a former quarry transformed into a cultural complex featuring sculptures, galleries, and the picturesque Cheonjuho Lake.
Next, immerse yourself in the fragrant world of herbs and flowers at Pocheon Herb Island. In the afternoon, return to Seoul for your final night in the city, with time to relax and savour your last moments in South Korea.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Amid or Similar 4 Star
Seoul Home
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before preparing for your departure. You’ll be transferred to Incheon International Airport, bringing your unforgettable South Korean adventure to a close.
Meals: Breakfast
Home
Welcome home, we hope you had a great trip to South Korea with AVG Travel.
Included
- Return international flights
- Return airport transfers included
- 10 nights comfortable 4-star centrally located hotels.
- Dedicated transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
- Return KTX high speed trains
- Daily Breakfast
- Fully escorted by English-speaking local guides
- Comfortable group touring with a maximum of 30 guests
- In-depth sightseeing and all entry fees as per the itinerary
Excluded
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tipping for driver and tour guide (approx AUD10/per person/day)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance (we strongly recommend you hold a valid travel insurance policy for all travel)
- Trip delay or interruption due to airline schedule changes
- Extra cost for missed tour caused by flight delay or cancellation
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the itinerary
Fine Print
How to book and Payments
Asia Vacation Group offers you a pay in “3 Instalment Payment Plan” as follows
- First payment: $300 per person deposit due at time of booking
- Second payment: $2,000 per person due 7 days after the initial booking.
- Final payment: Balance due 120 days before your departure date.
Please note Asia Vacation Group’s 7-day cooling off offer.
Please refer to the “Flexible Cancellation” section.
Flexible Cancellation
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking, you can request a full refund of your initial deposit. Please note, after 7 days, our standard terms and conditions apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including name, booking number and the reason for cancellation.
Flight Information
This package includes return flights from Sydney/Melbourne.
Flights from Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth attract a $400 surcharge.
Airline Selection: We book the best available airlines for your journey, which may include a mix of full-service and low-cost carriers. Specific airline requests can be made at the time of purchase. This includes upgrades to your preferred carrier, premium economy or business class cabins or specific seats. Whilst we will try our best, not all requests can be confirmed.
Flight Conditions: Flights may not be direct and could involve a maximum of two transits.
Ticketing Information: Once issued, tickets are non-refundable. Changes are subject to airline rules, airline change fees, and an Asia Vacations Group change fee of $250 per person.
Passenger Details: Please ensure all traveller names are as per passports. This includes all middle names. Errors may incur a name change fee of $150 plus airline charges, or require the purchase of a new ticket.
Flight Schedule Changes: Any changes or cancellations to airline schedules are outside our control. We recommend staying updated with airline schedules before departure. Additional expenses for extended transits or alternative arrangements are the traveller’s responsibility.
Internal Airfares: Local flights included in your itinerary may utilise low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage is included; any additional baggage fees are payable at check-in.
Booking Considerations: If travelling with others on separate bookings, we may not be able to guarantee all flights are the same due to availability.
Luggage and Fees: You are responsible for your luggage at all times. Excess baggage fees, if incurred, are payable directly to the airline. All tickets will include 20 kg checked baggage per person, plus 7 kg of hand luggage. We recommend travelling with a max 20kg per person due to restrictions on internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Please note, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included.
No-Show Policy: Missing your flight may result in fees including a no-show fee, airline reissue fee, and possible new ticket purchase. Asia Vacations Group charges a $250 admin fee for re-booking assistance.
Price Adjustments: Prices are final at the time of ticketing. Any subsequent changes may result in additional costs due to factors beyond our control, such as currency fluctuations or airline surcharges.
Important Information
Arrival and Departure Transfers
If the holiday you book is LAND ONLY, arrival and departure transfers are NOT included in your tour price. You will need to make your own way to the joining hotel.
Physical Requirements
A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Suggested tipping is AU$10/person per day.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1042 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Traveler
Not available.
Triple Share
Not available.
Group Size
min 6 max 30 travellers
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with Nib Travel Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply with us.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return and must have more than 2 blank pages.
Australian passport holders can visit South Korea as a tourist for stays of up to 90 days without applying for a K-ETA (or visa waiver) until 31 December 2024.
Previously approved K-ETA applications will remain valid up to the granted expiry date. Visit the official K-ETA website for more information.
IMPORTANT: Visa requirements may change at any time without notice. You should contact the nearest high commission/embassy or consulate for the latest details.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
How to Extend Your Stay
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
- $410 per room, per night including one-way airport transfer based on double/twin room share
Post Tour Accommodation
- $410 per room, per night including one-way airport transfer based on double/twin room share
Please select the number of extra nights required in the ‘Additional Nights Accommodation’ field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Dates & Prices
Real Travelers Reviews
Wide variety of well priced Tours of Asia. I found the Tours available to choose
Our holiday was an amazing experience we enjoyed the scheduled tours all were very interesting.
We were very happy and had no problem at all when booking
This is the 2nd time that I have booked with Asia Vacation
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