Road-trip in Fall South Korea's NPs, Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, w/moderate hikes

Let's explore the fascinating Korea's culture, nature, and historic destinations by road-tripping along the ocean from Seoul to Busan. The route with 1-2 nights stops will be: Seoul, Sokcho, Gangneung, Samcheok, Hanoe Folk village, Gyeongji, Busan.

On this way we would explore and hike at Bukhansan National Park, Seorackan National Park, and Jirisan National Park. One more of the top-rated Korea's national parks Songnisan would require some detour. While at Seoul we want to have a day-tour to DMZ (demilitarized zone) and Panmunjom. We will make sure we stop and explore Gyeongji, the ancient capital.

We may use the public transit in some parts of the route if it makes sense cost-wise. Prices on air-tickets with connection in Seoul and Busan look being at the same level.

Please note that the South Korea territory is not available in Google maps for route calculations. If you want to track the trip on a go or research it in advance, you need to get familiar with other services like Naver.

This trip is subject to health and safey restrictions imposed by the country. Here is a page with the South Korea Travel Advisory from the US Department of State:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/south-korea-travel-advisory.html

Early fall weather in the areas on our route is mild with day average temperatures 73-75 degree F (60 degree at night). See updates of weather forecasts at: https://bit.ly/3zXcu1W

Trip's summary:

• 7days/6nights trip for a small group of 6 explorers.
• The starting point is Seoul and ending point is Busan.
• Level of activities: Easy to Intermediate.
• Hotel accommodations in, preliminarily: Seoul, Sokcho, Samcheok, Gyeongju, and Busan.

Clothes and gear recommended:

• good hiking shoes,
• warm jacket for evenings, be ready to layer up,
• hiking poles if you used to them,
• consider hydration bladder for hikes,
• sunglasses,
• sunscreen,
• hat,
• for personal protection: mask, carry-on sanitizer, gloves (by your choice.)

Tentative cost: $1900 (could be updated no later than 3 month before the start.) What will be included:

• 6 nights stay in 2-people occupancy non-smoking room (two beds in room),
• Breakfasts in some hotels,
• Transportation by minivan covering approx. 900 mi of road-tripping total,
• Park entrance fees,
• Organized hikes in all days.

What is NOT included:

• Getting to Seoul, getting back from Busan,
• Meals, snacks, water.

Sunrise: 6:30am. Sunset: 6:20pm. Everyday we want to start off from the hotel at 7 am or 7:30am, or 8am as the latest. If you are a nigh owl, please try to adjust yourself for an earlier getup during the trip - the purpose of it is to use more of daylight at winter time for activities.

There will be a Zoom meeting on this trip and a WhatsApp group chat will be formed for the group to communicate and prepare for the trip. Please be available to connect by WhatsApp (provide the organizer with your WhatsApp contact info to be included in the group.)

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Photo: Naejangsan National Park in the Autumn near Seoul