Our favorite South Korea tours and excursions

East of Seoul, in a tranquil stretch of the Bukhan River, lies Nami Island, a secluded, tree-shaded spot that makes a popular excursion from the capital – especially for couples and potential couples-to-be. 

Not all that long ago, few Koreans had heard of Nami Island, much less been there. This all changed thanks to Winter Sonata, a hugely popular Korean drama. Nami was where the main characters had their first date amid dreamy lanes lined with tall pines. All of a sudden, most of Korea – and half of Japan too – wanted to see Nami in real life, and such is its beauty that its popularity has remained, two decades since it was brought to global attention. 

These days, the most exciting way to arrive on Nami Island is by zipline – you start across the river on a tower 80 meters high, then race down for almost a kilometer. Almost up to the very end of the ride, you’ll have stunning views of forested mountains, and the clear river running between them.

Creamy, sweet and very moreish, makgeolli is often described as a Korean rice wine – though “rice beer” is more appropriate, given the way it’s made. Many first-time visitors fall into the mak-trap... the stuff can taste deceptively weak until you’ve had too much, but as long as you know your level, it’s a brilliant drink. 

Our classes take place near Ulsan at Boksoondoga, one of Korea’s most esteemed makgeolli breweries. You’ll learn how this milky-white beverage shed its stigma as a “peasants’ drink” to become the tipple of choice for many young Koreans, who appreciate its light effervescence and subtle-yet-complex flavor profile. You’ll get hands-on, making your own batch with godubap (steamed rice) and nuruk (traditional Korean yeast). By the end of the 40-minute session, you’ll be ready to call yourself a connoisseur! 

One of Korea’s most famous gifts to the world is kimchi, whose popularity has shot up across the globe in recent years – not only because of its characteristically powerful taste, but also an admirable variety of health benefits. 

Many refer to kimchi as Korea’s national dish, though it’s not a dish in itself, but a complement to meals. There are many different varieties (not all of them spicy) but the most common is made from fermented cabbage, onions, garlic and spices. You’ll probably be able to buy it in your local supermarket these days, but the home-made stuff is always best – and while in Korea, you can learn all the secrets in our kimchi-making classes. After soaking up some background knowledge about kimchi, its history and uses, it’s time for the actual creation (gloves and protective equipment are provided, since making kimchi can be a pleasantly messy experience!). Best of all, you’ll get to take some home as a souvenir - so long as you don’t eat the lot before your flight.

Lying south of the mainland, Jeju Island is Korea’s favorite vacation destination, an absorbingly bucolic place with its own customs and curiosities – volcanic craters, lava tubes, and the ubiquitous “stone grandfather” statues known as hareubang. 

Many of Jeju’s foremost attractions are located on its south coast, including charming Seogwipo city, the basalt columns of Jusangjeolli (Korea’s very own Giant’s Causeway), and a series of pristine beaches. There’s no more captivating way to see them than from the vantage point of a yacht, out on the turquoise sea, with the extinct volcano of Hallasan – South Korea’s highest mountain – looming in the background, like a two-kilometer-high movie prop. 

Yachts depart from Seogwipo’s picturesque little harbor, and free fruit, beer and wine are included during your trip – a luxuriant way to enjoy the scenery of southern Jeju.

Few countries allow you to experience their traditional culture even while fast asleep! Don’t miss the chance to stay the old-school Korean way, in one of its hanok guesthouses. 

Wooden, tile-roofed and intrinsically East Asian, courtyard homes known as hanok once covered the country, though they’re now vanishingly rare – the vast majority of Koreans now live in apartment blocks. Thankfully, a few hanok neighborhoods remain, including the Hanok Village in Jeonju, and Hahoe Village, near Andong. The good news for visitors is that all of them have plenty of hanok guesthouses, where you can savor the homely delights of a near-bygone era. This usually extends to sleeping on futon-style bedding (the floors are heated through winter) and eating traditional breakfasts. In Jeonju Hanok Village there’s the added bonus of having some of Korea’s best restaurants on your doorstep, while in Hahoe, you’ll wake up in the calm of the Korean countryside.