10-Day Seoul to Seoraksan Hiking Tour

Welcome to Seoul, the heart of South Korea!

You’ll be met at the airport by your friendly tour guide with a transfer to your first accommodations to follow. Soak up those first impressions of Seoul as you make your way from the airport to your comfortable hotel through the vibrant city.

Known as the political, cultural, and economic hub of South Korea, Seoul is often referred to as the nation's heartbeat. Today you'll embark on an exciting tour of Seoul, driving through several of its districts where you'll explore the charismatic city's historical and cultural highlights on foot.

Peruse the pedestrian-friendly Gwanghwamum Plaza and later, take a trip back in time with a visit to the impressive Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you'll find yourself immersed in the colourful history of the capital.

Next is a visit to the National Folk Museum of South Korea, where you'll learn more about the country’s rich culture before soaking up the vibes (and snacks) at a traditional Korean street market. The bustling Gwangjang Market dates back to 1905 and is currently home to over 5000 individual vendors!

Today’s exciting itinerary marks your first day of Hiking in South Korea. You’ll set out from the Guryong Visitors Center to tackle the Birobong Peak (1,288m/4,225ft). A spectacular stretch of trail unfolds this morning through a scenic valley, leading you to the majestic Seryom Falls. Stop to snap some epic photos here before continuing on a steep ascent as you press on towards the summit. As you complete the challenge, you’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys as your reward.

Next, you’ll descend to Hyangnobong Samgeori and on to the Hwanggol Visitors Center. On the way, stop at the Ipseoksa Temple, where a seated Buddha statue lords over the complex. Once in the gorgeous city of Danyang, further highlights include the Dodam Sambong rocks and the Gosu Cave, known as the most beautiful limestone cave in South Korea, dating back nearly 400 million years.

The day ends with a scenic cruise to Cheongpung, where you’ll find tonight’s accommodations. You’ll no doubt rest well here tonight after an exhilarating day of exploring on foot!

This morning you’ll set out on a transfer from Cheongpyung to the Hwabuk Visitors Center in Saongnisan National Park. Today you’ll tackle the Munjangdae Second Course, an exhilarating hike of the Munjangdae Peak (1,033m/3,389ft). Navigating a challenging rocky trail alongside scenic springs and cascades, you’ll reach the flat rock summit of Munjangdae, where breathtaking views of the park unfold in all directions.

Up next, you’ll enjoy a scenic stretch of trail through woodlands until you reach the Beopjusa Temple, dating back to 553. Stand in awe of the colossal golden Buddha that dazzles as it towers high above the temple and its 5-story wooden pagoda.

Be sure to treat yourself to the Four Buddhist Instrument Ceremony while here, a profoundly moving traditional experience that you won’t want to miss.

This morning you’ll transfer to Andong! Known as a stronghold of Confucianism, Andong is home to a plethora of interesting sites and experiences.

Visit Hahomaeul Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 15th-century, where you’ll find remarkably well-preserved traditional Korean houses. Enjoy this fascinating encounter with history as you explore the village’s narrow alleys, soaking up its boundless rustic charm.

While in Andong, you’ll be invited to participate in a traditional paper-making workshop before topping off the day with a visit to the Andong Folk Museum. Here you’ll be made privy to traditional Confucian culture as you explore a variety of fascinating exhibits.

The day kicks off with a visit to the Dosan Seowon, established in 1574 in memory of Yi Hwang, the Confucian-shrine academy is an exciting complex to explore.

Up next, you’ll hike the Yuilsa Course through lovely woods peppered with beautiful alpine plants and wildflowers. The trail comes to an end as you reach the Taebaek Coal Museum, where you’ll have the chance to learn about South Korea’s once-booming coal mining operation based in the highland town of Taebaek.

A final transfer to your accommodations in Jeongseon marks the end of today’s adventure.

After several jam-packed days, today is an opportunity to take it easy and enjoy some slower-paced activities!

Driving through the beautiful Misan Valley, you’ll pass charming rural villages and working farms as you make your way down to Yangyang, where you’ll note a stark departure from a rural landscape to a vibrant city landscape. Once in Yangyang, you’ll enjoy a pleasant afternoon basking on the sandy shores of Naksan Beach.

Back on the road, you’ll take a short ride to Seoraksan National Park, featuring a myriad of remarkable scenery, including rugged cliffs and peaks, thundering waterfalls and several scenic valleys.

Today you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Seoraksan National Park, where you’ll be greeted at the entrance by a towering bronze Unification Buddha.

Several hikes are available in the park today, each varying in length and difficulty.

Some of the Seoraksan National Park highlights include Seoaksan Peak (1,708m/5,603ft), Geumgang Cave, Gyejoam Hermitage, Biryong Waterfall, and the cable car to the Gwongeumseong.

No matter how you decide to tackle the Seoraksan National Park, today is sure to be adventure-filled and gratifying!

Today you’ll travel by vehicle to the most northern tip of the east coast of South Korea, enjoying pastoral scenery as you make your way to the Unification Observatory. Established in 1983, the observatory invites you to learn about the divisions and subsequent hope for unification between North and South Korea.

Driving along the road that separates the two countries at odds, you’ll note the tank traps that flank your path as you spot the infamous border that divides north from south in the distance. Your proximity to North Korea will allow you to witness its soldiers patrolling the beach and nearby islands, an experience equally eerie and fascinating.

Later, you’ll have the chance to visit the DMZ Museum where you’ll learn further details of the complex conflict between North and South Korea and the paramount importance of the DMZ (demilitarized zone).

Following breakfast, your fascinating discovery of South Korea comes to an end. Check out and take a transfer to return to the airport, saying farewell to your tour guide and the country you’ve come to know and love over the past 10 days!