South Korea Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best South Korea tour packages
- What people love about South Korea Tours
- Travel South Korea your way
- Best tour companies for South Korea tours
- Best places to start your South Korea tour
- Discover South Korea tours for every budget
- South Korea tours for every type of group
- Top South Korea travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit South Korea
- South Korea travel guides - curated by our experts
- What our customers ask about South Korea Tours & Trips
The best South Korea tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouth Korea travel expert at TourRadar
2025 Discover Eastern Korea in 4days: A Curated All-Inclusive Experience
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Thoroughly enjoyed the tour and found our guide, Jay, very knowledgeable and entertaining.”
Tracy, traveled in April
A 4-day adventure reveals Busan's Songdo Sea Cable Car, UNESCO site Bulguksa Temple, and Mt. Seorak's Jujeongol valley. Luxurious stays at 5-star hotels like Gyeongju Lahan Select complement authentic Korean meals. Rated 4.9/5 with perfect food scores.
Duration 4 days Destinations Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, Daegu, Andong, Pyeongchang, Yangyang-gun Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator HanaTour ITC From $2,034
13% Off- NZ$1,770You save $264
South Korea Circle Adventure 5D/4N
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I absolutely loved my tour so much I want to do it again.”
Netxy, traveled in June
Korea's UNESCO treasures await, from Gyeongju's Seokguram Grotto to Seoul's vibrant streets. Jeonju's 735 traditional hanoks stand preserved in time. Suncheon Bay Garden and Mt. Seorak's jade valleys showcase natural beauty. English-guided tour with 4-star hotels and authentic cultural experiences costs approx. $260 per day.
Duration 5 days Destinations Seoul, Jeonju, Gwangju, Suncheon, Yeosu, Busan, Gyeongju, Andong, Wonju, PyeongchangSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
13% Off- NZ$2,348
Stunning Gyeongbokgung Palace hosts the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony in Seoul. UNESCO sites include Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, while Jeonju Hanok Village showcases 700 preserved Korean houses. Tour includes English-speaking guide and mid-range accommodations at around $2,100.
Duration 8 days Destinations Seoul, Gongju, Buyeo, Jeonju, Gwangju, Suncheon, Yeosu, Jinju, Busan, GyeongjuSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
13% Off- NZ$3,551
2025 Discover Korea in 7days: A Curated All-Inclusive Experience
233 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great trip. I am very pleased.”
Adam, traveled in July
A grand South Korean circuit connects 13 cities, showcasing UNESCO sites like Gongsanseong Fortress and Bulguksa Temple. Guests rest at luxury hotels including Grand Josun Busan and Intercontinental Pyeongchang, while savoring authentic Korean cuisine and cultural activities like Hanbok wearing in Jeonju Hanok Village.
Duration 7 days Destinations Seoul, Gongju, Jeonju, Jangseong-gun, Gwangju, Boseong, Suncheon, Busan, Gyeongju, DaeguSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator HanaTour ITC From
13% Off- NZ$3,339
Ancient South Korea - 7 Days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“great overview of Korea, value for money as many delicious and authentic meals were included.”
Cameo, traveled in March
South Korea's cultural mosaic unfolds through Gyeongbokgung Palace, Andong Hahoe Folk Village, and Seoraksan National Park. This tour costs around $1,700, covering 6 nights in 4-star hotels, Cheomseongdae observatory visits, and DMZ's 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, including 13 meals.
Duration 7 days Destinations Seoul, Gyeongju, Daegu, Andong, Seoraksan National Park Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Tomato Travel From
13% Off- NZ$2,883
What people love about South Korea Tours
- 2025 Discover Eastern Korea in 4days: A Curated All-Inclusive Experience
The itenirary was great , accommodation excellent and tour escortMr.Jay was great travel companion. Highly recommended!
- South Korea Circle Adventure 5D/4N
The itinerary included a good variety of historic, tourism, and sightseeing stops. Justin was very knowledgeable, accommodating and fun! The hotels were nice and the food was included food was fine. Justin had excellent suggestions for activities and restaurants during free time. The bus was the only disappointment as it was unbearably hot in the rear of the bus while other passengers were comfortable. The bus was also in dire need of new shock absorbers as each bump would cause bodies to lift iff the seat and land very hard.
- South Korea Highlights 7D/6N
The tour was well planned by experts who obviously know how to make the most out of SK in 7 days. The guide spoke fluent English and was able to answer any questions well. The food was high quality and a good mixture between local food and home comforts. The accommodation was superb.
Travel South Korea your way
Our South Korean cultural tours really get under the surface of the country. You'll explore actual DMZ tunnels and hear real stories from North Korean defectors who made the crossing. The journey takes you through Seoraksan National Park's granite peaks, into Buddhist temples for martial arts training and along ancient pathways in Gyeongju. What makes these tours special is getting hands-on - you'll cook local dishes in Busan's bustling markets and spend nights in traditional hanok houses. Our guides Jay and Sam really shine here; travelers often tell us how their deep cultural knowledge and personal connections help bridge modern and traditional Korea.
Select from our extensive range of 112 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through South Korea with our expert guides leading the way.
See all Fully Guided toursThe cultural focus tours blend important historical sites with genuine local experiences. You'll find yourself wandering preserved hanok villages in Andong, practicing traditional archery at mountain fortresses and joining Buddhist ceremonies at Jingwansa Temple. Our travelers particularly value the quiet morning meditation sessions with monks and learning directly about temple life. You'll take part in proper tea ceremonies, watch martial arts demonstrations and visit workshops where you can try making hanji paper the traditional way. The overnight stays in historic hanok villages give you a real feel for Korea's traditional lifestyle - it's something our customers mention again and again.
Find the right partially guided tour for you in South Korea. There are 38 trips to choose from, that range from 3 days in length, up to 15 days. The month with the most departures is April, making it the most popular time to visit South Korea.
Best tour companies for South Korea tours
Looking at these South Korean tour operators, Culture Trip stands out with their Soulful South Korea program. Their guides Jay and Sam receive specific praise from travelers who appreciate how they weave cultural context into each stop. The tour moves at a comfortable pace that lets you properly take in the sites, markets and local experiences. Intrepid's South Korea Highlights tour is solid and professionally run, though some of our travelers mention wanting an extra day or two in Seoul to really get their bearings. The guides know their stuff but the schedule keeps you moving pretty quickly from place to place. We've noticed some confusion with Bamba Tours since they often resell trips operated by K-Shuttle, US Travel and other local companies. While not necessarily a problem, it means you might find the exact same itinerary at different price points depending where you book. The guide quality and pacing can vary quite a bit between the actual operating companies. If you're choosing between them, Culture Trip seems to hit that sweet spot of good organization, knowledgeable guides and a pace that lets you properly experience each destination. You'll get more consistency in the experience compared to booking through a reseller like Bamba.
View South Korea operators
Best places to start your South Korea tour
Almost all our South Korea trips kick off from Seoul - 89 travelers started there last season. While you can begin from Busan, Jeju-do or Incheon, most people prefer starting in the capital. Book about 3.5 months ahead (that's 109 days) to get the dates you want, especially if you're planning to see cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. Spring runs March through May and autumn goes from September through November - these seasons are ideal with mild temperatures and natural color shows. Look for cherry blossoms in early April and peak autumn colors around late October. Summer brings festivals and beach time but pack for humidity and some rain. Winter's nice too - you'll find snow festivals, hot springs and fewer tourists at the main sites.
Discover South Korea tours for every budget
The 12-day budget tours from Seoul to Jeju Island give you plenty of room to explore at your own pace. Our travelers consistently enjoy mixing temple stays with DMZ visits and hiking through Seoraksan National Park. You'll rest your head in a combination of hostels and traditional guesthouses - though we've heard the Gyeongju hostel rooms could use some work. The 5-day circular routes offer solid value too, taking in UNESCO sites like King Muryeong's tomb. Guide Justin gets regular mentions in our feedback for sharing cultural insights and even sketching trip cartoons. These tours pack in authentic experiences like Korean cooking classes, nights in hanok villages and also traditional tea ceremonies, proving budget-friendly doesn't mean missing out.
For those seeking premium experiences, luxury South Korean tours deliver special moments you won't find elsewhere. Travelers spend time in private conversation with Buddhist monks over tea, unwind with traditional spa treatments and also stay in Busan's finest five-star hotels. One highlight our guests love is learning tea-time recipes from celebrated Korean food experts. Over on Jeju Island, you'll wake up to ocean views and take private yacht trips around the volcanic coast. The guides on these tours really shine - they're known for their deep cultural knowledge and ability to arrange unique experiences like exclusive temple visits or private cultural shows.
South Korea budget tours- South Korea luxury tours
South Korea tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
117 tours in South KoreaOur popular group tours showcase South Korea's rich cultural heritage through immersive experiences, getting travelers right into the heart of local life. The 7-day ancient routes take you from the preserved villages of Andong, through the intriguing DMZ tunnels and up to the dramatic granite faces of Seoraksan. Wellness journeys lasting 7-10 days blend meaningful moments like monk conversations and traditional tea ceremonies with natural wonders at Suncheon Bay wetlands and Boseong's vast tea plantations. The 6-day peninsula circuit moves efficiently from Seoul's grand palaces to coastal Busan, stopping at significant UNESCO treasures like Bulguksa Temple and also King Muryeong's tomb. Travelers often mention guides Jay, Mark and Helena by name for their deep cultural knowledge and social, engaging style that brings groups together. We mix accommodations between luxury 5-star hotels and authentic hanoks, while balancing guided activities with independent exploration time for markets, neighborhoods and local discoveries.
Small Group
35 tours in South KoreaThese small-group cultural tours across South Korea create experiences that bigger groups simply can't match. Travelers consistently highlight how our routes blend the must-see attractions with genuine local encounters - you'll venture into actual DMZ tunnels, hear stories directly from North Korean defectors, and practice traditional martial arts at peaceful temple compounds. The most popular itineraries combine overnight temple stays, authentic hanok village experiences, hands-on Korean cooking sessions, traditional tea ceremonies and also archery training. Our lead guides, Jay and Sam, earn constant praise for their deep cultural expertise and skill at adjusting the pace to suit different group dynamics. The 10-12 day journeys from Seoul hit just the right length, balancing vibrant city culture with serene countryside traditions. Accommodations thoughtfully mix premium hotels with traditional houses, keeping groups small enough for meaningful connections between travelers and local culture.
Private / Personalized
28 tours in South KoreaPrivate tours give you complete control with a dedicated guide for your whole journey. Most travelers opt for 10 days, combining Seoul's palaces, Gyeongju's UNESCO sites and also Busan's seaside charm. Our guides Jones and Kevin get great feedback for adapting tours to match each traveler's interests. You'll enjoy private transfers between cities, carefully picked hotels in the best spots and also freedom to adjust plans on the fly. From intimate tea ceremonies to personal shopping guides in Myeongdong, these tours can include whatever interests you - many guests add extra days in Jeju Island for more personalized exploration.
Top South Korea travel itineraries to fit your plans
A week in South Korea lets you see the key highlights at a good pace. Starting in Seoul, you'll visit the Blue House and Gyeongbokgung Palace before heading to Seoraksan National Park where a cable car takes you up to Gweongeumseong Fortress ruins. Our wellness-focused route includes tea ceremonies with monks at Baegyangsa Temple, green tea tasting in Boseong and also guided meditation sessions. The 5-star hotels in Busan get lots of praise from our travelers, and guides like Mark make the bus rides fun by teaching useful Korean phrases. You'll have enough time to explore cities on your own while still hitting the cultural highlights.
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Ten days really opens up what's possible in South Korea. Our premium route mixes temple stays and cooking classes with hiking trails and coastal spots. The overnight at Golgulsa Temple is special - you'll learn Buddhist martial arts and meditation from the monks who live there. We've got another route focused on UNESCO sites that takes you from Seoul's palaces to Gyeongju's ancient monuments and also Jeju Island's volcanic landscapes. The "Soulful South Korea" tour gets great feedback for balancing national park hikes with village stays and local food discoveries - our guide Jay has a gift for making Korean history come alive.
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Two weeks lets you explore South Korea by rail, moving at a local's pace. The journey starts in Seoul and connects you to Busan, Gyeongju, Jeonju and also Incheon by train. You'll spend several days in each spot, which means time to find places like Jeonju's street art corners and Busan's local beach spots. The mix includes nights in traditional hanok houses, guided walks through Bukhansan National Park and seeing how modern city life fits with old traditions. Our travelers like having their trains and hotels sorted while still being free to explore on their own.
See all toursDemographics
Solo travelers connect naturally on our 12-day trips from Seoul to Jeju Island. The routes mix temple stays, DMZ visits, Seoraksan hikes and also plenty of free time for market exploration. Our guides Damien and Olia create a social atmosphere through shared experiences - think group cooking classes, meditation sessions and spontaneous karaoke nights. You'll stay in a good mix of hotels, hostels and traditional houses. While many enjoy the social aspect, our past travelers suggest booking private rooms if you need your personal space.
Couples often choose our premium 10-day cultural journeys for their mix of romance and tradition. The itinerary includes private tea ceremonies in historic hanoks, peaceful nights in mountain temples and also sunset yacht rides around Jeju Island. Many pairs love cycling through Gyeongju's ancient sites before unwinding with spa treatments in Busan. We focus on atmospheric hanok stays and upscale oceanview hotels. Our most-booked route starts with Seoul's modern energy, moves through quiet traditional villages and ends with beach time and seafood feasts in Busan.
Young adults love our food-focused routes that keep the energy high. You'll move from ancient temples to K-pop dance classes, dive into street food markets and also check out rooftop bars. The trips include cooking workshops in Busan, waterfall hikes on Jeju Island and cycling through historic neighborhoods. There's enough free time built in to explore vibrant areas like Hongdae and Myeongdong. Our travelers particularly value the local experiences - making traditional snacks, learning about Korean spirits and joining impromptu karaoke sessions with locals.
Senior travelers consistently pick our premium cultural tours for their comfortable pace and attention to detail. We include private transfers, quality hotels and guides who share deep knowledge of Korean history and traditions. The routes cover UNESCO sites like Bulguksa Temple, traditional performances and also hands-on experiences through tea ceremonies and cooking demonstrations. Many choose our Seoul palace tour that includes gentle walks through bamboo forests and evening visits to traditional markets. We focus on central hotels with good facilities and traditional hanoks upgraded with modern comforts.
Our family tours blend cities and nature really well in South Korea. The most effective route runs 9 days and mixes hands-on activities like kimchi making and taekwondo practice with outdoor experiences in Seoraksan National Park. Parents tell us their kids love dressing up in hanbok at the palaces, exploring Gyeongju's burial mounds and also learning martial arts in Seoul. We've built in cable car rides for night views and cooking classes where everyone makes bibimbap together. The schedule keeps a manageable pace with enough downtime, which works great when traveling with different age groups.
- Solo Travelers123 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples119 tours All tours for Couples
- Young Adults (18 - 39)8 tours
- Seniors (50+)63 tours All tours for Seniors
- Family103 tours All tours for Family
Best time to visit South Korea
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn transforms South Korea's mountains and our hiking-focused tours capture the season perfectly. The Seoraksan National Park routes showcase brilliant red maples - our travelers send us amazing photos every year. We blend city and nature exploration nicely; you'll walk ancient fortress walls draped in fall colors after exploring Seoul's modern districts. The temples take on a different character when golden ginkgo leaves carpet the grounds. The tours include scenic cable car rides over Busan's coastline and also yacht trips around Jeju Island where the setting sun gives the volcanic landscape a warm autumn glow.
- September 2025 108 tours
- October 2025 popular 123 tours
- November 2025 109 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter tours in South Korea blend cultural immersion with cozy indoor activities when temperatures drop. Our most requested routes mix Seoul's city exploration with temple stays and cooking classes where you'll learn traditional Korean dishes and warm up with hotpot dinners. The DMZ tours continue through winter - our travelers often mention how the clear winter skies make for excellent visibility at the Dora Observatory when viewing North Korean territory. We keep you comfortable with a mix of tea ceremonies, traditional craft workshops and also visits to the Korean Folk Village. The local jjimjilbangs (traditional bathhouses) become a welcome retreat after exploring in the cold.
- December 2025 popular 76 tours
- January 2026 60 tours
- February 2026 65 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring brings our popular 12-day cultural tours from Seoul down to Jeju Island, timed perfectly for cherry blossom season across multiple regions. Cycling through Gyeongju's ancient tombs becomes magical when pink petals float through the air - our travelers consistently note this as a highlight. Temple stays reach their peak in spring, where morning meditation feels special as sunlight filters through the trees and you can practice traditional martial arts in the temple courtyards. For something extra special, our premium tours include private hanbok fittings at Seoul's palaces and also exclusive tea ceremonies in centuries-old hanok houses.
- March 2026 popular 108 tours
- April 2026 102 tours
- May 2026 96 tours
South Korea travel guides - curated by our experts
Weather in South Korea in 2025/2026
Embark on a journey through South Korea's captivating weather with TourRadar. Discover how each season and region offers unique adventures and cultural experiences.
What is the best time to visit South Korea in 2025/2026?
Discover the best time to visit South Korea, a nation of vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. From Seoul's bright lights to Busan's coastal charm, find out when to experience the dazzling festivals and serene natural beauty at its peak.
What our customers ask about South Korea Tours & Trips
What are some authentic cultural experiences you can try in South Korea and where can you find them?
You can really immerse yourself in Korean traditions through some amazing hands-on experiences. At Golgulsa Temple near Gyeongju you can do a Temple Stay where you'll join morning chants meditate and get a genuine taste of temple life sleeping on comfy floor mattresses in small shared rooms. Want some incredible photos? Try on beautiful Hanbok traditional clothing at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul or while wandering Jeonju Hanok Village you can even enter the palace wearing one! Food lovers should definitely learn to make kimchi that iconic Korean staple with demonstrations in Jeonju and Seoul where you'll also pick up how to make kimchi pancakes. For something really special join a Buddhist monk for a traditional tea ceremony at Magoksa Temple near Gongju or master authentic Korean cooking in Busan where you'll prepare dishes like bibimbap enjoy them with rice wine and finish with a tea ceremony.
Where can you find South Korea's best natural areas and how do you get to them?
Beyond the buzzing cities South Korea's got some seriously beautiful landscapes waiting to be explored. Seoraksan National Park is a must-visit with its mountains forests and wildlife like Korean gorals and musk deer grab a bus or train to Sokcho then local transport to hike the famous Ulsanbawi Rock with its six dramatic peaks. The Taebaek Mountains offer fantastic hiking trails and views catch a bus or train from Seoul or Busan to get there. Near Daegu you'll find Gayasan National Park home to the UNESCO-listed Haeinsa Temple just hop on a bus from the city. Then there's Jeju Island with its incredible volcanic landscapes beaches and trails including Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak a UNESCO site formed by ancient eruptions fly or take a ferry from the mainland to get there.
What are some interesting alternative routes around South Korea and why do people love them?
Looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots? The East Coast Rail Line gives you gorgeous coastal views and access to quieter towns plus you'll pass the famous Jumunjin Bus Stop from that BTS album people love the slower pace and peaceful scenery. For active travelers the Four Rivers Bike Path lets you cycle through beautiful countryside and charming towns. Over on Jeju Island the Olle Trail connects villages and natural wonders it's perfect for really getting to know local culture while enjoying diverse landscapes especially around Oedolgae Rock.
Which amazing places in South Korea see fewer tourists but are totally worth visiting?
Some of South Korea's best spots fly under the radar. Andong Hahoe Folk Village a UNESCO site shows off traditional Joseon architecture and is still home to the Ryu clan's descendants. The Damyang Bamboo Forest offers incredible peace and tranquility while Suncheon Bay Garden's got stunning plants and coastal views. Haeinsa Temple houses the remarkable Tripitaka Koreana Buddhist scriptures carved into woodblocks and Busan's Gamcheon Culture Village is this amazing maze of colorful artsy alleyways built into the hillside.
What local foods should you try in different parts of South Korea?
Each region's got its own special dishes you've got to try. Jeonju's famous for its bibimbap a beautiful rice bowl with veggies meat and gochujang sauce that's actually an intangible cultural asset served with 17 different sides! In Busan don't miss the dwaeji gukbap a super satisfying pork and rice soup while Andong's known for jjimdak this amazing braised chicken dish with vegetables and noodles. If you're in Sokcho try the sundubu jjigae a spicy soft tofu stew that's just perfect. And of course Korean BBQ is fantastic everywhere grilling your own meat and veggies right at your table it's such a fun experience.