South Korea: Seoul, Busan & Beyond

Touch down in Seoul! This is where we're starting our amazing 10-day journey through the highlights of South Korea. Drop off your bags at the hotel, take a nap or start exploring. The whole group will meet this evening for a group meal, but before then, your Tru Leader will have lots of ideas for filling your day! You're in for a treat!

Are you ready to get started and explore the best of Seoul!? First stop is Hikr Ground, Seoul's K-pop hub. Packed with interactive exhibits and immersive experiences, it's the perfect introduction to South Korea's incredible global cultural influence, whether you're a die-hard fan or just K-curious. From there, we'll walk along the Cheonggyechon Stream, a peaceful spot in the heart of the city, before heading to the unmissable Gyeongbokgung Palace. In the afternoon, we'll wander through the charming lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village, where centuries-old hanok houses sit beautifully against Seoul's modern skyline. We'll end the afternoon at Gwangjang Traditional Market and, of course, sample some of Korea's most iconic street food before heading back for a group dinner - Korean fried chicken, anyone?

This morning we're jumping on the subway to Seongsu, Seoul's coolest neighbourhood. Often referred to as the Brooklyn of Seoul, this trendy district is packed with hip cafés, K-pop pop-ups and vintage clothes shops. From there, we'll subway over to the Jamsil Tower Mall, one of Seoul's biggest shopping malls. Home to luxury brands, incredible restaurants and the iconic Lotte World Tower, it's the perfect spot to grab lunch. In the late afternoon, we'll take a relaxing stroll around Seokchon Lake, a beautiful scenic park right beside the Seoul skyline, and stunning during cherry blossom season. Then it's back to the accommodation before heading out for a group dinner.

Today is an early one, but it's absolutely worth it. Today we'll experience one of the most thought-provoking moments of the entire trip, a visit to the DMZ, the border zone between North and South Korea. It's a fascinating and sobering insight into the history and ongoing division of the Koreas. Once we have explored with an expert local guide, we'll visit the War Memorial of Korea, a space dedicated to Korea's military history and the Korean War, providing a powerful cultural context to everything you've seen today. After returning to the accommodation, there's a dedicated time for us to reflect as a group before coming together for dinner.

Goodbye for now, Seoul, this morning we'll catch the KTX bullet train towards Gyeongju, sit back, relax and watch the Korean countryside fly past at high speed. Once we arrive at the beautiful Hanok House, we'll dive into Gyeongju's ancient history. First up is the Daerungwon Tomb Complex, the ancient royal tombs of the Silla Kingdom. Don't worry, your Tru leader will be able to fill in the historical gaps. Next up is a visit to the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, dating back to the 7th century. From there, we'll wander through Gyochon Hanok Village, a traditional village brimming with cultural workshops, local food specialities and authentic Korean atmosphere. To top off a spectacular day, we'll get to dress in traditional hanbok clothing, cameras at the ready!

This morning, we'll travel up into the mountains for one of the most unique experiences of the entire trip, an overnight temple stay at Golgulsa Temple. We'll immerse ourselves in Korean Buddhist culture and the rhythm of daily temple life. In the afternoon, we'll watch a Sunmudo martial arts performance. Then it's our turn, as we take part in our own martial arts training session with the experts. We'll finish the day with a guided meditation session before sitting down to a traditional Buddhist temple dinner. This is an evening we'll never forget!

Morning! We'll start the day with a meditation session surrounded by the calm of the temple grounds. Enjoy a traditional temple breakfast before one final martial arts training session. Then it's time to hit the road, we're off to the vibrant coastal city of Busan. On the way, we'll visit the iconic Gamcheon Culture Village, a stunning hillside neighbourhood bursting with colourful street art, murals, quirky cafés and narrow winding alleyways. From there, head to Jagalchi & Gukje Market to experience Busan's legendary seafood scene and local market culture, before finishing the afternoon with a street food crawl around BIFF Square, Korea's entertainment district!

This morning we'll jump on the subway to Haeundae Beach, Busan's most iconic stretch of coastline. With its lively atmosphere and amazing ocean views, it's the perfect spot for us to relax and soak up the Korean beach scene. In the afternoon, we'll head for a coastal trek around Dongbaek Island, where we'll see breathtaking views of Busan's skyline. In the evening, there are plenty of options to explore Busan's markets, find a bar to watch the sunset from or head out for some street food!

We're heading back to where it all started. We'll board the KTX back to Seoul and enjoy the scenic journey to round off the trip. Once back in the capital, drop your bags and enjoy free time for some last-minute shopping, souvenir hunting or neighbourhood exploring. Then it's time to come together one last time for your final group dinner. This is the moment to swap photos, memories and numbers to plan the reunion!

It's time to check out and say goodbye to South Korea. It's been an amazing 10 days, but all good things must come to an end... Your Tru leader is on hand to help with your future travel plans, wherever you are off to next. Have the best time!