Be enchanted by one of East Asia’s most atmospheric destinations.
On a tour to South Korea, you can experience everything from futuristic architecture to historic hanok villages and a flavourful, tradition-rich food culture.
South Korea is perfect for those who want to experience a culturally rich destination that many have yet to discover. An extraordinary travel experience awaits, combining modern infrastructure and vibrant cities with historic attractions and a truly distinctive food culture – all in one unforgettable tour. Travel to South Korea and return home with a grand adventure under your belt.
"Behind South Korea’s façade of modern pop culture, cutting-edge technology, and striking skylines lies a charming travel destination that has captivated me with its atmospheric streets and peaceful moments.
In the country’s many well-preserved hanok villages, I love wandering behind the traditional wooden façades, which hide small craft workshops and shops filled with the most delightful finds. History is ever-present, shaped equally by past and present. At the same time, nature provides a striking backdrop of rural, idyll green breathing spaces in the heart of the cities, and the ever-present charm of the coastline. It is here that South Korea’s unique soul reveals itself – and I can’t wait to experience it again."
Mikkel, Product Manager for South Korea.
On our tours to South Korea, you’ll experience the country’s fascinating contrasts, vibrant cities, and rich history in Seoul, Jeonju, Busan, and Gyeongju. Each tour has been carefully crafted so you can return home with your suitcase filled with unforgettable experiences.
All our tours are package holidays, with the price including flights, carefully selected accommodation, transport (including trains), scheduled excursions, as well as the flexibility to tailor your itinerary with free days and optional tours.
Below, you can read more about some of the highlights that await you on a tour to South Korea.
Seoul is the capital of South Korea and the country’s largest city, where futuristic skyscrapers, historic neighbourhoods, and ancient royal palaces create a captivating contrast between past and present.
Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s most energetic districts and a popular shopping area, where you’ll find both international brands and Korean labels. Many shops specialise in K-beauty, offering everything from skincare products to make-up. Myeongdong is also renowned for its fantastic street food scene, making it the perfect place to sample some of Korea’s delicious specialities.
In Bukchon Hanok Village, winding alleyways lead you past hanok houses – traditional Korean homes with distinctive curved tiled roofs and beautiful wooden façades – offering a fascinating glimpse into Seoul’s historical roots. If you’d like to delve even further into the past, visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395 and the largest and most iconic royal palace in Seoul.
In Namsan Park, you can soak up the beautiful natural surroundings and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. From here, you can either walk or take the cable car most of the way up to N Seoul Tower, where spectacular panoramic views of the city’s seemingly endless skyline await.
Among our favourite neighbourhoods are Insa-dong, known for its traditional culture and many galleries, and Ikseon-dong, where historic hanok houses blend seamlessly with a more modern, trendy city vibe.
The demilitarised zone (DMZ), located around 50–60 kilometres north of Seoul, is an approximately four-kilometre-wide buffer zone stretching across the Korean Peninsula and, since 1953, separating North and South Korea. The area holds many powerful stories from the Korean War and the period surrounding the division of Korea. In the demilitarised zone, you can, for example, visit the Third Infiltration Tunnel, explore exhibitions about Korea’s division at the DMZ Exhibition Hall, and take in the views towards North Korea from the Dora Observatory.
In addition, you can let yourself be enchanted by the peaceful scenery, where open fields, rolling hills, and forest-clad mountainsides stretch as far as the eye can see, standing in stark contrast to the dramatic history that led to the creation of the zone. The meeting of this tranquil landscape and the area’s turbulent past makes for a visit that truly gives you pause for thought.
Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is a vibrant port city where modern urban life, traditional neighbourhoods, lush green mountains, and beautiful stretches of coastline blend seamlessly into one captivating whole.
Busan’s districts are wonderfully diverse, and you can genuinely feel as though you’re moving from one extreme to another. You might stroll from views across the vast harbour and industrial area around Bukhang to the colourful streets of Gamcheon Culture Village, famed for its creative art installations, and on to the commercial hub of Seomyeon, where you can shop until you drop.
If you fancy a day at the seaside, head to Haeundae Beach, one of South Korea’s most famous beaches. With its wide stretch of sand, striking skyline, and laid-back atmosphere, it almost feels like an Australian coastal town. Here, vibrant city life blends effortlessly with relaxed holiday charm, drawing travellers from all over the world.
Busan also offers plenty of opportunities to explore Korean food culture. For example, you can seek out the local signature dish, dwaeji gukbap, at one of the city’s restaurants, or visit Jagalchi Fish Market, one of South Korea’s largest fish markets. Soak up the lively atmosphere and sample freshly caught fish and seafood at one of the nearby restaurants.
Located around 70 kilometres from Busan, Gyeongju served as the capital of the Silla kingdom for nearly 1,000 years. Today, its rich cultural heritage makes it one of South Korea’s most important cultural centres.
The area around Gyeongju is steeped in history, featuring a remarkable collection of burial mounds, temple complexes, ruins, and other cultural treasures from the Silla dynasty, each offering a fascinating insight into the country’s rich heritage.
The highlights of Gyeongju include Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto as well as Gyeongju’s historic areas, all of which are listed on the UNESCO world heritage list.
It’s ideal to visit Gyeongju on a full-day tour from Busan.
Several of our tours combine South Korea and Japan. Here, you can experience everything from vibrant cities and historic temples to breathtaking landscapes and an exceptional food culture.
On a tour to Japan, you’ll have the chance to discover Tokyo, where you can, for example, visit the beautiful Senso-ji Temple, cross the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, and take in spectacular views over the city from Tokyo Skytree. You can also look forward to exploring Kyoto, where its temples, zen gardens, and historic streets offer a fascinating insight into the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Depending on which tour you choose, you can also explore other captivating sides of Japan. You might visit Nara, where you can experience historic temples and freely roaming deer, or head to Kanazawa, where the well-preserved Nagamachi samurai district, historic teahouse areas, and traditional wooden buildings are steeped in history. Your journey may also take you to Osaka, known for its neon lights, excellent shopping, and outstanding food scene.
When you book a tour to South Korea with TourCompass, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having an experienced tour operator by your side – while still travelling independently and making the most of your free days exactly as you wish.
We have a close, long-standing partnership with our local partner, who brings more than 30 years of experience in organising tours across Asia. In addition, we have over 20 years of experience in crafting memorable tours, so we know what it takes to create an unforgettable experience. When you travel to South Korea with TourCompass, you’ll enjoy a carefully designed tour from start to finish, taking you to some of the country’s most remarkable highlights. Our knowledgeable local guides play an important role in making this possible. They offer insights into South Korean culture that you simply can’t gain from reading about it at home.
With TourCompass, you can therefore focus on what truly matters: enjoying South Korea.
Questions often arise when planning a tour to South Korea – especially if it’s your first time visiting the country.
Below, we’ve gathered answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about travelling to South Korea. You can also visit our page with practical information, where we’ve compiled essential details about our tours.
The best time to visit South Korea is in spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November). During these months, temperatures are generally pleasant, humidity levels are typically lower, and there is often less rainfall than in the summer months.
South Korea is a remarkable destination all year round. Do bear in mind, however, that winters can be very cold, while summers are hot and humid.
No, as a British citizen, you can travel to South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days as a tourist. British citizens are also temporarily exempt from applying for a K-ETA until 31 December 2026.
As entry requirements may change, we always recommend checking the current regulations on the website of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office before departure.
Yes, it is generally safe to travel to South Korea. As with any other destination, however, you should stay aware of your surroundings and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Possibly. It depends, among other things, on your itinerary, the length of your stay, and any previous vaccinations you have had.
We recommend contacting a medical specialist, your GP, or an authorised vaccination clinic for advice on which vaccinations you may need before your tour.
Tipping is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or taxis, and in some cases, it may even cause confusion if you try to leave a tip.
South Korea has an efficient and well-developed transport network, making it easy to travel between the country’s major cities. On our tours, you will travel on selected stretches by KTX, South Korea’s high-speed train. In Seoul and Busan, the metro is also a quick and convenient way to get around.
All transport outlined in the itinerary is included and arranged in advance, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experiences along the way.
We recommend setting aside at least 8 days, excluding flights, for your tour in South Korea. This gives you time to experience some of the country’s key highlights, such as Seoul and Busan.
If you’re dreaming of a longer adventure, you can combine South Korea with Japan and explore two of East Asia’s most spectacular destinations in one unforgettable tour.
Yes, travellers can generally manage with English in South Korea’s largest cities and tourist areas, particularly in hotels and at major attractions. However, English proficiency varies considerably, and you may encounter language barriers in local restaurants and outside the most visited areas.
You may find it useful to download a translation app such as Google Translate. For example, you can take a photo of a menu and have the text translated instantly on your phone.
With its vibrant metropolises, fascinating history, and outstanding food scene, South Korea is a destination that captivates from the very first moment.
Unsure which tour to choose? Get in touch with our experienced travel specialists today and let us help you find your dream tour!
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
You can check out the itinerary and dream yourself away in photos and videos of all our tours. You can read more about accommodation, combination options and all the practicalities – and see prices and departure dates for the next 18 months.
You are always welcome to call or write to us. We are here to answer all your questions, listen to your wishes and provide you with honest and competent advice based on our extensive travel experiences with Africa, Asia and Latin America.
You will receive a detailed quote for the tour, which you can save, print out or share with your travelling companions. If you decide to go ahead and book the tour, you can do this easily via the quote itself.
Emily loves to travel and is extremely passionate about helping others achieve their travel dreams.
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