SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA 10 DAYS

Touch down at Incheon International Airport (ICN) and head to your hotel in central Seoul, where our Local Insider will meet you. They will accompany the group throughout the trip. Join your fellow travellers in the lobby for a welcome meeting at 5pm before heading out for dinner together. There’s no better way to start your trip than a Korean barbecue, featuring roasting meats and vegetables over coals before wrapping them in a lettuce leaf with ssamjang sauce. Round off your first night at the N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city.

Start the day by exploring the capital which, if you’ve seen the Netflix series Squid Game, is full of familiar locations. Your first stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace, the home of the Joseon dynasty from 1395 until its destruction during the Japanese invasion of 1592. Watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony before moving on to the Blue House – the South Korean presidential residence. You’ll tuck into lunch at Bukchon Hanok Village before strolling around the historical area’s mazey alleyways and traditional houses – you can even dress the part by renting traditional Hanbok clothes to wear here. Later on, you’ll have an opportunity to attend a Nanta show (a non-verbal comedy cooking performance) as you explore the Myeongdon district.

This morning, you’ll visit the Demilitarized Zone – a strip of land that runs along the border with North Korea. Catch a glimpse of the closest North Korean villages from the Dora Observatory before descending into the DMZ tunnels, hiking as close as 170m away from the border. En route back to Seoul in the afternoon, a North Korean defector will offer a fascinating insight into life in the world’s most secretive country. Back in the capital you’ll visit the HKRI K-pop museum, an interactive shrine to all things K-pop, before continuing the musical theme well into the night as you embrace Korea’s favourite pastime – karaoke!

Leave Seoul behind as you venture east to Seoraksan National Park – a 398 sq km expanse of mountains and forests, home to over 2,000 animal species, including Korean gorals, musk deer and Siberian flying squirrels. Take in the scenery while hiking to Ulsanbawi Rock, known for its six jagged granite peaks. In the afternoon, ride the Gatbae Boat (featured in famous Korean TV dramas) to Abai Village, which became a refuge for displaced North Koreans in the 1950s. There’s also time to check out the Lighthouse Observatory for superb views of Sokcho city and Seoraksan Mountain. Early evening we’ll head to Sokcho fish market – perhaps a good time for you to tuck into some dinner – before spending a relaxing evening at tonight’s gorgeous seafront hotel and spa – perhaps a revitalizing massage is due before bed?

This morning we’ll transfer to Gyeongju, the former capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, and check-in to the aptly named Silla Hotel. You’ll embark on a bike tour of the main landmarks, including Cheonmachong Tomb, Gyerim Forest and Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia. We’ll stop for a brew in a charming old tea house, found within a 300-year-old Hanok (traditional Korean house). Enjoy an authentic dinner in another Hanok in Dosol Maeul, followed by a visit to Anapji Pond, part of the spectacular Donggung Palace complex that has to be seen when illuminated at night.

This morning you’ll visit Bulguksa Temple before your journey continues south to Golgulsa Temple, which is just outside Gyeongju on the slopes of Hamwolsan Mountain, and will be your home for the evening. Built in the sixth century, the temple houses 12 caves carved into the cliffside and connected by steep stairs, with a large stone statue of Buddha at the highest point. Enjoy a vegetarian lunch before learning all about temple life, archery and the traditional Buddhist martial art of sunmudo, followed by a delicious vegetarian dinner. Spend the rest of the evening learning all about Buddhist chanting and meditation before settling down for the night.

Enjoy a relaxing morning in the temple before catching a train to Busan on the south coast. Spend the afternoon sunbathing and swimming at Songdo Beach, or take the cable car for aerial views of South Korea’s second-largest city. We also recommend visiting Jagalchi Fish Market and BIIF Square. In the evening we’ll take you to try a Busan Hotteok – this popular snack is a delicious sweet pancake filled with brown sugar, and a must for any visitors to the city.

Busan is renowned for its culinary scene and you’ll discover that this morning with a cooking masterclass by an experienced local chef. You’ll get to enjoy your creations accompanied by rice wine, with a tea ceremony to follow. In the afternoon you’ll have the option to treat yourself to an evening of relaxation at Centum Spa Land, one of the most famous jjimjilbangs in the country, where you can enjoy hot tubs, saunas, massages and more. Word of warning – jjimjilbangs are strictly naked bathhouses, so if you prefer to spend the afternoon with your clothes on, you might want to explore the city at your own leisure before reconvening at Haeundae Beach for a soju-tasting session (a clear, subtly sweet Korean spirit); non-alcoholic alternatives are also on offer.

Jeonju, one of South Korea’s most culturally rich cities, is the ideal place to spend the final day of your trip. It’s the birthplace of ‘bibimbap’, a hugely popular rice bowl meal topped with vegetables, meats, sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, and an egg. As well as eating this classic dish, you'll also be able to try 17 different side dishes to complete the experience. Afterwards, step back in time at the Hanok Village and admire the beautifully preserved traditional architecture before enjoying local beers at a craft brewery and sampling ‘makgeolli’ (a milky, rice-based Korean liquor).

There’s still time to squeeze in a walk along the Jeonjuchun River and a visit to Nambu Market for breakfast in the morning before catching the train back to Seoul – arriving around 5-6pm. An earlier departure is also available should you need to catch an earlier flight. It’s then time to bid farewell to your new friends as you begin your journey home, or opt to extend your stay in South Korea and see what else the country has to offer.