Contiki Launches First-Ever South Korea Itinerary

Leading youth social travel brand leader Contiki has announced its first-ever trip to South Korea.

The 9-day South Korea Soul itinerary launching in March 2024 begins and ends in Seoul and includes a high-speed rail journey to Busan and a stopover at UNESCO World Heritage Town Jeonju, renowned for its local hospitality and traditional Korean ambience.

Travelers will have the opportunity to visit Gangnam, made famous by Psy’s hit song ‘Gangnam Style’ as well as Seongsu, once renowned as a shoe-making district and now considered one of South Korea’s most vibrant and exciting shopping districts.

The itinerary includes a trip to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), where on a clear day you can peek over the border into North Korea, a visit to the Awon Hanok Gallery, and plenty of authentic cuisine – including a Korean BBQ dinner on the final night of the trip. Participants will have the opportunity to discover Busan by night on board a private yacht, watch a baseball game, and star in their very own K-pop music video.

Taryn Welsh, Operations Director, Asia at Contiki said that “Over the past few years, South Korea has become a powerhouse for popular culture. It’s now one of the most sought-after travel destinations among 18-35-year-olds globally, thanks in no small part to movies and TV shows such as Parasite and Squid Game, plus the rising popularity of K-pop and K-beauty.”

“We’re delighted to be launching this trip,” she added. “It does a great job of showcasing both the modern and traditional aspects of this diverse and wonderful country. Travelers will flitter from traditional Buddhist temples to the vending machines of Gangnam and back again. And with Contiki, they don’t need to worry about the language barriers, navigation, transport or anything like that. Our Trip Manager and local guide take care of all this for them, so they’re free to relax and enjoy their trip.”