Two traditional folk dancers wearing masks dance in front of hanok houses in South Korea

South Korea Family Adventure

Trip code
SKFA001

While famous for K-pop, neon-soaked nightlife, and cutting-edge tech, South Korea is also a terrific place for visitors to pursue their active hobbies. Whether it’s hiking, cycling, or even ziplining, the country offers up a plethora of outdoor activities that will appeal to every member of the family, along with loads of fun and enriching cultural experiences.

The trip brings together South Korea’s big three destinations: the buzzing cities of Seoul and Busan, as well as the placid environs of Jeju Island. You’ll cycle around the capital, take a cable car across the water in Busan, try your hand at street luge in Tongyeong, and hike on the flank of an extinct volcano in Jeju. Spanning a fortnight, this is a trip that celebrates velocity: you’ll be often on the move, though not without some key moments to slow down, unwind, and take in the splendour that this 5,000-year-old culture delivers at most every turn.

Pricing

Price based on 3* accommodation for a family of four
From
A$5,523
pp
Price based on 4* accommodation for a family of four
From
A$6,893
pp
Let us help plan your trip and make it perfect for you

Key facts

13 nights/14 days  
Expand your knowledge of living history and culture at Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul and lose yourself in the alleys of Busan’s Gamcheon Culture Village
Soak up at the scenery and seaside grandeur on day trip to Tongyeong
Take down local fare such as fiery tteokbokki on the streets of Seoul or ssiat hotteok pancakes at Busan’s storied Gukje Market
Lay back on the sand and let the day float by on one of Jeju’s Island’s pristine beaches, and if you’re feeling up for it, jump up on a surfboard and try to catch a wave
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DAY 1-3, 12-13 SEOUL DAY 1-4, 12-13 SEOUL DAY 5-8 BUSAN DAY 1-4, 13-14 SEOUL DAY 9-12 JEJU ISLAND DAY 3 NAMI ISLAND DAY 7 TONGYEONG
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DAY 5-8 BUSAN DAY 1-4, 13-14 SEOUL DAY 9-12 JEJU ISLAND DAY 3 NAMI ISLAND DAY 7 TONGYEONG

Transport in detail

With only three destinations there isn't too much traveling involved. One of the connections Is by high-speed KTX train (3hours), with the remaining connections by domestic flight (1–1.5 hours).

What's great

Explore a winning mix of traditional and modern culture.

Excitement is the name of the game: packed with activities, from ziplining to beach hikes, submarines to cycling mountains, there’s no way you’ll be bored.

There are only 3 destinations so you can explore each one fully without too much moving around.

You’ll experience the fresh air of beaches, mountains, islands, along with thriving, jam-packed urban centers, giving the trip a variety that will have you engaged the whole time.

Things to consider

Although there are only 3 destinations, this itinerary Is full of activities, so if you prefer a more relaxed trip we suggest you pare it back or remove a couple of experiences.

South Korea doesn't really do apartment-style hotels and family rooms so, in your accommodation you'll be split across two rooms. These, however, are always in great, central locations, perfect for sightseeing.

These are popular destinations in Korea and especially in the summer, they can be extremely busy, and some services don't run over the winter.

The experience

Day 1–4

Seoul

One of the great cities of East Asia, Seoul is South Korea's economic, cultural, and political capital, a supercharged metropolis teeming with people, markets, restaurants, bars, and oodles of historical sites. There’s a contagious excitement pulsing throughout iits streets, which makes it the perfect place to begin your Korean journey. On day one you’ll jump on the back of a bicycle and cruise around town while making stops at some of the city’s most iconic attractions. The next day you’ll make an excursion to the Han River’s beautiful Nami Island via zipline, followed by some time for free exploration on day three. We suggest a visit to the eye-popping wonder of the Color Pool Museum.

Traditional Korean building in Seoul, South Korea, surrounded by grass and a stone path

Highlights

Whizz around Seoul on a bike tour, taking you from Gyeongbok Palace and the President's former residence Cheong Wa Dae (The Blue House), through the back streets of Bukchon Hanok Village and up to Inwangsan Mountain for incredible views of the city below.

Take a day trip to the picturesque Nami Island and arrive in style by ziplining on to the island.

Explore the highlights of Seoul, from snapping some fun and quirky shots at the Color Pool Museum, to the joining in traditional Korean games at Namsangol Hanok Village (optional).

Nami Island near Seoul is lit up by warm sunset colours, with boats navigating the waters around the island

5-8

Busan

Famous for its beaches, South Korea’s second city also boasts vibrant markets, mountainside villages, as well as Asia’s largest film festival. You’ll begin your Busan visit with a full-day tour that includes a stop at Gamcheon Culture Village, as well as rides on both the Busan Air Cruise cable car and the Haeundae Beach coastal train. On day two you’ll take a day trip to the town of Tongyeong, where you’ll drink up the views while shooting down the side of a mountain on a street luge. On your last day you’ll kick it at the beach, or if you’re still feeling adventurous, have your senses blasted at Jagalchi, the fish market that has been offering the freshest seafood for some 600 years.

Haeundae Cable Cars gently advance over the ocean during a warm sunset in Busan South Korea

Highlights

Take a full-day tour around Busan covering the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan Air Cruise cable car at Songdo Beach, and ride the coastal train to Cheongsapo at Haeundae.

Head out of the city to scenic Tongyeong, an exciting, historic naval command post, and ride its Skyline Luge down Mireuksan mountain, which offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding islands.

Spend a day at leisure: Check out Busan’s legendary Jagalchi Fish Market, stop by the funky Trickeye Museum or just chill and relax at the beach (optional).

Group of islands surround Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park near Busan South Korea

The finer detail

  • Breakfast every day 
  • 2 full-day experience: Full day tour of Busan, Full day trip to Tongyeong
  • 4 half-day experiences: Seoul Cycling Tour, Tour of Nami Island and Nami Zipline, Udo Island Submarine, Lotte World Tower Skybridge Tour
  • All entrance fees to sights included in guided experiences 
  • Rental Car in Jeju Island
  • All internal transport & accommodation
  • Private airport transfers
  • Wi-Fi device
  • Pre-loaded T-money transport card

Day 1: 

Car transfer from Incheon airport to Seoul (50 minutes) 

Day 3:

Car transfer from Seoul to Nami Island (1 hour 15 mins each way)

Day 5: 

Car transfer from hotel to Seoul Station

High-speed train transfer from Seoul to Busan (2 hours 30 minutes) 

Car transfer from Busan station to hotel

Day 7:

Car transfer from Busan to Tongyeong (1 hour 30 mins each way)  

Day 9: 

Car transfer from hotel to Busan Gimhae airport

Domestic flight to Jeju Island (1 hour)

Day 13: 

Domestic flight to Seoul Gimpo Airport (1 hour)

Day 14: 

Car transfer from hotel to Incheon airport (50 minutes) 

  • International flights

  • Meals not mentioned

  • Entrance fees to any sites not included in guided experiences

  • Tips for guides & porters