$3,000 + Airfare

Itinerary

Day 1

Travel Day

Daily Activity Key:

  • Light: 1-2 miles of mostly level walking
  • Moderate: 3-4 miles walking with some hills/stairs
  • Strenuous: 4+ miles walking with hills, stairs, and uneven terrain

Today is a long travel day; be as rested as possible before you head for the airport. Know your itinerary—if any of your flights are delayed or canceled, contact the airline authorities ASAP.

Walking: Light

(Daily itinerary specifics subject to change)

Day 2

Welcome to Seoul

Our orientation meeting will start in the morning at our hotel in Seoul.  Following that meeting, we will become familiar with the area and its surroundings, visiting the traditional GwangjangMarket, walking along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, and enjoying some of the local café culture. In the evening, take a cable car up to Namsan Tower, which overlooks all of Seoul.  

Walking: moderate.

Day 3

Royal Seoul

Today, we will start with a walking tour of the royal Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in the heart of Seoul. We will explore the traditional Korean architecture of Bukchon Hanok Village. Evening is free for personal discoveries and explorations of this great city.

Walking: moderate.

Day 4

Ancient and Modern Korean History

Today we will venture to several of the national museums around Seoul. We will see treasures of the ancient Korean world at the National Museum of Korea and remember the legacy of the Korean War at the War Memorial of Korea. Optional visit to K-pop conglomerate Hybe, home of BTS. In the evening, enjoy Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain and light show overlooking the Han River.

Walking: moderate to strenuous (if you select to visit the Hybe building).

Day 5

Suwon and Hwaseong Fortress

We will start the day traveling to the walled city of Suwon. We will walk along the Hwaseong Fortress, a Unesco heritage site with rolling streams, hills, and classic architecture, eat on Suwon’s Fried Chicken Street, and explore the 7-story Starfield Suwon mall before traveling back to Seoul.

Walking: moderate to strenuous.

Day 6

Korean Recreation

Explore traditional and innovative Korean Oriental medicine at the Seoul Korean Medicine Center. Add-on for experiential foot-bath and massages. Afternoon is free to explore nearby markets or rest before attending an optional Korean baseball game and experiencing sports fandom like you never have in the U.S

Walking: moderate.

Day 7

Gwangju and the Democracy Movement

We travel to the city of Gwangju to learn about Korea’s 20th century democracy movement. We will visit the 5.18 Archives and journey to the May 18th National Cemetery before traveling back to Seoul.

Walking: moderate to strenuous.  

Day 8

Free Day

Today is a free day for personal exploration. Visit any final shops, cosmetic stores, or cafés that you desire for keepsakes and mementos.

Day 9

Travel Day

Today is a travel day.  Know your flight itinerary – if any of your flights are delayed or canceled, contact the airline authorities ASAP. 

Walking: light. 

Experience both ancient and modern Korean culture firsthand when you visit global Seoul. You will encounter a variety of historical and cultural sites and explore the deep history of Korea. Walk the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, see the panoramic view of Seoul from Gwangiu to learn about local and international efforts to secure 20th century Korean democracy. Take pictures at the aesthetic Starfield Coex Library in Gangnam, majestic Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, and Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain on the Han River.

Date & Price

July 21 – 30, 2025

Cost: $3,000 + Air

  • Our tours don’t include airfare
  • We are glad to assist with making your flight arrangements and airport transfers, if desired. Click here to let us know.
  • Fly in style: ask me how you can treat yourself to an extra legroom! Premium, business, and first class seats might be available.

What's Included

  • A small, friendly group of 8-12 people
  • Full-time services of our travel concierge, friendly guide and local experts who will make fascinating history, art and culture of Ireland and Scotland come alive for you.
  • Tour Highlights – Seoul walking tours, explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, Han River, Cheonggyecheon Stream, the National Museum of Korea, National Hangeul Museum, the War Memorial of Korea, Starfield Coex Mall, Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, Suwon Starfield Mall, 5.18 Archives and the May 18 National Cemetery, Myeongdong Cathedral, some of the oldest Korean Markets … and much, much more.
  • All nights accommodations in memorable, centrally located, hotels.
  • Note: Single rooms may be available – ask for a quote. Price is based on double occupancy room.
  • All group transportation between hotels/cities.
  • Guaranteed tour price, locked-in the moment you submit your application and deposit.
  • All trip related tips, taxes, and gratuities.
  • ALUMNI DISCOUNT for each prior trip you have taken.
  • Fine print: You are responsible for cost of your meals, and free-time sightseeing and travel, and airport transfers.

Apply for: NEW: South Korea

$3,000 + Airfare / 9 Days, 8 Nights

Printable copy of this form: Travel Application (PDF file).

Tour Conditions