SHORTLIST

South Korean Soul

Ready to ride that K-wave? This is the South Korea trip you’ve been waiting for – with military history, majestic mountain views and a few robots in between. You’ll discover Seoul with local guides, zoom on a high-speed train, go extra authentic in Jeonju, and even star in your own K-pop video(!) With a night time boat tour, baseball, BBQs and plenty of delicious street food.
Tour details
Tour Provider Contiki
Price From
$3,920
Number of Days
9
Start Location
Seoul Metropolitan Area, South Korea
End Location
Seoul Metropolitan Area, South Korea
Age Range
18 to 35
Group Size
20 to 45
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Start Seoul
Well hello there, and welcome to your trip to South Korea. You’ll meet your crew in the afternoon, and in a super central location too. Following on from some free time to explore the Insadong Hanok village, we’ll regroup for some famous Korean fried chicken (and beer too if you like – you’re on vacation after all).
Seoul
Our Seoul City tour begins bright and early today with a visit to the traditional Gyeongbokgung Palace. To cap off the experience, we’ll also have the chance to dress in traditional Hanbok dress. Afterwards we’ll head to Seongsu – one of the best up and coming districts of Seoul – to check out the shops, cafes and treat ourselves to some lunch. If the weather is kind tonight, we’ll head out to Yeouido Hangang Park for a riverside picnic. AKA vibes, tunes and convenience store ramen.
Seoul and DMZ
This morning we’ll head to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the strip of land which separates North and South Korea. With a local guide on hand to answer our questions, we’ll see the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, and the Dora Observatory (where, if it’s sunny, you’ll be able to see all the way into North Korea) and then the Unification Village. After a rather sobering morning outing, we’ll head back to Seoul in the afternoon for a sunset city walk (timings do apply for this one though).
Seoul to Busan
Today we’ll step away from the historic sites and hustle and bustle of Seoul and head off to Busan on a high-speed train (travellin’ like locals, baby)! With a rich history, Busan is now known for its arty vibes, sumptuous street food and colourful buildings… so have your cameras at the ready. Tonight you’ll have a free evening to chill out with your Contiki crew. (Karaoke anyone?)
Busan
Wakey wakey folks, we have a whole day to explore the beauty of Busan (the world’s 5th largest port). Home to Haeundae, this is one of South Korea’s best beach spots – don’t miss those coastal walks and sublime city views. Any K-drama fans in the house? Talk to your Trip Manager about filming locations nearby from your favourite shows. Then tonight we’ll get together to enjoy Busan by night on a private yacht – complete with snacks, drinks and big tunes.
Busan to Jeonju
Today we’ll take a turn for the traditional with a visit to Jeonju – a UNESCO listed city recognised for its Hanok heritage. After checking out spots from BTS’ music videos and sampling candy made famous from ‘Squid Game’, we’ll enjoy a traditional bibimbap lunch (that might be delivered to you by robot). This afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the traditional village, checking out the multiple crafts and cuisines on display. We’ll have time to learn about traditional Korean crafts and culture, and then tonight we’ll bed down at a local guest house and discover Korean hospitality at its finest.
Jeonju to Seoul - Hongdae
Today we're heading back to where it started - Seoul. We’ll stay in Hongdae – one of the city’s best up and coming areas, home to some cool shops, eateries and edgy nightlife. Is it possible to visit South Korea without seeing Gangnam? Nope – that’s why we’ll make a pit-stop there. Afterwards, we’ll visit a local Buddhist temple to take part in some traditional Buddhist practices, including meditative art and tea making. Don't pass up the opportunity to catch a stray at one of Korea's famous baseball games.
Seoul - Hongdae
On our final full day in Seoul, we won’t waste any time hangin’ around. After learning some sick moves at our optional dance class, you’ll have the chance to unleash your inner K-Pop star when we make our very own music video at HIKR Ground. Afterwards, you’ll have the chance to shop for K-Beauty must-haves and traditional Korean cooking staples. Tonight, we’ll sign off with a farewell dinner… and it won’t just be any old farewell dinner. Korean BBQ? You bet.
End Seoul - Hongdae
And with that, our South Korea trip is complete. We’ll depart this morning after breakfast. Culturally fulfilled? Yep. Better and more well rounded? Of course. Already planning the next one? Absolutely.
Inclusions
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Dinner (D)
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
07 Mar 2025 15 Mar 2025 Available $4,137
21 Mar 2025 29 Mar 2025 onRequest $4,355
04 Apr 2025 12 Apr 2025 Available $4,137
18 Apr 2025 26 Apr 2025 Available $4,573
09 May 2025 17 May 2025 Available $3,920
23 May 2025 31 May 2025 onRequest $3,920
13 Jun 2025 21 Jun 2025 Available $3,920
04 Jul 2025 12 Jul 2025 Available $3,920
29 Aug 2025 06 Sep 2025 Available $3,920
12 Sep 2025 20 Sep 2025 Available $4,355
17 Oct 2025 25 Oct 2025 Available $3,920
31 Oct 2025 08 Nov 2025 Available $4,137
14 Nov 2025 22 Nov 2025 Available $3,920
06 Mar 2026 14 Mar 2026 Available $4,118
20 Mar 2026 28 Mar 2026 Available $4,118
03 Apr 2026 11 Apr 2026 Available $4,118
17 Apr 2026 25 Apr 2026 Available $4,118
08 May 2026 16 May 2026 Available $4,118
29 May 2026 06 Jun 2026 Available $4,118
05 Jun 2026 13 Jun 2026 Available $4,118
12 Jun 2026 20 Jun 2026 Available $4,118
26 Jun 2026 04 Jul 2026 Available $4,118
03 Jul 2026 11 Jul 2026 Available $4,118
21 Aug 2026 29 Aug 2026 Available $4,118
28 Aug 2026 05 Sep 2026 Available $4,118
11 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026 Available $4,118
25 Sep 2026 03 Oct 2026 Available $4,118
02 Oct 2026 10 Oct 2026 Available $4,118
16 Oct 2026 24 Oct 2026 Available $4,118
30 Oct 2026 07 Nov 2026 Available $4,118
13 Nov 2026 21 Nov 2026 Available $4,118