Korea Discovery Tour
Goodmate ORIGINAL
Travel the local way
Discover Korea beyond the usual stops on a 10-day group tour. Travel through 6 diverse cities from vibrant hubs to quieter towns, explore local neighborhoods, and taste regional food along the way. Designed for travelers who want to explore Korea the local way.
Trip Summary
Minimum age
18 Year Old+
Meals
21 Included
Travel Style
Immersive & Local
Physical Rating
2 - Light
Duration
10 Days, 9 Nights
Group Size
8-20 Guests
Itinerary
Meet your Goodmate host and fellow travelers, then check in to your hotel in Hongdae—one of Seoul’s most vibrant and locally loved neighborhoods. This first day is designed as a gentle landing, giving you time to settle in, shake off travel fatigue, and start connecting with the group. In the evening, we’ll head out together for a casual welcome orientation, followed by a classic Korean favorite: fried chicken and beer, enjoyed the local way.
Meals included: Dinner
Begin the day at Gyeongbokgung Palace, where guided storytelling brings Korea’s royal history to life—made even more immersive with a traditional hanbok experience. From the grandeur of the palace, transition into everyday Seoul with a visit to Gwangjang Market, sampling classic Korean comfort foods beloved by locals. The afternoon is yours to explore the surrounding streets and neighborhoods at your own pace, before returning to the Hongdae or hotel for a relaxed evening.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join an optional Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) tour for a deeper understanding of the Korean peninsula’s history and present-day reality-or enjoy a slower morning in Seoul at your own pace. After returning to Seoul, the afternoon is free to explore, rest, or shop. In the evening, we’ll gather for a relaxed Han River picnic—an iconic local tradition—where you can enjoy simple food, good company, and watch the city unwind as the sun sets.
Meals included: Breakfast
Travel east from Seoul to Jecheon, known for its clean air, lakeside scenery, and slower pace of life. Ride the Cheongpung Cable Car for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and reservoir, stop at a local café, and enjoy lunch before checking into a countryside resort. The evening is intentionally unstructured, giving you full freedom to rest, explore the resort, or enjoy dinner at your own pace.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
We’ll continue south to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom and one of Korea’s most historically rich cities. The day includes a half-day, temple-centered cultural experience, offering an introduction to meditation, tea, and elements of Buddhist tradition in a calm, historic setting. This experience focuses on reflection, cultural depth, and a slower pace before we continue onward. In the evening, we’ll transfer to Ulsan, where we’ll check in and spend the night at our hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll arrive in Ulsan and explore Daewangam Park, where dramatic coastal cliffs and ocean views create one of Korea’s most impressive seaside walks. The day continues with visits to lesser-known local spots and a focus on Ulsan’s regional food culture, including lunch and dinner at restaurants favored by locals, before a relaxed evening in the city.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Busan, Korea’s largest coastal city. After lunch and hotel check-in, the afternoon is free for you to enjoy Busan your way, whether that means beaches, cafes, shopping, or rest. In the evening, regroup to experience Busan’s nightlife together, exploring bars and late-night neighborhoods that locals frequent.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a slower morning, followed by visits to colorful streets and local markets, including Gamcheon Culture Village. The pace remains relaxed in the afternoon, with an optional Korean cooking class led by a local chef, offering a hands-on introduction to everyday Korean home cooking, or free time if you prefer to explore independently.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel inland to Jeonju, widely known as Korea’s food capital. Enjoy bibimbap for lunch, walk through Jeonju Hanok Village to experience traditional architecture and neighborhoods, and check in to your hotel. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner and celebration, marking the final night of the journey with shared memories and one last evening of local fun.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel back to Seoul together for final drop-off in central neighborhoods, bringing the journey to a close after 10 days that efficiently connect Korea’s major cities, regional destinations, culture, nature, and food, all while allowing ample freedom to travel comfortably and meaningfully.
Meals included: Breakfast
What’s Included
Accommodation
✔ 3 nights hotel stay in Seoul
✔ 1 night resort stay in Jecheon
✔ 2 night hotel stay in Ulsan
✔ 2 nights hotel stay in Busan
✔ 1 night hotel stay in Jeonju
Meals & Transportation
✔ 9 breakfast meals
✔ 6 lunch meals
✔ 6 dinner meals
✔ A mix of public and private transportation
Activities
✔ Welcome Orientation
✔ Gyeongbokgung Palace guided tour
✔ Hanbok rental & palace photography
✔ DMZ Korean War history tour
✔ Han River picnic experience
✔ Jecheon cable car ride
✔ Local café visits curated by the host
✔ Gyeongju city highlights & cultural stops
✔ Ulsan Daewangam coastal walk
✔ Taehwagang National Garden visit
✔ Gamcheon Culture Village visit
✔ Korean cooking class with a local chef
✔ Jeonju Hanok Village walking tour
✔ Farewell Karaoke night
✔ And so much more… 😉
What's Not included
❌ International flights
❌ Additional activities you might want to do during your free time
❌ Meals during free time or not explicitly listed
❌ Personal expenses, café orders, snacks, or drinks
❌ Travel insurance
Why travel with us?
Goodmate Travel
Your journey is led by a dedicated Goodmate host from start to finish, with local hosts joining along the way to open doors you wouldn’t find on your own. Every trip is designed around the group so it flows naturally and feels personal.
What Our Travelers Say
“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
More Reviews From Our Travelers
Trip dates & prices
2026 departures
| Starting | Ending | Duration | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 11, 2026 (Sun) | Oct 20, 2026 (Tue) | 10 days / 9 nights | From $2,900 | BOOK MY TRIP |
2027 departures
| Starting | Ending | Duration | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 04, 2027 (Sun) | Apr 13, 2027 (Tue) | 10 days / 9 nights | From $2,900 | BOOK MY TRIP |
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 14 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. If you’re traveling with a friend or partner, you’re welcome to request to share a room together — just let us know in the notes section when booking.
-
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 20% deposit is required. The remaining 80% of the tour cost must be paid in full no later than 90 days before the tour’s start date.
-
International flights are not included. Guests are asked to book their own flights and arrive at the designated meeting point in Seoul. We’ll share the exact meeting location along with clear instructions on how to get there from the airport.
-
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.
-
The Physical Rating helps you understand how active a trip will feel - so you can choose an experience that suits your body, energy level, and travel style.
Most Goodmate Travel journeys are designed for travelers with an average level of fitness. We focus on walking, exploring, and experiencing places at a comfortable pace. Some trips, however, are more physically demanding and may require extra preparation.
Physical Rating Guide
1 out of 5 · Gentle
A relaxed, easygoing journey. Think gentle walks, plenty of breaks, and no physical demands unless you choose to add them. Perfect if comfort and ease are your priorities.2 out of 5 · Light
Includes some easy physical activity such as short walks , stairs in subway stations and light outdoor experiences. No special fitness level or preparation needed - just a normal level of mobility.3 out of 5 · Moderate
You’ll stay active throughout the trip with longer walks, stairs, or moderate outdoor activities. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience.4 out of 5 · Active
This trip involves regular, more demanding physical activity. Longer days on your feet and challenging terrain may be included. The fitter you are, the more rewarding the journey will feel.5 out of 5 · Challenging
Our most physically demanding adventures. Expect intense activity, long days, and possibly tough conditions. This level is best suited for travelers who are very fit and enjoy pushing their limits. -
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.
-
Airport pickup and drop-off are not included. That said, getting into the city is simple and affordable using the airport limousine bus or the AREX train. Closer to the trip, we’ll provide step-by-step guidance so you can arrive smoothly and confidently.
We’re here for you
Yeri, Guest Success Director
Contact
hello@goodmatetravel.com
Address
1006, 85, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03190, South Korea
Social
You might also love
-

Korea Prime Tour
Experience Korea with ease through smooth transportation, comfortable stays, and iconic routes. Ideal for travelers who value comfort, flow, and a well-paced journey.
-

Jeju Edition Tour
Slow down on Jeju Island, where nature, food, and daily life set the rhythm. Available as a standalone trip or as an add-on to other Original Tours.
-

Discover Korea with Creators
Each creator’s trip is created with their community in mind. It is an opportunity for online communities to meet in real life and create unforgettable memories together.