Korea
The Best of South Korea: Local Culture and Ancient History
Program No. 23495RJ
Experience the best that South Korea has to offer as you explore its historic landmarks, venture to small villages and learn about ancient traditions alongside welcoming locals.
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Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
14 days
13 nights
28 meals
12B 11L 5D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
10
Fly to Jeju Island, Jeju City
Jeju City
14
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Step into the “Land of the Morning Calm” and let the tranquil villages and lush landscapes transport you into another world. As you explore forest temples and fishing villages, learn about the region’s complex politics to shed a fascinating light onto the Korean way of life. While journeying to hidden towns and bustling cities, immerse yourself in a beautiful culture shaped by a tumultuous past during a hands-on cooking class, origami lesson, martial arts demonstration by monks, private tea ceremony and even more inspiring experiences. As you discover the best of South Korea, gain a true insider’s perspective on daily life and ancient history.
Activity Level
Varies by date
Walking up to 2 miles at a time on uneven terrain and busy streets. Walking up to 5 miles a day. You must be able to carry your own luggage. If you believe you require wheelchair assistance to get through an airport, you are not fit enough to participate in this program.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- Explore a traditional village, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that still has many “hanoks” — traditional Korean houses.
- Embark on a special field trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jeju Island as you walk through ancient villages and “oreum,” parasitic cones that make this island unique.
- Learn the history behind Changdeokgung Palace’s secret garden as you enjoy the landscaped grounds and 56,000 types of trees and plants.
Suggested Reading List
(8 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Best of South Korea: Local Culture and Ancient History
Program Number: 23495
Without You, There Is No Us, My Time With the Sons of North Korea's Elite
In this stirring memoir, South Korean writer-journalist Suki Kim recounts her experiences teaching heartbreakingly brainwashed students at a North Korean university -- a censored, prison-like environment.
The Korean War, A History
Leading Korean War scholar Cumings covers the war from both the Korean and American perspectives, including its impact on Americans at home, in this succinct and authoritative text. An excellent resource for students, scholars and anyone wanting to understand the U.S.’s relationship with North and South Korea.
Eating Korea, Reports on a Culinary Renaissance
Holliday (Eating Viet Nam, VNM177) continues his mouth-watering series of culinary reportage with this installment on Korea.
Korea:The Impossible Country
Daniel Tudor is a journalist who has lived in and written about Korea for almost a decade. In this book he examines Korea's cultural foundations; the Korean character; the public sphere in politics, business, and the workplace as well as the family, dating, and marriage. Long overshadowed by Japan and China, South Korea is a small country that happens to be one of the great national success stories of the postwar period.
Lonely Planet Korea
In its hallmark style, this practical guide to Korea by Lonely Planet features maps, a good overview of culture, history and nature, and much nuts-and-bolts information on excursions, accommodations and sightseeing. With 50 pages on North Korea.
Lonely Planet Pocket Seoul
A practical city guide to Seoul, South Korea that fits in your pocket, with the top sites, the best walks, food, art, shopping, views, nightlife and more. Includes pull out city map.
Korea, A Walk Through the Land of Miracles
Winchester, in his familiar and engaging style, blends travel, history and reporting in this insightful account of a walk across Korea in 1988. With a map and black-and-white photographs.
Korea's Place in the Sun, A Modern History
A provocative, spirited history of the two Koreas since World War II for the general reader, highly recommended. It includes a chapter on Korean-Americans, and ends with a lively discussion of Korea's place in the world at the end of the 20th century. New edition.
Meals
28 Meals
12 Breakfasts
11 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
- Oct 16, 2024 - Oct 29, 2024
- Sep 18, 2024 - Oct 01, 2024
- Oct 16, 2024 - Oct 29, 2024
- Mar 19, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025
- Apr 23, 2025 - May 06, 2025
- May 07, 2025 - May 20, 2025
- Sep 17, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
- Oct 15, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025
5 nights
Seoul
Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Myeongdong, the business and shopping center of Seoul.
2 nights
Gyeongju-si
Lahan Select Gyeongju is considered a ‘luxury hotel that exemplifies Gyeongju’ with a harmony of traditional beauty and modern class. Experience the elegant services offered by the hotel, from sophisticated and cozy rooms to restaurants presenting a feast of diverse delicacies to sports and leisure facilities.
2 nights
Busan
Designed for both business and leisure travel, Shilla Stay Haeundae is ideally situated in Haeundae-gu; one of the city's most popular locales. Situated only 10km from the city center, guests are well located to enjoy the town's attractions and activities. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. Offering hotel guests superior services and a broad range of amenities, Shilla Stay Haeundae is committed to ensuring that your stay is as comfortable as possible. Top features of the hotel include 24-hour security, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, laundromat, postal service, daily housekeeping. All guest accommodations feature thoughtful amenities to ensure an unparalleled sense of comfort. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or are just looking for a way to unwind after a hard day, you will be entertained by top-class recreational facilities such as fitness center. Whatever your purpose of visit, Shilla Stay Haeundae is an excellent choice for your stay in Busan.
3 nights
Jeju City
Maison Lad Jeju provides a luxury hotel experience but keeping some of the "unique local experience". They provide local food and services that is unique to Jeju island and decorated with art pieces from Daelin Contemporary Art Museum.
5 nights
Seoul
Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Myeongdong, the business and shopping center of Seoul.
2 nights
Gyeongju-si
Lahan Select Gyeongju is considered a ‘luxury hotel that exemplifies Gyeongju’ with a harmony of traditional beauty and modern class. Experience the elegant services offered by the hotel, from sophisticated and cozy rooms to restaurants presenting a feast of diverse delicacies to sports and leisure facilities.
2 nights
Busan
Designed for both business and leisure travel, Shilla Stay Haeundae is ideally situated in Haeundae-gu; one of the city's most popular locales. Situated only 10km from the city center, guests are well located to enjoy the town's attractions and activities. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. Offering hotel guests superior services and a broad range of amenities, Shilla Stay Haeundae is committed to ensuring that your stay is as comfortable as possible. Top features of the hotel include 24-hour security, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, laundromat, postal service, daily housekeeping. All guest accommodations feature thoughtful amenities to ensure an unparalleled sense of comfort. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or are just looking for a way to unwind after a hard day, you will be entertained by top-class recreational facilities such as fitness center. Whatever your purpose of visit, Shilla Stay Haeundae is an excellent choice for your stay in Busan.
3 nights
Jeju City
Maison Lad Jeju provides a luxury hotel experience but keeping some of the "unique local experience". They provide local food and services that is unique to Jeju island and decorated with art pieces from Daelin Contemporary Art Museum.
5 nights
Seoul
Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Myeongdong, the business and shopping center of Seoul.
2 nights
Gyeongju-si
Lahan Select Gyeongju is considered a ‘luxury hotel that exemplifies Gyeongju’ with a harmony of traditional beauty and modern class. Experience the elegant services offered by the hotel, from sophisticated and cozy rooms to restaurants presenting a feast of diverse delicacies to sports and leisure facilities.
2 nights
Busan
Designed for both business and leisure travel, Shilla Stay Haeundae is ideally situated in Haeundae-gu; one of the city's most popular locales. Situated only 10km from the city center, guests are well located to enjoy the town's attractions and activities. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. Offering hotel guests superior services and a broad range of amenities, Shilla Stay Haeundae is committed to ensuring that your stay is as comfortable as possible. Top features of the hotel include 24-hour security, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, laundromat, postal service, daily housekeeping. All guest accommodations feature thoughtful amenities to ensure an unparalleled sense of comfort. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or are just looking for a way to unwind after a hard day, you will be entertained by top-class recreational facilities such as fitness center. Whatever your purpose of visit, Shilla Stay Haeundae is an excellent choice for your stay in Busan.
3 nights
Jeju City
Maison Lad Jeju provides a luxury hotel experience but keeping some of the "unique local experience". They provide local food and services that is unique to Jeju island and decorated with art pieces from Daelin Contemporary Art Museum.
5 nights
Seoul
Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Myeongdong, the business and shopping center of Seoul.
2 nights
Gyeongju-si
Lahan Select Gyeongju is considered a ‘luxury hotel that exemplifies Gyeongju’ with a harmony of traditional beauty and modern class. Experience the elegant services offered by the hotel, from sophisticated and cozy rooms to restaurants presenting a feast of diverse delicacies to sports and leisure facilities.
2 nights
Busan
Designed for both business and leisure travel, Shilla Stay Haeundae is ideally situated in Haeundae-gu; one of the city's most popular locales. Situated only 10km from the city center, guests are well located to enjoy the town's attractions and activities. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. Offering hotel guests superior services and a broad range of amenities, Shilla Stay Haeundae is committed to ensuring that your stay is as comfortable as possible. Top features of the hotel include 24-hour security, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, laundromat, postal service, daily housekeeping. All guest accommodations feature thoughtful amenities to ensure an unparalleled sense of comfort. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or are just looking for a way to unwind after a hard day, you will be entertained by top-class recreational facilities such as fitness center. Whatever your purpose of visit, Shilla Stay Haeundae is an excellent choice for your stay in Busan.
3 nights
Jeju City
Maison Lad Jeju provides a luxury hotel experience but keeping some of the "unique local experience". They provide local food and services that is unique to Jeju island and decorated with art pieces from Daelin Contemporary Art Museum.
5 nights
Seoul
Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Myeongdong, the business and shopping center of Seoul.
2 nights
Gyeongju-si
Lahan Select Gyeongju is considered a ‘luxury hotel that exemplifies Gyeongju’ with a harmony of traditional beauty and modern class. Experience the elegant services offered by the hotel, from sophisticated and cozy rooms to restaurants presenting a feast of diverse delicacies to sports and leisure facilities.
2 nights
Busan
Designed for both business and leisure travel, Shilla Stay Haeundae is ideally situated in Haeundae-gu; one of the city's most popular locales. Situated only 10km from the city center, guests are well located to enjoy the town's attractions and activities. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. Offering hotel guests superior services and a broad range of amenities, Shilla Stay Haeundae is committed to ensuring that your stay is as comfortable as possible. Top features of the hotel include 24-hour security, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, laundromat, postal service, daily housekeeping. All guest accommodations feature thoughtful amenities to ensure an unparalleled sense of comfort. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or are just looking for a way to unwind after a hard day, you will be entertained by top-class recreational facilities such as fitness center. Whatever your purpose of visit, Shilla Stay Haeundae is an excellent choice for your stay in Busan.
3 nights
Jeju City
Maison Lad Jeju provides a luxury hotel experience but keeping some of the "unique local experience". They provide local food and services that is unique to Jeju island and decorated with art pieces from Daelin Contemporary Art Museum.
5 nights
Seoul
Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Myeongdong, the business and shopping center of Seoul.
2 nights
Gyeongju-si
Lahan Select Gyeongju is considered a ‘luxury hotel that exemplifies Gyeongju’ with a harmony of traditional beauty and modern class. Experience the elegant services offered by the hotel, from sophisticated and cozy rooms to restaurants presenting a feast of diverse delicacies to sports and leisure facilities.
2 nights
Busan
Designed for both business and leisure travel, Shilla Stay Haeundae is ideally situated in Haeundae-gu; one of the city's most popular locales. Situated only 10km from the city center, guests are well located to enjoy the town's attractions and activities. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. Offering hotel guests superior services and a broad range of amenities, Shilla Stay Haeundae is committed to ensuring that your stay is as comfortable as possible. Top features of the hotel include 24-hour security, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, laundromat, postal service, daily housekeeping. All guest accommodations feature thoughtful amenities to ensure an unparalleled sense of comfort. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or are just looking for a way to unwind after a hard day, you will be entertained by top-class recreational facilities such as fitness center. Whatever your purpose of visit, Shilla Stay Haeundae is an excellent choice for your stay in Busan.
3 nights
Jeju City
Maison Lad Jeju provides a luxury hotel experience but keeping some of the "unique local experience". They provide local food and services that is unique to Jeju island and decorated with art pieces from Daelin Contemporary Art Museum.
5 nights
Seoul
Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Myeongdong, the business and shopping center of Seoul.
2 nights
Gyeongju-si
Lahan Select Gyeongju is considered a ‘luxury hotel that exemplifies Gyeongju’ with a harmony of traditional beauty and modern class. Experience the elegant services offered by the hotel, from sophisticated and cozy rooms to restaurants presenting a feast of diverse delicacies to sports and leisure facilities.
2 nights
Busan
Designed for both business and leisure travel, Shilla Stay Haeundae is ideally situated in Haeundae-gu; one of the city's most popular locales. Situated only 10km from the city center, guests are well located to enjoy the town's attractions and activities. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. Offering hotel guests superior services and a broad range of amenities, Shilla Stay Haeundae is committed to ensuring that your stay is as comfortable as possible. Top features of the hotel include 24-hour security, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, laundromat, postal service, daily housekeeping. All guest accommodations feature thoughtful amenities to ensure an unparalleled sense of comfort. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or are just looking for a way to unwind after a hard day, you will be entertained by top-class recreational facilities such as fitness center. Whatever your purpose of visit, Shilla Stay Haeundae is an excellent choice for your stay in Busan.
3 nights
Jeju City
Maison Lad Jeju provides a luxury hotel experience but keeping some of the "unique local experience". They provide local food and services that is unique to Jeju island and decorated with art pieces from Daelin Contemporary Art Museum.
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