South Korea offers an exceptional variety of experiences that really do offer something for everyone. From hands-on culinary workshops and traditional calligraphy classes to scenic hikes and contemplative temple visits, we have hand-picked the most authentic activities on offer in South Korea. All of our tours are led by local experts with a passion for sharing their craft, so whether you're mastering the movements of Taekwondo, or exploring Seoul on two wheels, you’ll be able to engage South Korea and its people in a way that goes far beyond the surface.
KOREAN COOKERY CLASS WITH A LEADING CHEF
Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization
Discover the rich flavours and traditions of Korean cuisine in an immersive cookery class led by one of Korea’s most highly acclaimed chefs and food stylists. Step-by-step, you'll be guided through the preparation of a variety of classic dishes, learning not only essential techniques but also the cultural stories and culinary traditions behind each recipe. From folding delicate mandu dumplings to mastering the balance of flavour in bulgogi, or preparing fiery tteokbokki and creating your own kimchi, the menu can be designed around your individual tastes. You’ll also learn to plate with precision and style. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious beginner, this experience offers a thoroughly enjoyable journey into the heart of Korean food culture.
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SEOUL E-BIKING
Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization
The perfect complement to classic sightseeing in Seoul, a private guided tour by e-bike gives you a new perspective on some of the city’s colourful local neighborhoods. Powered by a modern and comfortable e-bike you are able to cover much more ground than is possible on foot, and you’ll also be able to navigate narrow lanes that are impossible to reach by car. The exact route will be discussed with your private guide on the day, but you may find yourself following the course of the Cheonggyecheon River for a time, then winding inland for a gentle cycle through one of the hidden villages in the heart of the city, passing traditional markets and lesser-visited temples along the way.
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CALLIGRAPHY EXPERIENCE
Photo courtesy of Erayeon Seal Engraving Experience Center
Step into a quiet studio in Insadong, one of Seoul’s most creative cultural neighbourhoods, for an introduction to the art of Korean calligraphy. Surrounded by teahouses, galleries, and antique shops, this area has long been associated with traditional crafts and artistic expression. Under the guidance of a skilled calligrapher, you’ll learn the graceful techniques of brushwork using hanji (traditional Korean paper), inkstone, and brush – tools that have been used for centuries to convey poetry, philosophy and literature in written form. As you practice the fluid strokes of Hangeul, Korea’s elegant written script, you’ll gain insight into the cultural significance of calligraphy as both an artistic and meditative practice.
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INWANGSAN SCENIC HIKE
Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization
Escape the bustle of central Seoul with a half-day hike in the foothills of Inwangsan, one of the city’s most culturally significant peaks. You may have first glimpsed the mountain framing your photographs of Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace – or even in traditional Korean paintings – but embarking on the scenic two-mile Inwangsan hiking trail with a private guide is a wonderful way to encounter this legendary mountain. Rising to 338 metres, the trail winds along a portion of the ancient Seoul City Wall, constructed in the 14th century during the Joseon Dynasty to protect the capital. On a clear day you can enjoy fabulous views of Seoul, from the modern skyline of Gangnam to the palaces and traditional rooftops of Jongno below. Along the way, encounter shamanist shrines tucked into rocky outcrops and gnarled pine trees, reflecting one of Korea’s oldest indigenous belief systems.
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TAEKWONDO EXPERIENCE
Gain a glimpse into the world of Taekwondo, South Korea’s most iconic martial art and a powerful expression of both physical discipline and mental focus. Rooted in ancient Korean forms of self-defence, Taekwondo is now practiced around the world and is even an official Olympic sport. At its core, it emphasizes speed, precision and control. Your experience begins with a short demonstration by a Taekwondo master, designed to show you the fluid power and precision of the art. After a light warm-up and partner stretches, the master will then guide you through a series of foundational stances, blocks and kicks. This gentle workshop offers a fascinating insight into a discipline that is as much about the mind as it is about movement.
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KOREAN TEA CEREMONY
A serene hanok located in one of the most picturesque areas of the Bukchon Hanok Village is the setting for your afternoon tea experience. This hanok is one of Seoul’s most beautifully preserved, its reception room was used by eminent figures throughout the Joseon Dynasty to welcome their distinguished guests. Here you will be able to sample a variety of Korean homemade teas, carefully selected by the hanok’s tea specialist, and tasted in a carefully considered order. Alongside the tea, small traditional sweets such as hangwa (rice cookies, sesame treats, or dried fruits) are offered, complementing the delicate flavours of the tea. We can even arrange a tea ceremony in traditional Korean dress, if you wish, where you can try on a typical hanbok (robe) and wear it throughout the ceremony.
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RIDING THROUGH JEJU ISLAND’S WILD LANDSCAPES
Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization
Enjoy a relaxed ride through the striking landscapes of Jeju Island, following forested trails and stretches of quiet shoreline. Your riding route offers changing scenery, from shaded woodland to open coastal views. On a clear day, the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak might be visible in the distance. Rising dramatically from the eastern coast of Jeju, it is often referred to as ‘Sunrise Peak’, its volcanic tuff cone now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are riding options suitable for all levels of experience and covering a variety of terrains, but – whichever option you choose – you will find this an utterly rewarding way to experience the natural beauty of Jeju Island.
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GYEONGJU TEMPLES WTH A BUDDHIST GUIDE
Accompanied by a knowledgeable Buddhist guide, delve into the spiritual and historical heart of the Silla Kingdom with a visit to two of Korea’s most revered religious sites – Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple. Perched on the slopes of Mount Toham in the forested hills of Gyeongju, Seokguram was constructed in the mid-8th century during the height of the Silla dynasty and reflects the era’s sophisticated understanding of geometry, engineering and Buddhist symbolism. A contemplative walk through the forest leads you to a serene granite Buddha sitting in quiet meditation, surrounded by exquisitely carved bodhisattvas and celestial guardians. Descend through forested paths to Bulguksa, the temple built to embody the Buddhist utopia on earth. Also dating to the 8th century, its graceful wooden halls, lotus ponds, and iconic Dabotap and Seokgatap pagodas reveal the pinnacle of Silla artistry and religious devotion. Exploring these sites with a private Buddhist guide offers a far deeper understanding of them, and will leave a lasting impression.
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BIBIMBAP WORKSHOP
Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization
Delve into one of Korea’s most beloved culinary traditions with a hands-on bibimbap cooking class. Meaning “mixed rice,” bibimbap is a mouth-watering dish that brings together a medley of sautéed vegetables, marinated meat, gochujang (chilli paste), and a perfectly cooked egg, all artfully arranged over steamed rice. Guided by an expert local chef, you’ll learn how to prepare all the elements required for the perfect bibimbap, mastering balance and flavour. You will also be able to learn more about the regional varieties of bibimbap that can be observed across South Korea.
