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
- Best of South Korea
- Golden route by K-shuttle
- 10-Day Premium South Korea Adventure: Culture, Cuisine, and Coastlines
- Korea Express
- South Korea Highlights
- The Essence of Korea and Jeju Island
- Exploring South Korea
- South Korea Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
- Korean World Heritage Adventure 11D/10N
- South Korea Eastern Adventure 3D/2N
Best of South Korea
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Accommodation was pleasant, food wonderful, atmosphere fantastic!”
Nicola, traveled in April
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 Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $4,819
25% Off- NZ$3,614You save $1,205
Golden route by K-shuttle
7 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 All Ages Welcome Operator US Travel Korea From
25% Off- NZ$2,508
10-Day Premium South Korea Adventure: Culture, Cuisine, and Coastlines
103 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour has just the right amount of physical activity, history and adventure. It's an excellently curated program that caters for all travellers.”
Shikara, traveled in July
Visits to Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gyeongju's ancient tombs, and Busan's Haedong Yonggungsa Temple earn 4.8/5 ratings. Unique experiences include DMZ defector meetings, meditation at Golgulsa Temple and Jeju Island visits.
Duration 10 days Destinations Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju-do Age Range Ages 18+ Operator The Dragon Trip From $5,961
10% Off- NZ$5,365You save $596
Korea Express
38 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great sightseeing of every stop we did and wonderful explanation from our guide.”
Michel, traveled in June
Duration 7 days Destinations Seoul, Suwon, Jeonju, Haeinsa, Busan Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
10% Off- NZ$3,287
South Korea Highlights
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Interesting with full of adrenaline filled activities.”
Jit, traveled in June
Skilled guides (rated 4.8/5) showcase cultural sites from Seoul's Gwangjang Market to Busan's Haedong Temple. Rich commentary at the DMZ, Gyeongbukgung Palace, and Seoraksan Mountain deepens understanding of Korean heritage.
Duration 9 days Destinations Seoul, Sokcho, Andong, Busan Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,200
15% Off- NZ$4,420You save $780
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 All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
15% Off- NZ$4,144
Exploring South Korea
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A fantastic tour of some of the most beautiful parts of South Korea. I absolutely recommend this tour.”
Stephanie, traveled in September
Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace, Busan's Gamcheon Village, and Jeju's Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak showcase Korea's diversity. Highlights include Taekwondo classes, temple meditation at Golgulsa, and DMZ visits with North Korean defector discussions.
Duration 12 days Destinations Seoul, Sokcho, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju-do Age Range Ages 18-55 Operator Encounters Travel From $3,995
15% Off- NZ$3,395You save $600
South Korea Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great adventure and people.”
Artur, traveled in June
Skilled local guides take you through Seoul's Myeongdong district, DMZ's hidden tunnels, and Geumsan's mountain temples. Master Taekwondo in Gyeongju, sample street food at Gwangjang Market, and visit Busan's Gamcheon Cultural Village with 4.5/5 rated guides.
Duration 10 days Destinations Seoul, Geumsan, Jeonju, Gyeongju, Busan Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator One Life Adventures From $3,170
10% Off- NZ$2,853You save $317
Korean World Heritage Adventure 11D/10N
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The transportation was convenient, and the accommodations were comfortable. Jeju Island is wonderful!”
Viggo, traveled in January
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 Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- NZ$7,555
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 Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- NZ$1,752
What people love about Fully Guided Tours in South Korea
- 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.
This tour was beyond amazing! Our guide, Dylan, was extremely knowledgeable and was able to explain the importance of each and every stop at the tour, illustrating extensive knowledge and cultural history. We were so comfortable during the trip! The intensity was moderate, which included walking, and touring each destination by food or car. I was traveling with my 12 year old daughter, and he was able to accommodate the trip to engage oh my daughters area of interest and explain everything on her level as well. Although the tour got intensive because we had to switch hotels every single night, Dylan made it very enjoyable! We absolutely loved every single aspect of this tour. For people who want to experience the essentials of South Korea, and take a deep dive into its culture and traditions, this is the right tour for you!
Golden route by K-shuttle
- 10-Day Premium South Korea Adventure: Culture, Cuisine, and Coastlines
I have been determined to see Korea myself since I spent the Pandemic watching Netflix Korean dramas. Especially “crash landing on you”. I could not find an American tour but did find dragon trip tours. I knew the trip was active but did not realize everyone would be so young. They were very courteous to me. It was a beautiful group of young people. Some days were together to see the sights and some days I took a taxi on my own. I left them to enjoy the evenings together. Always the tour guides were available for questions and help. I saw Korea. I am happy. I travel a lot, but this was a first time experience with an adventure group. Next time I will probably look for a more age appropriate group. But still, I accomplished my goal to experience Korea. Thank you to my group. My tour guides Olia and Damien. and to Alex my coordinator. I loved your Korea!
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."