South Korea vacations

Our vacations to South Korea include the famous highlights and then look beyond. You’ll stroll Seoul and Busan, marvel at Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung palaces, and catch the ferry to Jeju Island. You’ll also dig deeper, staying in Buddhist temples, perhaps, or learning how to make kimchi with local chefs. Bilingual guides add context, transforming tours into something truly memorable. We also have trips that focus on a region or special interest, such as the lesser-visited south-west or K-Pop music tours.

Granite mountains, maple forests, volcanic islands, craggy coasts – South Korea has some seriously spectacular scenery beyond the cities. Our vacations offer a great overview, from walks along the winding mountain trails of Seoraksan to the village-dotted coast of Jeju Island. As well as introducing you to South Korea’s adventurous interior – particularly the Korean love of hiking – we’ll also give you the chance to slow down and take in the mountain or sea air, all with experts who’ll advise on how to hike with confidence and care.

Hoping to try some of South Korea’s famous cuisine? You won’t be disappointed. The guides steering our vacations know all the best barbecue joints and street food stalls. Then there are the unexpected highlights – like a tour of an indie brewery or a private kimchi-making class with a chef. As for accommodation, our tours prioritise small, locally owned hotels wherever possible. That might include a stay at a temple where Buddhist monks share their day-to-day lives – as well as their delicious vegan food.

Our South Korea tours swap domestic flights for more exciting and enjoyable ways to travel – road and rail trips, either in private minivans and cars or on public transport. For all the ease of private transfers, Korea’s efficient public transport system is in fact the highlight, with fast trains and buses zipping between cities, popular tourist spots and villages. That said, we know the value of taking the slow route, so sometimes we’ll opt for scenic ferry crossings and rural road trips instead. All that time outside an airport terminal gives you the chance to meet people from all walks of life. Plus, our Korea experts smooth the journey, all while steering you towards the tucked-away temples and roadside restaurants you’d otherwise miss.