Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan, South Korea

South Korea Tours & Holidays

Escorted Tours & Holidays To South Korea

Discover the captivating beauty of South Korea on an unforgettable journey through its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From ancient temples and royal palaces to futuristic cityscapes, this Asian gem offers a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Explore Seoul, where towering skyscrapers stand alongside centuries-old sacred places of worship. Immerse yourself in the bustling energy of traditional markets and take in panoramic views from iconic observation decks. Journey to Gyeongju, the 'museum without walls', to marvel at UNESCO World Heritage sites that showcase Korea's ancient Buddhist art and architecture.

Experience the unique charm of traditional Korean villages, where beautifully preserved houses offer a glimpse into the country's rich past. In coastal Busan, witness mountains meeting the sea in spectacular fashion, with clifftop temples and colourful hillside communities.

For nature lovers, tranquil forests and national parks offer peaceful retreats, while adventure seekers can enjoy thrilling coastal views from cable cars and suspension bridges. As day turns to night, witness the transformation of city skylines into glittering spectacles.

With its diverse culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes, South Korea promises an array of unforgettable experiences for every traveller.

Our South Korean Tour

Gyeongbokgung Palace,Seoul, South Korea
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South Korea & Japan Discovered
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  • Discover the culinary and cultural attractions of Seoul with visits to Changdeokgung Palace, Gwangjang Market and N Seoul Tower
  • Visit coastal Busan’s historic landmarks, from Gamcheon Culture Village and Jagalchi Market to Busan Tower and BIFF Square
  • Spend time in Beppu, the home of dramatic, colourful hot springs and visit the Hells of Beppu
  • 18 days from £7,389 pp

  • Dates Available

    October 2025 - November 2026

  • Duration

    18 days

  • Depart From

    3 airports

  • Excursions

    15 included

  • Meals

    22 included

South Korean Food
South Korean Food

Food & Drink in South Korean

South Korean cuisine is a harmonious blend of flavours, textures, and traditions, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and regional diversity. The foundation of most Korean meals is rice, served alongside an array of side dishes known as banchan, which can include kimchi (fermented vegetables), namul (seasoned vegetable dishes), and jeon (savoury pancakes).

One of South Korea's most iconic dishes is Bibimbap, a colourful bowl of rice topped with an assortment of vegetables, meat, a fried egg, and gochujang (red chilli paste). For a comforting meal, try Samgyetang, a nourishing chicken soup with ginseng, often enjoyed during hot summer days. Bulgogi, thinly sliced marinated beef grilled to perfection, is another must-try dish that showcases the balance of sweet and savoury flavours in Korean cuisine.

Street food is an integral part of South Korean culinary culture. Explore local markets and you'll find vendors selling tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), odeng (fish cakes), and hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar and nuts). Another popular street food is Korean fried chicken, known for its crispy texture and variety of flavours.

Korean traditional set table of Jeonju, with traditional rice wine(makgeolli)
Korean traditional set table of Jeonju, with traditional rice wine(makgeolli)

In coastal regions, seafood plays a significant role in the diet. Try Haemul Pajeon, a savoury pancake filled with various seafood and green onions, or Jogaegui, grilled clams served with a spicy sauce.

Korean barbecue, or Gogi-gui, is a social dining experience not to be missed. Meats like samgyeopsal (pork belly) and galbi (marinated beef short ribs) are grilled at your table and eaten with various accompaniments like lettuce wraps, garlic, and ssamjang (a thick, spicy paste).

For those with a sweet tooth, Korean desserts offer a unique twist. Sample Bingsu, a shaved ice dessert topped with sweet red beans, fruit, and condensed milk, or try Hotteok, a sweet pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.

To fully immerse yourself in Korean food culture, consider taking part in a traditional tea ceremony or joining a cooking class to learn how to make kimchi or other Korean staples. Visit a local jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse) to experience the custom of eating sikhye (sweet rice drink) and gyeran-bbang (egg bread) after a relaxing soak.

From the fiery heat of gochujang to the complex umami of doenjang (fermented soybean paste), South Korean cuisine offers a symphony of flavours that will delight your palate and leave you craving more.

Things to do in South Korea

South Korea's blend of traditional and modern attractions draws visitors from across the globe, with Seoul's ancient palaces like Gyeongbokgung standing in dramatic contrast to its futuristic skyline and N Seoul Tower. The historic city of Gyeongju, often called 'the museum without walls', captivates travellers with its UNESCO World Heritage sites including Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto.

The coastal city of Busan offers unique experiences with its dramatic clifftop Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, and the exhilarating Songdo Skywalk suspended over the sea. Beyond the cities, South Korea's natural landscapes provide endless opportunities for exploration, from the serene hiking trails of Seoraksan National Park to the pristine beaches of Jeju Island, known as the 'Hawaii of Korea'.

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