South Korea – InsideAsia Tours US

South Korea

Hello

Welcome to our South Korea brochure, our love letter to this quirky, friendly and endlessly charming corner of the Far East.

Over twenty years ago, we started this company to share the joy of exploring different cultures with as many people as possible. And now, here we are: launching a brand-new destination that’s just about as ‘different’ as anywhere you can find on Earth. South Korea has somehow escaped the attention of international travellers for far too long – but the secret is out. And we’ll help you blend the top sights with authentic experiences of local life and culture, to really get you beneath the surface.

Whatever your South Korea travel dreams might be, we are here to make them happen. Tell us what matters to you. What you like and what you don’t. The food you enjoy and the things you like to avoid. The hotels you’ve loved and those that have let you down. Because every trip we plan is unique, designed together with you – and the more we know about you, the better your trip will be!

However, it’s not just about where we travel; it’s how we travel. We’ve always been conscious of the potential good that travel can do. Across Asia, even in wealthier countries such as South Korea, tourism brings well paid jobs into disadvantaged areas; it helps prevent depopulation of rural districts where lack of opportunity sees young people head to the cities for work; it helps protect wildlife and important habitats giving an economic value to leaving land undeveloped. Done right, travel is a force for good.

This is why at InsideAsia Tours we are proud to be a B Corp — a rigorous, internationally recognized certification which signals that we hold ourselves to the highest social and environmental standards in every aspect of our business. We know we are not perfect. This is one journey where the destination is never reached. There is always more to be done. But when you book with us you are booking with a company that cares. One that recognises that the trips we sell and the experiences we provide must have a positive impact on the destinations we visit and benefit the local communities we operate in.

We hope you enjoy exploring South Korea through our brochure. And when you’re done, the next step is easy: pick up the phone or drop us a line by email and we’ll help you explore for real.

ALASTAIR DONNELLY CO-FOUNDER SIMON KING CO-FOUNDER

PALACE /SEOUL

About InsideAsia

Our story

When we started our business way back in the year 2000, it was to share what we love about Asia with as many people as possible. Two decades and thousands of trips later, that’s still at the heart of why we do what we do – but we’ve learned a few things along the way.

For a start, we’ve discovered that planning the perfect vacation is a collaborative process. You come to us with your ideas, and we use our expertise to take it to the next level – adding a bit here, cutting a bit there, and injecting a huge dose of enthusiasm at every stage. Asia’s always changing, and every customer is different. That’s why the process never gets old, and we still genuinely love what we do.

Our people

We started out as two guys working out of a bedroom in Bristol, and grew to become a company of over 200 people all around the world. Luckily it wasn’t hard to find people as enthusiastic about Asia as we are – because without them, there’d be no us. They’re the ones who turn your ideas into incredible trips, supporting you from start to finish, giving you honest, opinionated advice, and generally introducing some much-needed personality into a process that could otherwise feel generic.

And it's not just about the people who work for us. We have spent decades building partnerships in Asia with some of the most charismatic and interesting people we've ever met. Whether they're guides, historians, chefs, architects or conservationists, we trust each and every one of them to bring your trip to life.

Tailormade trips

We don’t do ‘off the shelf’, or ‘one size fits all’. We make custom trips, just for you, using our years of Asia travel experience. It’s your vacation, your way.

Together with your own Asia expert travel consultant, you’ll create a trip that suits your interests and wishes exactly. Your trip can start on any day of the year, giving you complete flexibility over itinerary, duration and budget. And when the time comes to travel, our team on the ground will be there for you with roundthe-clock assistance.

How it works

We’ve built amazing trips for thousands of happy customers using our proven process. Honed over more than 22 years, it’s why 88% of our customers rate us as excellent. 1 2

The consultation

It all starts with a conversation. You give us your ideas and we listen to the things you’ve been dreaming of – your wish list for the perfect trip. We provide our advice and opinions and come up with a proposal, which we refine until you tell us it’s just right.

Locking in your trip

Make it so! You tell us it’s a 'go' and our team gets to work lining everything up ready for your arrival. We also set about creating your personalized Info-Pack: a guide to your journey complete with cultural tips, language hints, restaurant recommendations and sightseeing guides.

“The experience, from the first conversation on the phone to the end of the trip was excellent. Very good information, excellent service pre-trip and on the ground. What we valued the most was the ease with which all our needs were accommodated.”

BORJA GARCIA INSIDEASIA CUSTOMER

"After designing your personalized trip one-on-one with your consultant, we'll get everything arranged for you to ensure you have an amazing trip.”

BECKY BARRY SOUTH KOREA PRODUCT EXECUTIVE

The journey begins

You’ll receive thoughtful, friendly and expert service throughout your trip, from logistical arrangements to professional service and insights from our guides. Our mission is to make sure your trip is everything you hoped it would be – and more.

Welcome home

We get in touch to hear all about the places you went, the experiences you had, the food you ate and the people you met (we can’t resist a good travel story). Plus, we’ll have a few ideas for how you can continue your exploration from the comfort of your own home.

Why visit South Korea?

RECENT HISTORY

While the Korean War is a fading memory for many, it remains very much alive along the South’s border with the North. Just an hour out of Seoul, this is another world – a place of weapons, watchtowers, fences and land mines.

FOOD

Pungent, spicy, sour, salty, and sweet, Korean food is bold and defiant, reflecting a culture that has managed to survive and thrive over millennia. Food is central to life here. Everything revolves around a meal; the dizzying number of restaurants and street stalls attests to this!

HIKING

Hiking is the national pastime – and as a result, South Korea is a walker’s paradise, with a massive network of trails serving the coastline, lowlands, and mountain spines.

South Korea is the rarest of the rare: a country that’s packed to bursting with quirks, charm and cultural riches, but that still – for now – feels like something of a joyous secret.

To visit is to immerse yourself in the hyperkinetic splendor of some of the most dynamic city life on Earth, while also taking in a culture that goes back 5,000 years. Outside the cities, the country is 70% mountainous and surrounded by water on three sides, with dramatic national parks, worldclass beaches and 3,000 islands. As such, this ancient land is also a haven for outdoor pursuits – all served by a stateof-the-art transportation system that makes even some of the nation’s most remote corners accessible within just a few hours. Add the surreal surroundings of the DMZ and a fiery cuisine as unique as the culture that birthed it, and you’ve got a destination that delivers on all fronts.

What’s it really like?

Your visit is likely to start out in Seoul, where you’ll be hit by a palpable sense of excitement, and a blast of colors, sounds, and smells as soon as you step onto the frenetic city sidewalks.

But to truly savor the diversity of Korea you’ve got to head out of town. Rural Korea is calm and beautiful, and the rhythm of life is slower; think lazy rivers meandering through picturesque valleys bordered by rice fields, and timeless, stone-spired peaks.

Why now?

With its K-Pop megastars, Oscarwinning films, and a cuisine becoming more popular by the year, Hallyu, the so-called 'Korean Wave', is already starting to sweep the globe. Our team has spent a long time turning South Korea's secrets into amazing trip ideas, and we've learned one thing along the way: the more you know, the more you'll love Korea. We can't wait to share it with you before everyone finds out.

South Korea & Japan

We know this is a South Korea brochure, but hear us out – when it comes to vacations, Japan and South Korea make a great pairing (though whether they’d agree about that is another question). A trip combining the two is the perfect way to explore similarities, notice differences, and celebrate two distinct but equally fascinating cultures – and if you’d like to experience it all, you can find some of our recommended sample routes on p38-41.

SEORAKSAN

South Korea

Spend some time traveling the peninsula and you’ll find that South Korea – or just plain 'Korea', to the locals – is by turns ambitiously hi-tech and captivatingly traditional, densely populated while mostly mountainous and criss-crossed with national parks. You know that old 'land of contrasts' cliché? Well, this is one country where it really does pass muster.

While it’s the cherry blossom viewing spots, the hiking trails and the tantalizing food that may draw you here, it’s the unprepared-for things – the intriguing folklore, 5,000 years' worth of palpable history, and the gregarious, garrulous people that’ll really capture your heart.

SEORAKSAN NATIONAL PARK

Part of a mountain range that forms the backbone of the Korean Peninsula, Seoraksan’s craggy valleys conceal the ruins of a 13th-century fortress and one of the oldest Zen temples in the world. It’s also home to a giant bronze Buddha that weighs over 100 tons.

SEOUL

While Seoulites party the night away to a K-Pop beat, undercurrents of tradition run deep beneath the surface. Visit incense-wreathed temples and teahouses in the city’s hanok neighborhoods and relax in kiln saunas at its jjimjilbang bathhouses.

JEONJU

‘Eat once in Jeonju and be spoiled for life.’ So the saying goes, and there are plenty of opportunities to do so in Korea’s gastronomic capital – whether you’re wolfing down a local bibimbap rice bowl or knocking back copper pots of milk-white makgeolli rice wine.

GWANGJU

Just a two-hour bullet train ride away from Seoul, Gwangju is a hub for both history buffs and hikers – with its famous cemetery and memorial to those who died in the uprising of 1980, and the beautiful trails of Mudeungsan National Park on its doorstep.

JEJU ISLAND

The largest of Korea’s thousands of islands is also the country’s favorite vacation destination, and it’s not difficult to see why. Jeju boasts a balmy climate, juicy tangerines, beautiful beaches, Korea’s highest mountain, and a rich, indigenous culture all of its own.

SOKCHO

While best known among international tourists as the gateway to nearby Seoraksan National Park, Sokcho’s salty charms make it an intriguing destination in its own right – from super-fresh seafood to ferry rides to Abai Island, a place where North Koreans took refuge after the war.

GANGNEUNG

Gangneung, the largest city on Korea’s east coast, boasts an enviable location, hemmed in by lofty mountains and the big blue sea – you could quite easily go surfing and hiking on the same day, or perhaps even the same afternoon.

ANDONG

Once a center of conservative Confucian culture, now a laid-back provincial capital known for its spicy local punch and lively folk traditions (the famous Hahoe Folk Village can be found here), Andong is a fantastic base from which to explore the countryside of North Gyeongsang Province.

GYEONGJU

Known at the ‘Museum without Walls’, Gyeongju is the best place to get a sense of Korea’s magnificent 5,000-year history, from its ancient Daereungwon tombs stuffed with fifth-century treasures to its Buddhist grottoes set in ethereal landscaped gardens.

BUSAN

Korea’s bustling second city often comes out in first place with visitors, and it should be no surprise – as well as boasting the country’s most popular beach and Asia’s biggest film festival, 'Seoul by the sea' has spent the last decade cementing its reputation as the country’s hippest destination.

SEOUL

JEONJU

BUSAN

SEORAKSAN NATIONAL PARK

ANDONG SOKCHO

JEJU ISLAND

GWANGJU

GYEONGJU

GANGNEUNG

BONGEUNSA TEMPLE /SEOUL

When to go

Travel to South Korea is possible all year round –but each season has its quirks!

SPRING

March – May

Like its neighbor Japan, South Korea has a clear, warm, pleasant spring, which arrives with the country's famous cherry blossoms. The blooms may not be quite as dramatic as Japan’s – and the subject is actually a little contentious – but politics aside, it's an amazing time to visit (and it’s rivaled only by autumn for the sheer amount of natural beauty on show).

YELLOW DUST

Every year Korea experiences 2-3 weeks of ‘yellow dust’ – a meteorological phenomenon that affects much of East Asia yearround, but especially during spring. Masks may be recommended on bad dust days.

SUMMER

June – August

Known as jangma, or the East Asian Monsoon, there’s a notable increase in rainfall over the summer months between June and August. Temperatures can be very hot, with long periods in the high 80s during July and August. Though it may be the stickiest and most humid time to travel to South Korea, summer can still be a good time for a vacation –especially if you like it hot, or if you’re planning on spending time in coastal, mountainous or island regions.

AUTUMN

September – November

Along with spring, autumn is one of the best (and most famous!) times to experience South Korea – with gorgeous temperatures, bright, clear weather, and fewer rain showers. From September to November, the scenery comes alive with brilliant colors as the leaves change – making fall the perfect season to travel to South Korea for hiking and photography.

WINTER

December – February

Winter in South Korea is usually very dry and bitterly cold, with temperatures never rising much above freezing throughout December, January, and February. Snowfall is common, especially in elevated areas, and temperatures will occasionally dip as low as -5ºF. On the other hand, this is the best time for winter sports in South Korea, especially in the winter sports hubs around Pyeongchang and Seoraksan.

STILL UNSURE ABOUT WHETHER YOUR DATES MATCH UP WITH THE BEST TIME TO GO?

We’re only a call away! Let us know when you’re thinking of traveling and we’ll be happy to share our advice and recommendations.

Top things to see and do

K-drama filming locations, traditional hanok villages, a whopping 22 national parks, and some of the most in-your-face, spicy, salty and sweet cuisine around – all packed into a (relatively) pocket-sized country. Blend together with excellent transport links, and what do you get? The opportunity to experience a lot of diversity in just a couple of weeks...

But where to start? The good news is that we’ve been here and embraced it all, and we have endless recommendations to share with you. On the following pages you’ll find a collection of Korean things to do that we absolutely love – and we just know that you’ll love them too. If you need more ideas, give us a call; there’s plenty more where these came from.

DONGDAEMUN DESIGN PLAZA /SEOUL

Our top five foodie things to do

South Korea is one of the world’s great countries for foodies. Flavors are big and bold – full of garlic, chili and pungent fermented sauces like gochujang – and there’s incredible variety, from grilled pork belly and spicy kimchi pancakes to delicate vegan Buddhist cuisine. Here are our favorite Korean food experiences.

VISIT JEONJU’S MAKGEOLLI ALLEYS

These collections of simple pubs serve makgeolli, a tangy unrefined rice wine, with generous helpings of food. You might get ginseng chicken soup, braised kimchi, pork trotters, Korean pancakes, fried eggs, grilled fish, cockles, and mussel soup – and that’s just for two people.

JAGALCHI MARKET

Korea’s largest seafood market is pure Busan. You can pick from fresh-off-the-boat squid, shrimp, cutlass fish, and countless other options, then take your ‘catch’ upstairs, where restaurants will grill it, turn it into sashimi, or make maeuntang, a spicy seafood soup and more.

EXPERIENCE KOREA’S COFFEE SHOP CULTURE

Korea has the best café culture you’ve never heard of, with a major emphasis placed on design. Baristas serve meticulously crafted drinks, in spaces that range from renovated machine shops and traditional wood homes to sleek beach shacks.

BUDDHIST TEMPLE CUISINE

The food of Buddhist monks is vegan, healthy, ancient, and delicious. It’s produced sustainably – think mountain herbs and wild greens – and consumed mindfully, traditionally in silence. You can try it during a temple stay or at the temple cuisine restaurant Balwoo Gongyang.

KOREAN TABLE D'HÔTE

The royal cuisine of the Joseon Dynasty is Korea’s most refined traditional dining experience. Rice and soup accompany delicacies like lotus root, bracken, and enoki mushrooms. Dishes are generally lightly seasoned and gentle on the palate.

WANT A TRUE GOURMET VACATION EXPERIENCE?

Look no further than our A Taste of Japan & South Korea itinerary (p4041) – or speak to one of our expert travel consultants and start planning a tastebud-tingling trip built around your own ideas.

BUSAN

BONGEUNSA TEMPLE /SEOUL

Our top five traditional Korean things to do

Though often overshadowed by neighbors China and Japan, Korea is the proud owner of its own fascinating and complex culture. Deeply informed by Buddhism and Confucianism, it’s also intimately tied to the natural world, filled with mountain spirits, agricultural festivals, and inviting architecture that harmonizes with its surroundings.

FOLK VILLAGES

Step into Korea’s past at the Korean Folk Village or the living folk communities of Andong Hahoe Village and Gyeongju Yangdong Village. At each, performers demonstrate traditional ceremonies and you can try your hand at folk games and crafts.

EXPLORE PALACES, TEMPLES, AND SHRINES

Central Seoul is full of Big History, with five royal palaces – including Changdeokgung, with its Secret Garden, and the showstopping Gyeongbokgung. Jogyesa temple, the colorful center of Korean Buddhism, is also here, along with the UNESCOlisted Jongmyo Shrine, where the spirts of deceased royalty are commemorated.

HANOK VILLAGES

We’re smitten with Korea’s traditional tile-roofed wooden homes, called hanok, which you can explore (and even stay in!) at Jeonju’s Hanok Village and Seoul’s Namsangol Hanok Village, Eunpyeong Hanok Village, and Bukchon Hanok Village. Many houses have been restored and now host cafés, restaurants, and boutiques.

KOREA’S UNESCO SITES

South Korea boasts 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore, ranging from Suwon’s imposing Hwaseong Fortress and the underworldly lava tubes of Jeju Island to the city of Gyeongju, where art and science flourished during the Silla Dynasty.

KOREAN FESTIVALS

Korea holds loads of festivals to get involved in. Seoul’s aglow during the Lotus Lantern Festival, while Jeju lights up at its annual Fire Festival. Andong’s Mask Dance Festival showcases traditional masked dances, while spring sees cherry blossom celebrations bloom across the peninsula.

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE CULTURAL SIDE OF SOUTH KOREA?

Contact your travel advisor, or speak to one of our travel consultants and we'll weave together an itinerary that explores its heritage and traditions.

JEONJU

SUWON

CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE /SEOUL

BONGEUNSA TEMPLE/ SEOUL

Our top five contemporary Korean things to do

Today’s Korea is invigorating, exciting, and just plain fun. Young artists and creatives are producing groundbreaking works, while fashion designers and entrepreneurs are reimagining traditional culture in fresh new guises. Meanwhile, Hallyu, or the 'Korean Wave', shows no signs of breaking, with the country’s music, movies, and TV shows now truly global phenomena.

HIKR GROUND

Once the Korean Tourism Organisation’s hub in Seoul, the building has been transformed into a venue for all things K-Wave in Korea – with an impressive K-pop Ground on the second floor, where fans can create their own content in live studios with interactive video backdrops and their favourite tunes.

SHOPPING IN MYEONGDONG

VISIT FILMING LOCATIONS FOR K-DRAMAS

Fans of K-dramas should seize the chance to visit some of the spots their favorite shows were filmed, like the idyllic Nami Island (Winter Sonata), Hantan River Sky Bridge (Crash Landing on You), and Seoul’s Ssangmun-dong neighborhood (Squid Game).

MODERN ART CULTURE

Korea’s art and design goes far beyond K-Pop. We love encountering the work and ideas of contemporary Korean artists at Seoul’s Leeum Museum of Art and the Bonte Museum in Jeju and getting our design fix at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

K-Pop fans can stargaze on K-Star Road, several square blocks in the posh Gangnam district that are home to entertainment companies and selfie-ready K-Pop group statues shaped like teddy bears. Watch for K-Pop idols, or watch the fans watching for them.

Buzzing crowds, bright lights, and open wallets – that’s Myeongdong. This Seoul shopping district is especially good for scoring some of Korea’s renowned cosmetics and skin care products. Just save some room in your bag for the free samples that stores throw in.

GRIPPED BY SOUTH KOREAN POP CULTURE?

Give us – or your local travel advisor – a call today and we can start tailoring a quirky Hallyu-inspired trip for you.

K-STAR ROAD

SEOUL

SEOUL

NAMI ISLAND

Our top five walking and hiking things to do

In a country that’s 70% mountains, hiking is something of a national pastime in Korea, and hitting the trails is a great way to meet Koreans and soak up the country’s natural charms. Superb public transportation makes getting out of the city a cinch, and there’s a trail for everyone, from challenging mountain ascents to casual coastal strolls.

HALLASAN MOUNTAIN

Rising from the center of Jeju Island, Hallasan is South Korea’s tallest mountain and a popular, but challenging, hiking destination. And don’t let Jeju’s warm temperatures fool you; the peak of this shield volcano is often covered in snow.

JEJU OLLE TRAILS

26 trails of varying difficulty cover 28 miles (425km) on this hiking system that encircles Jeju Island. Feel the salty breeze as you pass fishing villages, beaches, citrus groves, and extinct volcanoes. Stamp your Jeju Olle Passport – a travel certificate to mark where you’ve been – along the way to commemorate your journey.

HIKE TO N SEOUL TOWER

The Namsan Mountain Trail runs alongside the old Seoul City Wall, which has been restored to its former glory – and it offers a quick, casual bit of urban exercise (though a cable car can also take you up to N Seoul Tower at the top). Spring and autumn are especially good times to take in the surrounding foliage.

NATIONAL PARKS

Korea’s 22 national parks are relaxing counterpoints to its cities’ bustle. Watch the sun set into Taeanhaean’s vast mudflats, ascend the majestic peaks of Seoraksan, or look out over Seoul’s skyscrapers from the slopes of Bukhansan, which lies partly within the city.

HIKE BETWEEN BULGUKSA TEMPLE AND SEOKGURAM GROTTO

Embrace the Buddhist practice of walking meditation on this moderately challenging 1.9-mile (3km) hike from the sixth-century Bulguksa to sacred Seokguram Grotto, together a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. In the dappled sunlight or beneath autumn leaves, every step is pure Zen.

READY TO PULL ON YOUR HIKING BOOTS?

Let us know which hiking routes appeal to you, and one of our travel consultants will be happy to weave them into your trip.

JEJU ISLAND

JEJU ISLAND

GYEONGJU

SEOUL

South Korea sample routes

There’s no one single way to 'do' South Korea. Even if you stayed here for years, you’d still be discovering new things.

We’ve found ourselves bleary eyed at 5am waking up in temple stays, and bleary eyed at 5am singing our hearts out in noraebang (Korean karaoke bars) – so it’s fair to say that the experiences we’ve had in South Korea, which have all been poured into these itineraries, are pretty diverse.

Between them, the routes in this section cover all of Korea’s most fascinating places and most rewarding experiences –you could be doing anything from giving traditional archery a try in an ancient fortress, to learning how to make kimchi or makgeolli rice beer, to stepping across the North Korean border at the surreal DMZ.

We design cultural adventures around your tastes and ideas, so tell us what you have in mind, and we’ll tailor your journey to a T.

Short on time but eager for a glimpse of South Korea?

This trip packs a punch, giving as strong a flavor of the country as you can get in five days. It’s a Seoul stopover, but you’ll get to escape the city too.

Seoul Stopover

DAY 1

SEOUL

Take a crash course on eating out in Korea on an exciting evening food tour through downtown Seoul

DAY 2

SEOUL TOUR

Watch the dynastic-style changing of the guards at Gyeongbok Palace

Try the famous 'Dragon’s beard' sweets made freshly in front of you in Insadong Antique Alley

Why not enjoy a sunset over the city from N Seoul Tower? It's at the top of a mountain, so the views are incredible

DAY 3

After a first night getting acquainted with Korea's culinary scene on a fascinating food tour, you'll have a whole day dedicated to delving into Seoul's history and culture – including its most important palace and temple. After that, you'll spend some time getting up close and personal with North Korea (yeah, really!) before taking a trip out of town for some folk culture. See? All of that, in almost no time at all.

HIGHLIGHTS

Enjoy a half-day tour of Seoul’s highlights, and a full-day tour of the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea

Tour the World Heritage-listed Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and soak up traditional culture at the Korean Folk Village

Take a crash course on eating out in Korea on an exciting evening food tour through downtown Seoul

DMZ

Step over the border between North and South Korea at the Joint Security Area on a tour to the DMZ

Take a stroll through Imjingak Park and visit the memorial halls dedicated to remembering the Korean War

Walk inside the Third Infiltration Tunnel, seemingly built as a North Korean invasion route for an assault on Seoul

DAY 4

SUWON & THE KOREAN FOLK VILLAGE

Explore Suwon’s Hwaseong Fortress, and learn the tragic story of the murdered prince it was built for

Try your hand at some traditional Korean archery in Hwaseong Fortress

Escape the city and watch a Pungmul music and dance performance at the Korean Folk Village – the filming location for many historical Korean dramas

DAY 5

SEOUL

Spend your final day in the city as you wish

DMZ Tour

"A rare opportunity to experience history in the making, the DMZ tour is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

"I was surprised by how the tour was a lot more than just visiting the famous border and the meeting rooms that span it. We heard stories from defectors at museums; we saw famous monuments which have been causes of tension over the years; we looked out onto the vast North Korean countryside; and we even climbed through a tunnel that was once used by defectors. Something completely unexpected was the abundant wildlife and budding ecosystem which has come about from the lack of human involvement; it was strangely beautiful there. As the world moves and evolves, it’s becoming ever more important to visit places just like this."

DAN CAMPBELL SALES TEAM LEADER

FANCY TAKING A FEW DAYS TO EXPLORE SOUTH KOREA’S CAPITAL EN ROUTE TO YOUR MAIN DESTINATION?

Call us today and we’ll create a detailed proposal. You can book this stopover exactly as described, or discuss your Seoul travel wish list with us so we can tailor the plans just for you.

If you’d like a trip that’s low on intensity but high on interest, this one’s for you – focusing on three exciting but contrasting destinations, it keeps travel time to a minimum. Though you’ll be taken to all the best sights, you’ll also have plenty of time in each place to simply do your own thing.

South Korea Highlights

The three destinations in question are Seoul, where you’ll see the city’s fascinating historical, cultural and modern sides; Jeonju, where you’ll stay in a traditional wooden hanok house; and Busan, where you’ll have the chance to explore Korea’s best beaches.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore Hwaseong Fortress and try out some traditional Korean archery

Weave your way through the higgledypiggledy streets of Gamcheon culture village, and stay overnight in a traditional hanok guesthouse in Jeonju

Enjoy three foodie experiences: an evening food tour of Seoul, a cooking class in Busan, and a visit to the famous Jagalchi fish market

DAY 1-3

SEOUL

Eat your way around downtown Seoul at a BBQ restaurant and the country’s top street-food market

Stroll through Huwon ‘secret garden’ at Changdeokgung palace

Visit Suwon’s UNESCO World Heritage site, Hwaseong Fortress

DAY 4

JEONJU

Spend the night in a traditional wooden house in a charming hanok village

Explore the painted streets of Jaman Culture Village

Try the regional specialty, Jeonju bibimbap

DAY 5-6

BUSAN

Learn how to cook your own traditional Korean dishes

Weave through the higgledypiggledy streets of Gamcheon Culture Village, a refurbished slum

Take a look at all the weird and wonderful seafood for sale at Jagalchi Fish Market

Relax on Haeundae beach

DAY 7-8

SEOUL

Shop for famous Korean skincare products in Myeongdong

Head down to Gangnam to hunt down the country’s fanciest malls and clothing boutiques

WANT TO TAKE IN SOUTH KOREA’S GREATEST HITS ON AN ADVENTURE OF YOUR OWN?

We can tailor this trip to suit you – meaning you can travel wherever you want, whenever you want. Contact your travel advisor or give one of our expert travel consultants a call; they'd love to create a detailed itinerary proposal for you.

Jeonju

"With perhaps the most famous traditional hanok village in the country and a reputation as the foodie capital of Korea, Jeonju really is an all-around winning destination.

"I rented a colorful hanbok dress from one of the many stalls around the village and spent my time weaving through the mazelike alleyways, stopping at the various trinket shops, charming cafés and museums, and snapping some great photos along the way. Wanting to test the city’s foodie credentials, I made sure to sample the regional specialities, the sweet treat, choco pie (visit PNB bakery for the original version. You’ll have to wait in line, but it’s worth it) and Jeonju bibimbap rice bowl – although be warned, it’s presented so beautifully you’ll be hesitant to dive in! Round off the day with a kettle-full (yes, really) of makgeolli rice wine and consider yourself well fed.”

BECKY BARRY

SOUTH KOREA PRODUCT EXECUTIVE

SEOUL

JEONJU BUSAN

BUSAN

CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE /SEOUL © iStock/aomam/Goran Q/Julien Viry

South Korea might not look so big on a map, but over the course of almost two weeks, this trip will show you that its size doesn’t matter at all – there’s simply so much to see here, and you’ll be hitting all the top spots.

Best of South Korea

DAY 1-3

SEOUL

Taste your way through the street markets of downtown Seoul

Explore the traditional alleyways of Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong’s alleyways with your guide

Take in the changing of the guard ceremony at the must-see Gyeongbokgung palace

Learn about the troubled history between the two Koreas at the border between North and South Korea on a DMZ tour

DAY 4-5

SEORAKSAN NATIONAL PARK

The trip combines Seoul and Busan, two of Asia’s most exciting cities. In between, you’ll be hiking through the peaks of Korea’s prettiest national park, staying the dynastic way at a wooden hanok guesthouse, seeing the 'open-air museum' of the ancient Kingdom of Silla, and much more – all the while getting a handle on Korea’s utterly unique culture.

HIGHLIGHTS

Deepen your understanding of Korean history with tours of the Demilitarized Zone and Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Silla

Learn about Korea’s feudal era staying at a hanok guesthouse in Hahoe Village

Hike the mountains of Seoraksan National Park and take in ocean views from Naksansa Temple

Enjoy a kimchi-making class and an evening food tour of Seoul

Hike various trails through the mountains and enjoy the view from the summit

Take in the natural beauty of Biryong and Towangseong waterfalls

Ride the Seoraksan cable car to explore the centuries-old Gwongeumseong Fortress

DAY 6-7

ANDONG

Stop off at Naksansa temple and gain an insight into Korean Buddhism while taking in the ocean views

Take a step back in time and stay in a traditional hanok house, in the peace and quiet of Hahoe Folk Village

Sample traditional Korean soju in its hometown (optional)

DAY 8-9

GYEONGJU

Walk the historic area at night to see the Anapji Pond illuminations

Learn about ancient Korean history in Korea’s 'Museum without Walls', as Gyeongju is commonly referred to in Korea

Stroll through the Daereungwon Tomb Complex

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bulguksa temple complex

DAY 10-11

BUSAN

Ride the retro Haeundae beach train

Sample weird and wonderful seafood at Jagalchi fish market

Explore one of Korea’s only sea temples, Haedong Yonggungsa, with a local guide

Relax and explore the craft beer scene at Haeundae Beach (optional)

DAY 12-13

SEOUL

Have a go at making your own kimchi from a traditional recipe

Explore cosmetic shops and luxury department stores in the buzzing Myeongdong district

Head to N Seoul Tower to take in the glistening night view over the city

Seoraksan National Park

"One time, after a night exploring Sokcho (mostly to soak in a jimjilbang bathhouse and eat some Korean fried chicken), my partner and I made our way to Seoraksan National Park to begin the famous hike to Ulsanbawi Rock.

"The views throughout the park are absolutely breathtaking, as you are completely surrounded by greenery and unique granite mountains. While most of the hike was quite gradual, the final 800-plus stairs to the summit aren’t for the faint of heart! But once we got to the overlook, we forgot all about the struggle and just appreciated the view.

"To round off the day, we ended with a bowl of veggie bibimbap made from a café within the park, making the hiking all the more worthwhile."

MICHAEL TROMBOLD SENIOR TRAVEL CONSULTANT

READY TO EXPERIENCE

THE BEST OF SOUTH KOREA?

Contact your travel advisor or let our travel consultants plan this trip for you by speaking to us today. We can arrange the itinerary exactly as described or add in extra nights and different destinations to make for a longer vacation.

Ruangsri; Rakkojae Andong Hahoe Folk Village

Whatever you’ve seen during your stay in Korea, a side-trip to Jeju Island will be the cherry on top. Koreans absolutely love the place (if you want proof, Seoul-to-Jeju is the world’s busiest flight route) –and you probably will too.

Jeju Island Extension

Jeju’s wonders are mainly of the natural kind, and on your trip around the island you’ll see volcanic craters, majestic waterfalls and secluded beaches, learning about the island’s unique culture as you go.

HIGHLIGHTS

Private guided tours of Jeju's natural highlights

Perfect as an add-on to a Korea itinerary

Explore every corner of the island at your leisure in a rental car

Soak up the sun on one of Jeju's many scenic beaches

DAY 1-2

JEJU ISLAND

Spend the day with a local guide exploring Jeju’s natural wonders, including Cheonjiyeon waterfall, and the basalt stacks of Jusangjeolli

Take in the seascape views from the stunning crater of Sunrise Peak

If you're lucky, catch sight of the haenyo, Korea’s free-diving 'sea women'

DAY 3-4

JEJU ISLAND

Try the regional specialty – a barbecue of Jeju’s famous 'black-pig' pork

Hike Hallasan, an extinct volcano, to the highest point in the country

Relax on one of Jeju’s many secluded beaches

DREAMING OF ROUNDING OFF YOUR TRIP ON JEJU ISLAND?

You can book this extension exactly as described, or give us a call to shape it around your specific desires.

Jeju Island

"Jeju Island is a real contradiction. It has beautiful waterfalls, amazing national parks and incredible rock formations carved out by volcanoes – yet beyond its natural beauty, it retains the quirkiness and traditions of mainland Korea.

"The island’s extensive road network connects both intimate hidden hotels and huge resorts that make Disneyland look restrained. Whatever your interest – be it folklore, modern art or hiking, teddy bears, Renault cars or Loveland (say no more), Jeju has you covered. I went to enjoy some downtime, exploring the mountains and coastline by car – but the island really does have something for everyone. Whether you go to relax or explore, one thing’s for sure: you will never be bored."

BEN GUEST SENIOR TRAVEL CONSULTANT

JEJU ISLAND

© Dreamstime/Noppasin Wongchum; iStock/J.Park/Joel Carilet/Leonardo Spencer/Sanga Park

Japan & South Korea

Japan and Korea have a complex history going back hundreds of years. They're utterly unique in someways, and surprisingly similar in others. But at the same time neither can escape their shared history, which has shaped everything about them from their food and drink to their philosophy.

The best way to compare and contrast the two? Weave them together for the trip of a lifetime. Come to us with your ideas, and we'll pull out all the stops to create your ultimate Japan and South Korea trip, tailored especially for you. We've got the logistics covered – so all you need to do is make sure your passport is up to date!

Not sure where to begin? Here are a few sample itineraries to get your imagination flowing.

Vast cities, lush countryside, hyper-charged pop culture and superlative food: Japan and South Korea are a classic combo, and this itinerary is all about exploring the similarities and subtle differences that tie them together (but on the other hand, make them completely unique).

Best of Korea & Japan

As you travel from Korea to Japan, you’ll see classic destinations from different angles, combining wellknown sights with lesser-known highlights; contrast cities like vibrant Seoul and achingly cool Busan with hectic Tokyo and Kyoto, the heart of Japanese culture; and delve into the history of Korea’s folk villages before experiencing the epitome of Japanese tradition at an unmissable ryokan stay.

HIGHLIGHTS

Dig into cultural differences with guided tours of Seoul, Andong, Kyoto and Tokyo; traditional stays in hanok and ryokan inns; afternoon tea with a trainee geisha in Kyoto, and a chopstick- and spoon-making workshop in Seoul

Admire the beautiful scenery of both countries as you visit Hahoe and Gamcheon villages in Korea, then Hakone National Park in Japan

Contrast subtlety and spice with an izakaya evening in Tokyo

DAY 1-3

SEOUL

See (and hear!) the historical reenactment of the changing of the guards at Gyeongbok Palace

Visit a workshop and make your own wooden sujeo (chopstick and spoon set) to use on your travels

Make an optional day trip to Suwon, home of World Heritage Hwaseong Fortress

DAY 4

ANDONG

Visit the Hahoe Mask Museum and learn how the locals keep their heritage alive through ritualistic mask dances and traditional festivals

See stunning views of Hahoe Village and the Nakdong River from Buyongdae Cliff

Spend a night in a traditional hanok house by the river, sleeping in a thatched cottage around a packed-earth courtyard

DAY 5-6

BUSAN

See the mesmerizing light show projected on Busan Tower at Yongdu Mountain Park

Explore the hidden shops and cafés of many-colored Gamcheon Culture Village

Eat nakji octopus tentacles and sample fish soup at Busan’s famous Jagalchi Market

DAY 7-9

KYOTO

Enjoy an exclusive private audience with a maiko and learn about the 'floating world' of the geisha

Explore the World Heritage temples and shrines of Kyoto with an expert guide to bring history to life

Escape the crowds with an optional day trip to traditional Nara – or embrace them with a day in the throng in buzzing Osaka

DAY 10-11

HAKONE

Take the cablecar to sulphurspewing Owakudani, where visitors boil black eggs in the bubbling hot springs

Relax in a private hot-spring bath at your ryokan inn, where you’ll eat kaiseki food and sleep in tatami-mat rooms

If you’re lucky, get a fabulous view of Mount Fuji – most often sighted in the clear weather of autumn and winter

FASCINATED BY THE SIGHTS OF SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN?

You can book this trip exactly as described, starting on any day of the year. Contact your travel advisor or one of our travel consultants, and we can tailor it to suit your travel style.

Busan

"I instantly fell in love with Busan’s laid-back coastal location; it reminds me of other global beachside cities like Tel Aviv and Barcelona.

DAY 12-14

TOKYO

Visit vermilion Senso-ji Temple in the old-fashioned district of Asakusa or go tech-mad in neondrenched Akihabara

Discover some of Tokyo’s lesserknown districts, such as the thrift shops of Shimokitazawa or the legendary ramen joints of Takadanobaba

Spend an evening izakayahopping through Shinjuku with one of our food-and-drink experts

"There’s so much variety here – from visiting Haedong Yonggunsa temple and exploring the colorful murals of Gamcheon culture village, to checking out one of the biggest spas in the country.

"One of the real highlights of my visit was visiting the Jagalchi fish market to wander stalls selling everything from the familiar fresh tuna, crab and oysters to weird and wonderful delicacies like grilled eel and abalone. No visit to the market is complete without eating some of the freshest seafood imaginable, prepared in front of you at the small restaurants and food stands above the main market. If you like eating, then a visit to Busan is well worth wearing an elastic waistband for!"

HOLLY BROWN SENIOR TRAVEL CONSULTANT

SEOUL

BUSAN ANDONG

TOKYO

HAKONE

KYOTO

TOKYO

© David Lovejoy; iStock/M Lenny/Marco Piunti; Unsplash/Minku Kang

Balancing the subtlety of Japanese kaiseki haute cuisine with the heat and bombast of saucy Korean BBQ, this itinerary is a tasting menu in vacation form.

A Taste of Japan & South Korea

In Japan and Korea, food isn’t just about flavor and texture (though the Japanese do reportedly have 400 words for the latter). It’s about how what you eat changes with the season; the huge variety between different regions; the rituals and etiquette surrounding eating. Which is more delicious?

We’ll leave that one to you.

HIGHLIGHTS

Dive into the cuisines of both countries with an array of foodie experiences, including an izakaya evening, cooking class, street-food tour, kaiseki feast and tempura meal in Japan – then two nighttime street food tours and a food-themed drumming performance (yep, really) in Korea

Compare Japanese and Korean history with a full-day tour of Kyoto’s temples, then a half-day tour of Gyeongju and its UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Take in the scenery on a countryside cycle tour of Takayama in Japan, then contrast it with a full-day tour of beautiful Busan in Korea, including multicolored Gamcheon Village and Haedong Yonggungsa sea temple

Get to know the world's biggest city on a full-day tour of Tokyo

DAY 1-3

TOKYO

Explore Tokyo with a local guide who’ll tailor the day to your interests and wishes

Ask your guide to take you to Tokyo’s world-famous fish market, where a single bluefin tuna can snag over three million US dollars at auction

Go izakaya-and-bar-hopping to try the city’s best bites and get to grips with food etiquette

DAY 4-5

TAKAYAMA

Spend two nights at a traditional ryokan inn, sleeping on a futon laid out on tatami mats

Enjoy an elaborate, beautifully presented kaiseki feast prepared with local, seasonal produce Cycle through the rice paddies and timewarp towns of the Hida countryside with a local guide

DAY 6

KANAZAWA

Sip home-made plum wine and learn to make authentic Japanese dishes at a super-fun cooking class

Visit one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan: Kenrokuen

Taste your way through grilled eel’s liver, spicy pickled squid, fresh oysters and more at Omicho Market

DAY 7-8

KYOTO

Keep your eyes peeled for geisha on a walking tour of the Gion teahouse district

Explore Kyoto’s historic shrines, temples, palaces and gardens on a full-day guided tour with a local expert

Make time to visit 400-year-old Nishiki Market, where you can peruse pickles, spices, and dried seafood galore

DAY 9

OSAKA

Wander beneath the neon lights and crazy animatronic signs of buzzing Dotonbori

Sample octopus dumplings and skewered meat on an evening street-food tour

Get a look at green-roofed Osaka Castle, the city’s most recognizable landmark

DAY 10-11

BUSAN

Find out how Korea’s seafood measures up to Japan’s with a visit to Jakgalchi Fish Market

Explore the brightly painted streets of Gamcheon Culture Village

Visit one of Korea’s only coastal temples for majestic ocean views

READY FOR THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME THROUGH JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA?

We can customize this itinerary to suit you. Want an extra night in Kyoto? Feel like adding a beach break on Jeju Island after the trip? Just let us know so can start planning for you.

DAY 12

GYEONGJU

See the remnants of the magnificent Silla Kingdom at the tombs of Tumuli Park

Visit Cheomseongdae

Observatory: a throwback to when Gyeongju was the scientific hub of the world

Seek out the boutique coffee shops and cafés of Hwangridan Street, and sample the city’s street-food highlights on an evening tour of Seongdo Market

DAY 13-15

SEOUL

Sample Korea’s world-famous BBQ and snack your way around Gwangjang Market on an evening food tour

Explore the National Folk Museum and visit Jogyesa Temple on a full-day tour of Seoul with a local guide

See a genre-busting, foodthemed comedy drumming performance at Nanta Theatre

Gangnam, Seoul

"We’ve all heard and danced along to Psy’s hit, ‘Gangnam Style’ over the last few years – but the thing is… it’s real!

"While the actual Gangnam may be lacking in street dances, the sunglasses and suits are there in abundance – along with beautiful treelined streets dotted with mansions, boulevards of elegant boutiques and malls, and chic cafés stuffed with mouth-watering pastries and refreshing coffee drinks.

"Gangnam is elegant and showy, and while you could get lost in the crowds easily, no one will blame you if you want to slip on that fancy shirt and stand out among the hip and happening in Seoul’s fashion capital."

ANDY TAIT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

SEOUL

BUSAN

OSAKA

TAKAYAMA

KANAZAWA

KYOTO

GYEONGJU

TOKYO

OSAKA

© Dreamstime; Inside Travel Group; Sara Pretelli; Unsplash/GlobalCareerBook.com

Guided tours and excursions

Whatever draws you to South Korea, we’ve sought out the very best insider experiences to get you right to the heart of the culture.

From foodie explorations of Seoul to traditional hanok guesthouse stays and nerve-jangling tours of the infamous DMZ, each of our excursions is specially selected by us, and led by some of the most passionate and knowledgeable people around.

Here’s just a selection of the wide range of tours and excursions we can curate especially for you. Talk to us for even more.

Guided tours and excursions

Stay in a hanok house

Don’t miss the chance to stay the old-school Korean way – in a hanok. These wooden, tile-roofed homes once covered the country, though they’re now vanishingly rare. Thankfully, a few hanok neighborhoods remain, and there are plenty of hanok guesthouses where you can savor the down-home delights of a nearbygone era, like sleeping on futon-style bedding on heated floors. In Jeonju’s Hanok Village, there’s the added bonus of having some of Korea’s best restaurants on your doorstep, while in Hahoe Village, near Andong, you’ll wake up to the calm of the Korean countryside.

Visit a national park

Mountains are a huge part of Korean culture, and on any given day you’ll see locals kitted out in hiking gear and headed for the hills. The country packs 22 national parks into an area not much bigger than Virginia, and most of them swell with rocky peaks. On the east coast, the mountains of dramatic Seoraksan National Park practically tumble into the sea, while southern Jirisan, Korea’s first national park, is famed for its forests and temples. Want something more convenient? Bukhansan National Park is accessible from Seoul’s Metro and offers unparalleled views of the metropolis.

Peace & politics in the DMZ

The Demilitarised Zone, or DMZ, is a 2.5-mile-wide (4km) buffer between North and South Korea. The tension here is palpable; Bill Clinton once dubbed it the 'scariest place on Earth.' On our guided DMZ tours, you’ll peer through binoculars at the 'propaganda village' of Kijong-dong, view secret tunnels the North apparently dug for a surprise attack on Seoul and visit the DMZ’s focal point: the Joint Security Area in Panmunjeom, where soldiers from North and South eyeball each other at scarily close range. If you're lucky, you may even have the chance to step across the border inside one of the buildings used for negotiations.

Evening food tour of Seoul

While Korean cuisine might be setting hearts (and mouths) on fire across the world, to really experience it you have to head to the source. You’ll begin this exciting four-hour evening tour at a barbecue restaurant, where you’ll cook meat and veggies marinated with sesame oil, soy sauce and garlic on a gas or charcoal grill at your table. Then, it’s on to the Insta-friendly Gwangjang Market. Locals flock here for street food like sundae sausages served with perilla leaves, spicy tteokbokki rice cakes and mayak gimbap, 'narcotic rice rolls', so-called for their addictive qualities.

Temple stay

Korea has more Buddhist temples than you could count in several reincarnated lifetimes; staying at one lets you experience a way of life virtually unchanged for centuries. Our temple stay takes place at one of Korea’s more unusual places of worship, Golgulsa, where the monks mix meditation with martial arts. Don’t expect too many taekwondo kicks, though, as sunmudo is a Zen-based martial art. Temple stay programs follow a strict schedule; experiencing the life of a monk is the whole point. Following meditation and sunmudo practice on day one, you’ll have a vegetarian Buddhist dinner. Then it's early to bed; the next day starts at 5am!

SEORAKSAN NATIONAL PARK

SEOUL

Guided tours and excursions

Udo Island cycling tour

Just fifteen minutes by ferry from Jeju Island, Udo is Jeju’s 'minime': a picturesque islet with fields lined by walls of hand-stacked volcanic rock. Bicycles make a delightful way to get around, since there’s hardly any traffic, bar the odd tractor. Your guide can suggest cycling destinations, such as black-sand Geommeolle Beach. From there, hike to Udo’s highest point for panoramic views. You can also ride through fishing villages or sample ice cream or beer made with Udo’s famed peanuts. Back on Jeju, you’ll visit Sunrise Peak, a volcanic bluff with a spectacular crater that was formed by an underwater eruption 5,000 years ago.

Makgeolli rice wine making

Creamy, sweet and delicious, makgeolli is often described as a rice wine, though 'rice beer' is more appropriate, given how it’s made. In our classes, you’ll learn how this beverage shed its stigma as a peasants’ drink to become the tipple of choice for many young Koreans, who appreciate its effervescence and complex flavor profile. You’ll then make your own batch with godubap (steamed rice) and nuruk (a traditional Korean fermentation starter). By the end of the 40-minute session, you’ll be ready to call yourself a connoisseur!

Seoul market tour and cooking class

'Have you eaten?' That’s not a nosy question, but a typical way of greeting someone in Korea. It’s hard to overstate how central food is to the culture here, and the best place to bond with Koreans is in the kitchen. You’ll begin your experience with a guided visit to a local market, where you’ll learn about and stock up on herbs, vegetables and other ingredients. Then you’ll head to a traditional home where you’ll learn how to cook five different dishes, which may include savory seafood pancakes, colorful bulgogi bibimbap or refined samgyetang, a chicken and ginseng soup.

Day trip to Suwon and the Korean Folk Village

Meet your guide and head to Suwon, 18 miles (30km) south of Seoul. The city is home to Hwaseong Fortress, built by King Jeongjo in the 18th century. A World Heritage Site, it's a paragon of fortress design, combining the latest developments in military architecture from both Eastern and Western traditions. From Suwon, you’ll continue to Yongin’s Korean Folk Village. It contains more than 260 real houses from different regions, relocated and restored to create the impression of a settlement from the late Joseon Dynasty (13921897), which marked the zenith of classical Korean culture. Costumed staff demonstrate traditional crafts, horse-riding, weddings and dances.

Jeju Island yacht cruise

South of the mainland, Jeju is a bucolic island with its own customs and curiosities – volcanic craters, lava tubes and the ubiquitous 'stone grandfather' statues known as hareubang. Many of Jeju’s foremost attractions are on its south coast, including the basalt columns of Jusangjeolli (Korea’s own Giant’s Causeway) and a series of pristine beaches. There’s no more captivating way to see them than aboard a yacht, out on the turquoise sea, with the extinct volcano of Hallasan – South Korea’s highest mountain – looming in the background. Yachts depart from Seogwipo’s picturesque harbor, and free fruit, beer and wine are included during your trip.

WHY TRAVEL ACROSS THE WORLD TO SIMPLY SCRATCH THE SURFACE?

With our range of tours and excursions, you’ll get beyond the guidebooks to really experience South Korea. These are just a few of our favorites; head to our website for more inspiration, or contact our travel consultants to find out what else we can do!

Special places to stay

Like Japan, stays in South Korea can extend beyond tourism and become a way to get beneath the surface of the culture, whether that's in a traditional village, a Buddhist monastery or soaking it all up in a hot spring bath.

Not only that, but we've also got great five-star and quirky boutique hotels – so whatever you’re into, we have something to suit you down to the ground.

If we offer it, you can be sure we love it for its combination of character, service and uniqueness. These are just a few of our favorites – but we have plenty more up our sleeves. All you need do is ask!

Special places to stay

Golgulsa Temple

A stay at this working Buddhist monastery introduces you to life as a monk, including 5am wake-ups, meditation, vegan meals eaten in silence, and sunmudo, a Zen-based martial art. It’s an austere but profound experience.

Rakkojae Andong Hahoe Folk Village

Sleep swaddled in history at this traditional hanok house in Andong Hahoe Folk Village, one of Korea’s most timeless communities. Four thatched-roof cottages combine rustic elegance with modern conveniences like minibars and Nespresso machines. Not going to Andong? Try Rakkojae's sister hanok stays in Seoul.

Ananti Hilton Busan

Perched above the East Sea, this stunning hotel is all about communing with the ocean. It features floor-to-ceiling windows and three pools that look out over the water, along with delectable seafood in its restaurants.

Signiel Seoul

Rise above the teeming capital at this luxe hotel in Lotte World Tower, Korea’s tallest building. Unparalleled views are complemented by calming décor, a meditation room and a bar with the country’s largest Champagne selection.

9Brick Hotel Hongdae

Exposed brick and ornate chandeliers give this boutique hotel a quirky, hip vibe, perfect for its location in the youthful, energetic Hongdae neighborhood. Eclectic room design and affordable rates make it ideal for young travelers.

Special places to stay

Kunsu Chogajip Guesthouse

Part charming tea house, part hanok guesthouse, the Chogajip is the perfect taste of what Jeonju has to offer. Set in a traditional choga building, with a straw thatched roof and a delicate garden at its centre, you’ll experience true Korean hospitality before cosying down on your comfy futon for the night.

The Seaes Hotel & Resort

Jeju's first five-star traditional hotel seamlessly blends past and present. Just steps from the beach, the sprawling complex of villas provides an escape from the city. Some rooms even have private hot spring baths.

RYSE, Autograph Collection

Bold design reflects the local Hongdae neighborhood’s artistic spirit. Creatives will love the magazine and vinyl lounge, original screen prints by Korean artist Casper Kang and bathrobes designed by streetwear label IISE.

Hotel28 Myeongdong

This central hotel caters to movie buffs by paying tribute to the film industry with touches like dressing-room lighting and blackand-white movie stills on the walls. A cinema doubles as a venue for cocktail parties.

Park Hyatt Busan

Overlooking Busan’s marina, the Park Hyatt provides astonishing views of Korea’s most picturesque city. Grab a cocktail in the 31stfloor Living Room Bar and watch the sun set over iconic Gwangan Bridge.

LET US KNOW WHICH HOTELS SOUND LIKE YOUR CUP OF TEA… and our expert travel consultants will be happy to weave them into a bespoke journey, just for you.

© Hotel28 Myeongdong; Kunsu Chogajip Guesthouse; Park Hyatt Busan; RYSE, Autograph Collection; The Seaes Hotel & Resort

Book with confidence

Here at InsideAsia, we’re founded on the principle of crafting the very best cultural adventures to Southeast Asia, designing trips tailored to you.

In fact, from start to finish, we have your back at every step of planning, so you can book your vacation with confidence. It's all designed around you.

We’ll keep you updated

We keep a close eye on what's going on in all our destinations to make sure you have all the information you need to have a fantastic trip and don't have to worry about it. Whether it be current visa requirements or sightseeing suggestions, we've got your back.

We support you every step of the way

We’re on hand whenever you need us – and whatever you need us for. We take care of everything, from booking your train tickets to arranging cultural experiences, making day trip suggestions, and pretty much anything else you’d like us to do!

You’ve got flexibility

Our itineraries are fully flexible and tailored. We'll work with you to make sure it's exactly right. If you need to make changes after booking, we'll do our best to minimize any additional costs to you.

Your money is safe

All our trips are fully financially protected by either ABTOT or ATOL, so you can rest assured that your money is in safe hands.

Ready to start planning?

Asia is an amazing continent, and we're the people to help get you beneath the surface. Get in touch and one of our travel consultants will be happy to hear all about your ideas.

Our commitment

We believe travel brings huge benefits; vacations make us happy, improve our well-being, create life-long memories, and strengthen the relationships that matter most to us. Tourism creates jobs –and done right, it protects and benefits the destinations visited.

At InsideAsia we feel a deep sense of responsibility to the places and people we work with, and to the wider planet. But there is an elephant in the room – tourism accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions. This means there can be no such thing as guilt-free travel.

But as a certified B-Corp, we are working constantly to reduce our environmental impact and maximize the good that we can do for the communities we live, work and travel in.

You and your trip

Traveling responsibly means that you often get to see a more authentic side of the country you’re visiting. A steaming-hot bowl of pho from a backstreet stall, a warm welcome at a homestay after a day of trekking, a friendly farmer who’ll teach you how to plant rice — we work directly with hundreds of local people and small businesses to bring you only the best experiences.

This doesn’t just mean a better trip for you, it means tourist dollars that would otherwise be concentrated in cities can support communities all over the country. And it’s not just people who can benefit from this approach — many of the community-based projects we work with focus on conservation, creating jobs for local people while protecting endangered wildlife. We vet each project carefully and only work with the very best, like Dr Wong's Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, the MandaLao Elephant Centre in Luang Prabang, and the Nam Nern Night Safari in Laos.

Giving back

As a business, we are dedicated to giving back — not just to the communities in our destinations but in our home countries too.

This is why we donate 5% of our profits to charities such as Bristol’s “Break Free” initiative (providing fun days out for Bristol’s disadvantaged families), and towards building koala habitats in Brisbane — amongst other projects. In Southeast Asia, for instance, we support the Child’s Dream Foundation –an organisation that’s been empowering children and young adults to shape their communities since 2003.

Want to find out more?

If you’d like to learn more about our sustainability practices, the charities we support, and the experiences mentioned on this page, visit our website.

Our actions

If the travel experiences we have loved and shared with tens of thousands of others are to be available for future generations, change is needed. Actions speak louder than words, so here are ours:

We measure all our carbon emissions (not just those of your trip)

We have a plan to reduce those emissions by 50% by 2030

Every year we make changes to how we work and who we work with to reduce our emissions in line with global targets As a certified CarbonNeutral® company, all our trips are fully offset through verified sustainable projects across Asia

Important information

TRAVEL ADVICE

In advising our clients on safety issues we follow the advice of the UK, US, Australian and Canadian governments. For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk

For US citizens, check: www.travel.state.gov

For Canadian citizens, check: www.travel.gc.ca

For Australian citizens, check: www.smartraveller.gov.au

HOLIDAY DESCRIPTIONS & INCLUSIONS

Contact us or visit the InsideAsia website for full details of the inclusions and dayby-day itineraries of the trips described in this brochure. Every effort will be made to deliver your trip exactly as described in your personal itinerary. Occasionally, however, changes have to be made; in such cases, we will notify you as soon as possible.

FINANCIAL PROTECTION

InsideAsia Tours® is a trading name of Inside Travel Group Limited. We take pride in the services we offer and the financial protection we offer clients through our membership of internationally recognized travel trade organizations.

The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Inside Travel Group Limited (5233) and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for:

• Non-flight package bookings sold by Inside Travel Group Limited (Company No. 04094031) as Principal in the contract with the customer / consumer.

• Flight inclusive package bookings commencing outside of the United Kingdom and sold to customers / consumers outside of the United Kingdom by Inside Travel Group Limited (Company No. 04094031) as Principal in the contract with the customer / consumer.

ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet traveled or repatriation if transportation was included in your package. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Inside Travel Group Limited.

In the unlikely event that you require assistance while abroad due to our financial failure, please call our 24/7 helpline at +44 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company.

You can access The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here

Book with confidence. Inside Travel Group Limited is a fully bonded Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct and your money is protected.

Visit ABTA.com for more information.

Inside Travel Group Limited is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO). The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. Inside Travel Group Limited abides by the Association’s Code of Business Practice and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed on AITO.com. Visit the website to find out more about the Association or call +44 020 8744 9280

Inside Travel Group Limited is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). For more details please visit www.asta.org

Inside Travel Group Limited is also a member of the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA). For information please visit www.acta.ca

BOOKING, PAYMENT & TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

You can book through your local travel advisor or by contacting InsideAsia Tours direct. If you are booking through a travel agency, all subsequent correspondence should be made through that agency. For all bookings you will be required to accept our terms and conditions on behalf of all of those in your party. InsideAsia Tours asks for a non-refundable deposit upon booking and then full payment 60 days prior to your package start date.

After we have processed your booking, we will issue you or your travel advisor with a confirmation document, which will show exactly what is included in your trip. Please check all the details carefully and advise your booking agent if there are any mistakes or if there is anything that you do not understand. Your Info-Pack and final travel documents will be sent to you approximately three weeks before departure.

LATE BOOKINGS

Bookings made less than four weeks before your planned departure date will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. For late bookings we will endeavor to confirm your trip arrangements and the price within three working days.

SPECIAL REQUESTS, MEDICAL CONDITIONS & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

If you have a special request, you must advise us at the time of booking. Although we will endeavor to pass any reasonable requests on to the relevant supplier, we regret that we cannot guarantee any request will be met. If you have any medical condition or disability which may affect your trip, or if you suffer from reduced mobility, please tell us or your travel advisor before you confirm your booking so that we can assist you in considering the suitability of the arrangements and/or making the booking. You must also let us know if there is any change in your medical condition or disability after your booking has been confirmed. A number of meals are included in most packages. Please advise your travel consultant or booking agent of any dietary requirements and we will do our best to accommodate them.

PASSPORTS & VISAS

It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members of your party have the correct passports and visas to enter the countries on your itinerary. Please contact the relevant local embassy or consulate to check the visa requirements for your nationality.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is a condition of booking with InsideAsia Tours that you and all members of your party have adequate travel insurance to cover medical costs and repatriation. You will need to accept our terms and conditions to show that you have this insurance in place for the duration of your trip. Although not compulsory, we also recommend that you also take out cancellation and baggage insurance.

MONEY & DEBIT/CREDIT CARDS

With the exception of international chain hotels or the larger tourist restaurants, cash remains the dominant means of exchange in Asia and credit cards are not widely accepted across the region. We will provide a detailed currency guide for the country or countries that you will visit, but in general we recommend bringing a cash float in USD and supplementing this with money withdrawn from ATMs.

ATMs are widespread in all but the most remote destinations, and although rates and charges can often be higher, this is a reliable method of obtaining cash.

CHILDREN

Children aged 12 years or older are treated as adults in terms of accommodation and transport costs. For younger children we can sometimes offer discounts on the published prices; please ask your travel consultant or booking agent for further details. Any children aged 17 years old or younger at the time of travel must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or another adult who will assume legal responsibility for them for the duration of the trip.

ROOMING

Adjoining, triple or quad-share rooms may be available upon request; please ask your travel consultant or booking agent for further details.

LUGGAGE

The luggage allowance on most domestic airlines in the region is 20kg (44 lbs), so please bear this in mind when packing for your trip. If an overnight train journey is included, please also note that luggage must be stored either under the bottom bunks or on a ledge above the door, so heavy or bulky suitcases are best avoided.

FURTHER QUESTIONS

If you have any questions please contact us direct or speak to your local travel advisor. Our full terms & conditions can be found on our website insideasiatours.com

FAQs

Is my booking financially protected?

All of our trips are fully bonded via ABTOT, the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust, or ATOL, Air Travel Organiser's Licence, for your financial protection and peace of mind.

What visas do I need to travel to South Korea?

Before travel, visitors from most destinations will need to apply for the Korean Electronic Visa (K-ETA): a multiple entry visa that lasts for two years (or until your passport expires). Speak to one of our expert travel consultants for up-to-the-minute advice on travel documentation.

What general vaccinations do I need to travel in South Korea?

For the most part, the vaccinations recommended for travel in Asia are the same standard vaccines recommended in the US, UK, Australia, Europe, Canada, and New Zealand. There are some additional vaccinations/medications required when visiting certain areas or participating in certain activities, so we recommend checking with a travel health professional well in advance of travel.

Is South Korea safe?

South Korea’s crime rate is one of the lowest compared with other developed countries. Planning with us means that we'll take care of all the logistics and keep you updated on any developing situations – plus, we handpick each of the suppliers and accommodations we work with to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable holiday.

Will my dietary requirements be catered for?

A wide variety of dining options are available throughout South Korea. We can help you plan a trip to meet almost any dietary requirement, while making the most of the culinary side of your holiday. Some destinations are a little more challenging for certain dietary requirements, but as long as you let us know what you need, we can plan ahead so you have a delicious trip.

Why should I use a tour operator like InsideAsia?

Working with a tour operator like InsideAsia takes the stress out of travel, from the earliest planning stages to your return home. Our experts will share in-depth knowledge about the areas we love, and connect you with experiences you couldn't arrange by yourself. Meanwhile, you'll have peace of mind knowing that all the details are taken care of – with your booking protected and your money safe in case plans need to change.

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?