SPECIAL INTEREST
Soft Adventure 11 days
Tour Highlights
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- National Folk Museum of Korea
- Insadong
- Gwangjang market
- Cycling
- Hahoemaeul Village
- Dosanseowon Confucian Academy
- Temple Stay
- Seoraksan National Park
- Unification Observatory
- DMZ Museum
| Tour facts and features | |
| Accommodation | 9 hotel nights in 2 and 4 star twin share accommodation |
| Meals | 9 breakfasts |
| Transport | All transportation by private vehicle |
| Guided | Services of an English speaking guide |
| Group size | Maximum 6 |
| Age range | 18+ |
| Degrees of difficulty | Normal |
Bikeways are well established in areas, but much of roads are sharing with pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. You need to understand how to safely and courteously share the road Bicyclists need to be aware of their surroundings. Watch for opening car doors, sewer grating, debris on the roads, uneven surfaces, and poorly lit tunnels |
Click on the days to access the programs quick
| Days | Visits and Activities | Distance |
| Day 1 | Arrive Seoul | 60km |
| Day 2 | Seoul | |
| Day 3 | Seoul - Gwangnaru - Yeoju | 100km |
| Day 4 | Yeoju - Chungju - Suanbo | 84km |
| Day 5 | Suanbo - Mungyeong - Sangju | 79km |
| Day 6 | Sangju - Hahoe - Andong | 80km |
| Day 7 | Andong - Dosan - Taebaek - Donghae | 180km |
| Day 8 | Donghae - Sokcho | 130km |
| Day 9 | Sokcho | Day 10 | Sokcho - Goseong - Seoul | 270km | Day 11 | Departure | 60km |
Day 1 Arrive Seoul (- - -)
60km
Touching down at Incheon International Airport places you in the heart of Korea. After you clear Passport and Customs control, you will be welcomed by the tour guide and then transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 Seoul (B)
Your exploration this morning begins with a driving tour of Seoul, featuring sites such as Seoul Plaza, City Hall, Cheonggye Square and pedestrian-friendly Gwanghwamun Plaza that is hemmed in on both sides by rushing traffic and office buildings. The plaza is lined on each side with 365m long streamlets, two centimeters deep and one meter across, the stone bed of the plaza's east side waterway engraved with important events in chronological order from 1392 to 2008.
Step back in time to when life was gracefully slow and discover Gyeongbokgung Palace, a particularly charming spot that represents a colorful and turbulent side of the capital's 500-year history. Depending on timing, you may witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony featuring parade, password verification, duty shift and patrolling the gate. Accompanied by a court band with its colorful costumes and royal flags, the ceremony is performed daily basis at 10:00 and 14:00 except Tuesdays, although it is cancelled in case of rain or extremely hot or cold weather.
Your visit to the National Folk Museum of Korea will familiarize you with wealthy culture of this friendly and picturesque nation. It is an excellent facility to illustrate the history of traditional life of the Korean people from the prehistoric age to the Joseon dynasty. The permanent exhibition features life and work, costumes and ornaments, handicrafts and technology, educations, living quarters, dietary life, oriental medicine, performing arts and games, beliefs and rituals, and
socio cultural life.
Insadong, at one time the center of traditional Korean art and antiques, features a mixture of historical and modern atmosphere representing the cultural glimpse of the nation. Clustered along the main street and alleys are lined with street vendors, wooden tea houses, restaurants and numerous galleries and shops dealing in antiques, oriental art supplies, and modern Korean art of all types and styles. Soak in the paintings, upscale artworks, antiques and potteries while you can. Get lucky and you just might meet the artist themselves. It can be plenty of fun walking on the main street, but you venture into the hidden alleys that do spring some unexpected surprises. While here, you may want to buy some souvenirs or simply wander and browse at leisure admiring cultural ambience.
Enjoy a brief visit to Gwangjang market. It is one of few markets retaining traditional Korean atmosphere. Established in 1905, the market today has 5,000 independent shops. On the market's ground level, the floor space is dominated by scores of small snack stalls selling rustic delicacies and cheap treats. Clouds of smoke billow out from the boiling pans, diverse types of pancakes sizzle on hot iron grills and the smell from the eateries filling the air. The roadside vendors hawking everything from food, fruits, vegetables to seafood and an entire upper level dedicated to high quality silk, satin, and linen. Try out some sorts of Korean snacks and see a side of regular Seoul life.
Day 3 Seoul - Gwangnaru - Yeoju (B) 100km
Travel approximately 20 km by support vehicle to Gwangnaru Park to avoid heavy traffic and the frustration of navigating access points to the riverside cycle path. From there, cycle about 80 km to Yeoju. While English signage is limited, the bikeways are well developed and clearly marked, making the route easy to follow.
The terrain is predominantly flat with a few gentle rolling sections, making it suitable for fit riders with basic cycling skills. For much of the route, bike paths are separated from motor traffic; however, they are shared with pedestrians, walkers, runners, and inline skaters. As a result, the route is not suitable for professional races or high-intensity competition.
Day 4 Yeoju - Chungju - Suanbo (B) 84km
The riding for the day is relatively easy. Follow the river as you make your way toward Chungju, where the trails remain flat and the scenery is especially beautiful. As you move deeper into the countryside, apple orchards become increasingly visible along the route.
Chungju boasts a rich cultural heritage. It is the birthplace of the traditional martial art Taekgyeon and is also associated with the Gayageum, a traditional Korean stringed instrument dating back to the 7th century. Take a short break at Jungangtap Park, home to a historic seven-story stone pagoda.
Approximately 30 km southeast of Chungju lies Suanbo, a small town famous for its natural hot springs. The spring water originates deep underground and emerges at an average temperature of 53°C. Alkaline in nature, it contains minerals such as calcium, fluoride, lithium, sodium, and magnesium, and is believed to have health benefits. After checking in, relax and unwind with a soothing soak in the hot springs.
Day 5 Suanbo - Mungueong - Sangju (B) 79km
Today’s ride will be the most physically demanding of the journey, featuring the two biggest climbs of the entire route: Sojoryeong Pass and Ihwaryeong Pass (548 m). While challenging, the effort is well rewarded with exhilarating descents, sweeping mountain views, and dramatic scenery. Rest areas are available along the route, offering convenient opportunities for short breaks and refreshments.
Despite the physical demands, the combination of spectacular mountain landscapes, thrilling downhill sections, and nearby cultural landmarks makes this stage one of the most memorable legs of the journey.
Important caution: Ihwaryeong Pass to Mungyeong Ceramic Museum (6 km)
This section is extremely steep and includes sharp, winding descents. Exercise extreme caution - control your speed at all times and remain alert for sudden curves.
Key navigation instructions as you approach the base of the descent:
After passing under the overpass, keep left at the fork after 230 meters to enter the underpass.
Warning: There are no traffic lights, and visibility of oncoming traffic from the right is extremely limited while inside the underpass.
Upon exiting the underpass, you will encounter two roads ahead with no signage.
Take the second road, which is farther from the underpass.
Do not take the first road on your immediate right - it is designated for reverse-direction riding.
You may want to stop at the Mungyeong Ceramic Museum, which offers an in-depth look at the history, craftsmanship, and artistry of Korean ceramics. Here, you can explore a wide range of works, from ancient pottery to modern reinterpretations by contemporary artists. Afterward, the ride is mostly flat, following a riverside path for about 56 km down to Sangju.
Day 6 Sangju - Hahoe - Andong (B) 80km
You will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hahoe Maeul, a remarkably well-preserved traditional village dating back to the 15th century. The village offers an authentic glimpse into life during the Joseon Dynasty (1392?1910), with approximately 480 traditional Korean houses, both large and small, still fully inhabited and in use today. As you stroll through the narrow alleys, take time to appreciate the village’s rustic atmosphere and timeless charm.
Hahoe Maeul is also renowned for its rich cultural traditions, particularly the Hahoe Mask Dance, a folk performance that allowed common people to humorously criticize and satirize those in power.
Day 7 Andong - Dosan - Taebaek - Donghae (B) 180km
Today is a fuller day, with multiple visits and a temple stay program. Dosan Seowon is a Confucian shrine-academy established in 1574 in memory of Yi Hwang (1501?1570), the scholar who introduced Neo-Confucianism to Korea. The complex consists of 16 buildings, most of them constructed in a simple and restrained architectural style that reflects Confucian values. By the early 1800s, hundreds of seowon were operating across the country; however, most were destroyed around 1870 by court order. Dosan Seowon is among the few academies that survived. Although its educational role has long since ended, the site still conveys the Confucian ideals and values that have profoundly shaped Korean society.
En route, enjoy a short stop at Hwangji Pond, the source of the Nakdong River, where approximately 5,000 tons of water emerge daily. The pond is fed by underground water flowing through the surrounding valleys of the Taebaek Mountains, offering a tranquil setting for a brief visit.
A Temple Stay is planned for this evening.
Korea is home to countless Buddhist temples, yet opportunities for outsiders to closely observe and experience monastic life are rare. Through the temple stay program, select temples open their doors to visitors for a short sojourn, offering a unique chance to witness how monks practice their daily discipline?from early morning prayers to evening rites. Temples are places where the Buddha is enshrined and where monks devote themselves to ascetic practice. They also serve as centers of learning, where believers study and apply Buddhist teachings. For visitors, the experience provides insight into Korean tradition and culture while fostering a deep connection with nature.
Samhwasa Temple, an active Buddhist temple dating back to the 7th century, offers travelers a meaningful glimpse into Korea’s Buddhist heritage. Please note that temple stay programs may vary slightly depending on the season and the temple’s circumstances. Upon arrival, you will be assigned your room and change into traditional temple stay attire. An orientation session follows, during which a monk explains proper dress, temple etiquette, and appropriate behavior in the Buddha Hall.
Temple meals are simple, wholesome, and completely vegetarianc- free from strong spices and neither hot nor salty. For many visitors, this mindful style of dining is both unfamiliar and memorable. After the meal, participants wash their own dishes, reflecting Buddhist values of simplicity, responsibility, and awareness.
In the evening, you will attend the Four Buddhist Instruments Ceremony at the bell tower. Most Korean temples are equipped with these four Dharma instruments: the bell, Dharma drum, wooden fish, and cloud-shaped gong. Their sounds symbolize a vow to awaken and guide all living beings?those on land, in the sea, in the air, and even those suffering in unseen realms. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to strike the temple bell under the guidance of a monk.
You will then take part in the Evening Ceremonial Service (Yebul) in the main Buddha Hall. This service honors Sakyamuni Buddha and his disciples and provides a quiet moment for reflection. Through chanting and prostrations, participants contemplate the Buddha’s teachings and reaffirm a commitment to mindful living. The chants are dedicated to the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma (his teachings), and the Sangha (the monastic and lay community).
At 9:00 p.m., all lights are turned off, and a deep stillness settles over the temple, broken only by the sound of the wind. Accommodations are simple and clean, furnished with a mattress, quilt, and pillow. While visitors should bring their own towels, any minor inconvenience is more than balanced by the temple’s peaceful and deeply reflective atmosphere.
Day 8 Donghae - Sokcho (B) 130km
The day in the temple begins at 04:00 when the sound of the moktak awakens the residents. Every monk and people in the temple will gather at the Main Buddha Hall and perform Pre-dawn Ceremony. This magnificent Ceremony will clear all dust from your minds and all stray thoughts from your heads. During the ceremony, you will offer 108 prostrations to show respect for Buddha as well as align your body in a proper way to have a release and cleanse your mind of earthly attachments, passions and delusion that disturb and pollute your body and mind.
04:00 Wake-up call and morning wash
04:30 - 05:00
Pre-dawn Morning Ceremonial Service (Yebul)
06:00 - 06:30 Breakfast
07:00 - 09:00 Mindful trekking with a Buddhist monk
09:30 - 10:00 Preparation for check-out and and tidy your room up
10:00 - 11:00 Tea time with a Buddhist monk
After checking out, drive to Sokcho, a coastal city that offers far more than mountain scenery. In the downtown area, you will find a lively and colorful market selling fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, grains, and everyday necessities.
Nearby is a North Korean refugee village, accessible by a hand-pulled boat, offering a poignant glimpse into Korea’s modern history.
Daepohang Port becomes especially inviting in the evening, when its narrow alleys are illuminated with lights. Here, you will see a wide variety of fresh seafood harvested from the nearby sea, along with numerous small restaurants serving sliced raw fish. Whether you choose to sample the local cuisine, stroll through the harbor, or simply soak in the atmosphere, the charm of this small fishing port is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Day 9 Sokcho (B)
The word of the day is hiking of varying lengths and difficulty. Only a small walk from the park entrance, you will marvel at a large bronze statues, Unification Buddha, symbolizing Korean people's hope for reunification of the country. A little further on is Sinheungsa temple where Cheonbuldong valley and Ulsanbawi trails begin.
Cheonbuldong valley Trail
It is the most impressive valley in the park, leading to Biseondae, Yangpok waterfalls and finally the peak of Seoraksan (1,708m). One hears many legends of the heavenly nymphs who come down to play at Biseondae while taking a bathe in the placid pools of the valleys that are hidden from the human eyes. Near Biseondae rises Janggunbong majestically and among the crags of it is Geumgang cave with a tiny temple inside. You will head up a very steep incline for 600m from the gentle slope of the trail, and you can scale only by carefully ascending the long, steep, metal stairs bolted onto the sheer cliff face. The hike, although hard, comes with a stunning view of numerous cliffy peaks and mountain valley. From Biseondae, another 3.5km to Yangpok Falls, so spacious yet everywhere you looked you are surrounded by giant mountain peaks.
Ulsanbawi Trail
About an hour and half into the walk from the park entrance is Gyejoam hermitage. Located at the base of Ulsanbawi, and the point at which the trail takes a sharp rise upwards. In front of the hermitage on a spacious stone slab is a huge spherical rock called Heundeulbawi. This rock is so perfectly balanced that it can be shaken with some effort, but nobody gets further than waggling it. Your adventure begins by climbing a massive steep staircase that winds its way up the side of the cliff that angle up Ulsanbawi, a 2.8km-long ridge of naked, gray stone peaks jutting 873m into the sky.
Biryong waterfall Trail
The trail is relatively easy for anyone to enjoy and you will view Biryeong waterfalls at the trail end. About 400m further above the falls, you will be amazed at Towangseong waterfalls cascading down a 320-meter cliff.
Cable Car
There is a cable car that picks you up at the valley floor to the Gwongeumseong. The peak is surrounded by cavernous drop-off cliffs, cloaked in more towering rocky summits. Definitely, you stand in awe on the top: sweeping panoramic views of the park around you, the Pacific Ocean, and the small beachside town of Sokcho. Be careful as always as there is not much room to move about and people constantly going up and down and moving around.
Among the recommendable trails from Sogongwon or park entrance (230m above sea level) are as follow and the given times are based on round trip starting and ending at Sogongwon in a relaxed pace.
1. Biryong Falls (310m) + Towangseong Falls observatory (5.6km): 3 hours 30 minutes
- Moderate and Strenuous
2. Biseondae (334m) (6km): 2 hours 30 minutes - Moderate
3. Biseondae + Geumgang cave (495m) (7.2km): 4 hours - Moderate and Strenuous
4. Biseondae + Yangpok (715m) (13.2km): 7 hours - Moderate
5. Heundeulbawi (510m) (6.6km): 3 hours - Moderate
6. Heundeulbawi + Ulsanbawi (873m) (7.6km): 5 hours 30 minutes - Moderate and Strenuous
7. Gwongeumseong (800m) Cable car (3.4km): 1 hour (roughly four minutes each up and down)
- Moderat
Day 10 Sokcho - Goseong - Seoul (B) 270km
Then, drive to the most northern tip of the east coast. Less convenient to get to, the route offers much more pleasant countryside scenery and remote tranquility. Unification Observatory was established in 1983 to console pains of division, nostalgia and inscribe unification will. With the entry permit, you continue towards the north, driving past lots of tank traps sat on either side of the road, all a strange and eerie reminder of the tensions that exist between the two Koreas and the stark reality of the divided country. Once there, you will get a glimpse of the much talked about border dividing the two Koreas and see the road and train track stretched side by side ahead across the North Korea, and soldiers patrolling the beach as well as some nearby islands.
Visit DMZ Museum (Closed on Mondays) offering a surreal experience. In a hope of bringing peace to the country from the painful past, the museum presents a South Korean side of conflict with the North, understanding the historical significance of the DMZ and embracing everything about the latest efforts made to transform the DMZ from a political scars to a symbol of peace and ecology.
Day 11 Departure (B) 60km
After this wonderful trip exploring Korea and with time to reflect on your surprise in your experience, you will return to the airport in time for your flight. By boarding, you are already high above Incheon heading for home.
