GREAT CITY WALKING TOUR
PLEASE NOTE: This tour is designated as a Walking Tour. Over the course of a day, guests should be able to handle 10,000 steps, ten or more flights of stairs and lots of ups and downs on uneven terrain. The good news is: we won't be in a race, so the pace will be relaxed!
Barry considers Korea his second home, as he has lived there twice - in Busan in the 1990's and in Seoul in the 2010's. As a result, this tour is one of his favourites to operate, as its built around his personal experiences and favourite places.
For any first time visitor to Korea, Seoul is a real eye opener. That's because it has become one of the most exciting mega-cities in the world, especially for young people. Korean cuisine is also the rage, and Korean fashion, television and music are huge around the world. As a result, the youthful energy of Seoul is palpable, and there's little chance anybody would ever be bored.
While everyone expects a big city vibe in Seoul, few anticipate the amazing mountainous landscape of Korea. On this tour, we will spend a day in Seoraksan National Park, South Korea's premier mountain hiking destination. Meanwhile in Seoul, we will see lots of sites, including the Lotte Tower, the Royal Palace and several Buddhist temples. We will also spend a day at the Demilitarized Zone, the last vestige of the Cold War.
This tour is called "SEOUL plus" because we will spend 8 nights in one hotel (in the perfect location). However, we will get out of the city a couple of times on days trip (hence the 'plus'). For those who hate changing hotels, this means more time doing stuff, and less time shuffling from place to place. If that sounds like something you'd like, maybe you should join us!
KOREAN FOOD is very distinctive with powerful flavours. In order to accommodate a variety of palates, Barry has set up meals so guests have a choice between Korean cuisine and options more familiar - whether that's vegetarian, other ethnic cuisine, or even a burger or slice of pizza.
PLEASE NOTE: This tour immediately precedes our Best of JAPAN tour. This was done deliberately so that guests could visit South Korea, or Japan, or both. As a bonus, we'll even provide an extra night's accommodation in Tokyo to link these tours at no additional cost for those taking both.
DETAILS
LAND PACKAGE: $3,280 (US$2,460)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $960 (US$720)
DATES:
Departs Toronto: Sat Oct 18, 2025
Begins in Seoul: Sun Oct 19, 2025
Ends in Seoul: Mon Oct 27, 2025
This tour is guaranteed to depart with 4 guests. The Land Package price is in Canadian dollars, based on double occupancy, and guaranteed after the 20% deposit is received.
Daily Agenda
Day 0 (Sat Oct 18) Depart Toronto
The recommended flight plan is direct with Air Canada's AC61 which departs Pearson Airport at 13:35, but there are other options available too.
Day 1 (Sun Oct 19) Arrive in Seoul
Barry will meet guests when they arrive at Incheon International Airport and bring them to our hotel downtown. Depending on arrival times, there will likely be time for a light dinner near the hotel.
Day 2 (Mon Oct 20) Royal Palaces and Hanok Village (B,L,D)
After breakfast and a quick overview of our 10 days together, we will walk to the Gyeongbukgang Palace for a tour. Afterwards, we will visit one of Seoul's most historic neighbourhoods. Bukchon Hanok Village.
Day 3 (Tue Oct 21) DMZ Tour (B,L,D)
On this day we will take a full-day group tour to the DMZ to experience the last vestiges of the Cold War. Upon our return, dinner will be chicken and beer, followed by a free evening.
Day 4 (Wed Oct 22) Seoraksan National Park (B,L)
On this day, we will depart early for a full day tour of Seoraksan National Park, Korea's most famous and popular mountain destination. We will take a cable car to the top for amazing views, as well as visit a Buddhist temple and hike along a mountain stream.
Day 5 (Thu Oct 23) Typical Neighbourhood, Lotte World & Tower (B)
We will begin our day with a visit to the neighbourhood where Barry and his family lived, including a walk through Seoul's Children's Park and Zoo. Afterwards will will cross the river into Gangnam to see the Lotte World complex and ascend Lotte Tower for a twilight view over the city.
Day 6 (Fri Oct 24) A-la-carte Day (B)
On this day, guests get to create their own program. Options include a (very long) day-trip to Busan with Barry; a City Wall hiking tour, a Foodie Walking tour, a K-Pop Stars tour, and an easy day shopping in the city (with or without a local guide). Prices for most activities are $75-125. Ask Barry for details.
Day 7 (Sat Oct 25) Dongdaemun, Gwangjang Market; Myeongdong Shopping Street (B, L)
This is a walking tour starting from our hotel. Highlights will include the Gwangjang Food Market, Dongdaemun Gate, and the Dongdaemun Cultural Centre. After returning to the hotel for a rest, we will head to Myeongdong for the craziest assortment of street food available anywhere.
Day 8 (Sun Oct 26) FREE DAY (B,D)
Guests will have the day to do whatever they want. One option is to attend Jubilee Church (where Barry & Ursula went when they lived here). Another is to visit Namsan Mountain and the Seoul Tower. Finally, the Itaewon District was where American GI's traditionally hung out, but it's now attracting a younger crowd of students and immigrants. We'll finish the day with our Farewell Dinner.
Day 9 (Mon Oct 27) TRAVEL DAY (B)
On this day, those going home will head to Inchon International Airport (probably in the afternoon). Those continuing on to Japan will stick with Barry when he heads to Gimpo International Airport about noon for the flight to Tokyo.
Photo Gallery
