South Korea Cherry Blossoms

• Return International flights (economy class), departure city surcharges may apply

• 7 nights of centrally located 3 to 4-star accommodation

• Enjoy 8 meals including a traditional Korean lunch

• English-speaking tour leader (Day 1 to Day 5)
• English-speaking tour assistant (Day 7)

• Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles
• A high-speed bullet train from Busan to Seoul (public service)

• Return airport transfers

Today depart for Seoul, South Korea. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Welcome to Seoul, South Korea's buzzing capital, but don’t worry you’ll have plenty of time to rest and refresh from your flight.

Your accommodation is in Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, and one of the cultural and artistic hubs of Seoul. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes. There are about 100 galleries in the area and are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the centre of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Centre. The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries and are hidden deep within the twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt.

Please note: Flights departing Adelaide may depart day 0 and require overnight airport accommodation in Sydney (included)

Overnight: Ibis Ambassador Hotel or similar, Insa-dong, Seoul

Meals included: In-Flight

This morning we will begin our Seoul City tour at the beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace to experience the life and times of the Joseon Dynasty (more than 500 years old). The romantic atmosphere of the palace is brought to life with its lined magnificent cherry trees.

Afterwards, visit the National Folk Museum to learn about Korea’s unique culture and history before a quick stop to witness the Traditional Royal Guard Changing Ceremony and the Presidential Blue House. Next is a traditional Korean village, Bukchon Hanok Village, in Seoul which has been preserved to show a 600-year-old urban environment. Here you will enjoy a guided walk and marvel at the beautiful traditional homes. After visiting the Hanok village, you will enjoy a traditional Korean lunch where you will have the opportunity to try many dishes (vegetarian and vegan options available).

Afterwards, head to Namdaemun Local Market, the largest and oldest wholesale market in Korea, where you can find practically everything at affordable prices. Return to your accommodation this afternoon where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Please note: If the Seoul City Tour falls on a Tuesday, this city tour will be swapped with the Free Day on Day 3 due to Gyeongbokgung Palace being closed on Tuesdays.

Overnight: Ibis Ambassador Hotel or similar, Insa-dong, Seoul

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Today is a free day to explore the amazing city of Seoul at leisure or take part in an optional tour (not included).

Optional Tour - Korean DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) Tour - $160 per person
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 in order to separate North and South Korea. This morning head north towards the North Korean border.

Upon arrival at the DMZ, you will proceed through passport security control and enjoy a short introduction at the United Nations camp. Afterwards visit Dora Observatory which is on the South Korean side of the 38th parallel. Situated on top of Dorasan in Paju, the observatory provides scenic views across the Demilitarized Zone; visitors can see the North Korean territory from the observatory. Afterwards continue onwards to Dorasan railway station which used to connect North Korea and South Korea and has since been restored.

Afterwards discover Imjingak Park with the Memorial, the Liberty Bridge, and the bell of unification. Finish the tour with a visit to the Third Tunnel of Aggression, which is one of four known tunnels under the border between North Korea and South Korea and has been dug into the rock at a depth of 73m and able to accommodate a full army division with their weapons.

Finish the day back in Seoul where you will enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Please note: If the Seoul City Tour falls on a Tuesday, this free day will be swapped with the City Tour on Day 2 due to Gyeongbokgung Palace being closed on Tuesdays.

Overnight: Ibis Ambassador Hotel or similar, Insa-dong, Seoul

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning we will visit Yunjung-no road - one of the most popular cherry blossom streets in Yeouido, Seoul - with its 1.7km long cherry blossom tunnel.

From Seoul, we head to the celebrated village of Jeonju, famous for its Korean food and traditional buildings.

In May 2012, Jeonju was chosen as a Creative City for Gastronomy as part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. This honour recognises the city’s traditional home cooking handed down through generations, its active public and private food research, its system for nurturing talented chefs, and its hosting of local food festivals.

First up we visit Hanji Industry Center (Korean Traditional Mulberry paper). As Korea’s first center specialising in paper, it has an extensive collection of 3,000 artefacts and a database documenting the long history and superiority of Hanji (Korean paper). You also get DIY experience to make Korean paper with wooden tools and take home as a souvenir.

Afterwards, enjoy a stop at Wansan Park to admire the Cherry blossom then continue onwards to Jeonju Hanok Village, the largest Korean Village, with various traditional cultural facilities in the downtown area. Finish at your centrally-located hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Best Western Plus Jeonju Hotel or similar, Jeonju

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning check-out and transfer to the city of Jinhae, famous for its annual Cherry Blossom Festival and the only place in the world where visitors can find more than 340,000 cherry blossoms in one city. The neighbourhood turns white and pale pink during the annual cherry blossom festival period with the gentle breeze blowing about the petal snowflakes.

Afterward, visit Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, formed by houses built in staircase fashion on the foothills of a coastal mountain, earning this village the nickname "Machu Picchu of Busan". Continue onwards to the Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest fish market in Korea and a popular “must-go” site for visitors in Busan. Finish the day at your centrally-located hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Please note: The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival usually runs for 10 days and the schedule is announced close to the date when the bloom is more predictable. In 2023, it operated from 25th of March to the 5th of April, and in 2024 it is rumoured to begin on the 18th of March. The 2025 dates will not be released until early 2025. If the departure date you travel on misses out on the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, you will still visit the city to enjoy the sightseeing and hundreds of thousand cherry blossom trees on display.

Overnight: Asti Hotel 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 with sweeping views of Busan and the ocean.

Afterwards, visit Songdo Beach where you can board the famous cable car to the Sky Harbor Observatory Platform which offers beautiful views of the Songdo Sea and Busan. Return to Songdo 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.

You'll then visit the Nurimaru APEC House, built to host the 2005 APEC Summit meeting at the tip of Dongbaek Island, which stands near Haeundae Beach. This eye-catching glass building has been one of Busan’s most symbolic places ever since. Finally, you'll visit the UN Memorial Cemetery after driving over Gwangandaegyo Bridge, the longest bi-level bridge over the ocean in Korea. On the way back to the hotel, you can choose to visit Nampodong International Market which is one of Korea’s largest markets.

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 or similar, Busan

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning a tour assistant will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the nearby Busan KTX rail station for your journey back to Seoul. The KTX train (Bullet train) significantly decreased the time to travel anywhere in South Korea. Your journey will only take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes and the KTX trains operate at a speed of up to 320 km/hour.

Upon arrival in Seoul, you will be met by another tour assistant and transferred back to your hotel near Incheon Airport.

Overnight: Royal Emporium Hotel or similar, Incheon

Meals included: Breakfast

Today enjoy another free day at leisure before transferring to the airport in the evening for your flight back to Australia (or New Zealand).

Please note: Check out will be at 11:00am and you can leave your luggage at the hotel reception until you take your airport transfer in the Evening.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Welcome home!

We hope you enjoyed your time in South Korean and look forward to having you travel with TripADeal again in the future. 

 
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 
Covid-19 Booking Policy  
TripADeal 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 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. 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 directly to your Travel Consultant in AUD (unless otherwise stated). 
 

 
This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 3rd April 2025.
 
This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share. 
 
Single Traveller Supplement  
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $800 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 
2025 
March: 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31
April: 3
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability. 
 
Surcharges  
Not applicable. 
Please note: The Cherry Blossom can be difficult to predict. Every year is different and there are variations across the country. What’s more, there are multiple sakura varieties, each coming into flower at a slightly different time and lasting for a different period (most stay for around two weeks). Therefore we cannot guarantee the trees will be blooming in locations visited on this itinerary.The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival usually runs for 10 days, with the schedule announced close to when the bloom is more predictable. In 2023, it operated from the 25th of March to the 5th of April, and in 2024 it is rumoured to begin on the 18th of March. The 2025 dates will not be released until early 2025. If the departure date you travel on misses out on the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, you will still visit the city to enjoy the sightseeing and hundreds of thousands of cherry blossom trees on display. 
 

Departure Cities    

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, *Adelaide, *Perth or *Auckland. 

 
Departure City Surcharge  
• Brisbane & Adelaide: $300
• Perth & Auckland: $450 
 
International Full-Service Airline(s) Used  
• Cabin Class: Economy Class.
• Airlines: Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Korean Air Lines, Qantas Airways, China Southern Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific plus codeshare partners (subject to availability).
Please note: TripADeal 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. 
 
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 & 4-Star Accommodation (Self-Rated) 

• Seoul: Ibis Ambassador Hotel or similar.

• Jeonju: Best Western Plus Jeonju Hotel or similar.

• Busan: Asti Hotel 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  
Queen or twin bedding (subject to availability). 
 

 
Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 36 per vehicle. 
 
Optional Tours/Activities  
• Day 3: Korean DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) Tour - $140 per person (minimum 5 travellers required to operate).
• Day 6: Full Day Busan Sightseeing Tour - $160 per person (minimum of 10 travellers required to operate).
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 prior to 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.
• 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  
After a cold dry winter, March brings warmer weather and the first hint of springtime flowers.Temperatures at the beginning of the month remain chilly but gradually increase through out the month. With the dawn of spring, days become longer, averaging 11 hours from sunrise to sunset. Layers are essential as temperatures drop off steeply once the sun sets. Pack a warm coat for evening excursions when temperatures occasionally dip below freezing, and a light jacket for daytime exploring. March is relatively dry, and visitors can experct mostly sunny days, with cloud cover and rainfall slowly increasing as the month progresses.
 
FLIGHTS 
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points 
At TripADeal, we do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information. 
 
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 
Daily breakfast is included in the package. 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 TripADeal 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 would love to travel with TripADeal and 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 fintess 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 $4USD 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 the entrance 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  

Includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

• Changes - $100.00 per booking + additional charges from the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers. 

 
Name Changes Due To Passenger Error  
• If the incorrect name has been advised to TripADeal, charges of $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers. 
 
Supplier Fees  
In the event the Travel Offer you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Travel Offer 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. TripADeal has committed to these costs as your Agent and will endeavour to recover all funds committed and/or paid for your Travel Offer, but this may not be possible in all circumstances. If refunds are unavailable from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. If TripADeal cannot obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee. This fee is not revenue-raising and is paid to or withheld by our suppliers when recovering payments.