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321 Pitt St, Sydney

Guided Tour of South Korea

4.8 (156 reviews)
Duration: 15 days / 14 nights
Group Size: Small guided group
Tour Type: Cultural & Heritage, Nature & Scenic
Languages: English

Guided Tour of South Korea

Experience the perfect blend of tradition and innovation on this 15-day guided tour through South Korea’s dynamic landscapes and cultural treasures, extending into Japan’s iconic wonders. Begin in vibrant Seoul with its ancient palaces and bustling markets, then venture to UNESCO-listed mountains like Mt. Seoraksan, historic Andong hanok villages, and Gyeongju’s ancient observatories and temples. Delve into poignant history at the DMZ and Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial. Transition seamlessly to Tokyo’s neon energy, Mt. Fuji’s majestic views, and Kyoto’s serene bamboo groves via bullet train. This immersive journey contrasts Korea’s spicy street food and K-pop pulse with Japan’s cherry blossoms and samurai legacy, offering profound cultural insights, scenic hikes, and modern thrills. Ideal for adventurers seeking history, nature, and urban excitement across East Asia.

  • Majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul
  • UNESCO gems: Mt. Seoraksan National Park cable car to Gweongeumseong Fortress, Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto
  • Tense yet enlightening DMZ tour: 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory overlooking North Korea
  • Traditional Andong: Hanok houses and UNESCO mask dance performances
  • Ancient Gyeongju: Cheomseongdae observatory, National Museum, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
  • Flight to Tokyo: Odaiba's futuristic vibes, Tsukiji Fish Market, Sensoji Temple
  • Mt. Fuji adventures: Gotemba Peace Park views, World Heritage Centre
  • Ninja lore at Iga-ryu Museum, grand Osaka Castle, neon-lit Dotonbori
  • Shinkansen to Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha torii gates, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion
  • Historic Himeji Castle and reflective Hiroshima Peace Memorial with Atomic Bomb Dome
  • Mystical Itsukushima Shrine's floating torii on Miyajima Island

Included

  • 14 nights superior 3-star twin-share accommodation throughout
  • Daily breakfast (B) and specified lunches/dinners (L, D) with local cuisine
  • Domestic flight from Seoul to Tokyo (LCC, 20kg checked baggage)
  • Shinkansen bullet train ride from Osaka to Kyoto
  • Professional English-speaking tour guide throughout
  • Dedicated air-conditioned coach transportation
  • All monument entrance fees as per itinerary (e.g., Gyeongbokgung, DMZ, Himeji Castle)
  • In-depth sightseeing and cultural experiences

Not Included

  • Return international flights to/from Seoul and Osaka
  • Airport and hotel transfers (optional add-on)
  • Compulsory travel insurance
  • Non-compulsory tipping for guide/driver
  • Optional recommended programs and tour extensions
  • Personal expenditures (e.g., souvenirs, extra meals)
  • Lunches and dinners not specified in itinerary

Itinerary (Timeline)

  • Day 1:
    Arrival in Seoul

    Arrive at Incheon Airport (ICN) and transfer independently to your hotel. Free afternoon to acclimate and explore nearby Myeongdong. Overnight in Seoul.

  • Day 2:
    Seoul → Mt. Seoraksan (B, L, D)

    Depart Seoul for Mt. Seoraksan National Park. Stop at Sokcho Fishing Village for fresh seafood lunch. Hike to Shinheungsa Temple and cable car to Gweongeumseong Fortress for panoramic views. Overnight near Mt. Seoraksan.

  • Day 3:
    Mt. Seorak → Andong → Daegu (B, L)

    Travel to Andong for hanok village exploration and UNESCO mask dance performance. Continue to Daegu; evening stroll in Dongseongno Shopping District. Overnight in Daegu.

  • Day 4:
    Daegu → Gyeongju (B, L)

    Visit Cheomseongdae, Asia's oldest astronomical observatory. Tour Gyeongju National Museum's Silla artifacts, then Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto (UNESCO sites). Evening at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. Overnight in Gyeongju.

  • Day 5:
    Gyeongju → Seoul via DMZ (B, L)

    Return to Seoul with a stop at the DMZ: Explore 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Resort Unification Park, North Korea Centre, and Dora Observatory for views of Propaganda Village and Kaesong. Overnight in Seoul.

  • Day 6:
    Seoul City Tour (B, L)

    Visit Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) against Bugaksan Mountain. Tour Gyeongbokgung Palace in hanbok if desired. Shop at Amethyst Store, then Insadong's tea houses and artisan shops. Stroll Bukchon Hanok Village. Overnight in Seoul.

  • Day 7:
    Seoul → Tokyo, Japan (B)

    Airport transfer for flight to Tokyo (Narita/Haneda). Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Free evening in Shinjuku. Overnight in Tokyo.

  • Day 8:
    Tokyo Exploration (B)

    Head to Odaiba: Rainbow Bridge and Statue of Liberty replica. Tsukiji Fish Market for sushi sampling (lunch on own). Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck, then Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. Overnight in Tokyo.

  • Day 9:
    Tokyo → Mt. Fuji → Hamamatsu (B)

    Drive to Mt. Fuji area: Gotemba Peace Park for iconic views, Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre on geology and culture. Continue to Hamamatsu for free evening relaxation. Overnight in Hamamatsu.

  • Day 10:
    Hamamatsu → Osaka (B)

    Visit Iga-ryu Ninja Museum in Iga City. Arrive in Osaka for Osaka Castle tour and gardens. Evening in Dotonbori district's neon lights and street food. Overnight in Osaka.

  • Day 11:
    Osaka → Kyoto → Osaka (B)

    Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. Hike Fushimi Inari Taisha's red torii gates. Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge. Visit Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion (UNESCO). Return to Osaka. Overnight in Osaka.

  • Day 12:
    Osaka Free Day (B)

    Full free day to revisit favorites, shop in Shinsaibashi, or day trip to Nara. Overnight in Osaka.

  • Day 13:
    Osaka → Himeji → Hiroshima (B)

    Depart for Hiroshima, stopping at Himeji Castle (White Heron Castle, UNESCO). Arrive and settle in. Overnight in Hiroshima.

  • Day 14:
    Hiroshima → Miyajima → Osaka (B)

    Ferry to Miyajima Island for Itsukushima Shrine's floating torii and deer. Return to Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome guided tour. Evening train back to Osaka. Overnight in Osaka.

  • Day 15:
    Osaka – Departure (B)

    Free morning for last-minute shopping. Transfer to Kansai Airport (KIX) for departure flight home.

November 2025 to October 2026 spans seasons—spring for cherry blossoms in Kyoto, autumn for Seoraksan foliage. Expect 10–25°C; pack layers for mountain hikes, comfortable walking shoes for DMZ trails and torii gates, rain gear, and modest attire for temples (cover shoulders/knees). Include adapters for Type A/C plugs.

Yes, engaging for all ages with highlights like ninja museums and deer parks. Moderate activity (hiking, cable cars); shorter routes available at Mt. Seoraksan or Himeji. Request child seats or slower pacing—most sites have ramps, but DMZ involves stairs. Not fully wheelchair accessible.

Daily breakfast, plus lunches/dinners on Days 2–6 (Korean BBQ, seafood). Japan portions focus on breakfast. Notify for vegetarian, halal, or allergies—guides suggest alternatives like bibimbap tweaks or sushi without fish. Extras available via meals package.

Full refund up to 30 days before departure; 50% 15–29 days prior; no refund within 14 days (insurance recommended). Book online with 20% deposit—early for peak like December 2025. Contact for group rates or customizations via email/phone.

Extra Services

Airport Transfers
Incheon (ICN) arrival or Kansai (KIX) departure
$100 /person
Meals Package
All lunches and additional dinners with Korean/Japanese specialties
$300 /person
Tour Extensions
Add Jeju Island or extra Tokyo days
$400+ /day

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.8/5
Based on 156 reviews
Review Summary
Guide
5
Service
5
Transportation
5
Organisation
5