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South Korea Tours & Vacations
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Vacations
Overview
Occupying the southern half of the Korean Peninsula and predominantly mountainous, South Korea is a destination as complex as it is captivating. Covering some 100,000 square kilometres, it encompasses a history and a culture that spans over five millennia; from the ancient kingdoms of the Silla and the imperialistic machinations of the Japanese and the Chinese, to the discord and tensions of the Korean war and beyond.
Blessed with an enviable collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ...
Occupying the southern half of the Korean Peninsula and predominantly mountainous, South Korea is a destination as complex as it is captivating. Covering some 100,000 square kilometres, it encompasses a history and a culture that spans over five millennia; from the ancient kingdoms of the Silla and the imperialistic machinations of the Japanese and the Chinese, to the discord and tensions of the Korean war and beyond.
Blessed with an enviable collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which currently stands at no fewer than 13, it is a destination that can still offer even the most intrepid adventurer the rare experience of a road less travelled. From the colourful chaos of its capital city, Seoul, to the tranquil serenity of its national parks and its southern beaches, a journey across South Korea is infused with a sense of flavour and tradition that has been lost to many places.
In spite of its obvious nod towards the new gods of commerce and technology, with its towering glass temples, South Korea is still a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, where bustling markets and street food are as much a part of the everyday scenery as Buddhist temples, ancient tea ceremonies and Hanok village architecture.
Start your journey
Group tours
Travel to South Korea with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.
TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS
Whether you want to travel on one of our award-winning itineraries or build your own journey from scratch, our expert consultants will help create the perfect tour for your tastes and budget. Below is a suggestion of the kind of trips we can offer, all of which can be tailored to you.
EXAMPLE ITINERARIES
HIGHLIGHTS OF SOUTH KOREA
BEST EXPERIENCES
Visit the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), one of the most heavily militarised areas in the world
Created after the armistice that ended the Korean War in 1953, the DMZ is a buffer zone which separates North Korea from South Korea. The zone stretches all the way across the Korean Peninsula, spanning over 155 miles in length. A visit here includes stops at Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and Dora Observatory, offering views across the DMZ.
Learn about traditional Korean masks in Andong
Andong is often considered the spiritual and cultural heart of South Korea, and is known for its preservation of traditional Korean heritage, culture and architecture. One of Andong's most famous heritages is its traditional masks, known as Hahoetal, and are an image of Korean traditional culture. In Andong, visit the Hahoe World Mask Museum, home to an extensive collection of over 800 masks from more than 50 countries, designed to showcase the artistry and cultural significance embodied by these masks. In Andong, you can also enjoy a Hahoe Mask Dance show, a traditional Korean performance brought to life by a troupe of performers donning vibrant and ornate masks.
Stay overnight in a traditional Buddhist temple
Immerse in a traditional Buddhist way of life with an overnight stay at Haeinsa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 9th century, Haeinsa is a working Buddhist temple located in Gayasan National Park and is still an active Korean Buddhist centre. Take part in meditation sessions; dine on a simple yet nutritious evening meal and reconnect with a simpler way of life.
Explore colourful Gamcheon and vibrant Dakbatgol Mural Village
Known as the Machu Picchu of Korea, Gamcheon Village is famed for its colourful houses built on the side of a steep mountain slope. Originally built in the 1920s, the village was a place to start again for refugee families post-Korean War, cultivating the area to make a living. The village has become a centre for art and creativity, and this is seen in the colourful landscape, the many murals and street art, and the artists who have taken up residency here.Dakbatgol is known for its vibrant murals and art installations. Wander the alleys in search of colourful art work depicting a myriad of themes, from a tree of wishes to a family of pigs!
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
Royal Jimil Hanok Hotel, Jeonju
The Royal Jimil Hanok Hotel combines traditional hanok style features with modern facilities. Designed to provide guests with serenity and cultural immersion, the Royal Jimil Hanok Hotel is the perfect…Discover more
WHEN TO GO
LGBTQIA+ Guidance
When planning to travel as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, there may be additional things you wish to consider doing, such as:
- Speaking to one of our travel experts for information about travelling in your chosen destination and local attitudes towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community
- Checking the Human Dignity Trust map which highlights regions and countries which are potentially dangerous to LGBTQIA+ people, or Equaldex, which tracks the progress of LGBTQIA+ rights around the world.
- Checking the ‘Local laws and customs’ section of your country's official foreign travel advice page
- Looking for any updates for your desired destination on the Human Rights Watch LGBTQIA+ rights page
- Buying a recommended guidebook, as many include an LGBTQIA+ section and advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers