Our favorite South Korea tours and excursions

Mountains, beaches, markets and islands are all well and good (who are we kidding – they're pretty amazing here), but if you’re looking for something that can’t be seen or done anywhere else in the world, Korea’s still the place to be.

We know that local people are key when it comes to delving into an exciting new destination – no off-the-peg walking tours here, only experiences that we’ve tried ourselves and loved to bits.

How does visiting a pristine river island sound? Appealing? We can get you there on a zipline, rather than a bus. Want to visit a Korean temple? We can get you bed and breakfast at one – not just any temple, mind you, but one where the monks will teach you martial arts. Want to take a few steps into North Korea, without the danger of stepping on a landmine? Yep, we can arrange that too.

While some experiences will simply become great memories, what happens in SK doesn’t necessarily need to stay there – try one of our classes and you’ll be able to wow your friends back home with authentic Korean dishes, or even the latest K-pop moves.

Korean cooking class

Most visitors to Korea come away raving about its food – but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t pinch a few of the nation’s culinary secrets and take them back home with you. All that this act of theft takes is a little tuition...

Our Korean cooking classes take place in the dynamic city of Busan, famed for its beaches and hectic nightlife – and, of course, its fantastic culinary scene. With a plethora of regional specialties, a vast collection of traditional food markets and some of the best seafood in the country, there’s nowhere better to get “hands on” with Korean food culture.

After your welcome drink and homemade Korean sauce tasting, experienced chefs will give you an in-depth lesson on how to create your own authentic Korean dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients – with a side of local culture thrown in. Afterwards, you’ll get to try the fruits of your labor – and complimentary recipe cards are included, so you can use your new skills back home.

Anapji Pond and Observatory illuminated at night.

Night walking tour of Anapji Pond and Observatory

Gyeongju’s pretty Anapji Pond is particularly beguiling in the evening, when atmospherically lit pavilions are reflected in the lake’s glassy surface against a darkening sky.

The pond was constructed by King Munmu in the year 674, when the Korean peninsula was dominated by the kingdom of Silla. In the 1970s, over 30,000 relics were discovered in and around the pond, including jewelry, pottery and a full royal barge – evidence of the power and splendor that this city enjoyed over a millennium ago.

Another important monument on this guided evening tour is the nearby Cheomseongdae Observatory – the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia. While you’re here, look out for the burial mounds of Silla-dynasty royals, illuminated in the distant darkness. There’s so much history in the air here, but our guides will fill in the blanks if you have any questions.