Experiencing South Korea: History, culture and cuisine
- Seoul, South Korea
Duration
11 Days
Oct 19 - 29, 2025
Group Size
1 - 15
From
$3,179 USD
Paid in 3-5 installments for your convenience
What if you could experience and learn about history and culture firsthand, guided by locals who bring their experiences and stories to life?
What comes to mind when you think of South Korea? Is it the incredible food, amazing culture, the Hallyu wave or maybe it’s the history of the 38th Parallel, the fight for independence or the intrigue of the Joseon and Silla period?
What if you could experience and learn about all this and more from South Korean locals?
That’s why we put together this tour. From October 19th to 29th, 2025, we are offering an unparalleled experience and insight into South Korean culture and history. From the vibrant and historic streets of Seoul to Busan’s coastal charm, and from K-Pop dance classes to learning from displaced communities in South Korea, our tour offers something for everyone.
Join like-minded travellers as we discover the history, intrigue and charm of South Korea together.
Here's what one of our guests had to say about our trips!
"This was the most unique trip I have ever been on. It combined the very tough history of the destination along with tourism: sharing the beautiful cities and natural areas in this country! I had some of the best food I’ve ever had in Europe, saw incredible nature and also experienced meeting so many amazing individuals who were survivors of the genocide. They shared their stories and I learned in a way I never had, not from museums but from the people that actually lived through the events themselves! This is a pioneer for a new type of tourism! Get on these trips before they start filling out like crazy!"
Experiencing South Korea: History, culture and cuisine
- Seoul, South Korea
Experience The Hybrid Tours – Go beyond the guidebooks and history books and learn what it’s truly like to go in an immersive cultural experience! Learn what it means to connect with locals and like-minded travellers to show despite our differences, we have more in common than we realise.
Trip Highlights
- Seoul | DMZ | Gwangju | Busan | Sokcho | Abai Village
- Seoul’s history-steeped streets- Step back in time at Gyeongbok Palace, try on a Hanbok and learn about the growth of the Hallyu wave!
- DMZ - Learn about the Korean War and the division of the Korean peninsula.
- Busan’s Coastal Charm - Visit the vibrant Gamcheon Cultural Village, and relax at Haeundae Beach!
- Try incredible South Korean food -Bibimbap? Kimbap? Hotteok? You'll have the opportunity to try all of these and so much more!
- Historical insights - From the Silla, Goryeo, and Joseon periods to resisting colonial Japanese rule. Why did North and South Korea split up? How did it become the regional power it is today? This and more we'll be delving into with our Hybrid Tour.
Trip dates: October 19th – 29th, 2025
Logistics: Pick up is anytime on October 19th from Incheon International Airport in Seoul. The airport code is ICN.
If the flight schedules do not align, we will be happy to arrange extra hotel nights & airport transfers if needed! Please reach out to us directly and we’ll help you out 🙂
The departure should be booked on October 29th and you’re free to leave in the morning. If you need help looking for flights, or if you would like to stay longer and explore other parts of the region, please reach out to us for assistance!
If you’re looking to visit a new part of the world, cross off some bucket-list items, travel in a completely different way, get to meet new people and immerse yourself in a new culture, then come and join us!
Travel tip: Our go-to platforms for booking flights are Google Flights, Kiwi and Skyscanner. If you need assistance with flights, we can help out!
Included / Excluded
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- Accommodation
- Shared accommodation in 3* and 4* locally-owned hotels
- Small groups
- For the best immersive travel experiences, we pride ourselves in having MAX 15 people per group.
- Activities
- All activities listed in the itinerary are included.
- Transport
- All ground transportation is provided for the duration of the trip in a private vehicle.
- Airport Transfers
- Airport pick-ups/drop-offs are included on October 19th and 29th
- Entry fees
- All entry fees listed in the itinerary are included.
- Local tour guides
- Professional English-speaking tour guides for the majority of our trip, aside from pick and drop services
- Meals
- Breakfast is included every day. Lunch and dinners are not included to allow for flexibility in the afternoons/evenings.
- All government taxes
- Travel insurance
- All participants are required to have travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Everyone will have their own budgets; however, we advise bringing around $50 - $150 per day depending on personal spending goals. This does not include tips.
- Extra meals
- Meals outside of those stated in the itinerary.
- Tips for guides
- Not included. We recommend tipping $10+ USD per person per day to your guide. About half of this amount for your driver.
- Visas
- Both countries are visa free or visa on arrival for dozens of nationalities. We can provide the necessary paperwork if needed. Reach out directly if you're not sure about yours!
- All beverages
- Bottled water will be provided on a regular basis and is, of course, included, other beverages aren't
- Activities not listed
- Flights
Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
Welcome to Seoul! When you arrive at Incheon International Airport, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to your hotel in Seoul.
We’ll be staying in one of Seoul’s busiest and most entertaining districts filled with vibrant streets and a lively food scene, providing you with an opportunity to explore before the rest of the group arrives and the tour officially begins! Our team will be on hand to provide tips for making the most of your free time!
Meals: None
Overnight in Seoul
Annyeong! After breakfast, your adventure in Seoul officially begins. On your first day, you’ll be stepping back in time as we explore the beautiful and historic Gyeongbokgung Palace where you’ll be able to experience wearing a traditional Hanbok and visit the National Folk Museum! You’ll learn more about its construction in 1935 and its restoration after colonial rule.
From here, we’ll visit Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic neighbourhood that was once home to relatives of the royal family and high-ranking officials during the Joseon Dynasty.
In the late afternoon, we’ll visit Insadong Antique Market to check out the work of local artisans ranging from traditional artwork to local handicrafts.
Then we’ll end the day by visiting the renowned Gwangjang Market where you can try some of South Korea’s incredible cuisine like kimbap (a seaweed rice roll), bibimbap, tteokbokki (rice cakes), and hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes).
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Seoul
After breakfast, we’ll be visiting the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) and yes, you’ll be able to lay your eyes on North Korea! The DMZ is 4 kilometres wide and stretches approximately 250 kilometres across the Korean Peninsula, diving North and South Korea. From the South Korean side, you’ll learn how the Korean Peninsula was divided and its importance to the people of Korea as a reminder of the Korean War, the painful sacrifices made by citizens and the division of North and South Korea.
Depending on the situation of North Korean provocation during the time of the tour, potential visits may include Imjingak Park, Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory and Unification Village.
Depending on the time, when we return to Seoul, you’ll be able to visit the War Memorial Museum.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Seoul
It’s time to visit Gwangju, a city defined by its rich history, democratic activism, and thriving arts scene. From the March 1st Independence Movement of 1919 against Japanese colonial rule to the Gwangju Uprising in 1980 against military dictatorship, the city has a long history of patriotism and resistance.
We’ll travel from Seoul to Gwangju, and our first stop will be the Gwangju Independence Movement Memorial, which honours the local activists who protested Japanese colonial rule.
Next, we’ll visit the Gwangju National Museum to learn more about the rich cultural and historical heritage of Gwangju.
We’ll end the day by visiting the Asia Cultural Center, an incredible complex dedicated to promoting arts, history and cultural exchange.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Gwangju
Today we’ll be visiting 5.18 Memorial Park and Democracy Square to honour the legacy of the victims and of the May 1980 Gwangju Uprising.
Next, we’ll visit 1913 Songjeong Station Market, which perfectly blends traditional South Korean Street food with modern cafes. Here, you’ll be able to savour local delicacies such as tteok galbi (grilled short rib patties), hand-drip coffee and homemade desserts.
To end the day, we’ll visit Yangnim-dong, Gwangju’s ‘Modern Culture Village’ which offers a glimpse into the city’s cultural heritage and art.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Gwangju
Today we’ll start by exploring Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a stunning Buddhist temple built during the Goryeo Dynasty.
We’ll then get to experience the scenic coastal Haeundae Beach Train and unparalleled views of Busan’s coastline.
From there, we’ll continue to the Busan Modern History Museum, to learn more about Busan’s colonial path, experiences during the Korean War, and post-war economic growth.
We’ll end the day by visiting the UN Memorial Cemetery, which commemorates the soldiers from the 16 nations who fought in the Korean War.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Busan
After breakfast, we’ll be jumping on the KTX Bullet Train early to head back to Seoul. You’ll arrive in the late morning/early afternoon and have the rest of the day to explore Seoul! You can join one of our options below or explore the city at your leisure.
Option 1: USD 45 per person
· Namdaemun Market
· Deoksu Palace
· Hiker Ground
Option 2: USD 125 per person
· K-Pop Dance Class
· Hongdae Street
· Han River Cruise
Option 3: Explore at your leisure! Visit historical landmarks, and vibrant shopping districts or try the local food!
· Seodaemun Prison Hall
· Lotte Seoul Sky Tower Observatory
· Starfield COEX Library & Mall
· Gangnam Street
· October 29th Itaewon Tragedy Memorial Alley
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Seoul
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