The journey
Dress in hanbok for a royal palace, train in Taekwondo basics, and dive into K-pop culture in Seoul, then trade the city for Jeju Island's volcanic craters, lava caves and sea cliffs, nine days built for travellers of every age.
Korea: A Family Journey pairs Seoul's culture and energy with Jeju Island's volcanic landscapes across nine days built for the whole family. In Seoul, dress in traditional hanbok for a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, wander the hanok lanes of Bukchon and Ikseon-dong, and spend a day diving into K-pop culture, from Myeongdong's fan merchandise to HiKR Ground's immersive exhibits and Coex Mall's Starfield Library. Cook a traditional Korean meal alongside a local chef at a neighbourhood market, train in Taekwondo basics with a Kukkiwon-certified instructor, and share a home-cooked meal with a local host near the Han River. Fly to Jeju, the volcanic island often called the "Hawaii of Korea," for a hike up the crater of Seongsan Ilchulbong and a second climb at Geomun Oreum, then explore the island's lava caves, hexagonal basalt cliffs at Jusangjeolli, and Jeongbang Falls, one of the few waterfalls in Asia to flow directly into the sea.
Highlights
- Dress in traditional hanbok for a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of Seoul's five royal palaces
- Dive into Seoul's K-pop culture, from HiKR Ground's immersive exhibits to Gangnam's K-star Road and the Starfield Library at Coex Mall
- Train in Taekwondo basics with a Kukkiwon-certified instructor and earn a certificate of participation
- Cook a traditional Korean meal alongside a local chef, starting with a shop for ingredients at a neighbourhood market
- Hike two of Jeju Island's volcanic craters, Seongsan Ilchulbong and Geomun Oreum
- Explore Jeju's volcanic landscape, from Hallim Park's lava caves to the hexagonal basalt columns of Jusangjeolli and Jeongbang Falls, one of the few waterfalls in Asia to flow straight into the sea
Included
Accommodation
8 nights across Seoul and Jeju
Activities
Seoul city tour by public transportation (hanbok rental, Gyeongbokgung Palace, National Folk Museum, Bukchon Hanok Village, Ikseon-dong) · Seoul K-pop tour (Namsan Tower, Myeongdong, HiKR Ground, K-star Road, Coex Mall, KTown4U) · Korean cooking class at Jayang Traditional Market · Taekwondo class · National Museum of Korea and a home-cooked meal with a local host · Hongdae Norigae craft workshop · domestic flight to Jeju · Jeju Haenyeo Museum and Seongsan Ilchulbong crater hike · Geomun Oreum crater hike and Jeju World Natural Heritage Center · Hallim Park, O'sulloc Tea Museum, Jusangjeolli Cliffs, Yakcheonsa Temple, Jeongbang Falls
Also included
Private airport transfers on Days 1 and 9 · English-speaking guides on Days 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 · private air-conditioned vehicle transfers as mentioned in the itinerary · entrance fees for mentioned visits · breakfast daily from Day 2 (8 total), plus lunch on Days 4 to 8 (5 total)
The route
Nine days across South Korea
2 stops · Seoul to Jeju
Seoul
Jeju
Stop 1 of 2
Journey's end
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Stop 1 of 2
Day by day
The route in detail
Day 1
Arrival in Seoul
Arrive at Incheon International Airport for a private transfer into Seoul. After checking in, the rest of the day is free to relax or explore independently. Overnight in Seoul.
Day 2
Seoul by Public Transportation
Meet the guide to begin a full day of urban exploration by public transportation. Rent a traditional hanbok near Gyeongbokgung Palace, the principal royal residence of the Joseon dynasty, first built in 1395 and later expanded in 1867, then visit the palace in costume before a stop at the National Folk Museum, tracing traditional Korean life and customs. Change out of the hanbok and continue to Bukchon Hanok Village, a well-preserved Joseon-era neighbourhood of traditional wooden houses, many still private residences. End the day in Ikseon-dong, a revitalised hanok village of quirky cafes, boutiques and small galleries. Overnight in Seoul.
Day 3
Seoul K-Pop Tour
Meet the guide for a day exploring Seoul's K-pop culture, beginning at Namsan Tower, an iconic city landmark and popular filming location, before Myeongdong's shopping streets, filled with K-pop albums and merchandise. Visit HiKR Ground, an immersive zone for global K-pop and K-drama fans blending physical exhibits with digital technology, then stroll K-star Road in Gangnam, taking photos with bear sculptures styled after popular K-pop groups. At Coex Mall, see the Gangnam Style statue at the east gate and the Starfield Library, before a final stop at KTown4U for K-pop albums and merchandise. Overnight in Seoul.
Day 4
Seoul's Kitchen and Dojang
Meet the driver for a transfer to Guui Station, where a local chef introduces the world of Korean cuisine at Jayang Traditional Market, selecting fresh produce for a hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare a traditional Korean meal under the chef's guidance, then sit down to enjoy the dishes. Continue to a Taekwondo training centre in central Seoul, changing into a dobok uniform to meet a Kukkiwon-certified, English-speaking instructor. Take a one-hour class covering stances, punches, kicks, blocks and a simple poomsae pattern, with a short demonstration by a master instructor, before receiving a certificate of participation. Overnight in Seoul.
Day 5
Seoul
Meet the guide for a visit to the National Museum of Korea, the country's largest cultural institution, spending two hours among its collection of ancient pottery, royal artefacts, Buddhist art and calligraphy. Continue to a welcoming home near the Han River for an intimate cultural exchange over a home-cooked Korean meal made with seasonal, farm-sourced ingredients. Stop by Mangwon Market for Korean desserts and street food, then spend the afternoon in Hongdae, a district known for its youthful energy. Join a hands-on workshop to craft a norigae, a traditional Korean accessory, before exploring the neighbourhood's boutiques, the Kakao Friends and LINE Friends flagship shops, and a self-photo studio. Overnight in Seoul.
Day 6
Seoul to Jeju
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Jeju Island, a volcanic island often called the "Hawaii of Korea" for its dramatic coastlines, lava caves and distinctive culture. Upon arrival, meet the guide and driver and transfer to a local restaurant for lunch. Visit the Jeju Haenyeo Museum, honouring the island's traditional women divers, then hike Seongsan Ilchulbong, a striking volcanic crater, a leisurely 40-minute ascent rewarded with views over the coastline and Jeju's volcanic terrain, followed by a 40-minute descent. Guests can opt for an evening Haenyeo Dinner, a cultural dining theatre combining live performances by the island's women divers with a seasonal seafood feast. Overnight in Jeju.
Day 7
Jeju's Craters and Coastline
Meet the guide for a transfer to Geomun Oreum, stopping first at the Jeju World Natural Heritage Center to learn about the island's volcanic origins. Choose between two trails through dense forest, crater rims and panoramic viewpoints: a Summit Course of 1.8 kilometres, around an hour, or a longer Crater Course of 5.5 kilometres, around two and a half hours. Drive to the island's northern coast, stopping at Hamdeok Beach for its emerald waters and white sand, then continue along the coastline to the quieter Daekmeoru Coast, known for its rugged volcanic rock formations. Visit Samseonghyeol, a sacred site tied to local origin legend, before finishing at Dongmun Market, sampling street food among its traditional stalls. Overnight in Jeju.
Day 8
Jeju Island
Meet the guide for a visit to Hallim Park, a botanical garden of themed gardens and lava caves offering a glimpse into Jeju's volcanic origins, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to the O'sulloc Tea Museum to learn about Jeju's tea history, sample local teas, and try the museum's green tea ice cream. Visit Jusangjeolli Cliffs, known for their hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity, then Yakcheonsa Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples in Asia, housing Korea's largest Vairocana Buddha among 18,000 smaller statues. Finish the day at Jeongbang Falls, one of the few waterfalls in Asia to flow directly into the sea. Overnight in Jeju.
Day 9
Departure from Jeju
Breakfast at the hotel, then check out and transfer to the airport for the onward departure flight.
Moments
Along the way
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