South Korea

Welcome to South Korea!

South Korea boasts abundant attractions and incredible sights. If you want to experience interesting cultural heritage while getting a taste of modern, tech-driven city life, this country is definitely the right destination for you. 

On this trip, local cultures, natural environments, and unique food await for you to explore them. You will experience Seoul’s glittering nightlife and rich cultural heritage. In addition, you’ll feel like you went back in time with a visit to Jeonju’s cultural Hanok village and discover the stunning seaside temples and bustling markets of Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city.

Duration: 9 days and 8 nights in South Korea

Start: Please be ready to depart from Incheon International Airport (ICN) at 2:00 p.m.

Finish: The trip ends in Seoul, South Korea, at any time on Day 9. 

Travelers are responsible for their own transportation back to the airport or can choose to extend their stay.

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration. Please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.

• 9 days & 8 nights in shared hotel rooms
• 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 5 dinners
• Admission and guided  tour of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
• Entry to Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
• Visit to the village of Bukcheon
• A guided food tour through Gwangjang Market in Seoul
• Guided hike along the Seoul Fortress Wall Trail
• Entry to Seokpajeong Art Museum
• Guided walking tour of Jeonju Village 
• Korean traditional papermaking workshop
• Walking tour of Seohakdong Artists Village in Jeonju
• Experience Gamcheon Village
• Admission and tour of Haedong Dragon Temple by the Sea
• Beginner Taekwondo class from a local master
• Ride on South Korea’s high-speed rail system
• Private airport pick-up upon arrival
• Under30Experiences Trip Leader
• Personal recommendations for optional activities
• The chance to meet kick-ass people
• Access to the Under30Experiences community
• All taxes are always included, NO hidden fees or blackout dates

‍Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from South Korea. Transportation for optional activities is not included.

• Experience the futuristic city of Seoul
• Tour the Demilitarized Zone
• Seoul City Wall Trail
• Explore the temples & beaches of Busan
• Visit Jeonju, the "Food Capital of Korea"
• Learn taekwondo from a local master

Are you looking to experience different regions of South Korea in a single trip? Do you want to try one of the world’s best street foods? Are you interested in seeing rich cultural heritage and totally futuristic vibes? Then, our South Korea itinerary is definitely for you!

We’ll visit three different regions on this trip, so expect to move around quite often. There will be a mixture of public and private transportation and time spent in very busy cities such as Seoul and Busan. 

The itinerary offers experiences that glimpse Korea’s cultural past and its modern, rapidly developing technological scene. Seoul, after all, is known as The Futuristic City.

-Age requirement: 21+

-Group size: 16 max, average 12-14 travelers

-Physical rating: Light. Expect to walk quite a bit on this trip as we visit several sites and attractions in multiple cities. However, there are no strenuous activities. The Taekwondo class in Busan is for beginners, but you should expect to sweat. An active lifestyle is helpful, though not required to enjoy the trip. 

Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.

Before your trip, you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp group and connect with other members of your group. Many travelers meet at the airport or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Some even arrange to extend their stay in a country after their trip ends.

During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to create an open, supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable and can truly be themselves.

After your trip, you'll become an official U30X Alumni and part of our larger online Travel Community, where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours and hikes to outdoor movie nights.

More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.

• Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.
• While we aim to adhere to the itinerary, a certain amount of flexibility is built into it. Sometimes, depending on the situation, it may be necessary or desirable to adjust the schedule or activities.
• Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and may vary due to local circumstances.

Korean cuisine is largely based on rice, vegetables, seafood, and meats. Dairy is mainly absent from the traditional diet. On this trip, you’ll enjoy a mixture of street foods, Korean barbecues, and traditional dishes prepared in local restaurants.

And yes, there's much more to Korean food food than kimchi!

Sample Breakfast Menu:

• Western options: cereal, eggs, assorted fruit
• Korean options: rice, soup, vegetable side dishes, kimchi

Sample Dinner Menu:‍

• Grilled meats with rice and soup, served with vegetable side dishes, kimchi
• Noodle soup with kimchi
• Assorted side dishes with rice and soup

Some of our most favorite dishes include:

• Bulgogi: Bulgogi, meaning ‘fire meat,’ is made from thin slices of pork or beef marinated in a mixture of garlic, pepper, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. These slices are grilled on a charcoal barbecue and served in a stir fry with sesame seeds and green onions.
• Bibimbab: Traditionally, you'll find bibimbap made with sautéed and seasoned vegetables, a raw egg yolk, and thin slices of beef. Common veggies include cucumber, courgette, radish, mushrooms, soybeans, spinach, and cabbage.
• Tteokbokki: Spicy rice cakes, tteokbokki is one of South Korea’s most famous street food snacks. Rather than rice grains, tteokbokki is made up of many long, cylindrical rice cakes, which sit in a sweet chili sauce.
• Pajeon: A pancake-style snack that uses green onions as its main ingredient. Locals whip up a batter of eggs, wheat, and flour before pouring it over green onions in a hot pan.

Throughout your trip, you’ll be primarily traveling by private ground transportation, with a mixture of public buses and subways, especially in Seoul.

• Private ground transportation to the airport (Included)
• Public buses and taxis around Seoul and Busan (Not Included)
• Transportation to the airport on departure day (Not included)
• All optional activities do not include transportation.

You will be staying in shared hotel rooms for the duration of your trip.

Laundry services are available at most accommodations for an additional fee. Additionally, you can use laundromats in the neighborhoods around the accommodations. Your Trip Leader can give you more details.

Accommodations may vary, but all will be of the same quality.

Solo travelers are paired with a roommate of the same gender.

Private room options are available upon request, depending on hotel availability,  for an extra charge.

Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate in our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.

Please note that travel insurance covers trip-related issues such as interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers things like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays. 

We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage, and personal effects. Please ensure that your travel insurance covers all the activities you plan to participate in.

Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please make sure to read your plan’s coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.

Wanderwell donates at least 1% of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet initiative, selected by Under30Experiences.

We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page at no extra cost to you.

We also receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. However, we do not represent World Nomads and this is not a recommendation for buying travel insurance.

Very Flexible!

If you need to cancel, just give us at least 30 days' notice. You can either switch to another trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

If you have an emergency cancellation less than 30 days before your trip, please contact your travel insurance company, as they may cover some expenses. 

We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 30 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.

All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders (your local tour guide). 

The goal of the Trip Leader is to provide an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends.

You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

Tipping Trip Leaders: While gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t required on your trip, they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry and are greatly appreciated. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Moreover, it inspires excellent service and is a part of the tourism industry across many destinations. We suggest around 3-5 USD per person per day as a tip for Trip Leaders.

Please be eco-friendly!

• Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the tap.
• Use as little plastic as possible by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and when shopping.
• Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they negatively affect the environment.
• Use "reef-safe" sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate because they kill coral.

We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, and only one main piece of luggage per person is allowed. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Below are our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with!  All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and are organically inspired when possible.

Important: You will need a power adapter. South Korea has two types of plugs, the Plug Type C (Europlug) and the Plug Type F (German Schuko). These kinds of plugs have two round pins that are placed 19mm apart from each other.

Do not forget: water bottle, sunscreen, waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses, and a hat!

Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders

Ensure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.

Double-check your passport for any damage. Issues that can make your passport invalid and require you to get a new one before your trip  include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn-out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.

• The tap water in South Korea is safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep South Korea beautiful.
• We recommend getting travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in coverage, and World Nomads is a great option.
• Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.
• No inoculations are required to enter South Korea from the United States, but the Center for Disease Control suggests you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip.
• Mosquito-borne viruses exist in parts of South Korea. Though these are the more remote regions, we do recommend travelers cover exposed skin and use mosquito repellent when necessary.

• We suggest bringing 300 USD since some establishments do not accept credit cards.
• This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.
• Please note that Apple Pay does not work in South Korea. Please prepare to have cash or credit cards on hand.
• The official currency of South Korea is the won (KRW).
• Remember to call your bank and credit card company to let them know you will be traveling overseas.
• For an up-to-date exchange rate, you can download the XE Currency Exchange App.‍‍

Please keep in mind  that US Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, preferably n denominations lower than 100 USD.

Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.

• Keep your passport and any valuables locked in the hotel safe.
• Don’t leave valuables unattended.
• Leave flashy jewelry at home.
• U.S. citizens, please consider registering with the U.S. State Department's “SMART Traveler Program” which can contact your family in case of an emergency.
• Carry your hotel address in case you get separated from your Trip Leader.

Spring season: March into May

In the spring, temperatures range from 73 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius) and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) between March and May. The air is crisp and clear.

Spring is a gorgeous season to visit Korea, with cherry blossoms and other flowers blooming. Although the season is visually stunning, it remains cool, so pack sweaters and jackets to stay comfortable against the chilly breezes.

Summer season: June through August

Temperatures can range between 73 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius) and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). It can be incredibly humid, and this is also when the monsoon rains hit. On average, the hottest month of the year is August, while July is the wettest.

Autumn season: October and November

Expect average temperatures to be between 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius) and 69 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), with low rainfall, extending into mid-December.

Korean autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit the country, and the weather is fabulous for travelers who are out and about and walking everywhere. The breezes are cooler, but the sun is still strong. Pack layered clothing as it can be warm during the day but get very chilly in the evening.

Winter season: mid-December to March

The weather is cold and dry, with temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees Celsius). The coldest month of the year is January on average.

Note on clothing:

Shoes: In Korea, you often take off shoes in restaurants and other traditional establishments, so ensure your shoes/boots/sandals are easy to get on and off quickly. Otherwise, you may regret sitting down to lace up your shoes in the doorway while people are trying to get in and out. Shoes with a zipper on the side are very popular in Korea.

Socks: You will need to wear socks when entering a temple or someone’s house. Walking barefoot is considered a sign of disrespect.

Shirts: Conservative dress is advisable. While you can wear what you want, wearing extremely low-cut tops or spaghetti-strap tank tops/dresses is a bit taboo. No one will say anything if you wear these items, but you attract looks when it comes to the area below the clavicle bones.

Korean men rarely wear sleeveless shirts, unless exercising or playing sports. Although it is not considered taboo if a foreign man wears a sleeveless shirt, we suggest following the customs and refraining from sleeveless shirts.

Other important Korean Culture Tips

• Bowing to show respect: To express politeness toward elders in Korea, you should bow when greeting and saying goodbye.
• Do not speak loudly on public transport: It’s a common courtesy to refrain from speaking loudly when using public transport in South Korea. In fact, most Koreans aren’t shy of reprimanding you for being loud – after all, they often use their time on the subway or bus to rest after a day at work.
• Receiving/giving something to someone: A cultural norm in South Korea is using both hands when accepting something from an elder person. The same goes for giving, too. Using only one hand is considered rude and disrespectful. This is a nonverbal method of showing respect for seniors and anyone above you in age, rank, or position.
• Do not refuse a soju shot with an elder: The drinking culture in Seoul is more about socializing than getting drunk. If someone older offers you a shot of soju, it’s actually a gesture of friendship. Refusing it can be considered disrespectful toward that person.
• If you don’t drink, you may opt for a non-alcoholic beverage instead. After accepting, turn your head away from the elder to drink – it’s also a sign of respect.

Key Korean Phrases

• Hello -- an-nyeong-ha-se-yo
• Excuse me -- sill-ye-ham-ni-da
• I don’t know – mollayo
• Thank you -- go-map-seum-ni-da
• Have a nice day - - joeun haru bonaeseyo
• Where is the bathroom - - hwajangsireun eodie isseoyo?
• It’s delicious -- masisseoyo
• Please give me a menu - menyupan juseyo
• Please give me one bottle of soju - soju hanbyeong juseyo
• I’m a vegetarian - jeoneun chaesikjuuijayeyo
• Where shall we go? – eodiro galkkayo?‍
• Cheers! – geonbae!

Seoul

• Korean Baseball Game: 15-25 USD, depending on the seat you select. 
• HiKR Ground: free
• Noryangjin Fish Market: free to visit, and you can buy food directly from the vendors and have it cooked in a restaurant on site.
• National Museum of Korea: free admission
• Lotte Tower’s Sky Observatory: 25 USD

Jeonju

• Join a workshop in the art village
• Hike to Omokdae Viewpoint

Busan

• Go for a ride on the seaside train
• Busan Tower starting from 10 USD

While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on their safety or quality standards.

• Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes but is not limited to, fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.
• Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers safe at all times.
• Obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself or ask.
• Travel involves contact with new cultures. When experiencing a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.
• Know your limits! This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.
• Trip leaders are working in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something, it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time!
• Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any activities may lead to removal from your trip without a refund.

Seoul accommodations:

• Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall
• Mamas & Papas Hongdae Guesthouse / Hostel
• Hotel Sunbee

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