Golden Buddha statue overlooking illuminated modern cityscape at night. Skyscrapers light up the background, blending tradition and modernity.
Map
Print Stylesheet Image
Golden Buddha statue overlooking illuminated modern cityscape at night. Skyscrapers light up the background, blending tradition and modernity. Map

11 Day South Korea Temples and Tech

Experience the best of South Korea on this 11-day journey blending ancient traditions, modern marvels, and vibrant culture.

  • Low Deposit From $499* pp
  • Bonus Savings | $4000
  • Travel in Mar - Sep 2026

Book By 31 July 2025

Select Dates Mar – Sep 2026

Product Code: MT- 2171

VENTURE FURTHER, SPEND LESS

Unlock $250 OFF^ a future touring holiday.

Explore Deals

11 Day South Korea Temples and Tech

Experience the best of South Korea on this 11-day journey blending ancient traditions, modern marvels, and vibrant culture.

  • Low Deposit From $499* pp
  • Bonus Savings | $4000
  • Travel in Mar - Sep 2026

VENTURE FURTHER, SPEND LESS

Unlock $250 OFF^ a future touring holiday.

Explore Deals

Package Inclusions Open All

International economy flights returning from Seoul

Discover the perfect blend of ancient heritage and cutting-edge modernity on this immersive 11-day South Korea adventure. Begin in vibrant Seoul, where royal palaces, K-pop beats, and robot museums collide. Step back in time in the historic city of Gongju and experience the peace of a temple stay, before heading to the coast for a taste of slow living and sustainability. Wander through Jeonju’s beautifully preserved hanok village, hike the mystical Mt. Mai, soak in a traditional Korean sauna, and connect with local culture through food, art, and history. This tour captures the heart and soul of South Korea…past, present, and future.

Tour Inclusions

  • International economy flights returning from Seoul
  • 9 nights in well-located 3 to 4-star hotels
  • 1-night traditional temple stay at Magoksa Temple
  • Breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 1 specialty dinner
  •  Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • Private, air-conditioned coach throughout
  • Select sightseeing & admission fees
  •  Experienced English-speaking Tour Leader

Tour Highlights

  • Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony
  • Stroll Insadong Antique Street, known for its teahouses and traditional crafts
  • Take in panoramic views from Namsan Seoul Tower
  • Visit RAIM – Robot & AI Museum, showcasing Korea’s tech future
  • Join a K-pop dance class in trendy Hongdae
  • Get playful at the Trick Eye Museum with augmented reality art
  • Experience a peaceful temple stay at Magoksa with meditation, tea ceremony, and evening rituals
  • Explore Jeonju Hanok Village, with 800+ preserved hanok homes and cultural landmarks
  • Hike Mt. Mai and visit the gravity-defying Tapsa Temple
  • Unwind in a traditional jjimjilbang (Korean sauna)
  • Visit the 518 Memorial Museum, a powerful tribute to Korea’s democracy movement
  • Discover modern art and activism at the Gwangju Biennale or National Culture Center
  • Make your own kimchi in a hands-on workshop at a local co-op
  • Walk through Gwangju’s Modern Historical Village, filled with murals and street art
  • Stroll through the serene Damyang Bamboo Forest and sample bamboo ice cream
Itinerary Map

Your Itinerary

Itinerary Map
Itinerary Map

Open All

 
Welcome to Seoul

Arrive at Incheon International Airport where your English-speaking driver awaits you at the designated meeting place. Then transfer to your hotel in the heart of Seoul. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the first evening at leisure to explore the buzzing streets of Seoul, or simply relax and get ready for your exciting journey through South Korea

 
Royal Palaces & Towering Views

Start with a western breakfast before heading to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korea’s most iconic royal palace from the Joseon Dynasty. Surrounded by mountains and modernity, it’s where tradition meets innovation. Witness the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, and you have an option to wear a traditional Hanbok if you choose (equivalent of AUD $20 to be paid locally) for a royal touch and to really get in the mood.

Continue your day with a stroll through Insadong Antique Street, home to traditional crafts, teahouses, and artisan shops. After a tasty local lunch, visit the HiKGR Ground, a hub for culture and innovation. End the day with sweeping city views from the Namsan Seoul Tower, a landmark blending romantic charm with digital exhibits.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

 
Futuristic Seoul & K-Pop Dreams

After breakfast, start the day with a visit to RAIM (Robot and AI Museum), a hands-on exhibition showcasing South Korea’s technological innovations in A.I and robotics. Learn how Korea is shaping the global technological future.

After lunch, dive into South Korea’s world-renowned youth culture movement with a fun “K-pop” dance class in the creative district of Hongdae, full of street performers and indie art. Explore the Trick Eye Museum with its artificial reality illusions. Then end the day browsing Hongdae’s stylish shops and quirky concept stores.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

 
Heritage and Harmony in Gongju

Depart for Gongju to visit the Muryong King’s Tomb, a 6th-century royal burial site discovered intact. The adjacent Gongju National Museum offers a glimpse into Baekje Dynasty artifacts.

Later, check into Magoksa Temple, a peaceful Buddhist sanctuary in the woods. Join the temple stay program: attend an orientation, tour the grounds, practice meditation or yoga, enjoy a vegetarian dinner, and participate in the tranquil evening service.

Preparation: Pack an overnight bag for the Temple stay including a travel towel.
Note: Temple accommodation sleeps up to 4 guests per room on futon bedding. Rooms may be shared with other travelers. Each room has a private bathroom.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

 
Sunrise Reflections & Coastal Charm

Begin the day with a tea session with a monk exploring mindfulness and Korean spirituality. After a simple temple lunch, transfer to Taean on the west coast.

Experience traditional salt-making or enjoy seashell collecting on the beach. Learn how these local industries are adapting sustainably to environmental changes.

Meals: Breakfast

 
Jeonju’s Time Capsule – Hanok Village

Transfer to Jeonju and savour a traditional Korean set meal. In the afternoon, explore the Jeonju Hanok Village, where over 800 preserved hanoks reflect Korea’s architectural past. Highlights include: Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Jeongdong Cathedral, Omokdae Pavilion and Pungnammun Gate.Don’t miss relaxing at a charming local café and sampling the region’s famed bibimbap.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

 
Mountain Majesty & Spa Bliss

Travel to Jinan for a gentle hike up Mt. Mai (approx 2 – 3 hours hiking time), known for its twin peaks and the spiritual Tapsa Temple, built by a monk using gravity-defying stone stacks. After a local lunch, unwind in a traditional jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) – a relaxing cultural ritual.

Continue to Gwangju, the cultural capital of southwestern South Korea.

Preparation: Pack a bathing suit
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

 
Art, Activism & Kimchi!

Begin at the 518 Memorial Museum, commemorating the Gwangju Uprising—a key moment in Korea’s fight for democracy. Then head to the Gwangju Biennale Art Museum or National Asian Culture center, a major contemporary art hub where creativity and activism intersect.

After lunch, visit a kimchi co-op to learn and participate in kimchi-making. Wrap up the day with a walk through the Modern Historical Village, known for its vibrant murals and street art that reflect Gwangju’s resilient spirit.

Meals: Breakfast

 
Bamboo Forests & Back to the Capital

Transfer to Damyang, famous for its Bamboo Theme Park. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through green bamboo groves, explore bamboo-based crafts, and try bamboo ice cream. After lunch, return to Seoul with scenic countryside views.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

 
Choose Your Adventure – DMZ or Urban Exploration

Enjoy a free day to explore Seoul’s modern side at your own pace. We recommend visiting the iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) or discovering hip neighbourhoods like Seongsu-dong, known for its warehouse cafés, independent boutiques, and creative pop-up spaces. For those interested in conscious shopping, seek out zero-waste or fair trade markets located throughout the city.

Optional DMZ Tour

Discover the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), a 4km wide, 250km long buffer separating North and South Korea. Your guide will share the history of tensions between North and South Korea as you explore Imjingak Park, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, and Dora Observatory. This optional tour must be booked directly with the guide and paid in the local currency (approximate equivalent of AUD 100).

Meals: Breakfast

 
Farewell, South Korea

After breakfast, transfer to Incheon Airport via private shuttle. Depart with unforgettable memories of its vibrant culture, rich history, and dynamic future.

Meals: Breakfast

See full itinerary

Important Info Open All

Price based on tours starting:

  • 4 March 2026
  • 11 March 2026
  • 20 May 2026

Extra charges apply for:

  • 8 April 2026 ($300pp)
  • 2 September 2026 ($300pp)
  • 16 September 2026 ($500pp)

Price based on departing from Melbourne, Sydney

Extra charges apply for:

  • Brisbane ($300pp)
  • Perth ($400pp)
  • Adelaide ($400pp)

Itinerary
Our multi-stop South Korean tour is carefully designed to give a real insight into the highlights, culture, and beauty of each region. Each day will be different, with a combination of travel days, sightseeing and free time to explore or take a breather as you wish.

Pace & Fitness
A moderate level of fitness is required. The tour covers several areas of South Korea and can involve some early starts and long travel days – see the day-by-day itinerary for more details. Please note you are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and alighting vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating uneven terrain and footpaths. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you must disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.

Visa
A visa is generally not required for Australian passport holders visiting South Korea for the purpose of short-term tourism; however, this policy is subject to change without notice. Visa requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents.

Passengers who are not travelling on an Australian passport must check with their respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.

Visa details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ for up-to-date information in terms of entry requirements.

Transfers
Airport transfers in South Korea are included on the first and last day of the tour only. Transfers are not included if you arrive before the tour starts or extend your stay after it ends. Please note that transfers may operate at set times and may be provided on a shared or private basis using either private vehicles or public transport. In some cases, you may need to walk a short distance from the drop-off point to the hotel while carrying your own luggage.

Meals
Included breakfasts offered by the accommodation providers are typically buffet style, with limited vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options. For other meals included in the itinerary, we aim to cater to a wide range of tastes, providing food that is not too spicy or unusual but still represents the delicious local cuisine. Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. Your patience and understanding are appreciated. You are required to reconfirm dietary requests with your Tour Leader whilst on tour.

Baggage
Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. Due to the internal flights, the luggage weight of 20kg will be strictly enforced and excess baggage fees will apply if you exceed this limitation. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. A light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. Porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.

Group Size
On a tour you will meet like-minded travellers and may even make lifelong friends. This holiday will proceed with a minimum group size of approximately 20 people and a maximum group size of approximately 34 people. If the tour does not operate due to minimum numbers, you will be offered a credit or an alternative date.

Refer to Important Info for further details.

While you may not spend much time in the hotels, each has been carefully selected to suit the size and needs of the group. Our accommodation is generally of a quality 3-4 star local rating. All hotel rooms will feature either a twin room (two single beds) or a double room (1 Queen bed). All bedding requests cannot be guaranteed however all special requests should be made known at time of booking. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. All hotel rooms will be requested as nonsmoking.

  • Insadong IBIS Hotel, Seoul – or similar
  • Magoksa Temple Stay
  • Daecheon Daysnice Hotel, Boryeong
  • Best Western, Jeonju – or similar
  • Utop Hotel, Gwangju – or similar

Hotel names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual hotels may differ, and a final hotel list will be provided in your Final Documents, sent no later than 30 days prior to departure.

Note: Temple accommodation sleeps up to 4 guests per room on futon bedding. Rooms may be shared with other travelers. Each room has a private bathroom.

A single supplement from $1000*pp is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy.

Exclusions
Meals not stated, drinks on meals, travel insurance (strongly recommended), optional tours, visas, tipping, personal expenses and anything not explicitly listed under inclusions are at your own expense.

Payment
A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 10 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking.  The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months. 

Triple Share
Triple share is not available.

Extra Accommodation
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation for this tour is available.

Child
This tour is best enjoyed by adult travellers and is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Children are subject to the adult price and must be accompanied by an adult.

Price
Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation, or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise.

Change & Cancellation Fees
Changes for any reason will incur a fee of $110 per person per change in addition to any travel service provider fees. Cancellation for any reason will incur a fee of $550 per person in addition to any travel service provider fees. Travel service provider fees for the tour and air components of the package are dependent on the date of the change or cancellation as follows:

· 0-29 days before departure 100% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply

· 30-60 days before departure 65% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply

· 61-99 days before departure 50% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply

· 100-180 days before departure 30% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply

· 181+ days before departure 10% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply

Airfares are generally non-refundable but any refundable ticket taxes will be returned. Full details of the change and cancellation fees is outlined in the Terms & Conditions available on our website.

Passport
For international travel, each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure all names are full names exactly matched to the passport with six months validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information and expired passports.

Visa
A visa is generally not required for Australian passport holders visiting South Korea for the purpose of short-term tourism; however, this policy is subject to change without notice. Visa requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents.

Passengers who are not travelling on an Australian passport must check with their respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.

Visa details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ for up-to-date information in terms of entry requirements.

Pace
The pace of this tour is moderate. The tour covers several areas of South Korea and can involve some early starts and long travel days – see the day-by-day itinerary for more details. One to two nights at each destination is standard. Scheduled free days allow some downtime, or alternatively, you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional programs (at your own expense).

Fitness
A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and alighting vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to carry your own bags to and from hotels, stations, and terminals. This trip is not suitable for travellers requiring wheelchairs, mobility scooters, larger walking aids or facilities for disabled guests. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you are required to disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.

Health
It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19 and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise, and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing, and quarantine costs are the expense of the customer. Comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended.

Baggage
Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. Due to the internal flights, the luggage weight of 20kg will be strictly enforced and excess baggage fees will apply if you exceed this limitation. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. A light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. Porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.

Meals
Included breakfasts offered by the accommodation providers are typically buffet style, with limited vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options. For other meals included in the itinerary, we aim to cater to a wide range of tastes, providing food that is not too spicy or unusual but still represents the delicious local cuisine. Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. Your patience and understanding are appreciated. You are required to reconfirm dietary requests with your Tour Leader whilst on tour.

Accommodation
A range of accommodation styles including hotels, resorts and cruises are carefully selected to suit the size of the group. Accommodation names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual accommodation names may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. Requests for bedding double or twin bedding types can be made however these cannot be guaranteed. The standard check-in time is after 2pm and check-out is before 11am – actual times may vary. Note: Temple accommodation sleeps up to 4 guests per room on futon bedding. Rooms may be shared with other travelers. Each room has a private bathroom. 

Tipping
Tipping for guides and drivers is discretionary and recommended as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided. It is customary to tip the tour leader and driver at the end of the tour from AUD$5 per person per day.

Fuel
In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer.

Transfers
Arrival and departure group tour airport transfers are included providing you are arriving on the first and last day of the tour. Transfers are not included for early arrival or extending your stay. Airport transfers may operate at designated times and may be group or independent services using private or public transportation. A short walk to the hotel carrying your own luggage may be required from the drop-off point.

Group Size
You will meet like-minded travellers on tour and may even make lifelong friends. This tour will proceed with a minimum group size of approximately 20 passengers and a maximum group size of approximately 34 passengers. If the tour does not operate, you will be offered a credit.

Itinerary
The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19 or other factors beyond our control including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment, and operation. Any reference to ‘optional,’ ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.

Breakaway
Customers must always remain with the tour group and not leave unless written approval is given before departure.

Documentation
Final documentation will be emailed within two weeks of departure. For packages consisting of multiple tours or countries, documentation will be emailed individually within two weeks of departure of each respective tour.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options.

Force Majeure
Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In case of force majeure or other extraordinary event that prevents safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone or cancel the trip.


*
price is per person twin share
*
single traveller surcharge from $1,000*pp

Product Code: MT- 2171

From $3,999 *pp
Valued at $6000
Book By 31 July 2025

Need more information from our holiday experts?

Enquire Online
Please provide a preferred departure date
Please select a number between 1 and -1
Please select a number more than 0

Total:


*
price is per person twin share
*
single traveller surcharge from $1,000*pp

Hold Tight!

We're sending your enquiry through to one of our My Cruises Travel Experts

Enquire Online

We're excited to be helping you organise your next adventure.

Travel Details

Please provide a preferred departure date
Please select a number more than 1
Please select a number more than 0

Your Details

Please provide your first name
Please provide your last name
Please provide a valid email address
Please enter a valid mobile number. It should start with the country code (+61 or +64) followed by the mobile number, or just the local number (starting with 0) for Australian or New Zealand numbers.

By proceeding I agree to My Cruises' Terms & Conditions and my personal information being handled in accordance with My Cruises' Privacy Policy.

Your Enquiry.

11 Day South Korea Temples and Tech


Enquiry Details.

Days 10

Adults 2

Children 0

Departure Point Sydney

Preferred Departure Date 04-03-2026


From $0.00

By proceeding I agree to My Cruises' Terms & Conditions and my personal information being handled in accordance with My Cruises' Privacy Policy.