Our favorite South Korea tours and excursions

It’s amazing how much you can see on this full-day guided tour, which will reveal the traditional heartbeat still pumping beneath Seoul’s modern facade. 

Your first stop will be one of Seoul’s sumptuous palaces. The oldest, Gyeongbokgung, was once the main royal residence of the Joseon Dynasty – like a more pleasant version of Beijing’s Forbidden City, and with a mountain backdrop to boot. 

After exploring the palace, you’ll make the short trip to Bukchon, a picturesque district of traditional houses that provides a glimpse of old Korea. Today, many of these hanok have been converted into museums and workshops, including a superb folk art gallery. 

Nearby, bustling Insadong’s narrow back alleys are lined with art galleries and teahouses. After the traditional culture on show here, depending on the tour, you’ll either finish up at Myeongdong shopping district, Namsan Tower, or Gwangjang Market, ending a day through which you’ll have seen Seoul from as many angles as possible.

A madcap kitchen-based musical, Nanta has been delighting audiences since first opening in 1997. An electric fusion of traditional Korean drumming beats and modern performance, it’s the country’s longest-running show. 

Nanta made its international debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – and since then, it has been staged in over 50 countries, becoming so popular that there’s now a dedicated Nanta theater way out in Bangkok. 

The basic premise is that of a restaurant owner’s hapless nephew struggling to cater for a wedding – and a series of seemingly impossible orders. The acrobatic feats and magic tricks of the performers are really something to behold, and the kitchen knife stunts may well leave you gasping. Then, of course, there’s the pounding music itself, the percussion performed with kitchen utensils including knives and chopping boards. Audience participation is also encouraged... you have been warned!

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.