11 Day South Korea & Jeju Island Premium Small Group Tour
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Our expertly crafted Small Group Tours take you to iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, ensuring a rich blend of must-see sights. Benefit from smaller group sizes, creating a truly unforgettable travel experience.
✓ Incredible sightseeing including numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, visiting the DMZ on the border of North Korea, and exploring the beautiful Jeju Island
✓ 10 nights in premium 4 and 5-star accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily
✓ All internal flights
✓ Arrival and departure airport transfers
✓ Fully escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guide
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Discover the rich heritage of Korea on this premium small group tour, showcasing culturally and naturally significant sites recognized for their global importance. Experience Korea’s unique blend of tradition and modernity—from art and architecture to cuisine. Visit Jeju-do’s stunning volcanic landscapes, celebrated for their geological and ecological wonders.
Welcome to Seoul! On arrival into Incheon International Airport, you will be met by your local representative and transferred to your Seoul accommodation.
Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Special Information
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
After breakfast, you will be met and taken on a sightseeing tour of Seoul.
You will have time to explore Gyeongbokgung Palace where you will be able to view the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. From here we will head to the National Folk Museum, which holds an immense collection of valuable relics from as far back as the Paleolithic Age to early in the 20th century. The museum has approximately 310,000 viewable items.
Afterwards, continue onto Korean Folk Village. Here you will see elements of Korea’s traditional life and culture on display. Within the park, there are sections devoted to replicas of traditional houses, workshops, traditional cuisine and clothing displays.
Return to Seoul this afternoon and have the evening at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
After some time at leisure this morning, we head to the airport for your included flight to Jeju Island.
On arrival into Jeju, you will be transferred to your accommodation when the rest of the day is as you please.
Today will include a full day of touring around Jeju. Visited sites will include Hyeopjae Beach, Hallim Park where you can enjoy Palm Tree Roda, Juke Stone and Bonsai Garden, Water Garden, Subtropical Garden and others.
You will also visit O’sulloc Tea Museum, opened to create and spread awareness of Korean teas to the world.
After lunch, embark on the Sanbang Mountain Cruise before viewing Cheonjeyeon Falls, named ‘The Pond of God’ which consists of three sections.
From here, return to your hotel for some time at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before heading to Jeju’s Jeolmul Natural Forest, nestled beneath a crater formed by a young volcano. This expansive 300-hectare forest is rich with cedar trees, most of which are 30 to 45 years old.
Next, explore Seongeup Folk Village, an authentic village that reflects Jeju Island’s unique cultural heritage. After lunch, visit the Haenyeo Museum, which showcases photographs and exhibits about the lives of Jeju’s famous haenyeo, the female divers recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. You may also have the chance to watch a live performance by the haenyeo.
Conclude the tour with a visit to Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, an impressive 180-metre-high tuff cone formed by an undersea volcanic eruption over 5,000 years ago. Originally an island, it is now connected to Jeju by natural land formation.
In the evening, transfer to Jeju Airport in time for your flight to Busan. Upon arrival at Busan Airport, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time.
Inspiring Highlights
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then meet your guide for a full day of sightseeing in Busan. Begin with a visit to Jagalchi Fishery Market, Korea's largest seafood market, as well as a traditional market. Next, explore Gamcheon Culture Village, a unique hillside neighbourhood known for its colourful houses stacked along the slopes of a coastal mountain, often called the "Machu Picchu of Busan."
In the afternoon, experience the art of traditional rice cake making with a local master, followed by a tasting. Continue to Haeundae Beach, Busan's most famous beach, where the 1.5-kilometre stretch of white sand meets a shallow bay, offering stunning coastal views.
Next, travel along the scenic Dalmaji-gil Road to reach Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, located on Busan's northeastern coast. This route is famous for its picturesque views of the ocean, white sands, Camellia trees, and pine forests, making it one of Busan’s iconic scenic spots.
Afterward, transfer to Gyeongju and visit Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond for a night tour. This secondary palace, used by the crown prince of the Silla Kingdom, offers a serene experience with the reflection of the beautifully lit Imhaejeon Hall on the pond.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then meet your guide for a full-day tour of Gyeongju, famously known as a “museum without walls.” Established as the capital of the Silla Dynasty in 57 BC—around the time Julius Caesar was conquering Gaul—Gyeongju served as the dynastic centre for nearly a thousand years and is home to a wealth of remarkable historical sites.
Begin with a visit to the Gyeongju National Museum, followed by Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory, one of the oldest observatories in Asia. Then, explore Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, nestled on the eastern peak of Mt. Toham. This granite grotto houses the impressive Bonjon Buddha statue, Bodhisattvas, and disciples in a circular chamber, designed to protect these revered statues.
Continue to Bulguksa Temple, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its architectural beauty and intricate stone relics that captivate visitors from around the world.
In the evening, transfer to Daegu, the largest city in this province, for an overnight stay.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Departing the hotel, you will be transferred to Haeinsa Temple, located in Gayasan National Park. The temple was founded by King Ae-Jang of the Shilla Dynasty in 802 and is well known for its famous treasure, the "Tripitaka Koreana" (UNESCO world heritage). The Tripitaka Koreana is composed of 81,341 printing woodblocks made to repulse the Mongolian Army Invasion with support of Buddha.
After visiting the temple, you will transfer to Andong Hahoe Village, which has preserved the housing architecture and the village structure of the Joseon Dynasty. Unlike other traditional villages, the Hahoe Village is still inhabited by residents, making it an authentic and unique experience. The village has become world-famous for the visit of Queen Elizabeth II of Britain several years ago.
Finally, you will transfer to Pyeongchang in Gangwon Province, which hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics and is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Every winter, millions of tourists come to enjoy the snow-covered hills and slopes.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
After breakfast, meet your guide and drive to Seoraksan National Park. This park is known for its breathtaking views, where the peaks break through the clouds and jade-like water flows through the valleys. UNESCO designated this park as a Biosphere Preservation District due to the presence of rare species found here. Visit Sinheungsa Temple, an ancient temple built by the great monk Jajangyulsa (590~658) and located in Mt.Seorak with deep historical significance. You can also opt for a Gwongeumseong Cable Car ride for USD20 per person to visit the castle ruins on the steep Dol Mountain of Seoraksan National Park area.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel at 7:30 am for a tour of the DMZ. Remember to bring your passport for the security check. The tour includes visits to Imjingak Park, the Unification Bridge, the DMZ Theater and Exhibition Hall, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and Dorasan Station, with a brief stop at a shopping centre before returning to your hotel.
Please note that the DMZ tour may be cancelled by the government or due to unexpected circumstances on the day of the tour without prior notice. If cancelled, an alternative tour will be provided. The alternative itinerary includes Imjingak Park, Freedom Bridge, the Peace Gondola, and the Odu Unification Observatory, offering views of North Korea, before concluding with a drop-off at Seoul City Hall.
Inspiring Highlights
Today you will be transferred to Incheon International Airport in time for your departure flight.
Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Inspiring Sights
Inspiring Tastes
Inspiring Stays
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a Land Only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”3”
Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $2,850.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Group Size
Minimum of 2 and maximum 20 people
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
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