Backpacking South Korea

What are the passport requirements?

Your passport must have at least six months’ validity and two blank pages. You should also have proof of onward travel.

When will my booking be confirmed?

For group tours, your place will be confirmed when 6 or more people have signed up and at least four weeks (28 days) prior to the start of your tour.

For volunteer or private bookings, please wait 2-3 working days.

We will refund you the total amount if the tour is cancelled. Typically, group tours are confirmed six months before departure.

How can I get in touch with my group leader?

Your group leader will email you around 1 - 2 weeks before the tour starts with a welcome message and more trip info.

Is my money protected?

Absolutely. Your payment is secure. Backpacking Tours is a licensed tour operator in Thailand (TAT Licence No. 11/12642), and we use trusted international payment providers. Your booking is safe, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Where do I update my arrival details?

Once you’ve booked your flights, log in to the Manage My Booking area of our website and enter your flight arrival details. If you’re arriving early, we can still arrange your airport transfer. If you also need extra nights of accommodation, let us know early so we can confirm availability and pricing.

Are flights included in the price?

International flights are not included in the price of any tour and will need to be booked separately. You’re free to book your own flights or book here.

Is travel insurance compulsory?

Yes! Travel insurance is a must for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof (on your phone or printed) to your group leader when you arrive.

Need to grab a policy? Get a quote and buy travel insurance here.

What travel insurance do you recommend?

We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.

How will I access money while I’m away?

We recommend using a Wise travel card. It works in most places and supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. ATMs are widely available, but some places may accept cash only, so it’s good to carry some local currency.

What is the rooming situation like?

A mixture of multishare and twin accommodation throughout. You will be paired with someone of the same sex. Twin and single upgrades are available

I am applying for my visa / K-ETA and I need a reference and address?

Step Inn Myeongdong Address: 55 Myeongdong-gil, Myeong-dong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Is South Korea safe to travel?

South Korea is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. It has a low crime rate, and it is known for its safety and well-developed infrastructure.

Is there safe drinking water in South Korea?

South Korea generally has safe drinking water. The country has established water treatment and distribution systems that meet or exceed international standards for water quality. Tap water in South Korea is usually treated to make it safe for consumption, and it is regularly tested to ensure that it meets quality standards.

However, water quality can vary from one region to another, and some areas might have water with a different taste or smell due to local water sources or the treatment processes used. In some cases, people may choose to use water filters or purchase bottled water for their personal preferences.

Is there WiFi throughout the trip?

WiFi is available at all accommodations during the trip.

Can you cater for my dietary requirements?

While we try to cater to all dietary requirements, South Korea has extremely limited options for vegans. Please email us with your dietary requirements before booking.

Can I bring a 20kg suitcase on this trip?

We wouldn’t recommend bringing more than 15kg and a backpack instead of a suitcase will make your journey a lot easier to manage during certain communtes.

What are travel times like during the trip?

Our longest travel stint is 3.5hrs with 1 toilet break.

Will I be picked up from the airport?

At this time we do not offer airport transfers, however, Korea has one of the best rail networks in the world and we will provide you with clear instructions on how to get from the airport to your starting accommodation with ease.

Where should I fly into?

Incheon International Airport (ICN).

Where do we spend the first night on tour?

At Step-Inn in Myeongdong, Seoul