South Korea and Japan: 15 Days—Seoul, Jeju, Tokyo, Takayama, and Kyoto

Arrive in Seoul at any time. The day is unstructured until the evening welcome meeting, leaving space to rest, settle into your accommodation, or visit the city independently. There are no planned activities until the welcome meeting in the evening. In the evening, meet your CEO and fellow travellers at the welcome meeting to learn about your tour and meet your group. Check the notice in your hotel lobby or ask reception for the official time and place. After the meeting, join an orientation walk through Seoul with your group to become familiar with the city's layout. The group will then gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant featuring Korean cuisine. Once dinner concludes, the evening is yours. You may return to rest, or join your CEO and new friends for activities such as visiting a local noraebang (karaoke venue) or exploring Seoul's evening scene. Accommodation: Dream Guest House (or similar) Meals included: Dinner

Begin your day at HiKR Ground, a five-story space dedicated to Korean pop culture featuring K-Pop performances, K-Drama exhibits, and contemporary Korean art installations. From there, head to Ikseon-Dong Alley, a pedestrian quarter in central Seoul where traditional hanok houses coexist with modern cafes, independent boutiques, and local galleries. The architecture features characteristic sloped tile roofs and wooden frames. Spend time browsing craft stores and observing the blend of old and new. After independent time for lunch within the alley or nearby, make your way to Gwangjang Market. One of Seoul's oldest and largest traditional markets, it encompasses over 5,000 shops. The market is known for its street food stalls offering Korean snacks and prepared dishes. Navigate the narrow corridors, observe vendors and shoppers, and taste regional items. The remainder of your day is unscheduled. Options include N Seoul Tower, standing 480 metres above sea level on Mt. Namsan with an observatory accessible by cable car (additional fee required). Alternatively, visit the Gangnam district, known for shopping complexes and dining, which contains Bongeunsa, a Buddhist temple within the commercial district. You may also return to Han River Park or another neighbourhood from earlier in the day. Your evening schedule remains entirely open.

The day is yours to shape. Seoul offers both independent exploration and structured options. If you prefer structured activity, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) offers historical perspective on the peninsula's division. Established in 1953, this de facto border between North and South Korea is the world's most heavily militarized frontier. For alternative activities, K-pop dance classes connect you with Seoul's contemporary culture. Professional instructors teach current choreography at various skill levels, with beginners welcome. Most classes culminate in a recording session. Alternatively, a Seoul City Tour by bus provides an overview covering Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folklore Museum, Jogyesa Temple, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Insadong Alley. You'll return to Dream Guest House (or similar) this evening.

Travel by train to Jeonju, a city known for traditional architecture. Upon arrival, check in to traditional hanok-style accommodation. In the afternoon, join your CEO for a guided orientation walk through Jeonju Hanok Village. This walk introduces you to Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Jeondong Catholic Church, the Korean Liquor Museum, and the Jeonju Handicraft Exhibition Hall while you observe the traditional architecture. Following the orientation, you have free time to wander independently. Optional activities are available to deepen your cultural engagement. At the Hanok Village Craft Museum, you can participate in hands-on traditional Korean crafts including hanji (traditional Korean paper), pottery, calligraphy, or decorating a traditional Korean fan. Alternatively, you might rent a Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) and have your hair styled for photographs. The Jeonju Nambu Traditional Market offers local goods. This evening, settle into your traditional hanok accommodation. Staying in a hanok provides direct experience of Korean residential design and materials—wooden beams, natural materials, and period furnishings reflect historical living practices. Accommodation: Jeonju Goeul Hanok (or similar)

Travel by bus from Jeonju to Busan, a three-hour journey covering 260 kilometres. After dropping your luggage at the hostel in Nampodong, the downtown district, head to Gamcheon Culture Village. Perched on a mountainside, this settlement features pastel-coloured houses, hand-painted murals, small cafes, and independent galleries. The warren of narrow streets and viewpoints allows for several hours of exploration. The evening is yours to visit Busan's downtown area independently. If you seek additional experiences, consider Haeundae Beach, one of Korea's established coastal destinations, where you can walk the shore or swim (weather permitting). Nearby, Dongbaek Island holds the APEC House, built for the 2005 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Alternatively, visit a jjimjilbang, a traditional Korean spa bathhouse offering various hot spring pools.

Start your day at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a Buddhist complex originally built in 1376 and positioned on sea cliffs. Local tradition holds that prayers offered here grant at least one wish. From the temple, head to the Songdo Maritime Cable Car for a one-mile gondola ride to Songdo Sky Park, with sweeping views of Busan's coastline. Next, visit Jagalchi Fish Market at Nampo Port. The market sprawls across rows of stalls selling seafood—observe locals haggling with fishmongers over prices and quality. Continue to Gukje Traditional Market, set near Biff Square, a contemporary movie district. This market emerged during the Korean War as a place where refugees could earn income. Today it's a bustling international marketplace with food, housewares, clothing, and souvenirs. The afternoon is yours to visit Busan independently, or consider optional activities. The Skyline Luge offers go-kart racing down a tracked course with multiple routes and ocean views. You can also zipline or ride the scenic chairlift at the same venue. For another option, try the Taejongdae Zip Line, which soars 653 metres above Gamji Beach. You'll stay at EZ Stay Guest House (or similar).

After a free morning in Busan, fly to the subtropical island of Jeju and settle into your accommodation in downtown Jeju City for the next three nights. Join your CEO at Dongmun Market, the island's traditional marketplace featuring local specialties and fresh seafood. Dongmun Market is where you taste regional items: black pork grilled to perfection, hallabong tangerines, and other regional delicacies. The market atmosphere is lively by day; returning at night reveals food stalls under the stars. Keep an eye out for the Red Lobster Fire Dance Show, and don't miss Jeju's celebrated orange juice. Your evening is free to visit the town independently or return to the market.

Today balances cultural sites with natural features and traditional practices across Jeju Island. Begin with a guided tour of Seongeup Folk Village, which preserves traditional Jeju residential life. Walk through traditional homes, examine harubang (distinctive stone statues), and observe the lava walls that shaped settlement patterns. From there, hike to Seongsan Sunrise Peak (Seongsan Ilchilbong), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formed roughly 5,000 years ago by an underwater volcanic eruption, this tuff cone now stands as one of Jeju's recognizable landmarks. The ascent covers one to two kilometres on well-maintained trails suitable for most fitness levels. The reward is panoramic views across Jeju's landscape. The afternoon shifts to Hamdeok Beach, where white sand meets turquoise water. You have the choice to settle into the beach or take a short walk on the nearby Olle Trail, a network of coastal and inland paths. The centrepiece is the Haenyeo activity. These women divers—some well into their eighties—represent a living tradition specific to Jeju. Watch as they demonstrate breath-holding techniques, diving to harvest abalone, conch, sea cucumbers, and other seafood from the seabed. This is working activity adapted to allow visitors to witness capability that takes decades to develop. After the show, you'll have direct access to interact with the haenyeo, see their fresh catch, and purchase seafood if you wish. The evening brings a shift in tone. Head out with your group and CEO into downtown Jeju. The venue and timing depend on local recommendations. If you choose to drink, local beer or fresh juice work equally well as anchors for conversation. Karaoke typically features—a casual way to mark the moment. There's no pressure to perform or stay late; the point is simply being present with others.

Today is yours to shape. Jeju offers numerous experiences. For those interested in art and culture, Bunker de Lumières awaits. Located in a former military bunker, this exhibition uses projection technology to display famous artworks on the bunker's walls. If you prefer movement, 9.81 Park offers go-kart racing. For something slower-paced, several beaches invite independent time—Geumneung Beach and Hyeopjae Beach are options, each with distinct character. For hikers, the Olle Trail presents a compelling option. This 437-kilometre loop traces Jeju's perimeter, weaving through nature walks, cultural sites, waterfalls, and coastal views. You can tackle a half-day or full-day hike depending on your fitness level. Routes 6 and 7 are particularly popular sections. Alternatively, visit the island's volcanic hills—the oreums. These small, dormant volcanic cones offer panoramic views of Jeju's landscape. Popular options include trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, with vegetation and diverse wildlife. Your CEO carries detailed knowledge of logistics and can help you reach and navigate the best sections of any trail you choose. They also carry recommendations customized to your interests.

Say your final goodbyes to Jeju and South Korea before your flight to Tokyo. Upon arrival, the day is yours to visit the city independently—wander the neighbourhoods, grab a meal, observe the energy of Japan's capital at your own pace. In the evening, meet your group for a welcome meeting at Imano Tokyo Hostel. Afterwards, head out for your first night in Tokyo: join fellow travellers at local venues for drinks and socializing.

Start your Tokyo experience with a 30-minute to one-hour orientation walk alongside your CEO. They'll point you toward practical essentials—supermarkets, main squares, ATMs—and offer tips for navigating this sprawling city. The remainder of the day is yours. Tokyo rewards both purposeful and independent exploration. Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa is the city's oldest temple, a Buddhist landmark approached via a street lined with food stalls and souvenir shops. Nearby, Meiji Shrine sits within forested grounds dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife; wide walking paths wind through the shrine grounds. If shopping and design interest you, Harajuku is the centre of Japanese youth culture and fashion, with independent boutiques alongside international luxury stores. Akihabara is Tokyo's cultural hub for video games, anime, manga, and electronics. For a slower pace, Ueno Park is Japan's most popular city park. Stroll its pathways lined with thousands of trees, including approximately 800 Somei-yoshino cherry trees. Visit the temples and museums scattered throughout (entrance fees apply). Note: JR Pass validation requires you to visit the office counter for activation. You're staying at Imano Tokyo Hostel (or similar).

Board the Shinkansen to Takayama, a historic town in the Japanese Alps. The four-hour journey takes you through rural Japan before arriving in this well-preserved merchant city. Upon arrival, join your CEO for an orientation walk through old town, where Edo-period homes line quiet streets alongside traditional craft shops and sake breweries. You'll pass a traditional Shinto shrine. The afternoon is yours to wander. Many travellers venture down Sake Street to sample local brews at various breweries and vendors, learning about the fermentation process. Others opt for a bike ride through the surrounding rural landscape, or visit Hida no Sato (Hida Folk Village), an outdoor museum where 1600s farmhouses are open to wander. The distinctive steep thatched roofs resemble praying hands; inside, you'll find period tools and furnishings revealing how mountain communities lived. As evening approaches, settle into your traditional ryokan. The inn features tatami mat floors, futon bedding, and an onsen—a communal hot spring bath where you can soak after a day of travel and exploration.

Board a Shinkansen to Kyoto, Japan's imperial capital, for a three-and-a-half to four-hour journey. Arrive in the afternoon with the rest of the day to wander independently. Kyoto's historical sites offer multiple options. Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a Buddhist temple originally built in 798, whose current structures date to 1633 and were constructed without a single nail. Walk beneath the hundreds of vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. For those interested in traditional culture, arrange a costume photoshoot or experience a formal tea ceremony. If you prefer a contemplative approach, visit Ryōan-ji's Zen gardens—one of Japan's finest examples of kare-sansui (dry landscape gardening). Fifteen large rocks are positioned within a sea of white pebbles raked into precise linear patterns. Stand on the platform for the best overhead view, then stroll the temple grounds and walk along Kyoyo-chi pond. Alternatively, visit Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1603 as the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period, divided into three sections: the Honmaru (main circular fortification), Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and gardens. Or wander through Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district, where you can visit traditional shops, restaurants, and ochaya (teahouses). This evening marks your Big Night Out. Join your CEO and the group for a night exploring Kyoto's nightlife. Release your inner rock star at a karaoke bar, or settle into one of Kyoto's many izakayas for casual dining and drinks with the group. You'll stay at We Base Kyoto (or similar).

Today is yours to shape. Kyoto offers multiple options for exploration at your own pace. Your CEO can point you toward several worthwhile options. Kiyomizu-dera Temple remains a popular choice, as does a traditional costume photoshoot or tea ceremony. For something different, consider a day trip by train to Nara, where Japan's largest Buddha statue sits within ancient temples and sacred deer roam as symbols of Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Within Kyoto itself, Kinkaku-ji—the Golden Pavilion—is a notable site. The temple's upper two floors are covered entirely in gold leaf, and the structure sits on a reflective pond surrounded by trees. The gardens around the pavilion reward further exploration. Whether you choose an organized activity or simply wander Kyoto's neighbourhoods on foot, the city rewards curiosity. Discuss your interests with your CEO, who can suggest routes, timings, and local insights customized to what interests you most. You're staying at We Base Kyoto (or similar).

Spend your final morning exchanging contact details with fellow travellers before heading to the airport at your own pace. For those flying out of Kansai International Airport (KIX), public transit from Kyoto Station offers reliable options. The limited-express Har