South Korea Guided Tours & Trips
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10 best fully guided South Korea tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouth Korea travel expert at TourRadar
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 UNESCO treasures unfold before you, from Seoraksan's peaks to Bulguksa Temple. The DMZ's 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and traditional life in Andong Hahoe Folk Village come alive with professional English commentary and seamless coach transfers.
Duration 7 days Destinations Seoul, Gyeongju, Daegu, Andong, Seoraksan National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Tomato Travel From
- NZ$2,804
Rated 5.0/5, professional guides organize market tours, cooking demonstrations, and authentic experiences. Local specialists enhance temple visits and cultural activities, ensuring deep understanding of Korean culinary traditions.
Duration 8 days Destinations Seoul, Jeonju, Busan Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,530
25% Off- NZ$4,148You save $1,382
Best of South Korea
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very friendly and professional. He made our tour group feel welcome, comfortable and safe!”
Toy, traveled in October
Knowledgeable guides take you to UNESCO sites like Bulguksa Temple and Gyeongbokgung Palace. Participate in monk-led activities at Golgulsa Temple, visit Busan's Jagalchi Market, and understand DMZ history. Private transportation and local insight included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $4,819
25% Off- NZ$3,614You save $1,205
Discover South Korea
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Going on a sleeper train was a new experience for me and my husband and travelling overnight made the best use of our days.”
Frances, traveled in August
Cultural immersion spans Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace to Busan's Jagalchi Market. Rich experiences await at UNESCO sites like Seokguram Grotto and Haeinsa Temple, ensuring deep cultural understanding throughout South Korea.
Duration 12 days Destinations Seoul, Gangneung, Seoraksan National Park, Andong, Gyeongju, Busan Age Range 16 to 80 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $9,347
12% Off- NZ$8,250You save $1,097
Golden route by K-shuttle
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The KShuttle agency was just arranged perfectly. We enjoyed everything from booking, pickup, hotels, the comfy bus and all the beautiful cities we went exploring.”
Sehel, traveled in April
UNESCO sites like Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto reveal Korea's heritage. The journey includes Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace and Busan's Jagalchi Market, with stays at upscale properties like MayPlace Seoul and Ramada Jeonju.
Duration 8 days Destinations Seoul, Jeonju, Yeosu, Jinju, Busan, Gyeongju, Pyeongchang, Sokcho Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operator US Travel Korea From
12% Off- NZ$2,475
Korea Express
38 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I had a great time during this tour!”
Melissa, traveled in February
Duration 7 days Destinations Seoul, Suwon, Jeonju, Haeinsa, Busan Age Range up to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
12% Off- NZ$3,246
The Essence of Korea and Jeju Island
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Thanks to her, we left every site with a deeper appreciation and a genuine curiosity about Korea's past and present.”
Chelsea, traveled in June
Duration 9 days Destinations Seoul, Suwon, Jeonju, Haeinsa, Busan, Jeju-do Age Range 3 to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
12% Off- NZ$4,092
Korean World Heritage Adventure 11D/10N
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were great, and the tours were informative and fun.”
Rafe, traveled in March
UNESCO sites like Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto reveal ancient Korea. The itinerary features Jeju Island's natural wonders, DMZ's historical sites, and Seoul's royal palaces, rated 4.7/5 for guided experiences.
Duration 11 days Destinations Seoul, Jeju-do, Busan, Daegu, Gangneung Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
12% Off- NZ$8,095
South Korea Eastern Adventure 3D/2N
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“They made the process so easy and stress-free, and the tours they offer are truly unforgettable.”
Leif, traveled in December
Rated 4.3/5, English-speaking guides lead tours through Busan's Jagalchi Market and Gyeongju's UNESCO sites. Rich commentary enhances visits to Andong Hahoe Village and Mt. Seorak National Park. Smooth transfers between all 4 cities provided.
Duration 3 days Destinations Busan, Gyeongju, Wonju, Seoul Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
12% Off- NZ$1,729
Seoul's HiKR Ground, Jeonju's Nambu Market, and Busan's Urban Smart Farm showcase modern Korea. Local markets, traditional hanok stays, and visits to Hyangilam Temple and Gamcheon Culture Village provide authentic cultural encounters.
Duration 9 days Destinations Seoul, Jeonju, Yeosu, Busan Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,940
15% Off- NZ$2,499You save $441
What people love about Fully Guided Tours in South Korea
- Best of South Korea
This is a great 'introduction' trip to Korea if you're not inclined to discover the country independently. Due to the "hilliness" of Korea, it is not ideal for people with mobility issues or over a certain age/fitness.
- Discover South Korea
The trip was very good. The local guide went out of her way to make the tour enjoyable for all. Food was varied and adventurous at time. Transport was good. The pace of the tour was good with a few tweaks extras were added which filled the gaps.
- Korea Express
The tour went well, but I recommend being bilingual for this tour to comprehend your experience more completely.
What our customers ask about South Korea Guided Tours & Trips
What are the main benefits of taking a fully guided tour in South Korea?
Guided tours in South Korea connect travelers with expert local guides who share authentic insights into Korean culture and daily life. Tours handle all logistics from hotel bookings to transportation allowing visitors to focus on experiences at sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace the DMZ and Bulguksa Temple. Accommodations range from the modern LOTTE City Hotel Mapo in Seoul to the Ramada Encore in Busan with transportation provided via private vehicle train and domestic flights. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The guides were fantastic and went above and beyond to help us get to places we wanted to see but weren't on the itinerary."
What kind of accommodations can I expect on a guided tour in South Korea?
South Korean guided tours typically provide 4-star hotels in central locations such as the Fraser Place Namdaemun Hotel in Seoul and Ramada Encore in Busan. The experience often includes stays at traditional hanok guesthouses in Jeonju or overnight temple programs at places like Haeinsa Temple. TourRadar travelers report: "The hotels were very comfortable clean and well-equipped especially the hotel in Jeju Island with stunning sea views." This mix offers both modern amenities and cultural authenticity.
What meals are typically included on fully guided South Korea tours?
Tour packages generally cover daily hotel breakfasts and select local restaurant meals. Special dining experiences often feature temple stay vegetarian dinners welcome feasts in Seoul and farewell BBQ gatherings. One TourRadar review states: "The food was high quality with a good mixture between local specialties and familiar options." Tours regularly visit vibrant food destinations like Seoul's Gwangjang Market and Busan's Jagalchi Fish Market while guides point travelers toward quality local spots during free meal times.
What's the best time of year to take a guided tour in South Korea?
Spring months (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant conditions for South Korean tours. Spring brings cherry blossoms to Seoul and Gyeongju while autumn paints Seoraksan National Park in rich colors. Tour operators note that "Booking during peak seasons (cherry blossom fall colors) may face price changes." Summer brings humidity while winter though cold presents unique scenes of snow-draped temples and seasonal festivals.
How many days are recommended for a comprehensive guided tour of South Korea?
A thorough exploration of South Korea typically requires 7-13 days. The most effective itineraries span 10-12 days allowing time to explore Seoul's heritage sites discover historic Gyeongju experience Busan's coastal culture and spend 2-3 days on Jeju Island. A TourRadar reviewer confirms: "The 12-day tour was packed with different activities and places and I thoroughly enjoyed it." This duration balances cultural immersion with natural attractions.
What's the transportation like on fully guided tours in South Korea?
Tour groups travel via private air-conditioned vehicles between destinations complemented by high-speed KTX train journeys linking major cities like Seoul and Busan. Domestic flights connect to Jeju Island with all logistics managed by tour operators. TourRadar reviews highlight that "The transportation was excellent vehicles were clean and comfortable and drivers were friendly and highly skilled making us feel very safe."
How do local guides enhance the cultural experience in South Korea?
Local guides serve as cultural bridges facilitating unique experiences from temple stays at Golgulsa Temple to cooking classes in Busan and conversations with North Korean defectors in Seoul. Their expertise adds depth to every visit. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "Our guide Jay made this journey unique. His deep knowledge of Korean culture and history expert recommendations for local food and personal connections made every experience more meaningful and gave us access to places we'd never find on our own."