South Korea, K-Pop & Kimchi

Once you have arrived in Seoul, you meet your Adventure Leader and the rest of the group, all fellow K-Pop fans. You then have time to browse Myeongdong, one of the city’s best-known shopping areas, for albums, photocards, beauty products or the newest merchandise.

Later, we take the cable car up Namsan Mountain, arriving as the light fades over the skyline, before heading up to the observatory for a first look at the capital from above.

The evening is yours. You might find somewhere for dinner, carry on shopping or simply wander the streets.

We travel north from Seoul this morning to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), among the most fortified frontiers in the world. On the way, we learn about the history of the Korean Peninsula and, subject to availability, hear first-hand from a North Korean defector about life in the North.

At Dora Observatory, we gaze across the border into North Korea, then head down into the Third Tunnel, a secret passage found running beneath the border that takes visitors to within a short distance of the North.

Back in Seoul this afternoon, K-Pop specialists lead us through a dance class, breaking the choreography down move by move until the routine comes together.

In the evening, you have the option of heading out independently to Hongdae, where street performers and K-Pop dance covers take over the pavements before the bars and clubs fill up.

Our day begins at Gyeongbokgung Palace, South Korea’s best-known royal palace, where we watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony and then wander its halls, gates and courtyards. You can also rent a traditional hanbok at an additional cost of GBP 11 and wear it around the palace grounds.

Next, we walk through the lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village and on into Insadong, a neighbourhood known for culture, shopping and K-Pop memorabilia. We stop at KTown4U to look for albums, photocards and hard-to-find merchandise.

Later, we visit HIKR Ground, an interactive K-culture space, to learn how the K-Wave spread around the world and to have a go at making a music video.

This evening, you can join the group for dinner and drinks in Itaewon, with your Adventure Leader showing you around its international restaurants, bars and nightlife. The district featured in the K-Drama Itaewon Class and is often associated with RM of BTS.

This morning, we visit Hallyu K-Star Road, lined with the Gangnam Dolls, each dedicated to a different K-Pop group. It’s a good chance to find your favourite group’s doll for a photo.

Around midday, we move on to COEX Mall, an underground network of restaurants, shops and K-Pop merchandise. Inside, the Starfield Library has shelves of books rising from floor to ceiling, and the Gangnam Style statue makes a good photo stop.

In the afternoon, we walk through BTS RM Forest, planted to mark the rapper’s birthday and his commitment to protecting the environment.

Your evening is free in Jamsil, an upmarket part of Seoul, where you might try one of its restaurants or visit Lotte World Tower.

Seoul - Gwangju. Leaving Seoul this morning, we ride the KTX bullet train to Gwangju, a city closely tied to Korea’s music industry.

Once we have checked into our accommodation, we head to Chungjang K-Pop Star Street, which honours the idols who began their careers here. Along the street are handprints of the stars, a star memorial hall, a fan zone and murals.

We also visit the Hope World sculpture, created in honour of J-Hope of BTS, who comes from Gwangju. More than 21,000 messages from ARMY fans around the world are inscribed on it. Afterwards, we explore Penguin Village, where J-Hope appears in yet more murals alongside local arts and crafts.

In the evening, you can head to 1913 Songjeong Station Market, a century-old market given new life, to try local food and browse its cafes and independent shops.

Gwangju - Busan. Today, we take the bus to Busan, the last city on the tour. On arrival, we head to Gamcheon Culture Village, a well-known filming location, where a mural honours Jimin and Jungkook of BTS, both Busan natives.

From there, we continue to Songdo Beach to ride the Songdo Marine Cable Car, with wide views along the coast. The standard cabin is included, or you can switch to the glass-bottom cabin at an additional cost of KRW 5,000 and see the sea directly beneath you.

Afterwards, we walk through BIFF Entertainment Square in central Busan, with its street food stalls, shops and further K-Pop and film connections.

The evening is free for you to enjoy Busan’s nightlife, have a seafood dinner or walk along the beach.

Busan Citizen Park is our first stop this morning. Fans will know it from a visit by V of BTS, and NewJeans appeared here more recently in tourism campaigns for the city, so it appeals to followers of both generations. We spend time among its gardens and sculptures, and there is a good spot for a photo.

Afterwards, you have the choice of unwinding in a jjimjilbang, a Korean bathhouse, at an additional cost of GBP 14. Your Adventure Leader may not go with you but will give you clear directions. Alternatively, you can visit Dadaepo Beach, known as Jimin’s favourite spot in Busan, where the Nakdonggang estuary meets the South Sea and a large fountain marks the entrance to the sand.

Tonight, you can join the group for K-Pop karaoke in Haeundae.

Busan - Seoul. We'll make our swift and stylish return to Seoul this morning via high-speed rail (KTX).

Upon arrival back in the city, get ready for the grand finale – a makeup masterclass led by a team of top-notch Seoul MUAs. Delve into the realm of cosmetics as they guide us through the use of products and expertly demonstrate application techniques, allowing you to achieve the iconic looks sported by your favorite K-Pop and K-Drama stars!

Sadly, today marks the end of your unforgettable South Korea, Kimchi & K-Pop tour. Say your goodbyes and make your way to the airport for your onward flight. May your departure be as smooth as a perfectly choreographed K-Pop dance!