South Korean Soul without Jeju Island with Contiki
9 days
08 May 26 to 21 Nov 26
Book by 04 Dec 25
Ready to catch the full K-wave? This trip mixes history, neon city energy, and a touch of sci-fi. Seoul hits hard with local-led discoveries, high-speed train rides, and Jeonju’s old-school charm. You’ll even jump into your own K-pop video before cruising the river at night. Add baseball, late-night BBQs, and street food that absolutely slaps — this one’s pure Korea magic.
Includes
9 Day Contiki Guided Holiday
8 Nights accommodation: 7 nights in Hotels, 1 night in Special Stay
8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Transport by bullet train, local train
Experienced Trip Manager and Local Guides
Optional free time add on experiences (additional costs apply)
Included Experiences
Tour the Gyeongbokgung Palace (in Traditional Hanbok Dress)
Discover Gangnam (Contiki Style)
Explore the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on a Peace Tour
Visit the Awon Hanok Museum & Gallery
Shop Til You Drop in Seongsu and so much more!
Excludes
Flights
Arrival/ departure transfers
Visas
Travel Insurance
Spending money and items of a personal nature
Extras
You have to be between the age of 18 and 35 years old to travel with Contiki
Additional costs apply for optional free time add on experiences
Secure your spot today with a deposit from as low as R1000* and pay the rest 60 days before departure
Highlights
8 Nights accommodation
10 Meals
Included experiences and sightseeing
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Seoul
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).
Stay | Ibis Insadong Hotel (or similar)
Day 2: Seoul
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. Oh, and is it possible to visit South Korea without seeing Gangnam? Nope. That’s why we’ll make a pit-stop there. Next, 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.
Stay | Ibis Insadong Hotel (or similar)
Meal | Breakfast
Day 3: Seoul and DMZ
Seoul
This morning we’ll head to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the strip of land which separates North and South Korea.
The DMZ
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.
Seoul
After a rather sobering morning outing, we’ll head back to Seoul where you'll be free to explore this evening.
Stay | Ibis Insadong Hotel (or similar)
Meals | Breakfast included
Day 4: Seoul to Busan
Seoul
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)!
Busan
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?)
Stay | Felix by STX (or similar)
Meals | Breakfast
Day 5: Busan
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.
Stay | Felix by STX (or similar)
Meals | Breakfast
Day 6: Busan to Jeonju
Busan
Today we’ll take a turn for the traditional with a visit to Jeonju – a UNESCO listed city recognised for its Hanok heritage.
Jeonju
After checking out spots from BTS’ music videos and sampling candy made famous from ‘Squid Game’, we’ll enjoy a traditional bibimbap lunch. 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.
Stay | Hanok Guest House (or similar)
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Jeonju to Seoul - Hongdae
Jeonju
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.
Seoul - Hongdae
Today, 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.
Stay | Amanti Hotel (or similar)
Meals | Breakfast
Day 8: Seoul - Hongdae
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.
Stay | Amanti Hotel (or similar)
Included Meals | Breakfast
Day 9: End Seoul - Hongdae
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.
Meal | Breakfast
Terms & conditions
Prices are per person twin share/multi share as per itinerary, and are subject to availability and rate of exchange changes. Offers above are a guide only and will vary depending on departure date, our guide price is based on the cheapest departure within the stipulated season and availability is correct at time of loading. Visas may be necessary and insurance is essential. Pentravel and Tour Operator terms and conditions apply, and may be found on our website. Contiki reserves the right to validate bookings and will remove any additional offers added online that are not combinable. Savings and discounts are not valid on all itineraries and/or departure dates, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice and have already been included in the advertised price. Offer is not transferable to other dates. Offer can be removed at any time without prior notice. Trips are valid for travellers aged 18-35 years. Normal penalties apply for full cancellation without rebooking or cancellations within 60 days of departure. R1,000 per person deposit is the land only deposit and excludes any additional deposits or flights if applicable (this excludes any applicable taxes, included flight costs, National Park fees, festival tickets, port taxes, extra accommodation, and optional experiences). R1000pp deposit secures your booking, valid for new bookings only and land portions of the trip price only with full payment due 60 days prior to departure. This deposit policy may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.
The Contiki Black Friday 'Save up to R15,730* off are only valid on select trips departing between 25 March 2026 and 01 April 2027 (blackout dates may apply). The discount applies
to new bookings only made between 03 November and 04 December 2025. The discount applies to the land portions of the trip price only (this excludes any applicable taxes, included flight costs, National
Park fees, festival tickets, port taxes, extra accommodation, and optional experiences.) The deal is combinable with Past Passenger, Future Travel Credit & Book with Friends discounts. This offer is not
combinable with any other offer. Contiki reserves the right to validate bookings and will remove any additional offers added online that are not combinable. If travellers change to another tour or date not
on sale, they are responsible to pay the difference and adhere to different payment conditions. The offer is not valid on all itineraries and/or departure dates, is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. The offer is not transferable to any other dates.
Early Access giveaway: Book any trip with an Early Access deal during Black Friday Early Access week (4–11 November) and once you pay your deposit, you’ll automatically go in the draw to win your trip for free. If your booking is selected, we’ll credit or refund the cost of your trip – yep, your Contiki adventure, on us.
The Prize: Up to five winners will each receive a credit or refund of their trip value (land-only, excluding flights and extras), with total prizes not exceeding $20,000 AUD.
Winners will be randomly selected and notified via email by 18 November 2025. Open to travellers aged 18–35 with a valid booking during the promo period. Standard Payment Terms apply.
Supplier and tour operator is not responsible for technical or system errors that may interfere with or otherwise prohibit the use of promotion or sale. Other conditions may apply. At time of loading this may not be a definite departure, please enquire with one of our agents. Pentravel is not responsible for technical or system errors that may interfere with or otherwise prohibit the use of the promotion. These packages are based on CASH price. E&OE;.