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Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. You will visit the Hainesa Temple and the DMZ on this trip, and this requires a level of modesty. Be sure to bring clothes that cover the arms and pants or skirts that go past the knees.

South Korea is best explored on foot. In fact, most travellers are surprised at how much distance they end up covering! Make sure your shoes are comfy and you are fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet.

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.

2. Breakfast culture is quite different in South Korea. Hotel breakfasts are often either not available or quite disappointing. Because of this, hotel breakfasts are not included on this tour. Instead, you will receive a daily $10 cafe voucher to use at local cafes and coffee shops. You may choose to use one voucher per day or save them up and use multiple at once. Your trip leader can assist you with choosing cafes and using vouchers.

3. The trip ends on Jeju Island which is served by an international airport. For your onward journey, direct flights are available to Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Osaka and Singapore, as well as Seoul.

4. Luggage porterage on this trip is limited to your travelling between accommodation. Porterage is not found in South Korean hotels, so it is not available within your accommodation

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg.

Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps).

If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well.

You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day.

Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

Lotte Mapo City Hotel, 109 Mapo-daero, Ahyeon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 04146, KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, Phone: +822 60091000

Lotte Mapo City Hotel is conveniently located across from exit 2 of Gongdeok Subway Station. Shops and restaurants are within walking distance. The hotel features wifi, an indoor pool and fitness centre, 24 hr reception and laundry (for an additional charge). All rooms are come with a private bathroom, flat-screen TV with cable channels and safety deposit box.

Alternate Joining Point

An airport arrival transfer is included. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre trip accommodation booked through Intrepid.

If you have arranged an airport transfer, please wait at the arrival gate where your driver will be holding a Intrepid sign or a sign with your name on it. If after 15 minutes you do not see the driver, please call or WhatsApp on +821090031918 or +821067067769. There is free, secure Wi-Fi available at the airport.

Otherwise, Seoul is very well connected by public transport. The easiest way to travel to the hotel is to take the AREX airport subway directly to Gongdeok Station (approx. 50 minutes). Once you arrive, look for exit 2. Lotte Mapo City Hotel is located across the road on the corner of Baekbeom-ro and Mapo-daero.

If you would like to consider other modes of transport between Incheon Airport and the hotel, visit https://www.airport.kr/ap_cnt/en/tpt/pblctpt/pblctpt.do

Jeju Island Lotte City Jeju, 83 Doryeong-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea, Jeju Island, KOREA, REPUBLIC OF

Alternate Finish Point

Please ask your leader or hotel staff for assistance in arranging a taxi or instructions to reach the airport by public transport.

Breakfasts included: 8

Lunches included: 3

Dinners included: 4

DIETARY NEEDS:
Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may wish to supplement inclusions with their own supplies from markets or supermarkets. Please note that some dietary requirements, such as Gluten Free, will be uncommon in South Korea and you may need to explain to your leader what you can and can't eat as well as research common dishes before you travel.

ALLERGIES:
For those suffering from particular food allergies, your group leader will endeavor to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic and research suitable local foods before travelling.

VEGETARIANS & VEGANS:
Vegetarians in South Korea certainly won't go hungry as there are always plenty of meat free options on menus including vegetable, tofu and egg dishes. Your leader can advise on some local favourites. Dairy is uncommon in local cooking. Vegans should also have few problems finding tasty meals in most locations. Nearly all cities will have vegetarian restaurants, often near to temples or monasteries that specialise in Buddhist cuisine.

Meals & Beverages:
Please refer to the inclusions section for the included meals and food activities. Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are not included with meals unless specified or part of a beverage tasting activity. 

Breakfast culture is quite different in South Korea, and hotel breakfasts are often quite disappointing. Because of this, hotel breakfasts are not included on this tour. Instead, you will receive a daily $10 cafe voucher to use at local cafes and coffee shops. You may choose to use one voucher per day, or save them up and use multiple at once. Your trip leader can assist you with choosing cafes and using vouchers.

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +821 067067769

Hotel rooms:
Many South Korean hotels have a limited supply of double rooms. If you are a couple travelling, please advise at the time of booking if you would like double bedding (subject to availability). Double bed in South Korea also tends to be smaller than normal western standard, closer to a queen size bed. It may be possible to book twin share rooms where you may push the beds together into one bigger bed, but this can't be guaranteed.

Air-conditioning & Heating:
Air-conditioning is not usually turned on until the warmer season. The traditional housing has floor heating.

Hanok Stay:
Your mattress will be on the floor. If you find that the surface is too hard, you can stack the bedding or ask for an extra mattress.

Hotel rooms:
Many South Korean hotels have a limited supply of double rooms. If you are a couple travelling, please advise at the time of booking if you would like double bedding (subject to availability)

Air-conditioning & Heating:
Air-conditioning is not usually turned on until the warmer season. The traditional housing has floor heating.

Temple Stay:
The temple stay will be more rustic than standard hotels, but will provide a very unique cultural experience.

If you are spending additional time before or after your tour, you will find that the transport in South Korea is reasonably priced, quick and efficient. Public buses don't always have the signage in English so is is recommended that you write your destination in hangeul (Korean phonetic alphabet) letters on a piece of paper. Bus drivers don't speak English. Local tourist centres usually have English-speaking staff and are the best places to find out about local buses.
For groups of less than five people the Leader will also act as the driver on this trip.