South Korea - Winter Specialities

USD7,100 SPACES AVAILABLE

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Tour Price (Per person): USD7,100 (GBP5,439 * EUR6,353 * AUD10,446)

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated* Twin rooms are not available, so all participants not sharing a double bed will require a single room.

South Korea is a key wintering ground for several migratory species, many of whom are found in very large numbers. These great birding spectacles are set against a backdrop of snowy mountains, pine forests, sweeping coastal wetlands and estuaries. We can look forward to enjoying impressive gatherings of wildfowl with vast flocks of geese and cranes, colonies of various gulls and rafts of alcids just offshore.

Often overlooked for their more illustrious neighbours of Japan and China, South Korea offers equally exceptional birding in a far more condescend area, with top class infrastructure and enviable safety. The country's lack of bird persecution contributes to the abundance of birds, providing for repeat, quality sightings of sought-after species instead of fleeting glimpses.

Highlights are sure to include stunning encounters with the rare Scaly-sided Merganser, large flocks of Red-crowned, White-naped and Hooded Cranes, a chance for Steller’s Sea Eagle, numerous Baikal Teal, Swan Goose, Oriental Stork, Solitary Snipe, Azure-winged Magpie, Chinese Grey Shrike, Chinese Penduline Tit and Relict Gull.

Top Birds

Scaly-sided Merganser; Whooper Swan; Swan Goose; Smew; Harlequin, Falcated & Mandarin Ducks; Baikal Teal; Sandhill, Hooded, White-naped, Red-crowned & Common Cranes; Oriental Stork; Solitary Snipe; Pelagic & Japanese Cormorants; Saunders's, Black-tailed, Slaty-backed, Glaucous, Glaucous-winged & Relict Gulls; Steller’s Sea Eagle (rare); Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker; Azure-winged Magpie; Chinese Grey & Bull-headed Shrikes; Chinese Penduline Tit; Naumann's & Dusky Thrushes; Hawfinch; Pallas's Rosefinch; Japanese Wagtail; Long-billed Plover; Pallas’s Reed Bunting.

Habitats Covered

coast, estuaries, rivers, rice fields, mudflats, Pine Forest,

Expected Climate

Temperatures are cold, typically ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F) during the day. Snow can fall at any time, strong winds & fog may affect birding.

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumepr Tour Leader

Tour Pace & Walking

UNDEMANDING: This tour is ideal for birders and wildlife enthusiasts of all experience levels. It’s suitable for most mobility levels and offers a relaxed pace, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Mostly an easy tour. Days are reasonably short. Drives are not particularly long; most birding is straight forward. Suitable for all birding / wildlife interest levels and most mobility capabilities.

Accommodation

Good to comfortable.

Ease of Birding

Easy. Several target species & rarities, but species diversity is reasonably low. Most birding is in open habitat.

Number of Species Expected

150

Other Attractions

DMZ with North Korea, war memorials.

Photographic Opportunities

Worthwhile to good. Some species can be distant (i.e.: estuaries).

What our clients say about us

Robert Wilcox
MB, Dominican Republic - Endemics of Hispaniola II 2025

Bobby, our guide, was a solid & knowledgeable leader. His demeanor tends to be quiet & reserved, which worked for this group but may not work with all group dynamics. The lodging for this trip was a bit more rustic than I expected. The local guides used on this trip were excellent & offered additional intel into sightings or hot spots to explore. The group got all endemics possible & overall was a very good trip.

Lev Frid
ES, Madagascar - Comprehensive I 2025

Our trip to Madagascar was wonderful! Rockjumper did a great job with tour logistics, lodging, etc. Best of all was our guide! Lev Frid is an amazing birding/nature guide. He is incredibly good at not only hearing, identifying and finding the birds, but Lev is also able to quickly (and patiently) help all the tour participants get on the birds. In addition, he is just a really fun guy to be with. His sense of humor kept us laughing and his wealth of birding stories kept everyone interested and engaged during the trip. It was amazing to see the wildlife of Madagascar and having Lev as a guide made our experience that much better.

Robert Wilcox
JM, Guatemala - Specialities of Central America 2026

Tour was wonderful. Loved everything. Very well organised and super localities. Anna is a superstar, she was invaluable

André Bernon
CM, Thailand - Southern Extension II 2025

While the birding was more difficult, the guides knowledge on where to search for some of the key species. Helped the group find a number of very interesting species of birds.

Nigel Redman
CG, Ethiopia - Lalibela Extension 2026

Our local guide was very nice; however his English language skills could be improved. The accommodation was very nice. I have told many people about Rockjumper. I value the time and effort spent in ensuring our trips are memorable. I can’t sing the praises of the office staff enough. Thanks so much. I’m already looking for my next trip with you. Katy

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