2025 Discover Korea in 7days: A Curated All-Inclusive Experience

Customer Reviews

• LR

  Lenka

  · June 6th, 2025
  Every moment, every day on this tour was amazing. Great activities combination - sightseeing. history, hiking, nature. And of course our very fine guide Jay, very kind, helpful and proud man. Thank you Jay, hope to meet you in future again.
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  Trip date: June 2025
• KT

  Kristina

  · June 5th, 2025
  Our guide Jay was fun and knowledgeable and looked after us very well. We learnt lots of history and ate so much delicious Korean food. The hotels and locations were also amazing. Our group was a very diverse and positive bunch. I really enjoyed my first ever group tour and would like to do more in the future!
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  HanaTour ITC commented on this review

  Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad you enjoyed the tour and Jay’s care. We hope you enjoy the rest of your itinerary and have wonderful experiences ahead! Best regards, The Hanatour ITC Team
  Trip date: June 2025
• SG

  sarth pravin

  · June 3rd, 2025
  This tour has been amazing, I would recommend this tour! as Jay has been great showing us the history and culture of South Korea.
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  HanaTour ITC commented on this review

  Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re glad Jay made your experience memorable and enjoyable. We look forward to welcoming you again at Hanatour ITC for your next trip! ???? Best regards, The Hanatour ITC Team
  Trip date: April 2025
• EB

  Elizabeth

  · May 27th, 2025
  I'm afraid I can't be as effusive as many are having read the reviews - maybe my expectations were too high. A full tour of S Korea cannot miss out Seoul - we did, I should have read more carefully but just to flag this to others. Nothing on Seoul whatsoever - and obviously not the DMZ which I was told was happening on the day after this trip ended when I had a flight booked so could not join. Had I seen this advertised I could have delayed my trip onwards. I did however have a quick whizz around the area in my own time and caught the changing of the guard, a great tourist experience and the Palace was only a 10 minute walk from the hotel where the tour started and ended and we started with the miles and miles of driving. First stop was lunch - lunch and dinner appeared to be the most important part of any day - I appreciate that they are pre booked but surely a snack midday (following always a good offering at the hotel breakfast one day we had lunch at 11.30 having left the hotel at 9am) could have done. First stop of the tour The Gonsanseong Fortress was opposite our lunch spot - we spend an overly long time there and then moved to an icecream cafe next to it - we saw on arrival that there was 'something' happening opposite and had to quiz the guide - lunch was more important, we then saw the 'parade' again and likely 2 hours after arriving we finally went to the Fortress where we walked, and walked - having 'free time' we nearly got lost as we had no map of the tracks - we (I was with one of the other ladies on the tour - we were 5 in total aged 20 - 67) got back to the entrance in time to see the 'changing of the guard' and stayed although we had been told to be back at the bus - why leave when this was the reason for coming. Then another drive onto a tomb - there were more than one in this area but we only saw one and would have missed the adjoining museum if I had not mentioned that this was the only time would be in S Korea - the guide insisted that the next museum had more to see - and of course time pressure due to being back for dinner - I felt rushed and I felt we had not seen as much as we could. This set the pace for the tour. I wasn't particularly fussed on dressing up in national dress but it was a good bonding experience and had no choice anyway - the area was interesting but has to be said as with all these areas we are seeing 'tourist attractions' in the main - we ended up at the Temple for 'tea and conversation with a Monk' which I thought would be a highlight but as lovely as the Monk was, she had no English so there was no conversation and through one of our party questions were asked - I understood little of the answers though being in Korean with a translation via our helpful tour mate who did a good job but surely this was for the guide? It was a lovely experience but again a rush then to be back for dinner. Tea Plantation, lovely, I've just 'done' a tea plantation of a different type in S America, the walk was long and uphill, I did chicken out of the steepest (being the oldest and now aware that there was a lot of walking on this tour) to save my legs! but managed 8k steps none the less. I'd say a highlight as it was an example of the area - then on to Suncheonman Bay - wetlands and again more walking - I did an hour and left the rest to the younger members, I wasn't particularly bothered but was bothered by the amount of walking and seeing little change in my surroundings. No one pointing out the foliage, or why some of the 'grass' - I think wheat but that is just my guess was dry and some green, the only wildlife was a one claw crab, which was interesting as it was living in the mud. Nothing to bring the area to life. Some did over 25k steps - I did 18k that day - then a rush back for dinner. Many eating spots were along the lines of (what I would consider) fast food - fried chicken wings in large quantity on this occasion. Busan for me was a highlight, a walk on the beach to see the sand sculptures, the busy streets, an overnight stay then off early for the UN War Cemetery and were 'fortunate' to catch the flag raising and also a commemoration ceremony (flag arranged, ceremony by chance) - too quick again, there was so much more to see and witness of the bravery of the people who came together to help Korea, but we were off again to the seafood market - amazing place as all fresh markets are, but we were whisked off to lunch - which was incredibly, not seafood, we had a walk through the market streets, and back for a 'tour' (quick walk through) of the market where we were informed that we could choose our fish and they would cook it for lunch - but obviously not that day as we'd been taken elsewhere to each - that was a great missed opportunity to do something different. Now on to the cable car - I probably spoilt this for others as I thought I'd lost my phone, the guide was very concerned, more concerned than I was as if it was lost it was lost and I'd deal with it, but he was being helpful, I didn't want it to dominate the experience, phone duly found (having been confirmed by one of my travelling companions kindly) back in the bus. Then a chase back to the hotel where we had 'free time' - I chose a massage and a walk around the very many shops, he others a local dinner of their choice. This was a beautiful hotel with Spa but sadly not open on the day we were there. Next day was APEC House which was a bit of a damp squib, really not sure what we were visiting - apart from being politically important it was a conference hall with little explanation (we were on free time again) and then another walk through the gardens. On for lunch and then Bulguksa Temple - this is what I needed to see - original or renovated temples, Korean past - but not in the rejigged tourist sense, sadly the museum was closed - lunch did I mention?! then to the burial mounds - which are quite fascinating and really something of the ancient Korea - then the observatory and a very very long walk for dinner - some sort of noodle with bean sauce, uninspiring, the area was interesting though with small artisan shops but we had no time - bus and back to hotel. Next stop was to make 'protein bars' - I really don't know how this becomes part of a tour and I was really beginning to wonder if I should just go home - I didn't come on a tour of Korea to make nut slices - but I did and then we went ..... off for lunch. Next was Andong Village - an original village apparently, I did try and ask questions but wasn't really getting answers - it was along the lines of a 'model village' with original houses some with tiles (for the land owners) and thatch (for the workers) - then a 'satire' play which was entertaining if a little long. Bus and Dinner and hotel. Dinner was a long way, the hotel another long drive. This was to the 'ski' area where the Winter Olympics were held but I've no idea why we were there as we arrived in the dark and left at 9am so saw nothing - as with all hotels we arrived late and left early. The last morning we drove north - again I'll never understand why, it was other parkland with walks along a 'valley' for nearly 2 hours - needless to say I did the first hour - there was no wildlife - I was promised a chipmunk - but it was miles of careful walking - lovely but we had already walked miles in parks I was quite desperate to see 'South Korea' as an historic place and maybe learn some of the history and politics of the place and the people witness sights I'd never seen that were special to this country - something I'd never seen and would never experience again, but I was sadly disappointed. Lunch, then a long drive back to Seoul - we did arrive back earlier than planned. I'd say a disappointing experience - too much of the same, little explanation, too much focus on eating, too much driving, too much walking - I know we covered a lot of ground but it was only to experience more of the same - stick to the highlights, the UN Memorial, Tea Plantation, Busan for sure, Tomb complex, the important Temples and national museums, maybe find someone who can give a talk, forget miles of walking (this could be another tour, I am fit but endless walking I find a bit of a bore if I'm not heading towards a goal, we just turned around and walked back). Eat close to a 'site', dinner close to the 'hotel' the meals were traditional Korean which I'm certain can be experienced in most restaurants - if we are going to the fish market - eat fish for heaven's sake! All meals came with water - nothing else offered. Hotels were a very high standard - but wasted as we arrived late and left early so spent no time there. I wouldn't do this again I know all we can have on a tour is a 'snapshot' but I felt we needed to spend more time in some places and cut out the endless 'hikes' where you just see the same scenery - and then see it on the way back. Upside was my travelling companions were a joy, the guide did his best, I assume he is given the set tour and his job is to get us all there and all back in one piece.
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  HanaTour ITC commented on this review

  Thank you for your kind review! We truly appreciate your feedback and will keep it in mind for future improvements. ???? Best regards, The Hanatour ITC Team
  Trip date: May 2025
• 

  Yeji

  · May 22nd, 2025
  Thank you Jay for showing us South Korea! You are very knowledgeable and passionate about your country. We learned a lot about the history and culture and are a lot of yummy food!
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  HanaTour ITC commented on this review

  Thank you for your kind words! We're glad your experience was memorable. We wish you a safe flight and look forward to seeing you again soon! :) Best regards, The Hanatour ITC Team
  Trip date: April 2025
• MS

  Matthew

  · May 17th, 2025
  This was my first time in South Korea and the tour experience was amazing from the start all the way through to the end. Loved the culture, history, nature and food along with the beautiful hotels and hospitality. Mark was enthusiastic in guiding us and explaining the details and it showed how much he loves his country. Great group altogether and made some new friends. Highly recommend the tour and the tour company as I would definitely come back again.
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  Trip date: May 2025
• GA

  GLORIA

  · May 17th, 2025
  This was top notch👍👍👍 Our tour guide Mark made it very informative and fun at the same time which I really enjoyed
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  HanaTour ITC commented on this review

  Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that Mark made the tour both enjoyable and informative. We look forward to welcoming you on another trip soon! :) Best regards, The Hanatour ITC Team
  Trip date: May 2025
• 

  Joy

  · May 16th, 2025
  A well rounded experience for first time Korea visitors! - Visit an excellent blend of different locations. From a bustling city, to a small quaint town, to the beautiful landscapes in nature. - Truly immerse yourself in Korean culture from learning the history, language, and various facts from a top notch tour guide. - Comfortable, safe, and clean travel and accommodations. - Delicious variety of Korean cuisine; you won’t go hungry. - Perfect group size. Can gain new friends. - There is plenty of walking on some days, however different walking options available (ie. short and half options). We are so grateful for our tour guide, Mark, and driver, Mr. Park. Mark brought so much life into our tour with his energy and enthusiasm. He is also extremely knowledgeable and you can tell he truly cares for the group. Amazing knowing he has already done this for many other tourists as well. Mr. Park’s driving was phenomenal and kept us all safe. He was also so helpful with loading and unloading our bags. We are grateful for this experience and have a new found appreciation for Korea.
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  HanaTour ITC commented on this review

  Thank you so much for your heartfelt review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the diverse locations, cultural experiences, and delicious cuisine. Mark and Mr. Park will be so happy to know they made your trip memorable. We hope to see you again in... Show more
  
  Trip date: May 2025
• 

  Lora

  · May 8th, 2025
  Lovely trip around South Korea! Our guide Mark was excellent! Great food every meal and good hotels everywhere. Highly recommend the 7 day. A great combination of exercise, history, culture and food!
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  Trip date: April 2025
• M

  Maureen

  · May 1st, 2025
  Wonderful trip with great travel companions. Jay our leader was outstanding, he explained the history and culture that was so easy to understand. The hotels were first class and the meals were all so different, you couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you Jay and Tour Radar
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  HanaTour ITC commented on this review

  Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour, Jay's cultural insights, and the meals. We hope to travel with you again soon! :) Best regards, The Hanatour ITC Team
  Trip date: May 2025