Culture adventure specialists, InsideAsia, part of Inside Travel Group and sister brand of InsideJapan, is excited to announce the launch of its inaugural South Korea ‘Soul of Korea’ Small Group Tour (SGT).
This 10-day tour delves into some of South Korea’s better-known sights and off-radar places, rich in cultural experiences offering deeper insight into local life and culture. From hyper-modern Seoul to the jumbling alleyways and beachside districts of Busan, traditional Jeonju and atmospheric Gyeongju, this trip is the ultimate introduction to South Korea.
Senior South Korea Product Executive Rebecca Barry said this new tour has been crafted to give a diverse and well-rounded experience of South Korea, perfect for first-time visitors and solo travellers alike.
“The tour will showcase the must-see highlights and off-radar sights of Seoul, Busan and Jeonju, action-packed with craft activities in Bukchon Hanok Village, Bibimbap making classes in Jeonju (home to the famous dish), and market food sampling in Busan to unveil Korea’s unique and delicious culinary culture,” Barry said.
“Extending to cover Gyeongju – the ancient capital of the Silla kingdom for over a thousand years and cultural capital of the country – it absolutely lives up to its name as a ‘museum without walls’ as you explore one awe-inspiring historic site after another.
“From Gyeongju, the tour will take travellers out to discover Korea’s largest traditional yangban village dating back to the 15th Century, Yandong Folk Village, an active village community that accepts a small entrance fee to support the upkeep of the community.
“The tour will stroll through this beautifully kept village, full of traditional thatched buildings in a rural setting, and a chance to eat local food at the village restaurant. It feels like stepping back into old Korea.”
The small group format, with a maximum of 16 travellers per group, ensures a more intimate and engaging experience, allowing guests to connect with fellow travellers, locals and their culture.
Each tour varies in experience, but travellers can expect the following on the ‘Soul of Korea’ SGT:
- A truly small, Small Group Tour, led by an Insider (tour leader), to provide unparalleled local expertise and cultural insight along the journey.
- Local guides to unlock cultural doors and share a slice of local life that explores alternative districts, traditional pocha bars and favourite places that make each tour different.
- Travel at 300 km/h on the high-speed KTX train across the country. This is not a coach tour.
- Stay in a traditional hanok in the old capital of the Silla Kingdom for a uniquely Korean experience.
- Visit Jagalchi Market in Busan – Korea’s largest fish market. Sample the freshest seafood from an endless option as you wander through the sprawl of seafood stalls.
- Navigate the jumbled streets of Busan’s, Gamcheon ‘Culture Village’ – what used to be Korean war refugee slum town and now home to art galleries, cafes and more.
- Sample the wares of Jeonju’s ‘Makgeolli Alley’: share dish upon dish with your fellow group members clinking kettles of makegolli rice wine in this UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
- Explore South Korea’s largest hanok village: head down narrow streets, then get sweeping views of this slate-roofed village from the neighbouring Omokdae Pavillion.
Inside Travel Group Co-founder Alastair Donnelly said InsideAsia is continuing to see significant increase in South Korea’s appeal as a leading tourist destination.
“The launch of our new South Korea SGT seemed like the next logical step, bringing in our expertise of creating pioneering Small Group Tours with InsideJapan, this tour marks the next phase of growth for our InsideAsia brand,” Donnelly said.
“South Korea is rapidly becoming one of Asia’s ‘hottest new destinations’, and this tour gives travellers the opportunity to uncover both the iconic landmarks and lesser-known districts in Seoul and beyond, all while being guided by insightful Insiders who have made Korea their home.”
“Travelling with us means experiencing culture with a local lens and tapping into a side of the country you wouldn’t normally see as a visitor. From navigating hangul signs to hansik food culture, we’re excited to take passengers on a tour that gets beneath the surface of this incredible place.”
The Soul of Korea SGT is now available for booking with departure dates starting from May 2025.
For more information on the itinerary and to book your place on this unique adventure, visit here.
