Active Adventure in South Korea: Hike, Bike & River Rafting - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive on Jeju Island, Optional Guided Tour

Welcome to Jeju! Touch down on South Korea's largest island, a volcanic atoll known for its flawless beaches and peaceful countryside. Jeju is also home to the country's highest mountain, Hallasan, and traditional villages filled with lava-rock cottages. Settle into your hotel and then head out to explore on an optional guided tour.

Start with a visit to Hyeopjae Beach, a stretch of pure white sand backed by views of Biyangdo Island. Wander through the enchanting Spirited Garden, decorated with bonsai trees, a volcanic cone, and water features. Jeju Island is also one of South Korea's most important tea production areas, which you'll discover at Seogwang Tea Plantation. Learn how tea is harvested, explore a small museum, soak up sweeping views of tea fields, and end the tour with a tea ceremony.

Day 2: Manjanggul Cave & Seongsan Ilchulbon, Afternoon Horseback Ride & Kayak

Discover Jeju Island's geological landscapes this morning. Head to Manjanggul Cave, a lava tube formed thousands of years ago, where you can marvel at spiky stalactites and stalagmites. Next, take in showstopping views across the island to the ocean from Seongsan Ilchulbon (Sunrise Peak). The journey continues along Seopjikoji's craggy coastline, where you'll spot unique rock formations and a striking white lighthouse perched on a cliff.

Continue exploring the island's coastline in the afternoon on a horseback riding tour. Meet your guide and horse, then saddle up for a trot beside the atmospheric coast. Hop on a kayak next to paddle along the wave-worn coast, where you'll cruise across the swells for a different perspective of the island. Return to your hotel afterward for a restful evening.

Day 3: Hike Mount Hallasan, Fly to Busan

Today you'll tackle the invigorating hike up Hallasan mountain, the country's tallest peak that soars 6,388 feet (1,947 m) into the sky. From the Yeongsil Rest Area, you'll follow the 3.6-mile (5.8 km) Yeongsil Trail through the UNESCO-listed Hallasan National Park. As you trek, you'll pass from lusher lowlands to barren, rocky landscapes. At Witse Oreum, choose from multiple onward trail options, including the Gwaneumsa or Seongpanak summit trails, which showcase panoramic views of Baengnokdam Crater Lake and Jeju Island.

After descending, you'll head to the airport for an hourlong flight to Busan, South Korea's second-largest city. With its beautiful beaches, verdant mountains, and laid-back vibe, Busan is the top destination for relaxing seaside vacations. A driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the heart of the city.

Day 4: Morning Tour of Busan's Sights, Afternoon Culture Village & Fish Market Tour

Visit some of Busan's cultural wonders today, starting with Haedong Yonggungsa, a Buddhist temple set on a rugged coastline. Next, head to Haeundae Blue Line Park to experience the fun Sky Capsule or beach train, then finish on the soft sands of Haeundae Beach, a popular destination for swimmers and surfers during the summer months.

In the afternoon, you'll head to Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its colorful traditional houses, unique street art, and local dish ssiat hotteok (pancake filled with brown sugar). Continue to BIFF Square, one of the best places in Busan to sample the street food. The streets are lined with food stalls and vendors selling everything from tteokbokki (simmered rice cake) to hotteok (pancake with brown sugar and nut filling).

End the day with a visit to Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest fish market in South Korea. Trawl through its treasures, split between indoor and outdoor areas, from dried sea products to freshly-caught seafood and a range of fish, prawns, shellfish, lobster, and squid.

Day 5: Ferry to Haegeumgang, Sail to Oedo Island & Cycle Geoje Island

Start the day with a scenic ferry ride to Haegeumgang, within the protected Hallyeo Marine National Park. Often referred to as the "Sea Diamond," the islet is famed for its dramatic formations like the Bride and Groom rocks, many steeped in local legend. After exploring, sail to Oedo Island, where you'll wander gardens teeming with diverse flora at Oedo Botania.

After lunch, set out on a cycling adventure through Geoje Island in Hallyeohaesang National Park. You'll pedal along the island's winding coastline, surrounded by sandy beaches and rolling mountains. Explore the southern and western regions of the islands, passing fishing boats in tiny harbors, dense forests, and coastline.

Day 6: Transfer to Pyeongchang, Donggang River Rafting

This morning, travel to Pyeongchang County, known for its beautiful rural scenery, and Odaesan National Park. Here, you'll discover the natural beauty of Gangwon-do, South Korea's adventure province, as you embark on an exhilarating Donggang River rafting experience.

Choose from four courses ranging from 5 to 18 miles (8 - 30 km), each with varying rapids and difficulty levels. Strap on your helmet and life vest, and immerse yourself in the heart-pumping excitement as you navigate through deep valleys surrounded by thick forests along one of the country's top three rafting destinations.

Day 7: Transfer to Sokcho, Guided Tour of Seoraksan National Park

Your driver will take you on the two-hour journey to Sokcho this morning. This rustic port is known for its fish soup and starring role in the popular K-drama "Autumn in My Heart." Here, you'll discover the natural splendor of Seoraksan National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Preservation District, with a private guide.

Begin by taking a cable car up to Gwongeumseong Fortress Peak, where you'll enjoy views of the park's diverse landscapes. Next, visit the historic seventh-century Seoraksan Sinheungsa Temple, and admire the Sinheungsa (the Great Unification Buddha), which symbolizes the Korean people's wish for reunification. Experience valleys, waterfalls, and rare flora and fauna throughout the park, stunning in every season.

Day 8: Transfer to Seoul via Nami Island with Optional Ziplining

This morning you'll embark upon the two-hour journey to Nami Island, which lies in the middle of the North Han River. The island is adorned in spring with cherry blossoms, while summer is ideal for lazy picnics on the grassy banks or cycling beneath giant pines. Arrive in the fall, and you'll enjoy magnificent foliage with trees in Maple Tree Lane ablaze with fiery oranges and burnished reds. Winter transforms the island into a wonderland, with snow covering the pagodas and birch trees.

If you want added adventure, take a high-octane ziplining trip across the North Han River with Nami Island Skyline Zip Wire. As you fly through the air, you'll witness 180-degree views of the surrounding mountains and river. Afterward, settle in for the hourlong drive to the buzzing city of Seoul, a sprawling mass of towering skyscrapers set against ancient Buddhist temples, landscaped sculpture parks, and maze-like street markets.

Day 9: Tour Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Namsan Park & N Seoul Tower

Today's private tour begins at Gyeongbokgung palace, the residence of the Joseon Dynasty's royal family from the late 1300s to 1910. Watch the guard changing ceremony at the Gwanghwamun area, and stroll through the palace's ornate pavilions and halls. Continue to Bukchon Hanok Village. Featuring hanok (traditional Korean houses), the site is now home to numerous themed museums and galleries, stylish cafés, and teahouses.

In the afternoon, head to Namsan, the largest park in Seoul and home to N Seoul Tower, a 784-foot-tall (239 m) architectural landmark. Take a leisurely walk along a shaded path to Namsan for views of the iconic N Seoul Tower and 360-degree views of the city and Han River. Don't miss the love lock fence on the observatory, a favorite local dating spot.

Day 10: Depart Seoul

Today your South Korea adventure ends, and you'll be transferred to the airport in time for your homebound flight. Safe travels!

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