New Tour Spotlights the Best of South Korea

InsideAsia Tours’ “Soul of Korea” itinerary features well-known and offbeat locations with a focus on cultural immersion. Travel is on the high-speed KTX train.

InsideAsia Tours is expanding its cultural adventures across East Asia with the launch of its inaugural South Korea Small Group Tour (SGT) itinerary, “Soul of Korea.”

The 10-day tour delves into South Korea’s better-known sights and off-radar places. From hyper-modern Seoul to the jumbling alleyways and beachside districts of Busan, traditional Jeonju and atmospheric Gyeongju, this trip is the ultimate introduction to South Korea.

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InsideAsia Tours -Busan – Gamcheon

Rebecca Barry, Senior South Korea Product Executive, said the new tour has been crafted to give a well-rounded experience of South Korea, perfect for first-time visitors and solo travelers alike.

“The tour will showcase the must-see highlights and off-radar sights of Seoul, Busan and Jeonju, action-packed with crafting activities in Bukchon Hanok Village, Bibimbap-making classes in Jeonju (home to the famous dish) and market food sampling in Busan to unveil Korea’s unique and delicious culinary culture,” Barry said.

“Beyond the hotspots of Seoul and Busan, our carefully crafted itinerary also takes travelers to Gyeongju – the ancient capital of the Silla kingdom for over a thousand years and cultural capital of the country, before stepping into the 15th century at Yandong Folk Village, where traditional thatched buildings in a rural setting with preserved artifacts truly transport visitors to another age.

The small group format, with a maximum of 16 travelers per group, ensures an intimate and engaging experience, allowing guests to connect with fellow travelers, locals and their culture as they explore Korea.

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InsideAsia Tours -Seoul – Gwangjang Market

Things to See and Do on This South Korea Tour

Each tour varies in experience, but travelers can expect the following on the “Soul of Korea” SGT:

A truly small group tour, led by an Insider (tour leader), to provide unparalleled local expertise and cultural insight along the journey.
Local guides to unlock cultural doors and share a slice of local life that explores alternative districts, traditional pocha bars and favorite places that make each tour different.
Travel on the high-speed KTX train across the country. This is not a coach tour.
Stay in a traditional hanok in the old capital of the Silla Kingdom for a uniquely Korean experience.
Visit Jagalchi Market in Busan, Korea’s largest fish market. Sample the freshest seafood from an endless option as you wander through the sprawl of seafood stalls.
Navigate the jumbled streets of Busan’s, Gamcheon “Culture Village” – what used to be Korean war refugee slum town and now home to art galleries, cafes and more.
Sample the wares of Jeonju’s Makgeolli Alley, sharing dish upon dish with your fellow group members clinking kettles of makgeolli rice wine in this UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
Explore South Korea’s largest hanok village: head down narrow streets, then get sweeping views of this slate-roofed village from the neighboring Omokdae Pavillion.

Inside Travel Group Co-founder Alastair Donnelly said InsideAsia is continuing to see a significant increase in South Korea’s appeal as a tourist destination.

“South Korea is rapidly becoming one of Asia’s hottest new destinations, so the launch of our new SGT seemed like the next logical step for InsideAsia Tours’ growth,” Donnelly said. “Traveling with us means experiencing culture with a local lens and tapping into a side of the country you wouldn’t normally see as a visitor.”

The “Soul of Korea” tour is now available for booking with departure dates starting from May 2025.