Cultural Adventures in South Korea
A kaleidoscope of culture, cuisine, and charm
South Korea somehow escaped the attention of international travellers for far too long, but the secret is now out. InsideAsia’s holidays to South Korea offer journeys into the rarest of the rare: a country that’s packed with hyperkinetic city life, traditional culture that goes back 5,000 years, and delicious food that’s made for sharing. And with South Korea’s ppalii ppalii (quick quick!) culture, it means there’s always something new to see.
Of course, with its K-pop megastars, Oscar-winning films, and a cuisine becoming more popular by the second, it’s only a matter of time before Hallyu, the so-called 'Korean Wave', sweeps the globe (and you with it!)
Slices of everyday local life
From seeing teenagers practice the latest K-pop dance moves on Seoul’s streets to the quiet serenity of Buddhist prayers taking place at a mountain seaside temple, InsideAsia are lifting the lid on South Korea’s local life for a glimpse into one of Asia’s most proud and energetic places.
Taste the fresh catches of the Haenyeo female free-divers
Do as the locals do on Jeju Island: tuck into fresh shellfish caught by the female Haenyeo free divers (diving as deep as 32 feet).
Drink makgeolli rice wine from a kettle
Once a delicacy from decades gone by, its revival by Gen Z Koreans lets you taste tradition alongside (seemingly endless) banchan dishes.
Front row seats at the baseball
From coordinated crowd dances and armies of cheerleaders to legions of high energy fans. Catch Korean sport at its best.
"This trip was ran so smoothly and was 100% designed by experts! We spent the perfect amount of time in each place and saw so many hidden gems and secret spots!"
Hands-on cultural experiences
While South Korea’s cultural entertainment has taken the world by storm, the true magic of Korea is meeting its people and discovering their ways of life first hand. Maybe it’s getting your hands stuck into (quite literally) a kimchi making class, led by recipes passed down for decades, or visiting the DMZ (Korean Demilitarised Zone), a continually stark but incredible reminder of Korea’s proud but turbulent history.
Discover the story behind the stream
Led by an Insider guide, learn the incredible story of one small stream's big impact on Seoul’s urban landscape – the Cheonggyeccheon.
Stay in a hanok House
Think traditional futon-style bedding (with heated floors through winter) and traditional breakfasts, complete with rice and kimchi.
Tour Gwangjang street food market
Shop where the locals shop and tuck into tteokbokki rice cakes drenched in thick chilli sauce and mayak gimbap – ‘narcotic rice rolls’.
Your must-see sights
Whether you’ve got your sights set on Seoul’s skyscrapers or want to experience Korea’s coastal city of Busan for yourself, your Travel Counsellor will ensure your top sights are seamlessly woven into your cultural adventure.
They’ll take the time to understand exactly what matters most to you and use their expert knowledge and dedication to create your perfect trip, tailored to you. From traditional hanok villages to a bibimbap cookery class, you’ll be confident that your trip to Korea will have been thoughtfully arranged and full of memorable moments.
Gamchan cultural village
Weave your way through the blue, pink, and yellow houses of Gamcheon culture village; punctuated with street art and cool cafes.
Changdeokgung Palace’s ‘secret garden’
Originally created for the women of the palace, Changdeokgung Palace’s secret garden now offers a pocket of calm in the noise of Seoul.
Gyeongju ’s burial mounds
Visit Daereungwon Tombs, the final resting place for ancient royalty, in the city known as the ‘museum without walls’.
Interested in finding out more? Get in touch today.