• 8 Breakfast (B)
• 1 Lunch (L)
• 1 Dinner (D)

• Bangkok: A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
• Seoul: Free Time Add-Ons are special activities Contiki organizes in addition to the trip. They aren’t mandatory (but we do highly recommend them!) and can be done during your free time. Payment for Free Time Add-Ons can only be made in cash, using the local currency – Korean Won (KRW) You can check out the prices on the trip page of the website. Payment will generally be collected on night one after kickstart.Please note: The ‘Attend a Baseball Game’ Free Time Add-On can be pre-booked with your booking agent up to 5 working days before the trip starts. It will also be available to book with your Trip Manager at Kickstart. But seating with the group cannot be guaranteed.
• Seoul:
  Other than all the standard stuff like jeans, trousers, jumpers and t-shirts, here are some things you should consider packing:  

  Rainproof jacket 

  Comfy walking shoes & sandals 

  Swimwear & towels 

  Personal medication & motion sickness tablets 

  Travel adaptors 

  Insect repellent and sunscreen 
  Smart casual clothing for high-end restaurants or night clubs  

• Seoul: South Korea uses the South Korean Won (?). Local currency is readily available through cash machines, which will be available in most regions we travel to on this trip. 
• Seoul: In South Korea, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type C and F are used. The standard voltage is 220 V at a frequency of 60 Hz.
• Seoul:
  South Korean culture and society is a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Ingrained within its rich culture is a deep sense of community and the utmost respect for elders. Here are some things to keep in mind:  

  Revealing clothing can be viewed as culturally insensitive off the beach. Shorts are generally fine (as long as they aren’t too short). In terms of behaviour, public displays of affection between men & women are considered shocking in some places.  
  Although cities like Seoul boast dynamic gay districts such as Jongno and Itaewon, public displays of affection, especially same sex, can attract stares and, in some situations, outright discrimination. 

  Smoking is common in South Korea. But it’s illegal to smoke in public places. There are specific smoking zones across the cities where smoking is permitted.
  English isn’t widely used in South Korea, so a translation app can be quite helpful. And your Trip Manager or Local Guide can give you some tips on words you can try. 

• Seoul: If your local service provider doesn’t have an international pack, you can buy a SIM card &/or handset at any mobile phone shop and some convenience stores. ‘Top up’ credit vouchers are available at most phone shops, local post offices or at the airport. Most areas have 4G coverage, but major cities will have 5G.
• Seoul: South Korean Soul trips operate from March to November. Usually, Spring (April to June) and Autumn  (September to November) are considered the best times to visit because of the pleasant weather.
• Seoul: Tipping isn’t customary in South Korea (and can sometimes be considered rude sometimes!). So, please check with your Trip Manager or Local Guide if you’re unsure whether a tip would be appropriate or not. You’re welcome to tip your Contiki Team if you love our service too!
• Seoul: Yep, public transport is excellent in South Korea. And if you’re planning to explore the city in your free time, it’s best done via metro and bus (since taxis are quite expensive!). You can purchase a T-Money travel card at the airport or convenience stores in Seoul. These cards can be used on the bus or train and can be topped up as often as needed. Your Trip Manager can assist with pointing out locations near the start hotel to purchase a T Money travel card if needed.  
• Seoul: On our trips, you can bring one bag or suitcase of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”), with a max weight of 20kg (44lbs). Please note you’ll be responsible for getting their own luggage on and off the coach and train from Seoul to Busan. 
• Seoul: The trip officially finishes at 9am on Day 8 at the Amanti Hotel Hongdae. So, you can book flights home at any time in the afternoon. The Amanti Hotel in Hongdae is approximately 45 kms from Incheon Airport and takes approximately 60 mins to reach via bus.

• The DMZ: The DMZ remains an active Military installation, and we’ll visit for a Peace Tour which includes the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, the Dora Observatory (where you can see over into North Korea if the weather is right) and then to the Unification Village. The tour is semi-private with a local guide, and we’ll travel through the zone in a military shuttle.
• Seoul: Of all the traditional Korean experiences (and believe us, there are a lot of ’em) this might just be the coolest. Don’t miss your chance to visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of 5 Royal Palaces in Seoul from the old ruling dynasty. We’ll also dress up in the Traditional Hanbok dress too.
• Seoul: We’ll hit the Gangnam District, made famous by Psy, for a bit of shopping, browsing and posing in front of the Gangnam hands. Don’t miss coffee served by robots, or your chance to order an ice block from one of the many vending machines. Gangnam is home to lots of K-Wave stars too so keep your eyes peeled (and have your autograph book at the ready).
• Seoul: Once home to hand-made shoe craftsmen, Seongsu is now one of Seoul’s most exciting shopping districts where you’ll find small cafes, pop-up shops and beautiful green space AKA Seoul Forest. You and your crew will have the chance to get lunch here, plus pick up some souvenirs for your fave folks back home.
• Seoul: One end of the country to the other in just two-and-a-half hours? With superfast Wi-Fi and spectacular views? That’s right, you can’t explore South Korea without getting on a high-speed train.
• Busan: Our local guide will show us Busan’s best spots. For lunch, you’ll get to visit the international market where you’ll find a plethora of different fish dishes from across the continent.
  Busan is famous for being one of the only regions not to fall to the North Koreans during the war in the 50s. The Gamcheon Village was settled by refugees during the Korean War; it’s since had a refresh and is now known for it’s bright coloured buildings and awesome art school vibes.
• Jeonju: On our way to Jeonju, we’ll stop off at a traditional Hanok and bask in the mountain views. BTS filmed a music video here too, so this is the perfect place to follow in their footsteps. You’ll also have a chance to check out the onsite café and art gallery before we make our way to Jeonju.
• Jeonju: We’ll tuck into a traditional bibimbap that Jeonju is famous for. Served warm in a brass bowl, with chilli on the side.
• Seoul: This afternoon, we’ll slow things down and take time to learn about the local Buddhist practices here in Seoul. We’ll partake in a few of them too, such as tea making and Sutra script writing. That’s right, culture never felt so calm. Please note: Exact temple activities could change depending on departure.
   
• Seoul: One final night. One final meal together. It HAS to be the world’s most popular Korean cuisine – that’s right, it’s BBQ time. The perfect chance to reminisce with great Korean food and even greater people.

Contiki

Explore the Korean Demilitarized Zone with a local guide, travelling by military shuttle to the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory and Unification Village. At the observatory, clear weather may offer views across the border into North Korea.

This active military area makes the division of the Korean Peninsula tangible rather than abstract. Access is controlled by the South Korean military, so individual stops or the entire visit may be changed or cancelled at short notice.

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of Seoul’s five royal palaces, and dress in traditional hanbok for a closer connection to Korea’s courtly heritage. Explore the palace setting, where tiled roofs, ceremonial gates and spacious courtyards frame the city’s historic heart.

Founded in 1395 as the principal palace of the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongbokgung offers a striking contrast to the modern streets beyond its walls. Hanbok adds a hands-on cultural dimension to this visit.

Explore Seoul’s Gangnam district, a centre of shopping, pop culture and glossy urban design made famous worldwide by Psy’s song. Browse the area, pose by the Gangnam Style hands sculpture and look out for the automated cafés and vending machines that showcase a playful side of the city.

Gangnam offers a glimpse of contemporary Seoul: fashion-forward streets, K-wave connections and everyday technology sit together in one of the capital’s most recognisable neighbourhoods.

Discover Seongsu’s converted industrial streets, where former workshops sit alongside independent cafés and changing pop-up shops. The group visits this creative Seoul neighbourhood, with time to browse its shops and find a spot for lunch.

Once associated with handmade shoemaking, Seongsu has become a hub for young designers and local brands. Nearby Seoul Forest adds green space to a district that shows how the city reimagines its older working neighbourhoods.

Join a locally guided exploration of Busan, including its bustling international market and Gamcheon Culture Village. Browse market stalls offering regional foods, including seafood dishes, and see Gamcheon’s vividly painted houses stepping across the hillside.

Busan remained outside North Korean control during the Korean War, and Gamcheon became home to displaced families. Its lanes and public art now tell a story of refuge and renewal, while the market reflects the port city’s long-standing connections across Asia.

Cruise Busan’s coast by private yacht as the city lights come on. Enjoy the sea air, music and provided snacks while viewing South Korea’s major port city from the water rather than its busy streets.

Busan’s illuminated waterfront and high-rise skyline give this evening outing a distinctly urban coastal atmosphere. It is a sociable group experience as well as a chance to take in the city after dark; the route and views will depend on sailing conditions.

Visit a traditional hanok in a mountain setting on the journey towards Jeonju. Take in the surrounding views and explore a location used in a BTS music video, with an on-site café and art gallery also available to browse.

Hanok architecture is known for its timber framing, tiled roofs and close relationship with the landscape. This stop brings together a traditional Korean building, mountain scenery and a contemporary K-pop connection in one setting.

Taste Jeonju’s celebrated bibimbap at an included traditional lunch. Served warm in a brass bowl with chilli on the side, this Korean rice dish brings together ingredients that can be mixed to suit your taste.

Jeonju has a particularly strong reputation for bibimbap and Korean food culture. Sitting down to the dish in the city most closely associated with it makes lunch a regional tasting experience, rather than simply a pause between sights.

Explore Jeonju Hanok Village, where traditional-style rooftops, craft displays and food stalls bring Korean heritage into the streets. Spend time looking around the village and learning about traditional Korean crafts and culture.

Jeonju is recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and its hanok district is a focal point for visitors interested in the city’s living traditions. The visit offers room to notice both the architecture and the crafts and cuisines practised within it.

Visit a local Buddhist temple in Seoul and take part in traditional practices in a quieter setting away from the city’s commercial districts. Activities may include tea preparation and sutra copying, giving you a hands-on introduction to contemplative Korean Buddhist customs.

The experience focuses on participation as well as observation: preparing tea and carefully writing scripture encourage a slower pace and attention to detail. Exact temple activities may vary by departure.

Create your own K-pop music video at HiKR Ground, an interactive visitor space in Seoul devoted to Korean culture and entertainment. Step into its music-themed setting and take part in a playful, camera-ready group activity.

K-pop’s carefully crafted performances have become one of South Korea’s most visible cultural exports. This experience lets you engage with that creative world rather than simply watch it, making room for your own moves and on-screen moment.

Gather for an included Korean BBQ dinner in Seoul, sharing a final meal with your travel group around one of the country’s best-known dining traditions. The convivial setting makes food and conversation equally important parts of the evening.

Korean BBQ is built around cooking and eating together, often accompanied by small shared side dishes known as banchan. As a hosted farewell dinner, it offers a distinctly social close to the group experience.

Learn K-pop dance moves in an optional class in Seoul. Practise choreography inspired by the performance style that has carried Korean pop music to audiences around the world.

This hands-on session offers a different way to engage with K-pop culture: through its precise movements and group energy rather than from the audience. It is at additional cost and bookable on tour, so you can decide whether to add it to your time in the city.

Attend a Korean baseball game for an optional taste of one of the country’s favourite spectator sports. Take in the action alongside local fans and experience the lively stadium atmosphere that makes a match about more than the score.

This Free Time Add-On is at additional cost and bookable on tour with your Trip Manager. It may also be pre-booked through a booking agent up to five working days before the trip; seating with the group cannot be guaranteed.