Essential Korea - G Adventures Tour
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G Adventures Guided Tour

Essential Korea

13 Days 93 Departures
From $5,349 per person

Tour Overview

South Korea, here you come. Explore futuristic skyscrapers, historic markets, picturesque temples and oh-so scenic walking trails on this 13-day adventure. First things first: your tastebuds will absolutely be taken care of with traditional delicacies like green tea and crisped-to-perfection fried chicken. But you'll of course venture deep into Korean culture with visits to the DMZ and Hanok villages, peaceful stays in a mountain temple, and watching haenyeo women divers off the shore of Jeju.

Tour Summary

Duration13 Days / 12 Nights
OperatorG Adventures
Departures93 in 2026–2028
Starting From$5,349 pp

Tour Route

Map of your 13-day journey

Essential Korea route map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

13 days through your journey

Day 1

Seoul

Welcome to Seoul! As fellow travellers are arriving throughout the day, there are no planned activities until a group meeting at 6 pm. Check into the hotel and enjoy the city.
Day 2

Seoul

Sit back and relax on a private bus and enjoy a tour of the bustling metropolis where modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and pop culture meet Buddhist temples and street markets. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folklore Museum, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong alley.
Day 3

Seoul/Gyeongju-si

After breakfast, board a high speed bullet train for a relaxing morning ride through the countryside to Gyeongju. Once the group arrives to this old capital city for 1,000 years, they will experience an overnight stay in a local temple. During the stay the group will learn about temple etiquette, watch a monk martial arts performance, experience the daily prayer ritual and a temple style dinner.
Day 4

Gyeongju-si/Busan

Enjoy a peaceful morning meditation, martial arts practice, and drum and bell ritual before exploring in Gyeongiu. On the city tour visit to the UNESCO site of Bulguksa Temple located on the slopes of Mount Toham and admire the national treasures there, such as Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo, and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha. Enjoy a visit to Yangdong Folk Village, a 500-year-old UNESCO site located in Gyeongju National Park, to get a feel for life during the early Joseon Dynasty. Afterwards, experience the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the surrounding Royal Tombs. After a great day in Gyeongju, travel by private bus to Busan.
Day 5

Busan

Spend the day getting to know colourful Busan visiting the 14th century seaside temple hidden in the rocks - Haedong Yonggungsa. After exploring the temple, visit the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, the bustling Jagalchi fish market, Gukjesijang market, and Yongdusan Park. The evening is yours to explore as you wish. Opt to take a see the Busan skyline with a nighttime yacht experience or ride the Coastal Monorail.
Day 6

Busan/Seoul

In the seaside city of Busan, visit Haeundae Beach and Dongbaekseom Island, before traveling back to Seoul. After arriving in Seoul by train, check out Korea's oldest traditional market - Namdaemun Market. Then make your way by cable car to N Seoul Tower to see this beautiful landmark and opt to make the trip up to the observation deck. Spend the rest of your day in Seoul opting to see Banpo Bridge, the floating islands, or hanging out in the Gangnam district.
Day 7

Seoul

Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), founded in 1953, separating North and South Korea. With over a million soldiers on watch each day, it is one of the last remnants of the Cold War. With a buffer zone 4km wide and spanning 250 km long there has been very little development in the area, therefore nature and wildlife have pretty much taken over. Spend about 3-4 hours visiting the Demilitarized Zone, then head to The War Memorial of Korea. Later, return back to Seoul for another night in the city.
Day 8

Seoul/Jeonju-si

Today take a glimpse into traditional Korean life. After a free morning in Seoul, we head to the hanok village of Jeonju by train. Enjoy a tour of this picturesque hanok town, followed by a Hanjeongsik Dinner, a traditional Korean multiple course meal.
Day 9

Jeonju-si/Yeosu

From big city, to traditional towns, today we move to the greener side of South Korea. We'll venture to Damyang to take a tour of the mighty Juknokwon Bamboo forest, the greatest in South Korea. After some time under the bamboo blades, we travel to even greener pastures in the Boseong Green tea field. In the evening, arrive to Yeosu, where the city meets the sea.
Day 10

Yeosu

Breathe in the sea air and join your CEO to visit some of the more iconic spots in Yeosu. Ride the cable car for a perfect seaside view of Odongdo Island. Then immerse yourself in larger than life sculptures and interactive art exhibits at Yeosu Art Land. Experience the art and walk out onto the Hand of Midas for an equally impressive view of the sea. In the afternoon, enjoy free time during your last night on the South Korean main land.
Day 11

Yeosu/Jeju-si

In the morning, board a flight to the volcanic island of Jeju. With waterfalls, lava caves and miles of beaches, the next three days will not disappoint. After lunch on the island, head to Seongsan Sunrise Peak for an easy hike up the volcanic formation to reach an incredible views of the ocean. This afternoon, you'll have the unique opportunity to witness the women divers on Jeju. Watch as they dive for seafood, using their incredible breath-hold abilities. Then, join your group at the Seongeup Folk Village to learn about the history and people of Old Jeju.
Day 12

Jeju-si

Today, immerse yourself in Jeju's natural side. In the morning, see the colorful side of Jeju at Hallim Park, the island's botanical garden. Stroll through the various themed gardens, caves and folk village all within this huge park. Then head Yongmeori Coast to witness the dramatic cliffs and to Mt. Sanbang for a short coastal hike to a temple atop the mountain.
After lunch, we'll take the scenic route to Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls, perfect for a photo op. Last stop of the day is to Soesokkak Estuary where you'll hop aboard a boat for a tour of the sea and the incredible coastline.
Day 13

Jeju-si

Depart at any time.

Departure Dates & Pricing

93 departures available

Departure DateEnd DateStatusPrice Per Person
Aug 2, 2026 Aug 14, 2026 Available $5,579per person Get Quote
Aug 7, 2026 Aug 19, 2026 Available $5,579per person Get Quote
Aug 30, 2026 Sep 11, 2026 Available $5,579per person Get Quote
Nov 13, 2026 Nov 25, 2026 Available $5,549per person Get Quote
Nov 15, 2026 Nov 27, 2026 Available $5,549per person Get Quote
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Feb 19, 2027 Mar 3, 2027 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
Feb 28, 2027 Mar 12, 2027 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
Mar 12, 2027 Mar 24, 2027 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
Mar 19, 2027 Mar 31, 2027 Available $5,549per person Get Quote
Apr 2, 2027 Apr 14, 2027 Available $5,549per person Get Quote
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Apr 16, 2027 Apr 28, 2027 Available $5,549per person Get Quote
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May 28, 2027 Jun 9, 2027 Available $5,549per person Get Quote
Jun 4, 2027 Jun 16, 2027 Available $5,799per person Get Quote
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Sep 17, 2027 Sep 29, 2027 Available $5,799per person Get Quote
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Oct 3, 2027 Oct 15, 2027 Available $5,549per person Get Quote
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Oct 15, 2027 Oct 27, 2027 Available $5,549per person Get Quote
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Dec 31, 2027 Jan 12, 2028 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
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Apr 16, 2028 Apr 28, 2028 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
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Apr 28, 2028 May 10, 2028 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
May 5, 2028 May 17, 2028 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
May 7, 2028 May 19, 2028 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
May 12, 2028 May 24, 2028 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
May 14, 2028 May 26, 2028 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
May 19, 2028 May 31, 2028 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
May 21, 2028 Jun 2, 2028 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
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Jun 2, 2028 Jun 14, 2028 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
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Sep 15, 2028 Sep 27, 2028 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
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Sep 22, 2028 Oct 4, 2028 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
Oct 13, 2028 Oct 25, 2028 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
Oct 15, 2028 Oct 27, 2028 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
Oct 20, 2028 Nov 1, 2028 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
Oct 22, 2028 Nov 3, 2028 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
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Nov 3, 2028 Nov 15, 2028 Available $5,349per person Get Quote
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