Skip to Main Content
A traditional Korean pavilion with a blue-tiled roof sits beside a lake with mountains in the background at sunset in Korea.
Korea

The Best of South Korea: Local Culture and Ancient History

Program No. 23495RJ
Start Enrolling
Program
At a Glance
Duration
14 days
Program Begins
Seoul
Program Concludes
Incheon
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
28 ( 12B, 11L, 5D )
Activity Level
From
6,199
Step into South Korea, the captivating “Land of the Morning Calm.” Explore ancient forest temples and charming fishing villages, deepening your understanding of a culture that beautifully blends age-old traditions with cutting-edge modernity. Gain a true insider's understanding of the Korean way of life, from its hidden towns to its bustling cities. On this expert-led exploration, you'll take a hands-on cooking class, a thrilling bullet train journey and a journey to the unique volcanic beauty of Jeju Island. Yes, this is South Korea, where vibrant daily life meets centuries of tradition, offering you an authentic perspective on its dynamic present and storied past.
Best of all, you'll...
  • 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.
See Related Programs
Small Group
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking 2-3 miles over the course of day over uneven terrain and busy streets, with the exception of a couple of days where walking is 3-4 miles over the course of 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. The itinerary includes visits to historical sites and museums, allowing for plenty of opportunities to rest without needing to walk continuously.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

An illustration of a hand using a pen to check off the final item on a clipboard checklist
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

An illustration of an elderly man sitting at a computer with a pair of binoculars beside him
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

An illustration of an elderly woman holding a piggy bank, with the Eiffel Tower in the background
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it