Journeys: Soul of South Korea

Journeys: Soul of South Korea

• Trip code: 446X006
• Dauer: 9
• Stil: National Geographic Journeys

Journey through South Korea’s vibrant contrasts, where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge cities and serene islands. Start in Seoul, a buzzing metropolis where centuries-old palaces stand in the shadows of glass towers. Step back in time to Gyeongju's hanok villages, then soak up the coastal beauty and laid-back charm of Busan. Fly to Jeju Island for a deeper look into Korea’s natural wonders and cultural resilience. Meet the legendary haenyeo — elder women who free dive for seafood using techniques passed down through generations — and savour the ocean’s bounty they bring to shore. Along the way, roll up your sleeves for a kimchi-making experience, wander a UNESCO folk village, and take in South Korea’s rich heritage from every angle.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nts), Hanok Stay (1 nt)

Checklist

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Size Notes

16

Highlights

Discover the dynamic spirit of Seoul Gyeongju Busan and Jeju Island, Taste your way through Korea with fresh seafood markets and a hands-on kimchi workshop, Witness the haenyeo women divers of Jeju and sample their hand-caught catch, Explore UNESCO-listed heritage sites–traditional villages and tranquil beaches

Introduction

Journey through South Korea’s vibrant contrasts, where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge cities and serene islands. Start in Seoul, a buzzing metropolis where centuries-old palaces stand in the shadows of glass towers. Step back in time to Gyeongju's hanok villages, then soak up the coastal beauty and laid-back charm of Busan. Fly to Jeju Island for a deeper look into Korea’s natural wonders and cultural resilience. Meet the legendary haenyeo — elder women who free dive for seafood using techniques passed down through generations — and savour the ocean’s bounty they bring to shore. Along the way, roll up your sleeves for a kimchi-making experience, wander a UNESCO folk village, and take in South Korea’s rich heritage from every angle

Meals Included

8 Frühstück, 1 Mittagessen, 1 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD300-390 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
- Besuch der Demilitarisierten Zone (DMZ)

Seoul
- Besuch im Stadtviertel Gangnam

Start / Finish

Seoul nach Jeju-si

Transport

Private Vehicle, Bullet Train, Walking, Cable Car, Plane

What's Included

Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Taekwondo Class, Seoul
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Kimchi Making Class, Busan
Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Hanok Stay, Gyeongju-si
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Haenyeo Women Divers Experience, Jeju-si. Arrival Transfer. Seoul Orientation Walk. Gyeongbokgung Palace. National Folklore Museum. Bukchon Hanok Village Exploration. Insadong Alley. Taekwondo Class. Free time in Seoul. Yangdong Folk Village. Cheomseongdae Observatory. Gyeongju Royal Tomb Visit. Hanok Stay. Bulguksa Temple. Gamcheon Culture Village. Songdo Maritime Cable Car Ride. Jagalchi Fish Market. Gukje Traditional Market. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Visit. Kimchi Making Class. Dongbaek Island. APEC House Visit, Free time in Haeundae Beach. Haenyeo Women Divers Experience. Seongsan Sunrise Peak Visit. Haenyeo Women Divers Museum. Hallim Park. Yongmeori Coast & Mt. Sanbang. Cheonjiyeon Waterfall. Soesokkak Estuary Boat Ride. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your National Geographic Signature Specialist or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 SEOUL

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. In the evening, join an orientation walk to connect with the city of Seoul

Day 2 SEOUL

Explore South Korea’s living history with a guided visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, a symbol of national pride. Stroll through the grounds as you listen to the stories of this Joseon Dynasty palace. At the National Folk Museum, see the everyday artifacts that show the ways of centuries-old customs. Enjoy time to connect with Seoul’s Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong neighborhood, historic alleyways lined with tea houses, traditional shops and calligraphy stalls. This afternoon, suit up in a customary dobok for your taekwondo class led by a local master. Reflecting Korean values of respect and discipline, learn the fundamentals of this ancient martial art and Korean culture

Day 3 SEOUL

Enjoy a full day at leisure to uncover the many layers of Seoul. Opt to take a day trip to the famed North and South Korean Border-the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to learn about and see firsthand one of the most geopolitically significant borders in the world. Alternately, choose to explore the world famous and affluent Gangnam district, where high class and K-Pop culture blend seamlessly. Whether you’re looking to fill up on incredible street food, relax in a traditional jjimjilbang, or wander the rhythmic streets of the city, today is yours to explore

Day 4 SEOUL/ GYEONGJU

Travel by train to the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty–Gyeongju. Delve into the cultural richness of this historic town with lunch and a visit to the Yangdong Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Immerse yourself in the tiled-roof homes and centuries-old Confucian traditions, still used today in this living museum. Continue to the Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory, the oldest in Asia, followed by a visit to the Royal Tombs–resting place of many Silla Dynasty kings, queens and nobles. Tonight, we are staying at a hanok, a traditional Korean inn, to connect with Korea’s ancient heritage. Here we’ll learn about the meaning and artistry of the iconic Korean dress hanbok, as well as the importance and history of hanok villages across Korea. Finish your day with a delicious traditional dinner

Day 5 GYEONGJU/ BUSAN

Begin the day with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site–Bulguksa Temple, a Buddhist temple known for its architectural and spiritual influence tucked in the hilly forest. After, drive to Busan, stopping at the colorful Gamcheon Cultural Village. Take in the sweeping views of the city on the Songdo Marine Cable Car up to the glass-floored observatory deck. Then dive into Busan’s famous street food scene by visiting Jagalchi Fish Market and Gukje Market. Sample fresh and locally caught seafood, such as oysters, snow crab and dried fish at Jagalchi. Then try some sizzling local specialities at Gukje and soak up the energy of South Korea’s most famous coastal bazaar

Day 6 BUSAN

After breakfast, visit the dramatically perched Yonggungsa Temple along the rocky coast. Explore this picturesque oceanside sanctuary before rolling up your sleeves for a hands-on kimchi making class to uncover the flavors, history and cultural significance of one of Korea’s most iconic dishes. Try many different types of kimchi, not just cabbage, with the never-ending list of veggies that can be “kimchi-fied” as Judy Joo talks about in her National Geographic article “5 ways to eat kimchi, a Korean staple.” Work off the delicious lunch with a hike along the coastal trails of Dongbaek Island to reach the APEC House, the modern-glass diplomatic building on the shore. The evening is yours to relax on the famous Haeundae Beach, one of Korea’s most iconic beaches

Day 7 BUSAN/ JEJU

Fly to Jeju, a volcanic island off the southeast coast. Dive right into the adventure, heading to Seongsan Ilchulbong–Sunrise Peak, where cliffs of lava rise from the sea. Here we’ll meet the legendary haenyeo - “women of the sea.” These elder women free divers are famed for their impressively long breath holds and techniques passed down through generations. This practice has changed the genetics of these divers, as discussed in the National Geographic article “These Korean women divers have evolved traits to survive in frigid water”. Talk to the women and learn of their skills while sampling the freshly caught seafood. After, hike up to the peak for breathtaking views of the volcanic island, then head back down to visit the Haenyeo Museum to gain deeper insight into these incredible women

Day 8 JEJU

Set off on a full day of adventure around Jeju Island, starting at Hallim Park. Full of botanical gardens, lava caves and bonsai trails, Hallim showcases Jeju’s rich biodiversity. Continue to the Yongmeori Coast for a short and easy walk with a stunning view of wave-carved cliffs and Mt. Sanbang–a sacred mountain steeped in legend. A short walk brings us to Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, a stunning cascade 22 metres high and 12 metres wide tucked away in the subtropical rainforest. Cap off the day on a traditional wooden raft, called a taewoo, riding down the Soesokkak Estuary. This evening, choose to join your group for an optional farewell dinner

Day 9 JEJU

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 SEOUL

Day 2 SEOUL

Day 3 SEOUL

Day 4 SEOUL/ GYEONGJU

Day 5 GYEONGJU/ BUSAN

Day 6 BUSAN

Day 7 BUSAN/ JEJU

Day 8 JEJU

Day 9 JEJU