K-Pride & Culture: A Journey Through South Korea
South Korea Highlights Tour: Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan & Beyond
From the bright lights of Seoul to the serenity of Gyeongju’s temples, and from Jeonju’s hanok villages to the coastal beauty of Busan, this gay small-group adventure unveils the rich spirit of South Korea.
Step inside grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, wander the lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village, and savour street food flavours on guided tours. Experience Korea’s creativity in art-filled alleys, its pride in Itaewon’s LGBTQ nightlife, and its calm in mountain temples and coastal sanctuaries.
With hand-picked 3–4 star hotels, curated local meals, and a welcoming group of like-minded travellers, you’ll uncover a nation that celebrates connection, culture, and community, leaving you inspired by its warmth and resilience.
Quick Facts
Countries visited: South Korea
Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
Starts in: Seoul
Ends in: Seoul
Group size: Minimum 6; Maximum 16
Accommodations: 4-star hotels, 1 temple stay
Physical Rating: 2/5 (light walking, optional cycling, sunrise temple activities)
Theme: Culture • History • Food • Spirituality • Community
Activities: Palace visits, cooking classes, temple stay, cycling, mask dance, spa visits, tea tasting, beach walks, LGBTQ nightlife
Dates and Prices
2026
6 – 16 September 2026
TWIN SHARE $6,995 AUD
SINGLE $8,195 AUD
SINGLE TO SHARE $6,995
Pricing is also available in USD & EUR
Highlights
LGBTQ-friendly small group travel : 12–16 guests
Seoul’s palaces, hanbok photo shoot & queer nightlife in Itaewon
Hands-on Korean cooking class & street food tour at Gwangjang Market
Overnight temple stay with tea ceremony, meditation & monk-led dining
UNESCO-listed Andong Hahoe Folk Village
Ancient treasures of Gyeongju, including Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto
Cycling through Tumuli Park & royal tombs
Busan’s Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Fish Market & Gwangan Bridge night views
Beach walks, spas & karaoke at Busan’s LGBTQ-friendly venues
Farewell Korean BBQ banquet in Seoul with soju toasts
Tour Map
K-Pride & Culture: A Journey Through South Korea
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Seoul – Fusion Flavors & First Impressions
Arrive in Korea’s dynamic capital and meet your group over a stylish fusion dinner.
Arrive in Seoul, a city where ancient palaces, neon-lit districts, and bold creativity sit side by side. Make your own way to the hotel in Jongno — one of Seoul’s most historic and culturally rich neighbourhoods — and take some time to settle in or unwind after your travels.
In the evening, meet your fellow travellers in the hotel lobby before heading out together for a stylish welcome fusion dinner, the perfect introduction to Korea’s vibrant flavours and the journey ahead. After dinner, those who wish can take a relaxed stroll through Jongno’s lively streets — home to cafés, cosy bars, and an inviting LGBTQ-friendly nightlife scene — before returning to the hotel to rest for tomorrow’s adventures.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight: Seoul
Day 2 Seoul’s Palaces & Pride
Explore royal history, artisan villages, and the inclusive energy of modern Seoul.
Step into Korea’s royal past with a visit to the magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace, where sweeping courtyards, intricate pavilions, and mountain backdrops reveal the grandeur of the Joseon Dynasty. Continue to Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong, wandering through charming lanes filled with traditional houses, artisan boutiques, craft studios, and cosy tea rooms.
In the evening, experience Seoul through an LGBTQ lens on a guided Itaewon queer history walk, uncovering stories of resilience, community, and the evolution of Korea’s modern queer culture. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the neighbourhood’s welcoming nightlife and share drinks at one of its vibrant LGBTQ-friendly venues (drinks at your own expense) before returning to the hotel for a well-earned rest.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch
Overnight: Seoul
Day 3 Flavors of Seoul – Markets & Cooking
Cook iconic Korean dishes, then feast your way through Gwangjang Market.
Begin your day with a hands-on Korean cooking class, diving into the flavours, techniques, and traditions behind beloved dishes such as bibimbap, kimchi, and an array of colourful banchan. Guided by a local chef, you’ll learn how these ingredients come together to create the comforting, balanced meals that define Korean cuisine — then sit down to enjoy the dishes you’ve crafted.
The afternoon is yours to explore freely. Wander through Seoul’s lively neighbourhoods, stop by cafés and boutiques, or simply take time to relax at your hotel before the evening’s adventure.
After dark, regroup for a street food feast at Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s most iconic culinary hotspots. Sample favourites like crispy mung bean pancakes, juicy dumplings, chewy tteokbokki, and other local specialties, pairing your tastings with a cup of traditional makgeolli for the full experience. Afterwards, return to the hotel for a well-earned rest.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Seoul
Day 4 Tranquil Temple Stay
Experience meditation, tea, and temple life with an overnight stay in the Korean countryside.
Leave the energy of Seoul behind as you journey into the Korean countryside to Magoksa Temple (or a similar Jogye-order temple) — a peaceful retreat surrounded by forested hills, gentle streams, and centuries of Buddhist tradition. After arrival and check-in, ease into the experience with an orientation and guided temple tour, gaining insight into monastic life and the rituals that shape it.
In the late afternoon and evening, join the Buddhist instrument ritual and ceremony, where deep drumbeats and melodic chanting echo through the valley. Enjoy a nourishing temple dinner, prepared according to Buddhist principles of mindfulness and simplicity, before unwinding with a period of quiet reflection or free time to explore the tranquil grounds at your own pace.
Tonight, sleep in traditional ondol-floor rooms, warmed from beneath for a cosy and authentically Korean night’s rest — a peaceful retreat from the everyday, and a meaningful highlight of your journey through South Korea.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Temple Stay
Day 5 Andong Traditions & Tranquility
Experience mindful moments and timeless Korean heritage.
Begin your day in the quiet stillness of the temple as dawn breaks over the surrounding mountains. Take part in the morning ceremony, followed by the deeply meditative practice of 108 prostrations, a moving ritual that invites reflection, focus, and presence. After a simple, nourishing temple breakfast, share a peaceful tea time with a resident monk, gaining insight into Buddhist philosophy and the rhythms of monastic life.
Before departing, enjoy a final temple activity — either a gentle hike to Goonwangdae Peak, offering serene forest views, or a hands-on session crafting traditional prayer beads, a meaningful keepsake of your stay. After lunch, say farewell to the temple grounds and travel to Andong, a region celebrated as the cultural heart of Korea.
In the afternoon, step into the UNESCO-listed Hahoe Folk Village, a beautifully preserved riverside community of hanok homes, Confucian traditions, and centuries-old family lineages. Wander through its narrow earthen lanes, learn about its deep-rooted rituals, and visit the Hahoe Mask Museum to discover the vibrant stories behind Korea’s iconic tal masks and folk performances.
Continue on to your hotel in Andong for check-in, with the rest of the evening free to relax after a culturally rich and spiritually grounding day.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Andong
Day 6 Gyeongju’s Golden Age
Discover sacred temples, mountain grottoes, and Gyeongju’s serene nightscape at Anapji Pond.
Begin your morning with a scenic drive from Andong to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty and one of Korea’s most culturally significant cities. After lunch in Gyeongju, step into the spiritual heart of the region as you visit the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple, an elegant masterpiece of Buddhist architecture set among tranquil forests. Continue to the Seokguram Grotto, where a serene stone Buddha gazes out over the East Sea—one of Korea’s most revered artistic treasures.
In the evening, make your way to Anapji Pond, where softly illuminated pavilions reflect across the still water, creating one of Gyeongju’s most enchanting night scenes. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as the historic complex lights up, offering a beautiful glimpse into the elegance of the ancient Silla era.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Gyeongju
Day 7 Gyeongju Royal Paths
Cycle past royal tombs, stroll historic landmarks, and savour Silla-era cuisine.
Begin your morning exploring the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, home to Gyeongju’s iconic grass-covered royal burial mounds that rise gently from the landscape. Continue to the ancient Cheomseongdae Observatory, one of Asia’s oldest surviving astronomical structures and a striking symbol of the Silla Kingdom’s scientific legacy.
For those who wish, enjoy an optional bike ride through Tumuli Park, pedalling past royal tombs, graceful open lawns, and peaceful neighbourhood paths that reveal the timeless beauty of Gyeongju. After lunch, the afternoon is yours to explore freely — relax in a charming café, browse boutique shops, or visit one of the city’s small museums.
In the evening, regroup for a traditional Korean dinner, tasting regional specialties that showcase the rich flavours and culinary heritage of the Silla heartland.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Gyeongju
Day 8 Coastal Colours of Busan
Travel to Busan, visit coastal temples and art villages, and cruise along the Haeundae River.
Begin your morning with breakfast before checking out of the hotel and meeting your guide for the journey south to Busan, Korea’s vibrant coastal metropolis. Along the way, stop at the breathtaking Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, dramatically set against rocky shores where waves crash below its cliffside paths. Continue to the Cheongsapo Sky Bridge, a striking glass-bottom walkway offering sweeping ocean views and a fresh perspective on Busan’s rugged coastline.
On arrival, enjoy free time for lunch before settling into your hotel. In the afternoon, unwind on a Haeundae River Cruise, taking in Busan’s skyline, bridges, and glittering waterfront from the water — a peaceful contrast to the lively streets above.
As dusk settles, head to Gwangalli Beach, one of Busan’s most scenic stretches of coastline, known for its relaxed atmosphere and postcard views of the illuminated Gwangan Bridge. Finish the day with a group dinner at a local restaurant, savouring the flavours of Busan’s signature coastal cuisine before returning to your hotel for the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Busan
Day 9 Busan Free Day
Relax, explore, and soak up the easy-going charm of Korea’s coastal capital.
Today is yours to enjoy Busan entirely at your own pace. Spend the morning unwinding on the golden sands of Haeundae Beach, wander through the lively aisles of Jagalchi Fish Market, or dive into Seomyeon’s mix of boutiques, cafés, and street culture.
If you’re craving a touch of nature or art, visit the Busan Museum of Art, explore the contemporary exhibitions, or take a leisurely walk along Dongbaekseom Island, where forest trails open to sweeping ocean views and glimpses of the iconic Gwangan Bridge.
Whether you choose to relax by the coast, discover neighbourhood gems, or enjoy spontaneous city adventures, Busan’s laid-back coastal energy invites you to simply take the day as you please.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Busan
Day 10 Seoul Return
Shop, explore, and toast to new friendships back in Korea’s vibrant capital.
Begin the day with breakfast before checking out and transferring to Busan Station, where you’ll board the KTX high-speed train for a smooth and scenic journey back to Seoul. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in, then enjoy a free afternoon at leisure to make the most of your final hours in the city.
Browse for last-minute souvenirs in Myeongdong, explore contemporary culture in Seoul’s museums and galleries, or simply revisit a favourite neighbourhood discovered earlier on the trip. Whether you’re shopping, café-hopping, or taking a quiet stroll, this is your time to savour the city in your own way.
In the evening, regroup for a festive farewell Korean BBQ dinner, sharing sizzling plates, lively conversation, and a few cheerful soju toasts as you celebrate the journey you’ve shared and the friendships forged along the way. Afterwards, return to the hotel for your final night in Seoul.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Seoul
Day 11 Farewell, South Korea
Depart Seoul with lasting memories, new friendships, and the warmth of Korean hospitality.
After breakfast, your South Korea journey comes to an end. Make your own way to Incheon International Airport for your onward flight, carrying home the warmth of Korean hospitality, the beauty of its traditions, and the friendships and memories made along the way. A heartfelt farewell to an unforgettable journey of culture, connection, and pride.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Seoul
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Arrival & departure transfers to/from the joining & finishing point hotel (Seoul)
- Adventure Proud Tour Host from start to end of the tour
- Local Guides from start to end of the tour
- Accommodation in boutique 3–4 star hotels, plus unique stays in a temple (ondol rooms)
- Daily breakfasts and 4 lunches and 6 dinners as per itinerary
All transport by private coach, car, or local transfer as specified
- High Speed Train Busan to Seoul
Guided sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
Adventure Proud’s inclusive small-group ethos
What’s Not Included
International flights to/from South Korea
Korean visa (if required)
Meals not specified in the itinerary (most lunches)
Drinks with included meals (except where noted, e.g. soju at farewell dinner)
Mandatory travel insurance (must include medical & evacuation coverage.
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, optional activities such as Spa Land entry)
