The 2023-2024 Visit Korea Year offers a host of traditional Korean experiences perfect for international travelers. From UNESCO World Heritage Site tours to wearing traditional hanbok in ancient streets, these activities provide a glimpse into Korea’s rich history. With visa-free travel for visitors from 22 countries, there’s never been a better time to immerse yourself in Korea’s traditional culture.

Gyeongju Thousand-Year History Tour from Busan

Gyeongju Korean Thousand-Year History Tour (Departing from Busan): Explore historic landmarks in Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This 12-hour tour from Busan includes a Hanok tour, scenic photography opportunities, and a palace night tour.

Itinerary:

Busan Station Tourist Information Center: Start the tour here, with stops at Seomyeon Station and Haeundae Station.
Bulguksa Temple: Spend an hour at this unforgettable landmark representing the Silla period. Bulguksa Temple admission is included in the ticket.
Gyeongju Gyochon Village: Walk through this Hanok village for an hour, capturing its ancient charm, Wolyeong Bridge, and Moon Stream.
Daereungwon: Visit the royal burial grounds of Silla kings, queens, and nobility. Daereungwon admission is included.
Hwangnidan-gil: Experience the 1960s ambiance in this well-preserved old neighborhood for two hours.
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond: Visit these Unified Silla-era palace ruins and ancient structures for an hour. Admission included.

Suwon Hwaseong UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour

Suwon Hwaseong UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour: Experience the stunning night view of Suwon Hwaseong, a symphony of light and turbulent Korean history. Explore traditional Korea and experience life through a night tour at Hwaseong Fortress. Comfortable shoes and personal water are recommended. Pets are not allowed on this tour. Ticket holders must gather at the Suwon Hwaseong ticket office 10 minutes before the tour. Tour times and meeting places: Saturday 06:30 PM ~ 09:00 PM (March-October), 04:00 PM ~ 06:30 PM (November).

5-Day Hallyu History Tour

5-Day Hallyu History Tour: This entertaining and educational 5-day tour lets you become part of Korean history, from the Joseon era to the present. Visit Gyeongbokgung, Namsan, and famous sites from Korean dramas and K-POP. The tour starts on the 10th of each month and includes five days of activities and four nights of accommodation.

Jeonju Hanok Village Tour

Jeonju Hanok Village Tour: Explore over 800 traditional houses in Jeonju, south of Seoul, for three hours. The modern city of Jeonju offers a glimpse into historical charm and tradition. The tour includes traditional Jeonju food and tea house experiences, admission fees, and round-trip transportation from Seoul.

Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage and History Full-Day Tour

Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage and History Full-Day Tour (Including Lunch): Spend eight hours with a private driver exploring Gyeongju’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This semi-private tour operates with a minimum of two people and includes admission fees, lunch, and transportation.

Tour Highlights:

Cheomseongdae Observatory: Visit Asia’s oldest existing astronomical observatory, constructed with 362 stones symbolizing the lunar year. The tour lasts about 30 minutes.
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond: Walk through the ancient palace site and former Wolseong Fortress, now a prominent nighttime attraction, for about an hour.
Gyeongju Gyochon Village: Explore the village famous for Choi’s old house and taste Gyeongju Gyodong Beopju for 50 minutes.
Daereungwon: Spend an hour touring the burial mounds of the Silla royalty, with over 11,000 artifacts on display.
Seokguram Grotto: Visit this representative stone temple of Korea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, constructed in 774 AD.
Bulguksa Temple: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its ancient architecture and stone relics. Explore the temple, which has undergone multiple restorations and destructions over the centuries.

Korean Folk Village Afternoon Tour from Seoul

Imagine embarking on a journey that takes you back in time, to the heart of Korea’s rich culture and history, all within the bustling metropolis of Seoul. From traditional folk villages to royal palaces, this guide will take you through the must-visit cultural gems of Seoul, offering a glimpse into both the past and present of this dynamic city. Let’s dive into the enchanting experiences that await you!

Seoul to Yongin: The Cultural Odyssey Begins

Departure from Seoul: Start your journey with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Seoul. Join a small group of fellow culture enthusiasts as you head towards Yongin.
Yongin Exploration: Within an hour, you’ll find yourself immersed in the local culture and cuisine of Yongin.
Korean Folk Village Experience: Step into the past with a visit to the Korean Folk Village. For an hour and a half, you’ll be mesmerized by traditional performances, including folk music and tightrope walking. The traditional houses and artifacts are a window into Korea’s rich heritage.

Tea Ceremony Experience

Traditional Korean Tea Ceremony: Participate in a tea ceremony featuring ceremonial matcha served in traditional Korean tea bowls, ‘chawan’. Learn about the significance of the ceremony and the crafting process of the famous chawan, made by renowned Korean potters. The tour begins and ends at 117, Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, with the meeting point on the second floor of the CU convenience store.
Seoul Full-Day Palace Tour

Discovering Seoul’s Royal Heritage

Start from Seoul: Embark on this historical journey with a friendly guide, right from your hotel in Seoul.
Cheongwadae (The Blue House): Visit the official residence of the South Korean head of state and uncover insights into Korean governance.
Gyeongbokgung Palace: Spend about 50 minutes exploring Korea’s largest and most significant palace.
The National Folk Museum of Korea: Located within Gyeongbokgung Palace, this museum showcases Korea’s cultural heritage.
Jogyesa Temple: Visit the largest Buddhist temple in the heart of Seoul.
Seoul Ginseng Center: Discover the healing properties and economic impact of ginseng in Korea.
Traditional Korean Lunch: Enjoy a lunch at a traditional Korean restaurant.
Changdeokgung Palace: Admire one of Korea’s most well-preserved and beautiful palaces, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997.
Insadong: Explore one of Seoul’s most popular shopping streets, complete with traditional teahouses and street food. Spend 30 minutes here for a unique shopping experience.
Namdaemun Market: Seoul’s oldest market awaits with authentic Korean food and unique market finds.
Return to Seoul: Conclude your journey with a comfortable trip back to your hotel in Seoul.