Grand South Korea

• Return international Qantas full-service flights (economy class), departure city surcharges may apply
• Two domestic flights from Busan to Jeju Island and Jeju Island to Seoul

• 12 nights of 3 to 4-star centrally-located hotel accommodation

• Enjoy daily breakfast & one traditional Korean lunch

• English-speaking tour leader and guides

• Private air-conditioned transportation

• Return airport transfers

Today you'll depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Seoul, South Korea, with award-winning Qantas Airways via Sydney. Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel which is located in Insadong.

This is the heart of the city and one of the cultural and artistic hubs of Seoul where you'll find alleys filled with galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses and cafes. The galleries are the heartbeat of Insadong and they offer every example of traditional Korean fine art, from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Gana Art Centre which promotes many promising artists and Hakgojae Gallery where you'll find fascinating folk art. Hidden deep within the twisting alleyways are teahouses and restaurants which are the perfect complement to the galleries. You'll also find the shops in Insadong are very popular among all age groups, providing a unique experience for every taste.

Please note: Some flights may depart Day 0.

Overnight: Ibis Ambassador Hotel or similar, Insadong, Seoul

Meals included: In-Flight

This morning, you'll begin your Seoul City tour at the beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace where you can experience the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty which is more than 500 years old. Afterwards, visit the National Folk Museum to learn about Korea’s unique culture and how Koreans used to live in the olden days. You'll then enjoy a quick stop to witness the Traditional Royal Guard Changing Ceremony and the Presidential Blue House before arriving at the famous Bukchon Hanok Village.

This is a traditional Korean village in Seoul that's located on the top of a hill between Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace and Jongmyo Royal Shrine. With a long history, this village is composed of many alleys and hanoks which are preserved to show a 600-year-old urban environment. Take part in a guided walk and marvel at the beautiful traditional homes.

You'll then finish the day with some time at leisure in the Dongdaemun open market which is the largest open market in the Orient. This is a large commercial district of traditional markets and shopping centres that cover the entire area around Dongdaemun Gate, a prominent landmark in Korea. It's Korea’s largest wholesale and retail shopping district featuring 26 shopping malls, 30,000 specialty shops and 50,000 manufacturers. Afterwards, you'll return to your accommodation where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Please note: If the Seoul City Tour falls on a Tuesday, then the Gyeongbokgung Palace will be closed and the Changdeokgung Palace will be visited instead. Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal palace built following the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1405, recognised as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO.

Overnight: Ibis Ambassador Hotel or similar, Insadong, Seoul

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is a free day to explore Seoul at leisure or participate in an optional tour.

Optional Activity: Full-Day Seoul Sightseeing Tour - $160 per person (minimum of 10 travellers required to operate)

Today you'll head out for a full day of sightseeing in Seoul where you'll visit the below locations with your guide and enjoy both guided commentary and time at leisure to explore each location.

• Namsangol Hanok Village - Located in a park at the foot of Namsan, this peaceful village is a wonderful spot to encounter traditional Korean culture. It features five different yangban (upper-class) houses from the Joseon era, all relocated here from different parts of Seoul, and the traditional theatre of Seoul Namsan Gugakdang. Please note: The Hanok village is closed on Mondays so if you are visiting on this day then the stop will be replaced with Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, a hidden treasure in the middle of Seoul.
• Starfield COEX Mall - World-renowned architectural firm, Gensler, worked to create a vision for change largely centred around the concept of "The Unfolding Sky." With five uniquely-themed squares, the new Coex Mall was designed to receive optimal amounts of natural light and to optimise the flow of foot traffic. Coex Mall is a shopping mecca for global brands in fashion, accessories, beauty, lifestyle and more. It also has a large movie theatre complex and a wide variety of fine dining.
• Bongeunsa Temple - Once known as Gyeonseongsa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple is an impressive temple located north of COEX that was constructed in the 10th year of Silla King Weongseong’s reign in 794. In 1498, Queen Jeonghyeon refurbished Gyeonseongsa Temple and renamed it, Bongeunsa Temple.
• Lotte World Tower - With 123 floors total, the Lotte World Tower is the fifth tallest building in the world, standing at 555 metres (1,824 feet). The tower contains galleries, cafés, shops and a luxury hotel, in addition to a skywalk and observation deck which is one of the best spots to appreciate the breathtaking view of Seoul's vibrant city lights. Please note: The entrance fee for the skywalk and observation deck are not included.
• Itaewon, Special Tourist Zone - Itaewon was the first special tourist zone in Seoul, designated in 1997. It is a multicultural place where over 20,000 foreigners live and is widely recognized by international visitors. This is a go-to place for both shopping and entertainment as you'll find the streets crowded with about 2,000 shops selling clothes and bags, restaurants, entertainment facilities, hotels and travel agencies. Famous in the district is the 'Antique Furniture Street' where more than 100 shops selling furniture and antiques stretch from Hamilton Hotel toward Bogwang-ro. On 'World Food Street', you can taste authentic cuisine and experience culture from around the globe with more than 40 restaurants operated by foreigners. 

Overnight: Ibis Ambassador Hotel or similar, Insadong, Seoul

Meals included: Breakfast

Nowhere is the tension between North and South Korea more palpable than in the no-man's-land known as the Korean Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ. Located on each side of the 38th parallel, this infamous border was established at the end of the war in 1953 at the signing of Panmunjom’s armistice to separate North and South Korea.

This morning you'll head towards the North Korean border where you'll take the gondola for a perfect bird eye view of the Demilitarized Zone before enjoying a tour of Imjingak Resort. Imjingak Resort has various war-related artefacts as well as boasting the spacious Pyeonghwa Nuri Park. The resort preserves the Freedom Bridge and Imjingang rail bridge from the Korean War to remind people of the past, along with a Memorial Hall, memorial monuments, the Bell of Unification, the Last Train Out, The Bridge of No Return, and Dokgae Bridge symbolizes the pains of war and separation. The skywalk experience will be divided into three themes: past, present, and future.
 
Proceed to Bunker Beat 131, A military underground bunker constructed during the Korean War has been changed into a unique exhibition space. 

You can feel the atmosphere of a military facility from the entrance. The shape of an anti-tank mine on the stairs down to the basement will instantly make you feel frightened and nervous. Walking down the stairway, you will see the situation room of the command during wartime. Followed by a short introduction at the United Nations camp.
 
We finally visit Odusan Unification Observatory (Closed Every Mon. - will be replaced by Imjingak Peace Observatory). 
 
After receiving a brief and listening to the precautions, you can watch a 3D film about the war, and then we can vividly see the North Korean villages, people working, and their daily lives.

After visiting the DMZ, you will enjoy a traditional Korean lunch where you will have the opportunity to try many dishes (vegetarian and vegan options available). After an approximately 300-kilometre travel day, you'll transfer to the port city of Sokcho on the east coast of Korea which sits in the shadow of Mt. Seoraksan and check into your accommodation.

Please note: You must bring your passport for ID at the DMZ.

Overnight: Ramada by Wyndham Gangwon Sokcho or similar, Sokcho

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Today you'll head out for a full-day tour of Mount Seoraksan National Park. Along with breathtaking views, this is home to over 2,000 animal species and more than 1,400 rare plant species which is why UNESCO designated this national park a Biosphere Preservation District in 1982 and it has since become the most famous national park in Korea. On arrival, you'll take a cable car up to Gwongeumseong Castle for panoramic views of the mountain before visiting Sinheungsa temple where you'll see the famous 10-metre-high bronze statue of the Great Unification Buddha. Enjoy a few guided walks to various points of interest and viewpoints before returning to nearby Sokcho. 

On the way back, you'll visit the bustling Daepohang Port which is one of the most popular tourist spots for those in search of the freshest raw fish restaurants. Here you will have time at leisure to explore before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Ramada by Wyndham Gangwon Sokcho or similar, Sokcho

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, you will transfer to the century-old historical Gyeongju City which is the 1,000-year-old capital of the Silla Dynasty. Silla, alternatively Shilla, was a Korean kingdom that existed between 57 BCE – 935 CE and was located on the southern and central parts of the Korean Peninsula. Gyeongju is often known as the museum without walls which is why the Gyeongju historic areas were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Among such historical treasures, you will find the Seokguram grotto, Bulguksa temple and Yangdong Folk Village.

You'll take part in a city tour from Bulguksa temple, also known as “The Buddhist Country Temple”, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Afterwards, you'll visit the Chomsongdae Observatory and Daereungwon, also known as Tumuli Park, which has more than 20 royal tombs from the Silla Period. Stop by the Gyeongju National Museum, the millennial capital of Silla, which is one of the most prominent museums in Korea that sheds light on the cultural heritage of Silla, before finishing the day at your hotel for an evening at leisure after an approximately 330-kilometre day.

Overnight: Commodore Hotel Gyeongju or similar, Gyeongju

Meals included: Breakfast

After checking out of the hotel this morning, you'll visit Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village. This is a hanok village that allows visitors to take a look inside the lifestyle of the Choi Clan, a family known to have remained wealthy for the longest period in Korean history. Here you will see the House of the Gyeongju Choi Clan and try some traditional Gyeongju Gyodong Beopju Liquor.

Afterwards, you'll transfer to nearby Busan, the hub of Asia which is often referred to as the "Summer Capital of South Korea". It's a vibrant and diverse travel destination in the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula and is the second-largest city in South Korea offering a unique blend of modernity, tradition and natural beauty. Arrive at your hotel, located in the heart of the city, where you will check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure after an approximately 100-kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Asti Hotel Busan or similar, Busan

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning you'll head out on a full-day tour of Busan, the hub of Asia. First up you'll visit the Yongdusan Dragon Head Park, called Yongdusan because the shape of the mountain resembles a dragon’s head emerging from the sea. You'll then go to the iconic 120-metre-high Busan Tower which provides a stunning bird’s-eye view of the entire city of Busan, including islands and ships dotted in the distant seas. From there you'll head to the Jagalchi Fish Market which is the largest fish market in Korea and a popular “must-see” site for tourists in Busan.

Afterwards, visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple which is situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan. This superb attraction offers visitors a rare temple along the shoreline as most temples in Korea are located in the mountains. Continue onwards to the Gamcheon Culture Village which is formed by houses built in staircase fashion on the foothills of a coastal mountain. You'll find many alleys that cut through this community are vibrantly decorated with murals and sculptures created by the residents. Finish the day at your hotel located in the heart of the city where you will check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Asti Hotel Busan or similar, Busan

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is a free day at leisure to explore the beautiful city of Busan. Alternatively, you can take part in a full-day Busan city tour to visit some sights you did not see the previous day.

Optional Activity: Full-Day Busan Sightseeing tour - $160 per person (minimum of 10 travellers required to operate)

This morning you'll visit Huinnyeoul Culture Village, a charming coastal village located on the sloping cliff of Yeongdo in Busan. In December 2011, the old houses of the area were remodelled and the area was reborn as a unique culture and art village where you can walk through and visit the numerous cafes and galleries while enjoying the sweeping views of Busan and the ocean.

Afterwards, visit Songdo Beach where you can board the famous cable car to ride over the bay and enjoy views through the transparent floor of the cable car before stopping by the Sky Harbor Observatory Platform which offers beautiful views of the Songdo Sea and cable cars. Return to Sondo Beach via the same cable car and take a short walk along the Songdo Cloud Walk which features sections of clear glass floor that creates the feeling of walking on top of the ocean. First opened in 2015, the 365-meter-long skywalk offers an amazing panoramic view of the surrounding area that has made the Skywalk a popular destination.

You'll then visit the Nurimaru APEC House, built to host the 2005 APEC Summit meeting at the tip of Dongbaek Island (동백섬), which stands near Haeundae Beach. This eye-catching glass building has been one of Busan’s symbolic places ever since. Finally, you'll visit the UN Memorial Cemetery after driving over the 7.4-kilometre Gwangandaegyo Bridge which is the longest bi-level bridge over the ocean in Korea. On the way back to the hotel, you can visit Nampodong International Market which is one of Korea’s largest markets. Each alleyway is crowded with stalls and connects to Bupyeong Market, Kkangtong Market and other smaller markets. The market stocks such a wide variety of goods that you can find almost everything you need.

Please note: Travellers who visit the Nampodong International Market will need to make their own way back to the hotel (approximately 10-15 minute taxi).

Overnight: Asti Hotel Busan or similar, Busan

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will visit Nampodong and BIFF Square, the mecca of any Busan Trip. Every day of the week, Nampo-dong is a place crowded with people where you can experience the energy of Busan early in the morning. A major urban district, the neighbourhood has a park, department store, traditional market and major tourist attractions that make it a hot place for locals, tourists and foreigners alike.

Afterwards, you'll fly to Jeju Island, also known as the “Island Of Gods”. This volcanic island has scenic natural beauty, unique cultural traditions and a temperate climate. In 2007, the Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes were listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Korea. On arrival in Jeju, you'll transfer to your hotel where you will check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Overnight: Gloucester Hotels & Resorts or similar, Jeju Island

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you'll head out on a full-day tour of this amazing island. Your first stop will be Seongeup Village, located at the foot of Halla Mountain, this is a small town that holds a vast amount of culture from 1410 to 1914. Cultural properties in the folk village have been handed down from generation to generation and include treasures such as residential houses, Confucian shrines, schools, ancient government offices, stone statues, large millstones (pulled by horses or ox), fortress ruins and stone monuments. Even the trees are an important part of the area’s heritage as several zelkova and nettle trees that are hundreds of years old stand at the centre of the village, preserving the dignified atmosphere of a bygone era.

Afterwards, you'll enjoy a demonstration by some of Jeju Island's famous female divers. As of 2011, there were about 5,000 female divers on Jeju Island and most of them are over 50 with some even being 70 or 80 years old. This diving activity has its roots in ancient times when the men went to the sea, as many did not return the women at home raised their children alone and took care of such tasks. While these women have long been the main contributors to the island’s economy, their role is a great transition as nowadays, they’re mostly performers and are a symbol of Jeju island.

Please note: In case of rain or strong winds, the performance will be canceled. In this case, it will be replaced by the Haenyeo Museum.

Next up you'll visit the impressive Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone which rises 180-metres above sea level due to a magma flow under the sea over 5,000 years ago. It was originally a separate island but a build-up of sand and soil has connected it to the main one. A large crater, formed by the hot lava mixing with cold ocean water, is located at the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone. The crater is about 600 metres in diameter and 90 metres deep. It has been featured in films and was originally used for agriculture but has now been given over to a field of silver grass.

The final stop of the tour is Ilchul Land, a beautiful theme park with a flower garden including Bonsai Garden and also has "Micheon Cave," which is famous for its natural lava caves, and 365m of the 1,700m that can be observed is an open area, so you can explore the inside. The remaining 1,340m is set to be revealed later.

You'll then finish the day back at your hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Gloucester Hotels & Resorts or similar, Jeju Island

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you'll enjoy a morning at leisure before transferring back to the nearby Jeju Island Airport for your afternoon flight. On arrival in Seoul, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation near Incheon Airport. You can then enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Overnight: Royal Emporium Hotel or similar, Incheon

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home to Australia.

Optional Activity: Incheon Sightseeing Tour - $60 USD per person (paid on tour)
Today head out on a sightseeing tour of Incheon. The first stop will be Chinatown, where the residents of Chinatown are mostly 2nd or 3rd generation Chinese, descendants of the early Chinese settlers. This area harbours many of the flavours of China while the traditional culture of the first generation is preserved. Afterwards, visit the Fairy Tale Village where many of the houses are decorated in bright colours with depictions of fairy tales. Continue onwards to Freedom Park, which is home to a small zoo, a pagoda and a statue of General MacArthur as a memorial to the general's involvement in Operation Chromite during the Korean War. Finish the day at the airport for your return flight home to Australia.

Please note:
• If you have an evening flight, you can leave your luggage at the hotel reception after check-in and collect prior to your departure.
• If you have an evening flight, the below optional activity will be available and is paid on tour.

Meals included: Breakfast

Please note: Some flights may depart Seoul on Day 13 and arrive on Day 13.

 
After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase. Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.
 
On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. 
 
Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.
 
CANCELLATION POLICY
Tour packages are non-refundable. If your tour package is affected by Covid-19-related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other tour or package available via the TripADeal website.
 
Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with. We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.
 
Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated).
 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 15th November 2025.
 
This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.
 
Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $1,000 applies.
Please note: accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.
 
Departure Dates
2024
August: 17
October: 17, 24
November: 2, 16
 
2025
March: 1, 15
May: 3, 17, 31
June: 14
July: 26
August: 16
September: 6, 13
October: 18
November: 1, 15
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability. 

Departure Cities
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, *Adelaide, *Perth or *Auckland.
 
Departure City Surcharges
• Adelaide: $150 per person
• Perth: $450 per person
• Auckland: $450 per person 
 
International Full-Service Airline(s) Used
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Airlines: Qantas Airways plus codeshare partners (subject to availability).
Please note: We cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation.
 
Domestic Airline(s) Used
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Route: Busan to Jeju Island and Jeju Island to Seoul
• Airlines: Air Busan, Eastar Jet, Jeju Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Korean Air and partners (subject to availability).

Important Domestic Baggage Information
Please be advised that your domestic flight to and from Jeju Island will have a checked luggage limit of 15kg per person. Additional luggage allowance can be purchased at the airport for USD$1.50 per 1KG
 
Qantas Flights 
Please note: Any Qantas flights used on this deal may be booked as part of a Qantas group ticket. Group tickets do not allow for any customisations including upgrades, seat selection or paid seating options. Any customisations would need to be requested at the airport upon check-in.
 
Missed Flights
If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you will miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements.
 
Arrive Early in Seoul, South Korea
Not available.
 
Stay Behind in Seoul, South Korea
Not available.
 
Stopover Packages 
Not available.
 
Flight Class Upgrades
Not available.
 

Accommodation Used
3 to 4-Star Properties (Self-Rated)
• Seoul: Ibis Ambassador Hotel or similar
• Sokcho: Ramada by Wyndham Gangwon Sokcho or similar
• Gyeongju: Commodore Hotel Gyeongju or similar
• Busan: Asti Hotel Busan or similar
• Jeju Island: Gloucester Hotels & Resorts or similar
• Incheon: Royal Emporium Hotel or similar
Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.
 
Extra Nights
Not available.
 
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.
 
Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for children 8 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
 
Triple Share
Not available.
 
Bedding Configuration
Double or Twin bedding (subject to availability).
 

Minimum group size 18, maximum group size 32 per vehicle.
 
Optional Tours/Activities
Day 3: Full-Day Seoul Sightseeing Tour - $160 per person
Day 9: Full-Day Busan Sightseeing tour - $160 per person
Please note:
• Prices are based per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions.
• The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone before submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability). 
• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.
 

• Visa fees and requirements 
• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer
• Recommended gratuities/tipping 
• Optional activities/tours 
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
 

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group.
 
Tour Leader
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 
Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured.
 
CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
South Korea
Unlike many other Asian destinations, South Korean weather is straightforward and easy to understand. There are only minimal regional variations throughout the country, and the year is divided neatly into four distinct seasons. There is a delightful spring (April to June), a muggy and wet summer (July to August), a refreshing autumn (September to November) and a freezing cold, snowy but dry winter (December to March). The main regional temperature differences in South Korea are accounted for by the country’s altitudinous interior and its warmer, but windier, coastline. Japan and China protect South Korea from most of the area’s typhoons, but one or two still manage to get through each year during the summer months.
 
Spring (April to June)
Typically lasting from April to June, spring is often seen as the best time of year to visit South Korea, with average daily temperatures a pleasant 15 - 18°C. During this time the flowers are in bloom and green spaces are bathed in the delightful hues of the pink cherry blossom, especially in the city of Gyeongju. The weather is the least likely to be inclement and, as a result, many festivals and events can be found taking place. Join the locals in heading for the hills and making the most of the many national parks, such as Songnisan, Seoraksan and Jirisan. You can expect sunny days but you should also count on destinations being more crowded as it is the most popular time to visit South Korea.
 
Summer (July to August)
The brief summer lasts from July to August and is the hottest time of the year in South Korea. Temperatures may range between 23°C and 30°C but this is also the wettest time of the year, with the monsoon rains bringing half of the country’s annual rainfall during these months. It can be incredibly humid, so you may find yourself seeking sanctuary in the many air-conditioned spaces of Seoul, or relishing the sea breezes of coastal cities like Busan, where the famous Haeundae Beach is packed with people and parasols, and the southern holiday island of Jeju.
 
Autumn (September to November)
Once the muggy heat and rains of summer have passed, South Korea once again bursts into colour and festivals come to the fore. Stunning shades of orange and red pepper the autumnal landscapes - particularly throughout the country's National Parks such as Songnisan, Jirisan and Seoraksan. Long into October, the weather is usually mild enough to sport a t-shirt during the day in the seaside resorts of Jeju - and even higher in the hills - but after this you will need to think about packing some extra layers. The mild temperatures (average temperature 19-21°C), low rainfall and natural beauty make autumn a strong rival to spring as the best time of year to visit South Korea.
 
Winter (December to March)
South Korea is indeed a land of extremes and nowhere is this more apparent than in the sudden drop in temperature that winter brings. From summer highs of 30°C the temperatures in winter can plummet to as low as -20°C on occasion in the northern regions of the Gangwon-do Province, although it can be significantly milder along the southern coast and on the holiday island of Jeju in the far south. Falling between December and March, the long winter is freezing cold but relatively dry, and certainly charming. Crisp, white snow can be expected creating romantic views you can enjoy without the madding crowds of spring. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at the ski resorts in the Gyeonggi-do Province and in Gangwon-do which sees a higher than average annual snowfall.
 
FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points
Please note: Any Qantas flights used on this deal may be booked as part of a Qantas group ticket. Group tickets do not allow for any customisations including upgrades, seat selection or paid seating options. Any customisations would need to be requested at the airport upon check-in.
 
Passport Validity
Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.
 
COACH TOUR
Meals
For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify us of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.
 
Luggage
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.
 
OTHER
Mobility
If you require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.
 
Fitness Level Required
A leisurely level of fitness will be required. Leisurely is described as light walking, including up multiple stairs, and occasional hiking, may involve uneven surfaces. Able to travel unassisted and get on and off vehicles and small boats. Suitable for most fitness levels and mobility. 
Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.
 
Gratuities/Tipping
Land
Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is $4 USD per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour. 
Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.
 
Sightseeing
Please note: If entry to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).
 
Shopping
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.
 

Australian and New Zealand travellers no longer need to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA), under a temporary exemption being put in place from 1 April 2023 until 31 December 2024.
Important:
• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.
• Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Please note: 
• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.
 

Embarking on your next trip is exciting, and while you hope the unexpected does not happen, it is best to be prepared. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance when making your booking. Whether it’s a potential medical emergency, a flight cancellation, a delayed suitcase, or an unforeseen event, it's important to ensure you're adequately protected. For more information or advice visit https://www.tripadeal.com.au/travel-insurance.
 

Voluntary Changes
This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
• Changes - $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
 
Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
 
Supplier Fees
In the event the tour package you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.