Price based on tours starting:

• 12 May 2027
• 2 June 2027
• 25 August 2027
• 20 October 2027
• 10 November 2027
• 24 November 2027

Extra charges apply for:

• 24 March 2027 ($200pp)
• 7 April 2027 ($200pp)
• 22 September 2027 ($100pp)
• 6 October 2027 ($100pp)

Travel Seasons for This Itinerary:

South Korea is a rewarding destination to visit year-round, with each season offering its own unique landscapes and experiences.

Spring (March – May)

Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming flowers across South Korea. From late March to early April, cherry blossoms transform parks, palace grounds and city streets into breathtaking displays of pink and white, making it one of the country’s most popular travel seasons.

Summer (June – August)

Summer is warm and vibrant, with lush green landscapes, lively festivals and bustling beaches. Longer daylight hours provide plenty of time to explore, while coastal destinations like Busan come alive with a relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Autumn (September – November)

Autumn paints South Korea’s mountains, parks and temples in brilliant shades of red, orange and gold. Crisp air, comfortable temperatures and spectacular maple and ginkgo foliage make this one of the country’s most scenic and sought-after seasons.

Winter (December – February)

Winter brings crisp temperatures and occasional snowfall, creating a peaceful atmosphere across South Korea. Snow-dusted palaces, mountain landscapes and festive illuminations make it a magical time to visit.

Please note: Cherry blossom blooms and autumn foliage are natural seasonal events. Their timing and intensity vary each year depending on weather and climate conditions and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

Price based on departing from Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Extra charges apply for:

• Brisbane ($200pp)
• Adelaide ($400pp)

Itinerary 

Our multi-stop South Korean tour is carefully designed to give a real insight into the highlights, culture, and beauty of each region. Each day will be different, with a combination of travel days, sightseeing and free time to explore or take a breather as you wish.   

Pace and Fitness 

This is a moderately paced tour that showcases the highlights of South Korea. Expect a mix of sightseeing, scenic drives and one journey aboard the KTX high-speed train, with some early starts and travel days between destinations. You’ll typically spend one to two nights in each location, allowing you to experience a variety of sightseeing opportunities. 

A moderate level of fitness is required. You must be able to move about unassisted, including boarding and disembarking vehicles and trains, navigating stairs and walking for extended periods over a variety of surfaces, including uneven pathways and gentle inclines. As with many destinations in South Korea, coaches may not always be able to stop directly outside hotels or attractions, so short walks with your luggage may be required. This tour is not suitable for travellers requiring wheelchairs, mobility scooters or specialised assistance.  

For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you must disclose any physical ailments at the time of booking. 

Transfers 

Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour only. Transfers are not included if you arrive before the tour starts or extend your stay after it ends. Please note that transfers may operate at set times and may be provided on a shared or private basis. Shared transfers may involve a short wait at the airport while other passengers arrive, collect their luggage and clear customs. 

Group Experience 

On a tour you will meet like-minded travellers and may even make lifelong friends. This tour will proceed with a minimum group size of approximately 20 people and a maximum group size of approximately 36 people. If the tour does not operate due to minimum numbers, you will be offered a refund or an alternative date. 

Tipping  

In South Korea, tipping is not part of everyday culture. However, within the travel industry it is a common way to show appreciation for the service provided by your tour leader and driver. While tipping is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. A suggested amount is the equivalent of AUD $5 per person, per day. 

Visa & Entry Requirements 

Currently a visa is generally not required for Australian passport holders visiting South Korea for the purpose of short-term tourism, however, this policy is subject to change without notice. Passengers who are not travelling on an Australian passport must check with their respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required. Visa requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents.    

Full travel advice for South Korea can be found on Smartraveller  

Seoul – ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong or similar

Jeonju – Best Western Plus Jeonju Hotel or similar

Busan – Sono Moon Haeundae or similar

Accommodation note:
While you will not spend much time in the hotels, each has been carefully selected to suit the size and needs of the group. They may not all be centrally located, but your friendly guide will provide helpful advice in all locations you visit. Our accommodation is generally of a quality 3-star or higher local rating. Hotel names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual hotels may differ and a final hotel list will be provided on your final documentation.

Specially-crafted optional programs provide flexibility for you to explore further. Optional programs are expertly guided and include dedicated coach transportation, admissions and more. Optional programs will operate with a minimum of 10 passengers and must be booked at least 3 months before departure.

DMZ Tour (Korean Demilitarized Zone) from $130*pp 

Discover one of the world’s most heavily fortified borders on this fascinating full-day tour to the DMZ (Korean Demilitarized Zone). Visit the Dora Observatory, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to look across into North Korea, before exploring the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, a secret tunnel built beneath the border during the Cold War.

A highlight of the day is a rare opportunity to hear the powerful firsthand story of a North Korean defector, offering a deeply personal insight into life in North Korea and the realities of division on the Korean Peninsula.

Your experience includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, lunch and admission to the featured DMZ attractions. This optional tour is well worth adding to your itinerary to learn more about the history of South Korea as well as understand the current political climate.

A single supplement from $900 per person is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy. Single rooms can sometimes be smaller than twin/double rooms in South Korea.

Exclusions 

Meals not stated, beverages, optional tours, travel insurance (strongly recommended), personal expenses, tipping and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense.  

Payment 

A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 10 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months. 

Triple Share 

Triple share is not available.   

Child Policy 

This tour is best enjoyed by adult travellers and is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Children 12 years and above are subject to the adult price and must be accompanied by an adult.  

Price 

Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise. 

Change & Cancellation Fees 

Changes for any reason will incur a fee of $110 per person per change in addition to any travel service provider fees. Cancellation for any reason will incur a fee of $550 per person in addition to any travel service provider fees. Travel service provider fees for the tour and air components of the package are dependent on the date of the change or cancellation as follows: 

• 0-29 days before departure 100% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply 
• 30-60 days before departure 65% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply 
• 61-99 days before departure 50% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply 
• 100-180 days before departure 30% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply 
• 181+ days before departure 10% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply 

Airfares are generally non-refundable but any refundable ticket taxes will be returned. Full details of the change and cancellation fees is outlined in the Terms & Conditions available on our website. 

Deviation 

Any request to deviate from the original dates or routing, including early arrival and stay behind, is subject to a flight deviation fee from $150 per person plus applicable airfare and tax difference. Packaged tour extensions are not subject to the deviation fee (applicable airfare and tax difference may still apply) if booked according to the original advertised dates and routing. 

Breakaway 

Guests must remain with the tour group at all times and may only leave the group if prior written approval has been obtained before departure or directly from the Tour Guide while in-destination. 

Any guest who leaves the group without such approval will forfeit ongoing travel arrangements, including hotel accommodation and transportation. Aside from scheduled free time listed in the itinerary, all guests are required to stay with the group for the full duration of the tour unless previously arranged and approved. 

In cases where it becomes necessary to leave the group unexpectedly, the local tour guide must be notified immediately. 

Passport 

For international travel, each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that all names are full names, exactly matched to the passport, with six months’ validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information, and expired passports. 

Visa & Entry Requirements  

Currently a visa is generally not required for Australian passport holders visiting South Korea for the purpose of short-term tourism, however, this policy is subject to change without notice. Passengers who are not travelling on an Australian passport must check with their respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required. Visa requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents.     

Full travel advice for South Korea can be found on Smartraveller 

Tipping 

In South Korea, tipping is not part of everyday culture. However, within the travel industry it is a common way to show appreciation for the service provided by your tour leader and driver. While tipping is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. A suggested amount is the equivalent of AUD $5 per person, per day. 

Health 

It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19, and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise, and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing, and quarantine costs are the responsibility of the customer. Comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended. 

Full travel advice for South Korea can be found on Smartraveller 

Baggage 

Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. An additional light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. Due to high-speed train baggage restrictions, you may be required to pack a separate light bag or backpack containing essentials and your luggage will be transferred. Porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are at your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings. 

Meals 

Breakfasts offered by the South Korean accommodation providers are typically buffet style, with limited vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options. For meals not included, you will be taken to areas with options where possible. Please notify us at the time of booking any special dietary requirements and allergies. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. You are required to reconfirm dietary requests with your tour leader whilst on tour.   

 Accommodation 

The size of hotel rooms in South Korea are generally smaller than Western standards. Hotels will generally have very few rooms with double-bed configurations. Requests for rooms with double beds cannot be guaranteed in advance and if not available, twin beds will be provided. All rooms are lead-in category or run-of-house unless otherwise specified. Due to the popular culture of smoking in South Korea, non-smoking or deodorised rooms will be requested by default – please notify hotel reception if this is an issue. The standard check-in time is after 3pm and check-out is before 10am – actual times may vary.  

While you will not spend much time in the hotels, each has been carefully selected to suit the size and needs of the group. They may not be centrally located, but are typically near public transport options, and your friendly guide will provide a helpful orientation tour on arrival into many of the cities you visit. Our accommodation is generally of a quality 3-star or higher local rating. Hotel names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual hotels may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation.   

International Flights 

The outbound flight may depart one day prior to day 1 shown on the itinerary. The inbound flight may arrive one day after the final day shown on the itinerary. Flights are booked approximately 8 to 10 months prior to departure. The flights included in your package are based on a specific predetermined airfare allowance. Should there be a significant increase in airfares, fuel levies, taxes or government fees at the time of booking flights, then an airfare supplement may be imposed. The flights team will discuss options with you prior to ticketing, should this situation arise. Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No show of any flight sectors will result in the automatic cancellation of all onward flights by the airline.  

Fuel 

In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer.  

Itinerary 

The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19, or other factors beyond our control, including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control, such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing, and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment, and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’, or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense. 

Documentation 

Final documentation will be emailed within 30 days prior to departure. For packages consisting of multiple tours or countries, documentation will be emailed individually within 30 days prior to departure of each respective tour. 

Travel Insurance 

Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options. 

Force Majeure 

Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In the case of force majeure or other extraordinary events that prevent safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone, or cancel the trip.