South Korea Family Holiday Itinerary

Starting in

Seoul, Korea, Republic Of

Physical Difficulty

2 / 5

Breakfasts included

7

Lunches included

2

Dinners included

2

Ending in

Seoul, Korea, Republic Of

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Hanok (2 nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle , KTX train

From ancient Korean traditions to current K-pop culture, this eight-day trip will surely make the list of the best family holidays ever! You’ll explore South Korea’s capital Seoul, with a delicious feast of Korean BBQ, scenic views over Naksan Mountain and plenty of free time to choose your own adventure. Visit the fascinating and sobering DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) from the South Korean side and visit Mangwon night market for some tasty street food. Experience a day in the life of a monk at Golgulsa Temple and try your hand at archery, meditation and Sunmudo (traditional martial arts). Explore the Golden City of Gyeongju and create a family motto at a calligraphy class, over two days spent in traditional Hanok style accommodation. Head to Busan and check out the local cultural village, coastal scenery and awesome activities on offer before toasting to a great adventure back in Seoul – what a ride!

Day 1: Seoul

Hwan-yeong! Welcome to Seoul – South Korea's vibrant capital of high-tech gadgets, impressive skyscrapers and delicious eats. A modern Asian metropolis that blends bold futuristic intentions with strong links to the past, Seoul is one of Asia's great cities. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon. After, join your leader and the other families for a short walk up Naksan Mountain for an awesome view of the city skyline. Then, you’ll feast on Korean BBQ at your welcome dinner and get to know your fellow families over sizzling meats, vegetables and refreshments.

Day 2: Seoul

After breakfast this morning, join a local guide for a tour of the fascinating Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). From the South Korean side of the Zone, you’ll learn how this peninsula has been divided since the devastating Korean War. You’ll visit the Third Tunnel of Aggression, the Unification Bridge, Imjingak Park and the Dora Observatory. In the afternoon, you’re free to explore Seoul’s many sights at your own pace (or simply relax at the accommodation or a nearby café). Maybe explore Hongdae – a popular area for urban art with the young locals. Here, you can see street musicians and artists, wander through the many shops and cafes or, if visiting in summer, you can cool off in one of the outdoor swimming pools along the Han River. Tonight, maybe join your leader and visit Mangwon night market for some tasty Korean street food.

Day 3: Gyeongju

After breakfast this morning, it’s time to say goodbye to Seoul and head east to the Golgulsa Temple for an unforgettable ‘day in the life of a monk’ experience. Take part in some traditional Korean archery (the kids will love this activity), try your hand and mind at some meditation and participate in a Sunmudo training session – a Korean Buddhist martial arts practiced at only a few places around the world. Tonight, enjoy a special, authentic Buddhist vegetarian dinner at the temple before returning to Gyeongju. You’ll spend the night a Hanok (traditional Korean house) tonight – a truly unique experience where you can fully immerse yourself in the culture and get to know the locals.

Day 4: Gyeongju

Today, enjoy a full day exploring Gyeongju – commonly known as the Golden City because of its 1000-year-old history and many important cultural sites. Join your leader this morning after breakfast for a walking tour to explore the area. Visit the Royal Tombs and then head to a traditional folk village to take part in a fun calligraphy activity. Get the kids’ help to create a family motto – a great keepsake that will always remind you of your time in Korea. Here, you’ll have the option to sit down for a steaming Korean hot pot lunch. After, maybe rent a few bikes and explore the area further in your free time or dress up in traditional Hanbok clothing for a family photo – another great souvenir option!

Day 5: Busan

After breakfast it's off to visit South Korea's second-largest city, Busan. Wehn you arrive you'll have the opportunity to explore Gamcheon Culture Village – known for its layered streets, twisted labyrinth-like alleys, brightly painted houses and street art, before visiting a local's home for lunch. You'll learn about different Korean foods local kids love and even help out with making some of the dishes like kimbap and kimchi. Enjoy a free evening in the city tonight but make sure to ask your leader if there's any baseball games in town at the nearby stadium! Heading along to a Korean baseball game is a fun and unique experience you wont want to miss!

Day 6: Busan

Today is a free day for you to enjoy all the amazing things Busan has to offer. You may like to visit Haedong Yongungsa Temple – a picturesque scene that sits on the coastline, made even more beautiful during cherry blossom season, take in more of the coastal scenery on the retro Haeundae Sky capsule or Haeundae Beach Train - which happens to be the world's first battery-charged eco-friendly train. Perhaps take a walk on the Busan Green Railway – a 4.8 km coastal walking trail, take a ride on a cable car for sweeping views or visit the nearby amusement park to really get the adrenaline pumping! For a more relaxing day there's plenty of beaches nearby to enjoy a swim, Songjeong in particular is well-loved by families and surfers in the summer.

Day 7: Seoul

Today after breakfast, make the speedy journey back to Seoul on a KTX fast train – watch the views fly past you! When you arrive, your final afternoon is free to enjoy the city however you like. You may want to take a taekwondo class and learn some more martial arts moves or visit one of the many museums on offer. K-pop fans would love a visit to the Hallyu K-star Road in Gangnam for a hit of local Hallyu culture. Come back together with your fellow families this evening to enjoy a final group dinner and celebrate a trip well-travelled.

Day 8: Seoul

Your adventure comes to an end today after breakfast. With no activities planned, you’re free to depart anytime after breakfast. If you’d like to stay in Seoul for longer, just speak to your booking agent.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Prima Hotel Jongno, 46 Ujeongguk-ro, Gyeonji-dong, Jongno District , Seoul, KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, Phone: +82 261059114

Finish point

Prima Hotel Jongno, 46 Ujeongguk-ro, Gyeonji-dong, Jongno District , Seoul, KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, Phone: +82 261059114

Important information

1. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
2. Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.
3. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.
4. A single supplement is available to book subject to availability.
5. The trip will start at 4pm on Day 1
6. Although this trip starts and finishes in Seoul, we highly recommend you to spend some extra time exploring this fascinating city and its neighbouring regions. Please consult your booking agents if you would like to book additional nights.
7. We know the idea of travelling overseas with picky eaters, particularly kids, can be daunting. However, most of our families find the diversity of Korean food surprising. Trying different foods is great fun and an opportunity to understand a little about Korean culture using all your senses. As well as a Korean BBQ and Korean Hot Pot, some of the other kid-friendly foods you can enjoy are Joomukbap (Korean rice balls), Pajeon (Korean pancakes), Mandu (Korean dumplings), Chikin (Korean fried chicken), Kimbap (similar to sushi), Bulgogi (usually beef with vegetables and rice) and there's plenty more including sweet treats like Korean rice cakes.  
8. Some of our families are surprised by the traditional Korean breakfast foods and the western variations that our accommodations provide. Soup with side dishes, kimchi and rice are the most common breakfast foods in Korean. A typical western breakfast available may include cereal, toast, eggs and fruit.

Emergency contact

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/ +821 090031918

Is this trip right for you

A traditional Korean bed is a futon-like mattress placed on the floor, which may be folded up and placed in the cupboard in the morning. This trip includes two nights' accommodation in a Hanok (traditional house) with Korean-style floor bedding in Gyeongju. While floor bedding can be firm compared to standard western mattresses, the floors are heated, and you’ll be comfortable. You can also request extra mattresses for your comfort.

The monastery day program provides a unique cultural experience, offering insight into Korean Buddhist way of life and the opportunity to participate in various traditional practices. Travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities, including dress codes. You will be given pants and a tunic during your visit, and socks must be worn in the temple.

Why we love it

Witness the effects of the Korean War first-hand at the border between South and North Korea on an eye-opening tour of the DMZ – no textbooks are needed for this lesson, you’ll have a knowledgeable local guide., Take a tour around the colourful and ultra-Instagrammable Gamcheon Cultural Village then enjoy plenty of free time to relax on the sandy beaches of Busan., Discover some new favourites and delicious flavours with a Korean BBQ dinner and a visit to the street food night markets. You’ll even learn to make kimchi and kimbap in a family-friendly cooking class – now this is how you get the kids to try new things!, Step back in time in Gyeongju – nicknamed the ‘museum without walls’ – and experience local culture with two nights in a Hanok (traditional Korean house). You can even snap a family pic dressed in Hanbok, the traditional Korean clothing., Experience an afternoon of fun activities with local monks in a beautiful temple setting. Try your hand at archery, Sunmudo – an ancient Korean Buddhist martial art – and an insightful meditation.

Group leader

All Intrepid Family trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to assist your family to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for fun things to do and see - for both kids and parents, recommend great local eating venues that will even get the kids trying new things, and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

Our leaders are not babysitters on this trip - we leave that to you (the experts), but they will make sure that group members of all ages are able to explore their destination safely and with as much fun as possible. Our group leaders are not responsible for looking after children at any time and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times throughout this itinerary.

Safety

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Though obvious please don't allow your children to carry their own passports while on tour.

Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field:

http://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us/safety

FIRE PRECAUTIONS:
Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD:
Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!

SEAT BELTS:
Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. When travelling in private mini vans or trucks all children (and adults) must wear a seat belt. No children are allowed to sit in the front seat of a vehicle.

PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY:
While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

LIFE JACKETS:
While life jackets are generally available on water craft, there may be occasions where they are not provided and child size life jackets are not always readily available. If travelling with children and this safety issue concerns you we will be able to advise alternative methods of transport (where available) for you to travel to the next destination. You can choose to travel independently for this leg of the journey. This would be at your own expense.

WATER SAFETY:
Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water with your children, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water.

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

If a visa to South Korea is required for you, below information maybe needed for your application:

Hotel information:
Name: Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall Hotel
Address: 22 Sejong-daero 16-gil, Bukchang-dong, Jung-gu Seoul KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
Post code: 054526
Phone: +822 63626000

If you need a local inviting organization, please use below:
Company Name: 8 Birds Tours & Events
Inviting person(s): Hyoungyoon Park(박형윤) and Daniel Lee Gray
Address: Seoul Jongrogu Donhwamunro 88-1, 3rd floor 42 Ho
Tel: +82-10-9003-1918

Note for males who are under the age of 39 and are of Korean origin – if you were born in South Korea, were registered under the Korean family system (Hojeok), and haven’t given up your Korean citizenship, you might be liable for national military service when entering South Korea, (even if you enter with a foreign passport.) Please consult with the embassy in advance.

Last modified (date)

Information not available.

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Additional Information

Health

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you and your family will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you and your family more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. If you or a member of your family have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

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:
Being Vegan or Vegetarian can be difficult in Korea since there is fish sauce or shrimp paste used as fermentation agents. However, there are always plenty of meat free options on menus including vegetable, tofu and egg dishes that come out with rice as a meal. However, keep in mind that we share dishes and dishes may be cooked served along with meat dishes. Your leader can advise on some local favourites or help you order and delivery them. 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 specialize in Buddhist cuisine.

Money matters

SOUTH KOREA
The official currency of South Korea is Won (KRW). Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, however may not be accepted in smaller towns. ATMs are readily available, but do not always accept foreign cards. Look out for ATMs with a sign saying ‘Global’. Your trip leader will also be able to advise locations for ATMs compatible with foreign cards.

What to take

Remember - the lighter you travel the better! A soft-sided duffel or sausage bag is the ideal form of luggage. It is recommended that you keep your luggage weight around 15kg and certainly no more than 20kg. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 litres) is another good option, but preferably one without a frame.

When you pack your clothing, consider the climate at the time of year you are travelling and any specific requirements for your trip as at certain times of the year some of the items suggested in the list that follow may not be necessary. Keep in mind that the weather will vary significantly from place to place. Laundry facilities are available in some destinations.

Below is a list of equipment and documentation that we suggest you take with you. Please use this checklist as a guide when packing for your holiday.

- Travel documents: passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, air tickets or e-ticket receipts, final itinerary and this document
- Photocopy of main passport pages, visa (if required), travel insurance and air tickets
- Money: cash/credit card/EFTPOS card
- Money belt and small padlocks
- Small first-aid kit
- Daypack
- Watch/alarm clock and torch/flashlight (and spare batteries)
- Electrical adapter plug (view www.kropla.com)
- Toiletries/roll of toilet paper/travel wipes/ tissues
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen, lip balm, sunhat and sunglasses
- Earplugs and eye mask (for light sleepers)
- Extra pair of prescription glasses (if required)
- 2 strong plastic garbage bags (for laundry and in case of rain) and dry bags
- Refillable water bottle
- Phrase book
- Warm clothes - when travelling in cooler climates
- Wind and waterproof rain jacket
- Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes with good walking socks
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Swimwear (dependent on itinerary), TECHNOLOGY
With the modern world you may want to bring along tablets of smartphones for the children to document their adventure - there are a wide variety of apps out there which we suggest downloading before you depart. There will be opportunities to charge ( just make sure you bring the correct adapter) and there will be wi-fi available on your trip, although it will probably not be at the speeds you are used to at home and it won't be available everywhere.

Climate and seasonal

Information not available.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Accommodation notes

GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS:
Family of two: All family groupings of two will be accommodated in a twin room.

Family of three: Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in some places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that a triple room will often be a twin room with a rollaway bed or mattress on the floor. Where triple rooms aren’t available it will be at your discretion which of your family takes the single room.

Family of four or more: You will most likely be accommodated in two twin rooms. Where possible, we will accommodate your family in a quadruple room.

While we do our very best to ensure that family groups are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over the exact placement of rooms within a hotel. Please be understanding if we are unable to room your family in immediate proximity of one another.

Transport notes

Information not available.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:


https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

You will travel in a group with other like-minded families who may have come from all over the world. We find that the kids of all ages usually bond well and act as a catalyst for the rest of the group. If you are keen to know the ages of other children on the trip, then please ask your booking agent.

We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.


OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.