Welcome to Korea! Upon arrival, a local representative will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Your journey kicks off in vibrant Seoul, where you’ll gather for a welcome meeting at 6 PM. Meet your guide and fellow travelers, then take a short walk through the lively Gongdeok entertainment district. In the evening, enjoy a warm welcome dinner featuring Korean hotpot—a hearty dish packed with vegetables, meat, and noodles. Afterwards, explore the Cheonggyecheon Stream or dive into the energy of Seoul’s night markets.

Kick off your day with a walk through history at Gyeongbokgung Palace—Seoul’s most iconic royal palace, dating all the way back to 1395. Then wander the charming alleyways of Bukchon Hanok Village, where beautifully preserved traditional Korean homes (hanoks) sit tucked between hills and city views.

Next, get ready for a truly special experience—head to the home of Daniel Gray, renowned food expert and Netflix’s Street Food: Asia – Seoul feature. Here, you’ll dive into a fascinating talk on Korean culinary history, taste regional delicacies, sip traditional drinks, and even roll up your sleeves to help prep your own lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll return to your hotel for a powerful and eye-opening moment—a private talk with a North Korean defector who will share their inspiring journey of escape and resilience.

The evening is yours to explore—whether that means hitting the bustling shopping streets of Myeongdong to snack on mouthwatering street food or just kicking back and recharging for the next adventure.

Start your day with an early departure to one of Korea’s most powerful landmarks—the DMZ. After grabbing breakfast along the way, you’ll step into a place where history still echoes. Learn how the Korean Peninsula came to be divided and explore key sites like the mysterious Third Tunnel of Aggression and the symbolic Imjingak Peace Park, where monuments, bridges, and barbed wire tell stories of separation and hope.

After a break for lunch, you'll head to Jeonju—Korea’s cultural heart and the birthplace of its most beloved dish: bibimbap. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant famed for serving what many consider the best bibimbap in the country, made with perfectly balanced ingredients and rich in flavor.

Kick off your morning with a hearty bowl of Jeonju’s signature beansprout rice soup—light, comforting, and loved by locals. Then it’s off to Damyang, a charming town famous for its peaceful bamboo forests. Take a tranquil stroll through towering green groves, and don’t miss the quirky (and surprisingly tasty) bamboo ice cream!

For lunch, indulge in tteok galbi—juicy marinated beef grilled to perfection. Afterwards, you can treat yourself to a visit at a beloved local roastery known for its artisanal coffee and baked delights, or explore more of Damyang’s laid-back charm with a stroll through town.

Meet a local brassware master and learn about this traditional Korean craft, then wander the nearby hanok village and soak in the vibrant local art scene. In the evening, the pace is yours to set—relax, explore, or follow your cravings to a hidden local gem.

After a relaxed breakfast, you’ll head into the mountains to Gayasan National Park, home to the serene and storied Haeinsa Temple—your unforgettable Exclusive Feature Stay for the night. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Haeinsa is one of Korea’s most sacred temples and houses the Buddha’s teachings carved into over 80,000 wooden blocks.

Upon arrival, share tea with a resident monk and hear firsthand about life at the temple, its rich history, and the quiet strength of monastic living. In the afternoon, join a guided orientation to explore the temple grounds, followed by a peaceful group dinner. As night falls, you’ll join the monks for a calming meditation session before resting in the stillness of the temple.

After saying goodbye to the peaceful grounds of Haeinsa Temple, you’ll journey south to the stunning Shinan archipelago. Your first stop is a visit to a local’s home, where you’ll get a rare glimpse into everyday life in Korea’s southern coastal regions.

Next, we’ll explore the historic port city of Mokpo, known for its naval legacy and scenic Yudal Mountain. Take in panoramic island views from the longest and highest cable car in Korea as it soars over the coast. On the way to your hotel, stroll through Manho Village, filled with charming early 20th-century architecture, cozy shops, and a bustling fish market.

In the evening, you’re free to wander Mokpo’s vibrant waterfront, enjoy fresh seafood, or simply soak in the laid-back seaside vibe.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll drive to Mokpo Harbor and take a ferry to Jeju Island. After checking in to your accommodation, your leader will take you on a tour of the island’s eastern coast. You will visit an orange farm for a citrus-themed refresh, then head to Seongsan Ilchulbong (translating to castle mountain). Nicknamed Sunrise Peak, this gorgeous viewpoint was created by volcanic activity in the sea about 5000 years ago. This is also the first site in Korea ever registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is now one of the most popular scenic destinations in Korea. Take your time enjoying the panoramic views of the ocean, Udo Island, Hallasan Mountain and the volcanic landscape. On the way back to the hotel, you'll visit a Jeju folk village before a free evening to enjoy as you wish.

This morning after breakfast, your exploration of Jeju Island will extend to the island’s west. You will visit Jeju Green Tea Farm – the tea culture in Jeju is strong, and you can take pictures in the rolling fields. Take in the impressive sight of Sanbansan Mountain this afternoon – a huge lava dome often circled with clouds, which creates a mystical atmosphere. The impressive natural wonders will continue with a walk along the Olleh hiking trail, the layers of stacked sandstone creating an otherworldly scene. Finally, you’ll meet with a local Haenyno – one of the local women divers within the community who go diving for shellfish 10 m under the sea. Learn about the local fishing culture here and why these women, some in their 80s, still practice diving. Head out to a final dinner with your group at a local black pork BBQ restaurant to celebrate a trip well-travelled.

After breakfast, there are no activities planned for today and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in South Korea, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.