Real Korea Trip: a Journey through South Korea

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OVERVIEW

A Unique Experience
from Seoul to Busan

Map of South Korea showing routes from Seoul to Nami Island, Gyeongju, and Busan.
Icon of a map with a location marker and a dashed path in orange.

A Fun Itinerary

October 29th to November 5th, 2024

At Goodmate Travel, we meticulously craft each itinerary, dedicating countless hours to ensure authentic local experiences. For this trip, Jae and Chris collaborated with, prioritizing genuine encounters and dedicating countless hours to ensure authentic local experiences. We will guide you through the paths less traveled, offering a true taste of local life.

A lively street food market scene with a man tasting food from a vendor's stall, surrounded by various dishes and other people observing.

Expert Hosts

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Our team is a dynamic blend of top-rated tour guides, creative travel experts, artists, and film directors, all united by a passion for showcasing the best of Korea. Each journey is an artistic composition, offering a rich tapestry of experiences woven together by our knowledgeable and enthusiastic hosts. Join us for a tour that's not just a trip, but a story told by the very best.

Group of people standing on a rooftop with a scenic view.

Small Groups

Simple line drawing of three stick figures grouped together

We believe in the magic of small group dynamics. Our tours typically consist of 14-16 guests, guided by two dedicated hosts, creating an intimate and cohesive travel experience. This setup fosters a team spirit, ensuring personalized attention and a deeper connection amongst travelers. With us, you’re not just a tourist; you’re part of a close-knit travel family exploring Korea’s wonders together..

Trip Highlights

Must-do experiences await, ready to be ticked off your bucket list!

Itinerary

  • Arrive at any time, check in to the hotel, and explore the city. Welcoming party – meet the hosts, Jae and Chris, and get to know your companion travelers. Welcome drinks and finger food provided

    Meals included: Dinner

  • Start the group exploration activities with a blast. We will tour the grand Gyeongbokgung palace dressed in hanbok and learn about its history. A professional photographer will join us to capture your special moments. In the afternoon, you can rest in the hotel or explore Seoul on your own. In the evening, you will be able to experience Jae’s top-rated traditional Korean market food tour.

    Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

  • A limousine bus will drive us down to Busan in the morning. Upon arrival, we will experience full-course Hanshik food. Then we will check in to AirBnB accommodation with scenic views of Gwangalli Beach. Free time to rest or explore Busan. At sunset, a yacht will sail us around Busan’s fantastic coastline to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Haeundae, Gwangalli skyline, and city bridge.

    ‍Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

  • We will have a lazy morning in Busan so you can enjoy the views from the hotel rooms or grab your favorite morning drink in one of the many trendy coffee shops around the hotel. Then will move to Yeongdo to experience this amazingly colorful part of Busan accompanied by a local tour guide. At night we will have the opportunity to enjoy a cooking class led by a professional local chef, who will introduce us to Busan’s signature seafood dishes.

    Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

  • Start the day at the picturesque Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, offering stunning seaside views. Then, transfer to the historic city of Gyeongju. Enjoy a traditional Korean lunch and check in to your accommodation. In the afternoon, explore Gyeongju’s historical landmarks with an engaging lecture from Chris, visiting Daereungwon Park, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Woljeonggyo Bridge, Donggung Palace remains, and Wolji Pond at sunset. Stroll along Hwangridan-Gil coffee street. End the day with a traditional Korean dinner.

    Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

  • The day will start with breakfast at Bomun Lake. Then we will explore the beautiful Gyeongju Culture Expo Park andl visit Gyeongju tower offering breathtaking views of Bomun Lake and Hwangnyeongsan nine-story pagoda. After filling lunch in a local restaurant, will depart for Seoul. In Seoul, you will have free time to rest in the hotel or explore the city on your own.

    Meals included: Lunch

  • Start your day at the Garden of Morning Calm, a tranquil haven with stunning flowers and landscaped gardens. After a peaceful morning, enjoy a delightful lunch, gearing up for the afternoon’s adventure.

    Next, we’ll head to Nami Island, a nature lover’s paradise with beautiful trails, galleries, and outdoor art. In the evening, celebrate the memories made with a farewell dinner party and a lively noraebang session.

    Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

  • Check out and depart. Free time

    Our ultimate pleasure is to craft these tours entirely for your enjoyment. Sit back, relax, and our team will take care of the rest. We look forward to welcoming you to Korea!

Where We’re Going

Group of people on a viewing deck overlooking a cityscape and ocean under a blue sky.

Our adventure unfolds with a captivating round trip from Seoul to Busan and Gyeongju. Throughout our journey, we’ll dive deep into the heart of local culture, indulge in genuine culinary delights, and uncover a universe of excitement at every corner.

Meet Your Hosts

A person smiling near a street food stall selling fried snacks. They are holding a tray with a drink and are carrying a blue grocery bag with a polka dot pattern. Signs with Korean text and "EAT IT" are visible in the background. Another person is seen in front of the storefront.

Jae Choi

Hi, I’m Jae, the founder of Goodmate Travel. Traveling has had a profound impact on my life, and my mission is to create the ultimate experience for your visit to Korea. I am passionate about connecting with new people and sharing my deep appreciation for Korean culture and cuisine 🙂 My goal is for you to have a great time and depart from Korea with memories that will last a lifetime.

Man in black traditional attire smiling in front of an architectural structure with columns.

Chris

Hey, I’m Chris! I love to travel and visit new places, using any chance I have to explore. I’m naturally curious and want to discover the story behind every place I visit. I love flying my drone as well as talking with others about travel adventures, upcoming trips, and life in Korea.My goal is for you to feel comfortable and have an unforgettable experience in Korea.

What’s Included

✔ Welcome Reception
✔ History Tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace
✔ Hanbok Dress up & Photoshoot
✔ Night Market Food Tour
✔ Yacht Experience in Busan
✔ Walking Tour in Busan
✔ History Tour of Busan
✔ Kangkangee Culture Village Visit
✔ Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Visit
✔ Gyeongju Historic Tour
✔ Nami Island Visit
✔ Garden of Morning Calm Visit
✔ BBQ Night Party
✔ Noraebang Party
✔ All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
✔ And so much more 😉

Accommodation
✔ Hotel accommodation for 7 nights

Meals, Transportation
✔ 6 lunch meals
✔ 6 dinner meals
✔ Limousine bus, taxi, walking

What's Not included

❌  International flights
❌  Meals not listed in the daily itinerary
❌  Additional activities you might want to do during your free time
❌  Orders at cafes, bars, or other informal gatherings are optional and are not included in the trip cost or covered by the Host

F.A.Q

  • That’s the essence of GoodMate Travel: a multitude of our travelers join our journeys because they are embarking on solo adventures and seek to connect and share experiences with fellow like-minded individuals hailing from various corners of the globe.

  • Our tours offer a Small Group Experience, typically with an average of 16 participants and a maximum of 20.

  • During our trips, rooms are typically allocated on a twin-share basis. For solo travelers, we match them with another traveler of the same gender, as indicated by the gender marker on their application form. However, if you prefer your own private space, the option to reserve an individual room is also available on most of our trips.

  • You have the option to make a one-time payment or take advantage of our deposit and final payment plan. To secure your reservation, a 10% deposit is required. Please be aware that 10% of the trip’s total cost is non-refundable. The remaining 90% of the tour cost must be paid in full no later than 90 days before the tour’s start date.

  • For cancellations made 60 days before the trip, you will receive a refund minus the non-refundable deposit, which is 10% of the total trip cost.
    If you cancel between 15 and 59 days before the trip, we will refund 50% of the total trip cost.
    For cancellations made 8 to 14 days before the trip, you will receive a 30% refund.
    Unfortunately, no refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 7 days of the trip.

    Bookings made within 24 hours are eligible for a full refund, with a 3% deduction from the paid amount for credit card processing fees.

  • We will make every effort to accommodate your dietary requirements to the best of our abilities. However, in certain remote locations, it may be challenging to provide specific guarantees. If there are places on your itinerary where this may pose a challenge, we will notify you in advance. To ensure we can meet your needs, please inform us of any dietary requirements or allergies at the time of booking.

  • Traveling with Goodmate Travel requires you to have comprehensive insurance covering cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability, loss of personal property, and COVID-related expenses before embarking on your journey. It’s crucial to ensure that your insurance also extends to all the activities you plan to enjoy, especially if you’re an adrenaline enthusiast indulging in adventure activities. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.

They loved it!

  • Small group, fun and caring tourguides and amazing itinerary.

    ★★★★★

    I cannot recommend Goodmate Travel enough! This trip was a life changing experience! First time ever traveling solo with a group of people I had never met. What an amazing experience. We had so much fun together, saw so many beautiful places. Ate a lot of delicious food.

    If you want to get a first impression of South Korea, like I wanted to. This is seriously the trip for you. Small group, fun and caring tourguides and amazing itinerary.

    I cannot recommend Goodmate Travel enough.

    I actually booked my second trip with them 3 weeks after I came back!

    Sanne B.

  • A tour where you will truly experience Korea like a real Korean.

    ★★★★★

    Joining this tour was the best decision I've ever made. A tour where you will truly experience Korea like a real Korean. You will taste new tastes, make friends from all over the world, learn about history and culture, learn a little Korean and be happy all the time. It was the best way to adapt to a new country. Everything was very well organized. Since this was my first solo trip, I was very nervous, but all the nervousness disappeared immediately at our first meeting.

    I am so thankful to them for this amazing trip. I fully recommend this trip, you won’t regret it. I am pretty sure I will go back again.

    Burcu B.

  • You definitely should experience that

    ★★★★★

    It was an unforgettable experience. I have met amazing people from all around the world. The hosts did their best to make everyone on this trip feel comfortable and entertained. It was like a family time full of new experience, hearty laugh and sincere singing 😄

    We were introduced to history, immersed in traditional food, eating as well as drinking culture, treated to a seaside view and a night yacht ride, entertained with traditional funny games.

    Beautiful landscapes, delicious food and great company made me coming back to Korea after this Real Korea Trip and reuniting with beautiful people I had the honour to meet 🌸

    Barbara G.

Start Your Adventure Here

Real Korea Trip

from $3350

8 DAY, 7 NIGHTS
OCT 29th - NOV 5th, 2024
SEOUL TO Busan
Book my trip →

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Contact Us

cs@goodmatetravel.com

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