Description
The South Korea Snapshot 6 Day Tour offers a perfect introduction to this dynamic country. Begin in Seoul, the bustling capital, with visits to historical sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. Journey to Gyeongju to explore ancient temples and royal tombs, then visit Jeonju to experience its famous Hanok Village and culinary delights. This compact tour offers a blend of modern culture and traditional charm.
**Travel insurance is compulsory for all One Life tours **
Inclusions
- STAYS: 5 nights of accommodation
- TRANSPORT: All transport included (Day 2-6) from trains, subways, taxis, and buses. You’ll only have to organise your airport transfers.
- CREW: Your One Life Adventures tour guide & local activity guides
- MEALS: 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
ACTIVITIES
- Explore the ancient palace of Gyeongbokgung
- Experience the night views of Seoul from the top of Namsan Mountain
- Walk through the traditional Hanok Village in Seoul and learn about the history of the area
- Learn a K-pop dance routine from a professional choreographer
- Learn about the ‘K-Wave’ at the HiKR Ground and record a short K-pop video
- Visit the DMZ and peer into the Hermit Kingdom of North Korea
- Walk through the Infiltration Tunnels dug by the North Koreans to invade the south
- Have a Q&A session with a North Korean defector
- Take a street food tour of Gwangjang Market
- Stay in a tiny mountain temple and do a singing bowl meditation
- Partake in the evening and morning
- Buddhist chanting with the monks
- Have green tea with a monk to ask questions about life or Buddhism
- Optional Extras: Hanbok rental, traditional lunch in the Hanok Village
Not Included
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Airport pick up
- Some meals
Highlights
- Spend the night at a temple in the mountains of Seoul
- Learn a K-pop dance routine from a professional choreographer
- Explore the ancient palace of Gyeongbokgung
- Partake in a singing bowl meditation session
- Take a street food tour of Gwanjang Market
- Visit the DMZ and peer into the Hermit Kingdom of North Korea
Your Travel Itinerary
The capital city of South Korea is the perfect place to begin your Korean adventure. You will meet your group in the Myeongdong district, where you will be treated to your first Korean meal during the included welcome dinner. Afterwards, you can enjoy the breathtaking night views from the top of Namsan Mountain, where you will see the famous tower illuminated in pink, blue, and green.
After having breakfast at the hostel, you will head to the trendy Hapjeong neighbourhood where you will get the chance to learn a K-Pop dance from a professional instructor, create a video and visit the HiKR to learn about the global K-Wave phenomenon. You will have the afternoon free to explore before we all meet up in the lively Itaewon district for dinner and drinks.
In your free time, you could enjoy a touch of shopping in Myeongdong. Myeongdong district is known as a shopper’s paradise, you’ll be able to pick up some K-pop idol merchandise there if you’re a fan! Alternatively, visit Myeongdong Cathedral, the oldest Gothic church in Korea, for some peaceful reflection.
Today, you will have the opportunity to experience a tour that you will remember forever. You will be taken to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) where you can gaze into the Hermit Kingdom of North Korea. As you stand on the border of two worlds, you will witness the stark contrast between North and South Korea. You will explore the tunnels dug by North Korea into the south, hear the area’s stories, and engage in cultural exchange with a North Korean defector. You will return to Seoul by approximately 4 pm, with enough time for everyone to freshen up before enjoying another amazing Korean dinner.
Today, you will be transported back in time to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Joseon Dynasty era in traditional Seoul. You will witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the five palaces that survived the Joseon dynasty era and holds a special place for the people of Seoul. You will explore its ancient courtyards, majestic architecture, and serene garden. You also have the chance to wear the traditional ‘hanbok’ while exploring the palace for that extra authentic feel.
Afterwards, you will walk through the perfectly preserved Bukchon Hanok Village and appreciate its traditional Korean architecture. The village is a living museum showcasing how people lived in Korea centuries ago. In complete contrast, we then head to the bustling Insadong art street. Insagong is a lively and vibrant cultural hub, famous for its art galleries, antique and cultural shops.
Later in the evening, your guide will take you on a street food-tasting tour through the famous Gwangjang Market to sample the best street food in the city. Gwangjang Market is a street food haven where you will find an array of Korean dishes, from savory to sweet. Don’t miss a few of the iconic dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls).
Get ready to experience the serenity of a small, working temple nestled in the mountains outside Seoul. With beautifully decorated temples and shrines dotting the grounds, you will be transported to a world away from the noise and neon of the big city. You will be taking part in temple life including a singing bowl meditation session, evening bell tolling, and prayer chanting. You will also get the special opportunity to sit down with a monk for tea after your Buddhist dinner (eaten in reflective silence) is served to ask those burning questions about life. This is your opportunity to reset and recharge before the your Snapshot Tour comes to an end tomorrow.
After breakfast at the temple, we will make our way back to the centre of Seoul. The time has come to say farewell to the rest of your group from Seoul Station where our tour finishes.
