South Korea Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,541 reviews)- Choose from 100+ South Korea tours
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Table of contents
- The best South Korea tour packages
- What people love about South Korea Tours
- Travel South Korea your way
- Top operators in South Korea
- Best places to start your South Korea tour
- Discover South Korea tours for every budget
- South Korea tours for every group
- Top South Korea travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit South Korea
- South Korea travel guides - curated by our experts
The best South Korea tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouth Korea travel expert at TourRadar
12-Day South Korea Adventure: From Seoul to Jeju Island
137 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great mix of city, nature, cultural experiences, and food.”
Jon, traveled in November 2024
Mega Sale
A 12-day tour winds through 5 major South Korean cities, from Seoul's Namsan Mountain to Jeju's Jjeongbang Waterfall. The route includes DMZ tunnels, Gyeongju's ancient tombs, and Busan's coastal beauty, topped off with K-pop dance classes, temple stays, and a farewell BBQ on Jeju Island.
Duration 12 days Destinations Seoul, Sokcho, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju-do Age Range 18 to 55 year olds Operated in English Operator The Dragon Trip From $2,108
35% Off- US$1,370You save $737
2025 Discover Korea in 7days: A Wellness Holiday
196 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great value for money, I enjoyed every aspect of this tour and now my friends and family want to come and experience the same.”
Jessica, traveled in November 2024
Mega Sale
A grand South Korean circuit connects 13 cities, showcasing UNESCO sites like Gongsanseong Fortress and Bulguksa Temple. Guests rest at luxury hotels including Grand Josun Busan and Intercontinental Pyeongchang, while savoring authentic Korean cuisine and cultural activities like Hanbok wearing in Jeonju Hanok Village.
Duration 7 days Destinations Seoul, Gongju, Jeonju, Jangseong-gun, Gwangju, Boseong, Suncheon, Busan, Gyeongju, DaeguSee all destinations Age Range up to 100 year olds Operated in English Operator HanaTour ITC From $1,970
20% Off- US$1,576You save $394
10-Day Premium South Korea Adventure: Culture, Cuisine, and Coastlines
57 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Arrangements went smoothly.”
GEORGEANNE, traveled in October 2024
Mega Sale
A premium 10-day tour takes in Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gyeongju's ancient tombs, and Busan's Gamcheon Culture Village. Highlights include DMZ visits, temple stays at Golgulsa, and Jeju Island yacht trips. Rated 4.7/5 from 50+ reviews.
Duration 10 days Destinations Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju-do Age Range 18 to 75 year olds Operated in English Operator The Dragon Trip From $3,200
20% Off- US$2,561You save $640
Best of South Korea
39 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We got to experience a lot of varied experiences in 8 days.”
WILLIAM, traveled in October 2024
Mega Sale
South Korea's cultural treasures unfold from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. The itinerary features an overnight temple stay, Busan's Jagalchi fish market, and the historic DMZ. Meals include 7 breakfasts and a temple-style dinner.
Duration 8 days Destinations Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in English Operator G Adventures From $2,799
15% Off- US$2,379You save $419
- Mega Sale
Duration 8 days Destinations Seoul, Jeonju, Busan Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,570
25% Off- US$2,678You save $892
What people love about South Korea Tours
It was a good trip, felt rushed most of the time and unorganized at some points but it was still good
12-Day South Korea Adventure: From Seoul to Jeju Island
- 12-Day South Korea Adventure: From Seoul to Jeju Island
An amazing time in Korea, getting a great taste of seoul, busan and jeju. Our guides Olia and Damien were amazing and made sure we had an excellent time on the trip.
- 12-Day South Korea Adventure: From Seoul to Jeju Island
My feedback is a little bit mixed as the accommodations were okay; the IBIS hotel was really comfortable, but the hostels in Gyeongju and Busan weren’t the best. The one in Gyeongju had mold on the walls which caused one person to leave and the one in Busan was dirty and had construction workers outside playing very loud music really early in the morning. We found that Olia sometimes can be a little chaotic, and exhibits behaviours that can be off putting to some, such as crying in front of tour members, acting a bit over enthusiastic and drinking a bit too much. It was also very intense having to have tour guides staying in hotel and hostel rooms with us. I think Olia needs guidance as she seems to be struggling with a few things in her life, but she has great potential as she is a very caring person who is always happy to help. Outside of these negatives, there were so many positives. The experiences I had were extremely valuable, such as the stay in the temple, the bonding with other tripmates (who I am now friends with), and hanging out with locals. Damien, too, was incredible. He was inexperienced but it didn’t seem like he was. His knowledge was really good and he could read a room really well, and knew what other tour members wanted. The food was also incredible! All in all, I had a really good experience. I think I would like to travel with the Dragon Trip again.
Travel South Korea your way
Our South Korean cultural tours really get under the surface of the country. You'll explore actual DMZ tunnels and hear real stories from North Korean defectors who made the crossing. The journey takes you through Seoraksan National Park's granite peaks, into Buddhist temples for martial arts training and along ancient pathways in Gyeongju. What makes these tours special is getting hands-on - you'll cook local dishes in Busan's bustling markets and spend nights in traditional hanok houses. Our guides Jay and Sam really shine here; travelers often tell us how their deep cultural knowledge and personal connections help bridge modern and traditional Korea.
See all Explorer toursSelect from our extensive range of 83 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through South Korea with our expert guides leading the way.
See all Fully Guided toursThe cultural focus tours blend important historical sites with genuine local experiences. You'll find yourself wandering preserved hanok villages in Andong, practicing traditional archery at mountain fortresses and joining Buddhist ceremonies at Jingwansa Temple. Our travelers particularly value the quiet morning meditation sessions with monks and learning directly about temple life. You'll take part in proper tea ceremonies, watch martial arts demonstrations and visit workshops where you can try making hanji paper the traditional way. The overnight stays in historic hanok villages give you a real feel for Korea's traditional lifestyle - it's something our customers mention again and again.
See all In-depth Cultural toursFind the right partially guided tour for you in South Korea. There are 35 trips to choose from, that range from 2 days in length, up to 20 days. The month with the most departures is April, making it the most popular time to visit South Korea.
See all Partially Guided tours
Top operators in South Korea
Looking at these South Korean tour operators, Culture Trip stands out with their Soulful South Korea program. Their guides Jay and Sam receive specific praise from travelers who appreciate how they weave cultural context into each stop. The tour moves at a comfortable pace that lets you properly take in the sites, markets and local experiences. Intrepid's South Korea Highlights tour is solid and professionally run, though some of our travelers mention wanting an extra day or two in Seoul to really get their bearings. The guides know their stuff but the schedule keeps you moving pretty quickly from place to place. We've noticed some confusion with Bamba Tours since they often resell trips operated by K-Shuttle, US Travel and other local companies. While not necessarily a problem, it means you might find the exact same itinerary at different price points depending where you book. The guide quality and pacing can vary quite a bit between the actual operating companies. If you're choosing between them, Culture Trip seems to hit that sweet spot of good organization, knowledgeable guides and a pace that lets you properly experience each destination. You'll get more consistency in the experience compared to booking through a reseller like Bamba.
- 5.0 (22,795 South Korea reviews)
"We got to experience a lot of varied experiences in 8 days.
- Tours
- 5 South Korea tours
- Age range
- 12 to 90 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 1h
- Response rate
- 92%
- Average price
- $399
- 4.5 (454 South Korea reviews)
"The itinerary was great, a nice variety between cities and national parks. As well as historical and modern sites. You got a good overview and I would now have the confidence to travel through South Korea on my own to visit some places again. The group was quite large with 17 people. A group with max 12 people would have been better, would also reduce waiting times for upcoming activities. The tour guide was Korean himself and gave good tips for leisure excursions and restaurants. His explanations of how Korea works were also clear and well-founded. Only the daily planning for the next day he could have given earlier and shared in the Whatsapp group so that it is not forgotten and everyone has the information, with such large groups something gets lost.
- Tours
- 4 South Korea tours
- Age range
- 7 to 80 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 11h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $331
- 5.0 (262 South Korea reviews)
"The tour gives you a very good overview of the various parts of South Korea. Our guide, Jay, was simply excellent.
- Tours
- 5 South Korea tours
- Age range
- 2 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 23h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $246
Best places to start your South Korea tour
Almost all our South Korea trips kick off from Seoul - 89 travelers started there last season. While you can begin from Busan, Jeju-do or Incheon, most people prefer starting in the capital. Book about 3.5 months ahead (that's 109 days) to get the dates you want, especially if you're planning to see cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. Spring runs March through May and autumn goes from September through November - these seasons are ideal with mild temperatures and natural color shows. Look for cherry blossoms in early April and peak autumn colors around late October. Summer brings festivals and beach time but pack for humidity and some rain. Winter's nice too - you'll find snow festivals, hot springs and fewer tourists at the main sites.
Discover South Korea tours for every budget
The 12-day budget tours from Seoul to Jeju Island give you plenty of room to explore at your own pace. Our travelers consistently enjoy mixing temple stays with DMZ visits and hiking through Seoraksan National Park. You'll rest your head in a combination of hostels and traditional guesthouses - though we've heard the Gyeongju hostel rooms could use some work. The 5-day circular routes offer solid value too, taking in UNESCO sites like King Muryeong's tomb. Guide Justin gets regular mentions in our feedback for sharing cultural insights and even sketching trip cartoons. These tours pack in authentic experiences like Korean cooking classes, nights in hanok villages and also traditional tea ceremonies, proving budget-friendly doesn't mean missing out.
For those seeking premium experiences, luxury South Korean tours deliver special moments you won't find elsewhere. Travelers spend time in private conversation with Buddhist monks over tea, unwind with traditional spa treatments and also stay in Busan's finest five-star hotels. One highlight our guests love is learning tea-time recipes from celebrated Korean food experts. Over on Jeju Island, you'll wake up to ocean views and take private yacht trips around the volcanic coast. The guides on these tours really shine - they're known for their deep cultural knowledge and ability to arrange unique experiences like exclusive temple visits or private cultural shows.
South Korea budget tours- South Korea luxury tours
South Korea tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
92 tours in South KoreaExplore South Korea on a pre-planned itinerary and meet like-minded travelers
Small Group
20 tours in South KoreaVisit South Korea with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
16 tours in South KoreaPrivate tours give you complete control with a dedicated guide for your whole journey. Most travelers opt for 10 days, combining Seoul's palaces, Gyeongju's UNESCO sites and also Busan's seaside charm. Our guides Jones and Kevin get great feedback for adapting tours to match each traveler's interests. You'll enjoy private transfers between cities, carefully picked hotels in the best spots and also freedom to adjust plans on the fly. From intimate tea ceremonies to personal shopping guides in Myeongdong, these tours can include whatever interests you - many guests add extra days in Jeju Island for more personalized exploration.
Top South Korea travel itineraries to fit your plans
A week in South Korea lets you see the key highlights at a good pace. Starting in Seoul, you'll visit the Blue House and Gyeongbokgung Palace before heading to Seoraksan National Park where a cable car takes you up to Gweongeumseong Fortress ruins. Our wellness-focused route includes tea ceremonies with monks at Baegyangsa Temple, green tea tasting in Boseong and also guided meditation sessions. The 5-star hotels in Busan get lots of praise from our travelers, and guides like Mark make the bus rides fun by teaching useful Korean phrases. You'll have enough time to explore cities on your own while still hitting the cultural highlights.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Seoul, Seoraksan National Park, Andong, Daegu, Gyeongju
See all tours
Ten days really opens up what's possible in South Korea. Our premium route mixes temple stays and cooking classes with hiking trails and coastal spots. The overnight at Golgulsa Temple is special - you'll learn Buddhist martial arts and meditation from the monks who live there. We've got another route focused on UNESCO sites that takes you from Seoul's palaces to Gyeongju's ancient monuments and also Jeju Island's volcanic landscapes. The "Soulful South Korea" tour gets great feedback for balancing national park hikes with village stays and local food discoveries - our guide Jay has a gift for making Korean history come alive.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Seoul, Jeonju, Busan, Jeju-do
See all tours
Two weeks lets you explore South Korea by rail, moving at a local's pace. The journey starts in Seoul and connects you to Busan, Gyeongju, Jeonju and also Incheon by train. You'll spend several days in each spot, which means time to find places like Jeonju's street art corners and Busan's local beach spots. The mix includes nights in traditional hanok houses, guided walks through Bukhansan National Park and seeing how modern city life fits with old traditions. Our travelers like having their trains and hotels sorted while still being free to explore on their own.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeonju, Yeosu, Jeju-do
See all toursDemographics
Solo travelers connect naturally on our 12-day trips from Seoul to Jeju Island. The routes mix temple stays, DMZ visits, Seoraksan hikes and also plenty of free time for market exploration. Our guides Damien and Olia create a social atmosphere through shared experiences - think group cooking classes, meditation sessions and spontaneous karaoke nights. You'll stay in a good mix of hotels, hostels and traditional houses. While many enjoy the social aspect, our past travelers suggest booking private rooms if you need your personal space.
Couples often choose our premium 10-day cultural journeys for their mix of romance and tradition. The itinerary includes private tea ceremonies in historic hanoks, peaceful nights in mountain temples and also sunset yacht rides around Jeju Island. Many pairs love cycling through Gyeongju's ancient sites before unwinding with spa treatments in Busan. We focus on atmospheric hanok stays and upscale oceanview hotels. Our most-booked route starts with Seoul's modern energy, moves through quiet traditional villages and ends with beach time and seafood feasts in Busan.
Young adults love our food-focused routes that keep the energy high. You'll move from ancient temples to K-pop dance classes, dive into street food markets and also check out rooftop bars. The trips include cooking workshops in Busan, waterfall hikes on Jeju Island and cycling through historic neighborhoods. There's enough free time built in to explore vibrant areas like Hongdae and Myeongdong. Our travelers particularly value the local experiences - making traditional snacks, learning about Korean spirits and joining impromptu karaoke sessions with locals.
Senior travelers consistently pick our premium cultural tours for their comfortable pace and attention to detail. We include private transfers, quality hotels and guides who share deep knowledge of Korean history and traditions. The routes cover UNESCO sites like Bulguksa Temple, traditional performances and also hands-on experiences through tea ceremonies and cooking demonstrations. Many choose our Seoul palace tour that includes gentle walks through bamboo forests and evening visits to traditional markets. We focus on central hotels with good facilities and traditional hanoks upgraded with modern comforts.
Our family tours blend cities and nature really well in South Korea. The most effective route runs 9 days and mixes hands-on activities like kimchi making and taekwondo practice with outdoor experiences in Seoraksan National Park. Parents tell us their kids love dressing up in hanbok at the palaces, exploring Gyeongju's burial mounds and also learning martial arts in Seoul. We've built in cable car rides for night views and cooking classes where everyone makes bibimbap together. The schedule keeps a manageable pace with enough downtime, which works great when traveling with different age groups.
- Solo Travelers94 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples50 tours All tours for Couples
- Young Adults (18 - 39)7 tours
- Seniors (50+)60 tours All tours for Seniors
- Family66 tours All tours for Family
Best time to visit South Korea
- Spring 2025
Spring brings our popular 12-day cultural tours from Seoul down to Jeju Island, timed perfectly for cherry blossom season across multiple regions. Cycling through Gyeongju's ancient tombs becomes magical when pink petals float through the air - our travelers consistently note this as a highlight. Temple stays reach their peak in spring, where morning meditation feels special as sunlight filters through the trees and you can practice traditional martial arts in the temple courtyards. For something extra special, our premium tours include private hanbok fittings at Seoul's palaces and also exclusive tea ceremonies in centuries-old hanok houses.
- March 2025 85 tours
- April 2025 90 tours
- May 2025 popular 94 tours
- Summer 2025
Summer is hot and vibrant. Explore Jeju Island’s beaches or Busan’s coastlines. Attend the Boryeong Mud Festival. Night markets in Seoul offer cool, eclectic experiences.
- June 2025 popular 89 tours
- 75 tours
- 83 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn transforms South Korea's mountains and our hiking-focused tours capture the season perfectly. The Seoraksan National Park routes showcase brilliant red maples - our travelers send us amazing photos every year. We blend city and nature exploration nicely; you'll walk ancient fortress walls draped in fall colors after exploring Seoul's modern districts. The temples take on a different character when golden ginkgo leaves carpet the grounds. The tours include scenic cable car rides over Busan's coastline and also yacht trips around Jeju Island where the setting sun gives the volcanic landscape a warm autumn glow.
- September 2025 95 tours
- October 2025 popular 96 tours
- November 2025 83 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter tours in South Korea blend cultural immersion with cozy indoor activities when temperatures drop. Our most requested routes mix Seoul's city exploration with temple stays and cooking classes where you'll learn traditional Korean dishes and warm up with hotpot dinners. The DMZ tours continue through winter - our travelers often mention how the clear winter skies make for excellent visibility at the Dora Observatory when viewing North Korean territory. We keep you comfortable with a mix of tea ceremonies, traditional craft workshops and also visits to the Korean Folk Village. The local jjimjilbangs (traditional bathhouses) become a welcome retreat after exploring in the cold.
- January 2025 33 tours
- February 2025 54 tours
- December 2025 popular 57 tours
South Korea travel guides - curated by our experts
Weather in South Korea in 2025
Embark on a journey through South Korea's captivating weather with TourRadar. Discover how each season and region offers unique adventures and cultural experiences.
What is the best time to visit South Korea in 2025?
Discover the best time to visit South Korea, a nation of vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. From Seoul's bright lights to Busan's coastal charm, find out when to experience the dazzling festivals and serene natural beauty at its peak.