Extraordinary South Korea

The next big thing? South Korea, where ancient traditions, cutting-edge technology, mouth-watering cuisine and vibrant pop culture collide. Don’t let the crowds discover it first

What's included

Arrival transfer included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Hand-picked 3-4 star hotels & traditional hanoks
2 domestic flights
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
Max 16 travelers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team. Please note that single supplements are not available for the temple stay on Day 5.

About your trip

Japan, step aside: South Korea is the next big thing – and it comes with bragging rights.

From the bright lights of Seoul to the subtropical island of Jeju; this adventure invites culture-seeking travellers with a penchant for the lesser-known to experience something extraordinary. Think pulling back your bow alongside Buddhist monks as you join them in archery practice. Or a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) for a peek into mysterious North Korea. Nothing we create for you is expected, making Flash Pack and South Korea the perfect pairing. For now, this destination remains off-the-radar. So if you’re the kind of traveller that likes to return with never-heard-before stories, that’s exactly why you should go.

Seoul foodie welcome

Welcome to Seoul, the electric capital of South Korea. Upon arrival, your private Flash Pack transfer will seamlessly transport you to your stylish downtown hotel
Kick off your adventure with a traditional Korean feast and raise a glass of soju with your fellow Flashpackers

Taekwondo mastery

Begin your first full day with a true masterclass in the ancient martial art of Taekwondo, practising a classic board smash
Refuel with a typical Korean lunch at the bustling Tongin Market, sampling some of Seoul’s best street food
Witness the changing of the guards at the mesmeric Gyeongbokgung Palace and explore the quiet alleys of photogenic Bukchon village

A glimpse into North Korea

Today you’ll visit the infamous demilitarized zone (DMZ), the most heavily armed border on earth, a 4-kilometre strip of no-man’s-land between North and South Korea
Get a glimpse of North Korean villages through binoculars before exploring the Third Infiltration Tunnel to within 200 metres of the border
Decompress with your group as you enjoy a free evening in the vibrant district of Hongdae

Cycle through the ancient capital

Travel by high-speed train to charming Gyeongju and discover royal tombs, crumbling palaces and pagodas on a relaxed cycle tour of the city
Dine on a ‘royal meal’, a menu of 12 elements traditionally prepared by the country’s greatest chefs for generations of kings
Sample makgeolli (Korean rice wine) before bedding down in an authentic hanok, designed in the 14th century

Live like a Buddhist

Visit the beautiful Bulguksa Temple, comprising a series of wooden buildings on raised stone terraces, designed to represent the land of Buddha
Travel onwards to Golgulsa Temple at the foot of soaring Mount Hamwolsan for an afternoon with Buddhist monks
Join the monks in archery practice (with a traditional gakgung bow), Sunmudo (a Buddhist martial art), meditation and chanting

Korean cooking with a chef

Rise with the sun for a peaceful walking meditation in the hills before bidding farewell to the monks
Visit the Haedong Yonggsunga Temple – one of the few Korean temples built along the sparkling coast. Then, it’s on to Busan, known for its golden beaches and seafood market
Prepare your own lunch under the guidance of a local chef (think gimbap and kimchi pancakes) before exploring the city further and riding the exhilarating Songdo cable car

Busan bathing

Enjoy a free morning of relaxation or exploration. Our recommendation? The gorgeous Haeundae Beach
Experience a traditional jjimjilbang or bathhouse with both hot and cold pools (nakedness is mandatory in most areas, but more on this in our important notes below)
Feeling rejuvenated, you’ll embark on a private boat trip around Busan’s glittering harbour

Tropical Jeju Island

Take a flight to Jeju Island, a world of volcanic landscapes, white-sand beaches and a subtropical climate
Stretch your legs with a short hike up Seongsan Ilchulbong, a crown-shaped tuff volcano that juts out spectacularly into the ocean
Spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace, discovering beaches, quaint villages and ancient caves

Coasts & forest bathing

Start your day with a hike along the Jeju Olle Trail, passing black lava and tangerine groves, rolling grasslands and dramatic ocean cliffs
After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll visit the Seogwipo Healing Forest for a guided walk with your group along the peaceful trails
Spend the rest of the afternoon as you please, perhaps toasting to island life with sunset drinks at the atmospheric Cliff bar

Korean Karaoke

Fly back to Seoul and, at the summit of Namsam mountain, climb the observation deck of the iconic Seoul N Tower for panoramic views across the city
Kick off your final night with a Korean BBQ within a traditional hanok
Karaoke calls (when in Korea…), so get ready to sing your heart out in a private booth before finishing with drinks in Ikseondong Village

Farewell, South Korea

11 days of Korean immersion has ended far too soon. But it’s been memorable, hasn’t it? Make your way to the airport and start planning your next adventure
Back home, reminisce on an otherworldly adventure so beautifully different from your day-to-day. And remember to congratulate yourself on diving into an adventure of new friendships and deep cultural immersion

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

L7 Myeongdong by Lotte, Seoul

This cool hotel in central Seoul has a fun design aesthetic, blending minimalist Korean style with bright accents of color. Don’t miss the rooftop bar for epic skyline views or the relaxing foot spa overlooking Namsan mountain.

Hwangnamkwan Hanok Guesthouse, Gyeongju

Cultivate your inner zen with a stay in this cozy hanok. Set in beautiful gardens in Gyeongju’s old town, the Korean-style residence offers simple but elegant rooms and a taste of traditional hospitality – a relaxing local antidote to fast-paced city life.

Jeju Parnas Hotel, Jeju Island

Just steps from the sea on Jeju’s southern coast, you’ll feel at one with nature at this wellness & healing resort. The architect-designed octagonal building features floor-to-ceiling windows and a wraparound pool with gorgeous ocean views.

Praise for our Pack Leaders

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into and out of Gimpo International Airport (GMP) or Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul.

What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

We recommend booking a flight that arrives by 2 pm on Day 1.

The welcome meeting and dinner will be at 5 pm, starting at your hotel in Seoul, which is located approximately 40 minutes from Gimpo International Airport and 90 minutes from Incheon International Airport (ICN).

What time should my flight depart on the final day?

There are no activities scheduled for the final day, so you can leave any time that suits you. The distance from your final hotel in Seoul to the airport is around 60 kilometres for Incheon Airport and 30 kilometres for Gimpo.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with onward transport, including the following options:

Departure transfer options:

Direct limousine buses (No 6001) leave from outside your final hotel in Seoul and cost around 17,000 KRW to Incheon Airport, taking one hour 15 minutes. These buses include storage underneath for luggage.
The subway can be taken (with a change at Seoul Station to the airport line), taking 60-90 minutes and costs approximately 5,000 KRW. The airport line stops at both Gimpo International and Incheon airports.
Taxis cost 60,000-70,000 KRW to Incheon Airport (approximately one hour) or 35,000 KRW to Gimpo International Airport (approximately 40 minutes).

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialized health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

We recommend budgeting around 50-70 USD per day for food, drinks and extra activities.

Are tips included?

Tipping for general services, such as waiters, taxi drivers or hotel staff is not customary in South Korea. If you insist on leaving a tip, this may be seen as rude and can cause acute embarrassment even if you think someone should be rewarded extra for their work.

Tips for your Pack Leader are not included in the cost of this trip and are at your discretion. If you choose to give a tip, this should be presented discretely in an envelope with two hands.

What should I expect from the Korean bathhouse experience?

Jjimjiibang (bathhouses) in South Korea are a cultural institution. Local people might visit with their families, for date nights, for a pampering session with friends or simply as part of a weekly healthcare routine.

They consist of hot and cold pools, relaxing saunas, massage areas and communal sleeping rooms. For the dry areas, you’ll be given a pair of cotton pajamas and slippers to wear, but to brave the gender-separated wet areas, you’ll need to be naked – completely normal in Korean culture.

Before plunging into the pools, you’ll be expected to give yourself a good scrub. After a good soak, you’ll put on your pajamas and head to the communal area to relax and try out the different fomentation rooms.

You’ll be provided with a locker where you can leave your belongings.

What will the accommodation be like?

We stay in beautiful three- to four-star properties throughout, however, we spend one night at a hanok (a simple Korean-style residence).

Flashpackers looking for a truly South Korean experience will love it, but these particular experiences are lacking the facilities of a typical Flash Pack hotel.

Please get in touch with our Sales Team if you would like further information on the above.

What level of fitness do I need for this trip?

A moderate fitness level is required for this trip to take part in activities, such as hiking, biking and martial arts training.

The most challenging hike is on Day 9 when you will walk along the Jeju Olle Trail.
The Namsam Mountain hike on Day 8 takes about 90 minutes, but there is the option to take the cable car.
The Geongju bike ride takes about 45 minutes and is along a flat road.

We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

Are there any luggage restrictions?

Please note that the internal flight to Jeju Island has a luggage limit of 15 kg for checked bags and 10 kg for hand luggage.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

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