South Korea
On the road to Korean treasures
Réf : ACODEC2X
In summary
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Sports
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Duration15 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationAsia / South Korea
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions5466.8 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
In a few words
Immerse yourself in the heart of South Korea , a fascinating destination where ancient traditions and vibrant modernity coexist harmoniously. This journey takes you through the country's must-see sites, from dynamic cities to spectacular natural landscapes .
In Seoul , discover a vibrant capital city blending historic palaces , traditional neighborhoods, and bustling markets. Continue your immersion in Seoraksan National Park, renowned for its breathtaking mountain panoramas . In Gyeongju , a veritable open-air museum , explore a rich historical heritage and UNESCO-listed Buddhist temples .
The itinerary also takes you to Andong , famous for its traditional villages and hanok houses, testaments to the Confucian heritage. In Busan , let yourself be charmed by the atmosphere of the colorful Gamcheon village and the richness of the local street food .
Finally, enjoy authentic experiences ranging from green tea picking in the Boseong plantations to exploring the Suncheon reedbed , the largest in Asia. A comprehensive itinerary combining culture , nature , and local encounters .
The highlights
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Hiking in Seoraksan Park and its majestic landscapes
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Discover Gyeongju and its UNESCO World Heritage treasures
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Immersion in the traditional Hanok villages of Andong
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Supervisor
Supervisor
Program
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Departure from France
- Transportation Plane - 12h30 - 8961km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure from France and flight to Seoul.Day 1 -
Arrival in Seoul
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 50km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon arrival at Incheon Airport, you will be met by your guide or driver. Depending on your arrival time, you will have free time to explore Seoul or relax.Day 2 -
Seoul: The Historic Center
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We begin the day at the famous Gwanghwamun Square, where we'll see the statues of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin and King Sejong, true Korean heroes. Next, we visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, admiring its impressive architecture and pleasant gardens. We can also visit the small folk museum next to the palace for a glimpse into daily life and Korean culture during the Joseon Dynasty. After lunch, we stroll through the traditional Bukchon Hanok district, with its hanok houses, small workshops, and traditional teahouses. We make a brief stop in the Insadong antique district, renowned for its small shops selling ceramics, Korean calligraphy, and many other traditional items. We visit Jogyesa Temple before ending the day along the small Cheonggyecheon River, the city's green heart. Transfer to the hotel.Day 3 -
Sokcho: Seoraksan National Park and Sokcho Tower
- Transportation Minibus - 02h30 - 100km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We depart in the morning for Sokcho, a charming small town in the Gangwondo region. The day is dedicated to exploring Seoraksan National Park, nicknamed "Snowy Mountain," renowned for its spectacular, picture-postcard landscapes. After lunch, we have two options: - Option 1: Hiking (3.5 to 4 hours, intermediate level) We discover the park's cultural treasures, including Shinheungsa Temple, before beginning our ascent to Ulsanbawi Peak. Along the way, we pass Gyeojam Hermitage, housed in a cave, before reaching the summit. Ulsanbawi offers exceptional panoramic views of the entire park and the East Sea. Transfer to the hotel. - Option 2: Cable Car Ascent For a more accessible option, we take the cable car to Gweongeumseong Peak, where we admire breathtaking views of the park. After our visit to the park, we head to the center of Sokcho to explore the seaside village of Abai. We end the day with a visit to the Expo Tower to admire a panoramic view of the city. We then return to our hotel for the night.Day 4 -
Sokcho - Andong - Naksansa Temple and Hahoe Village
- Transportation Minibus - 03h30 - 300km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Before departing for Andong, we stop at Naksansa Temple, one of the three most sacred sites in Gwangeum. Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, this temple offers a magnificent setting, conducive to serenity and contemplation. We then continue to Andong, an ancient, spiritual city deeply rooted in Korean traditions. We visit the traditional village of Hahoe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010. This village is famous for its masked dances and its important role in the history of Confucianism in Korea. Its narrow streets, lined with houses typical of the Joseon era, are home to the Mask Museum. After lunch, we attend a traditional masked dance performance, a highlight and emblematic moment of local culture. We conclude with a stroll through the picturesque village streets before returning to our hotel.Day 5 -
Gyeongju: The Open Air Museum
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 50km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Today, we depart for Gyeongju, the former capital of the Silla Kingdom, often called the "open-air museum." The city is a true historical treasure, brimming with exceptional heritage sites. We begin our visit at Wolseong Air Base, where we discover the Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest in Asia, a testament to Korea's scientific past. Nearby, we stroll through Gyerim Forest. We continue our exploration of Gyeongju with a walk in Daereungwon Tumuli Park, home to the ancient royal tombs of the Silla Dynasty. These imposing, verdant burial mounds evoke the glorious history of Korea's ancient rulers. We then visit the Gyeongju National Museum, where we admire the precious treasures of the royal family and discover unique archaeological remains, testaments to the rich cultural heritage of the Silla era. To end this beautiful day, we enjoyed an evening stroll around Anapji Pond, a former retreat for the royal family. With its illuminated pavilions reflected in the water, the pond offered us a magical moment of serenity. We then returned to our hotel for a well-deserved night's rest.Day 6 -
Gyeongju: UNESCO Treasures
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We begin the day with a visit to Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This architectural masterpiece is one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in the country. The austerity of the stone structures contrasts harmoniously with the vibrant colors of the wooden buildings, creating an atmosphere that is both majestic and welcoming. We continue our visit with a visit to Seokguram Grotto, where we discover a magnificent white granite statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, seated on a lotus flower. This impressive work, nestled in the mountainside, is a jewel of Korean Buddhist art. After this cultural morning, we take a stroll through the traditional village of Gyochon, the ancestral home of the Choi clan. This village, with its Hanok houses, immerses us in Korean history and traditions. We end the day with a return to the hotel for a relaxing evening.Day 7 -
Gyeongju - Busan
- Transportation Minibus - 01h20 - 50km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We begin the day with a visit to the Gamcheon Art Village, a former refuge during the Korean War. Today, this village is famous for its colorful houses and numerous murals, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere. Each alleyway is a work of art in itself, perfect for an immersive stroll. We continue to Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest in the country. This is a must-see in the city, known for its vendors, called "jagalchi ahjummas," who bring the stalls of fresh fish and seafood to life. After lunch, we wander through the Nampodong district, renowned for its theaters, cinemas, and markets. We also explore Gukje Market, one of Busan's largest markets, where we sample typical Korean street food. We end our day with a panoramic view of the city from Busan Tower, located in Yongdusan Park, offering a spectacular view of Busan. Transfer to the hotel.Day 8 -
Busan: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and Seaside
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We begin our day with a visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of the few Buddhist temples located on the seafront. This sacred site offers a unique setting with breathtaking ocean views. After lunch, we walk along the water train to Haeundae Beach, one of Busan's most popular beaches. Depending on our pace, we continue to Marine City, a modern and futuristic district famous for its impressive skyscrapers and its seaside cinema promenade. We conclude our day at the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Nurimaru House, a pavilion with architecture inspired by traditional Korean jungja houses, offering panoramic views of the coastline. We then return to our hotel.Day 9 -
Suncheon: The ecological capital
- Transportation Minibus - 02h20 - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We begin the morning with a visit to Seonamsa Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple built during the Silla Dynasty. This peaceful place houses numerous cultural treasures, including a three-story stone pagoda and Daeungjeon Hall, a prayer hall remarkable for its traditional architecture. After lunch, we set off for a walk in the Suncheon Garden and Ecological Bay, the largest reedbed in Asia. This unique site is a true sanctuary for local wildlife, a habitat and breeding ground for fiddler crabs. Mudsuckers can be observed year-round, and common cranes can be seen in winter. We end the day admiring the sunset from the Janggaesan (Yongsan) Observatory, offering an exceptional panoramic view of the bay and its vast natural landscapes. We then return to our hotel for the evening.Day 10 -
Boseong: Green tea plantations
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This morning we depart for Boseong, renowned for its magnificent green tea plantations. Our first visit is to the Green Tea Museum, where we learn about the history and cultivation techniques of this iconic Korean beverage. We continue with a stroll through the Daehan Dawon tea plantation. After lunch, we participate in a tea-picking activity, followed by a tasting—a special opportunity to discover the subtleties of its flavors. We end the day with a visit to the traditional village of Naganeupseong, known for its thatched-roof houses, which offer a true journey back in time. This village, still inhabited today, provides an authentic glimpse into Korean life during the Joseon era. We then return to our hotel for the night.Day 11 -
Gongju: The capital of the Baekje Kingdom
- Transportation Minibus - 04h40 - 500km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This morning we depart for Gongju, the former capital of the Baekje Kingdom. This historic city is brimming with relics from the royal era. Our first visit is to Gongsanseong Fortress, where we explore the remains of the royal castle, the king's residence during the Baekje period. After lunch, we continue our exploration to the royal tombs of Songsan-ri, including the tomb of the 25th King of Baekje, situated on a magnificent ridge path. This path leads us to the Gongju National Museum, where we admire precious relics and artifacts from this glorious era. At the end of the day, we return to Seoul and check into our hotel.Day 12 -
Seoul: Jongno Cooking and Exploration Workshop
- Activity Autre
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We begin our morning with a Korean cooking class. We discover the secrets of local cuisine by preparing a typical Korean dish ourselves, guided by an English-speaking chef. This convivial experience ends with lunch on-site to savor our creation. In the afternoon, we visit Namdaemun Market, the largest traditional market in Korea. With over 10,000 shops, it's the perfect place to stroll among stalls selling handicrafts, clothing, kitchenware, and souvenirs. We continue our exploration of Seoul with a walk to Mount Namsan, which we ascend either on foot or by cable car. Once at the summit, we enjoy a spectacular view of the metropolis from the observation deck of the N Seoul Tower. At the end of the day, we return to our hotel to rest before our departure the following day.Day 13 -
Departure from Seoul
- Transportation Plane - 12h30 - 8961km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We'll take advantage of some free time for a final stroll or some souvenir shopping in Seoul. Depending on your flight schedule, you will either travel on a daytime flight, arriving in the evening on Day 14, or on a night flight, arriving during the day on Day 15.Day 14 -
Arrival in France
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in France according to your flight plan.Day 15
Note
This itinerary is provided as a guide only: depending on weather and operational conditions, your tour guide may modify this itinerary for your safety and that of the group.
Accommodation
🏨 3-star hotel - Days 2 to 13
Access
Departure
France
Day 1
End of stay
France
Day 15
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Price details
The price includes
- International flights and airport taxes
- Accommodation from Day 2 to Day 14 (12 nights)
- The meals indicated in the program (breakfasts and lunches)
- The services of a French-speaking guide from day 2 to day 13
- Private transport journeys from day 2 to day 14
- Entry to the sites mentioned in the program
- The activities mentioned in the program
- Local taxes
The price does not include
- Meals not mentioned in the program (allow between €6 and €12 per meal per person)
- Personal expenses
- Drinks
- Tips
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Equipment
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Paulin team
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• 821 stays
For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
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