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South Korea Tours
4.14 (42 reviews)
67
Group Tours
13
Private Tours
2
City Explorer
When do you want to go?
2026
I'm flexible
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Discover South Korea tours
See Seoul and beyond, with local insight, smooth travel, and standout culture
South Korea tours combine big-city momentum with layers of history, quieter temple moments, and food culture that can easily become a highlight in its own right. From palace gates and hanok lanes in Seoul to the coast in Busan and the UNESCO-listed heritage of Gyeongju, many trips cover a lot while still keeping travel logistics straightforward. You can choose a fully guided tour with a tour leader throughout, or an itinerary where local guides lead key visits and you also have time to explore independently. Many tours link Japan, China and South Korea, although South Korea also works extremely well as a standalone route, with a clear north-to-south flow and good transport connections between major stops.
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Which trip type suits you?
Compare the key features of each trip type to find the perfect fit for you.
Choose your guiding style
South Korea guiding styles: from fully guided to partially guided, find the right experience for you
Maximum support
Fully Guided
A dedicated guide or tour leader is with you throughout, with each detail arranged.
Escorted by a guide or tour leader
Smooth, hassle-free travel
Support throughout the journey
Best for:
Complete support
Guided highlights
Partially Guided
Expert-led sightseeing in key places, with free time to explore between activities.
Guided sightseeing at key sites
Free time between activities
A balance of structure and flexibility
Best for:
Highlights with flexibility
Travel with confidence
Real reviews from our travellers
Spectacular South Korea (4 Star) - 12 daysPRIVATE TOUR: South Korea is rich in tradition, culture and natural beauty. Starting in the nation’s bustling capital, Seoul, travel south through the rolling tea plantations of Boesong to the ‘Treasure Island’ of Namhae and bustling port city Busan, before exploring ancient Gyeongju and the spectacular towering granite peaks of Mount Seoraksan. Discover the wonders of South Korea in 12 memorable days! Private Tours12Our guide made the trip. Every location was easy and enjoyable. enjoyed majority.
Spectacular South Korea (4 Star) - 12 daysPRIVATE TOUR: South Korea is rich in tradition, culture and natural beauty. Starting in the nation’s bustling capital, Seoul, travel south through the rolling tea plantations of Boesong to the ‘Treasure Island’ of Namhae and bustling port city Busan, before exploring ancient Gyeongju and the spectacular towering granite peaks of Mount Seoraksan. Discover the wonders of South Korea in 12 memorable days! Private Tours12The day we enjoyed the most was the visit to Boseong tea plantation, Seonamsa Temple and wetlands at Suncheonman Bay. We loved the Mt Seroksan National Park and would have liked to do a hike as well as the temple and cable car to the peak as only had a couple of hours there. The ferry boat on Cheongpung Lake and the gramophone museum. Would have preferred to spend more time in Sokcho.
Best of South Korea - 10 days Discover the main highlights of South Korea on this 10-day group tour. Enjoy panoramic views of Seoul from N Tower, see Gyeongbokgung Palace and visit the Demilitarized Zone to meet a North Korean defector. Cycle the ancient streets of Gyeongju, spend a day at a working Buddhist temple and join a spiritual meditation class. Learn to cook delicious local food with a cooking class, explore Busan and hike the Jeju Olle Trail on Jeju Island, rounded off with a beach BBQ!Worldwide Touring10I really liked the day at the temple. It was very interesting to be with the buddhist monks during the day and to try archery, martial arts, meditations and the 108 prostrations. It was also pretty cool to sleep one night in the Hanok but I was glad it was just one night. I didn’t love the yacht sailing/fishing trip. I think that should have been optional. I felt sick on the boat and would have chosen not to do this activity.
Best of South Korea - 10 days Discover the main highlights of South Korea on this 10-day group tour. Enjoy panoramic views of Seoul from N Tower, see Gyeongbokgung Palace and visit the Demilitarized Zone to meet a North Korean defector. Cycle the ancient streets of Gyeongju, spend a day at a working Buddhist temple and join a spiritual meditation class. Learn to cook delicious local food with a cooking class, explore Busan and hike the Jeju Olle Trail on Jeju Island, rounded off with a beach BBQ!Worldwide Touring10Busan was amazing and a must visit. The temple visit was a disappointment and I feel should be half a day or not at all.
Best of South Korea - 10 days Discover the main highlights of South Korea on this 10-day group tour. Enjoy panoramic views of Seoul from N Tower, see Gyeongbokgung Palace and visit the Demilitarized Zone to meet a North Korean defector. Cycle the ancient streets of Gyeongju, spend a day at a working Buddhist temple and join a spiritual meditation class. Learn to cook delicious local food with a cooking class, explore Busan and hike the Jeju Olle Trail on Jeju Island, rounded off with a beach BBQ!Worldwide Touring10So many things to see , the Temples were amazing , most people dressed to traditional clothes and walking in the Temples was very surreal, sleeping in a traditional room was difficult but such a experience, the whole holiday was amazing. Confusion over the pick up on day one , i was told a driver would display my name to identify the pick up , this didn't happen and I had to find my own taxi , I later found out the drivers use whats app , I never knew this before hand and caused distress
Seoul Searching & Jeju (4 Star) - 9 daysPRIVATE TOUR: From bustling Seoul, embark on an unforgettable journey through South Korea, where ancient history and modern vibrancy collide. Uncover the rich cultural heritage of Gyeongju, and venture through the portside city of Busan. Marvel at the natural wonders of Jeju Island and gain insights into the nation's complex history at the fascinating DMZ.Private Tours9Thank you for an incredible experience. Tour Guides were informative and personable, the hotels were great, the drivers on time, modified the agenda as needed, and patient through traffic! There was a definitive emphasis on the "historic" sights. A balance between the "old" and the "new" perhaps?
Heart of Seoul City Break - 5 daysPRIVATE TOUR: Explore Seoul, the cosmopolitan and vibrant capital of South Korea. See the changing of the guard at the ornate Gyeongbokgung Palace and wander through bustling Insadong, take in the traditional architecture of Bukchon Hanok village and travel to the fascinating Demilitarized Zone on this 5 day city break.Private Tours5I really enjoyed dressing up in the local costume and seeing others dressed the same way. It made me feel so much more a part of the experience. I will never forget that day. I also think that the best tours were chosen for the short trip which made it very worthwhile. I found nothing that I did not enjoy. I even made it to the end of the tunnel, which I was originally unsure of doing.
Essential South Korea and Jeju - 12 daysDiscover the highlights of South Korea on this 12-day adventure from Seoul to Jeju Island. Explore the capital’s palaces and markets, meet a North Korean defector at the DMZ, and enjoy a traditional temple stay at Geumsunsa. Hike in Seoraksan National Park, cycle through the ancient city of Gyeongju, and uncover the coastal beauty of Busan. End your journey on Jeju Island with scenic walks, volcanic peaks, and a memorable beach BBQ to celebrate your Korean adventure.Budget Tours12Julian was an amazing guide. The itinerary and destinations were great, and I loved seeing the cherry blossoms in bloom.
South Korea tours at a glance
Trip and guiding style
Trips range from fully guided to partially guided, so you can match the level of support to your travel style and confidence. Many South Korea tours include guided visits in places such as Seoul and Busan, with set meeting times and transport arranged for the main activities.
Accommodation
Accommodation depends on the itinerary and may include 2 star, 3 star, 4 star or 5 star hotels, as well as hostels. Some tours add a hanok stay, a temple stay, a traditional guesthouse or a homestay; star ratings can vary by country, and similar standard alternatives may be used if required.
Trip pacing
Pace varies from relaxed city breaks to faster routes that cover several destinations in one trip, so it is worth checking how travel days are spaced. Expect a mix of guided sightseeing, free time to explore on your own, and a few early starts, most commonly for trains or flights.
Private Tours: Travel with friends and family
Group Tours: Shared experiences
City Explorer: Discover the city and beyond
Find your perfect duration
Expertly planned itineraries help you make the most of every day.
What you'll see in South Korea
Key sights across Seoul, the south coast, and Korea’s historic heartlands
South Korea tours often begin in Seoul, where palace courtyards, older neighbourhoods and modern districts sit side by side, and views from Namsan Mountain add a memorable first impression. Many itineraries include the DMZ, often in the Cheorwon area, where you can learn more about the peninsula’s divided history before moving on to places that reflect everyday life and older traditions. Jeonju is a frequent stop for hanok streets and classic Korean food, while Gyeongju adds tombs, temples and key Silla Kingdom landmarks. Busan brings a coastal feel, with stops that can include Haedong Yonggung Temple, lively markets, and colourful neighbourhoods such as Gamcheon Culture Village. Some South Korea tours also include Jeju Island for waterfalls, beaches and volcanic scenery, and a temple stay can give a quieter counterpoint to the bigger cities.
Discover the highlights of South Korea
Why visit South Korea
A country of bold cities, deep history, and calm temple moments
South Korea suits tours because contrast is part of the appeal: royal palaces and calm temples sit close to neon shopping streets, design districts and late-night food scenes. A guided tour helps connect these different sides with context and clear storytelling at places such as Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, while also keeping the day-to-day plan organised. Beyond Seoul, tours make it easier to see more without spending evenings cross-checking routes, tickets and opening times. Many itineraries include Busan for markets, beaches and sea views, then continue to Gyeongju for major Silla-era sites and a more historic pace. For something slower, some trips include a temple stay, while others add Jeju Island for volcanic landscapes and coastal walks; with both group and private options, South Korea tours can suit solo travellers, couples, friends and families who want structure as well as local insight.
Frequently asked questions
Are South Korea tours fully guided?
It depends on the itinerary. Some South Korea tours are fully guided with a tour leader throughout, while others are partly guided, combining expert-led sightseeing at key locations with free time between stops.
Do South Korea tours visit the DMZ?
Many South Korea tours include a DMZ visit, often in the Cheorwon area, although the exact sites can vary. Visits typically include key viewpoints along with guide commentary on the Korean War and the history of a divided peninsula.
Which places are commonly included on South Korea tours?
Many itineraries include Seoul, Busan, Jeonju and Gyeongju, which together give a strong mix of modern city life and historic landmarks. Some tours also add Jeju Island, and some include a temple stay to balance busier days with a calmer pace.
Are there group and private South Korea tours?
Yes. Group tours are a sociable way to travel and share experiences, while private tours run for your party only and can feel more flexible. The best fit usually depends on budget, travel style, and how much group interaction you want.
What is a city explorer tour in South Korea?
A city explorer tour uses one base, so you stay in the same place most nights and take day trips out and back. In South Korea, this is often centred on Seoul and can be an effective way to explore the capital in more depth without changing hotels frequently.
What sort of fitness level is needed for South Korea tours?
It depends on the itinerary. Many tours are suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, but some include longer walking days, hikes, or more active options such as cycling. Check the day-by-day plan to make sure the pacing and activity level match your comfort.
Do South Korea tours include internal flights or trains?
Some itineraries use high-speed trains, while others include internal flights, for example between the mainland and Jeju Island. The transport used depends on the itinerary, the route, and the destinations included.
What are meals like on South Korea tours?
Meal plans vary by tour and by itinerary. Some include daily breakfast plus selected lunches or dinners, while others include fewer meals to give you more choice. Food often plays a central role, whether through market visits, regional specialities, or occasional cooking experiences.
What is accommodation like on South Korea tours?
Accommodation varies by tour, and similar standard properties may be used if needed due to availability. Depending on the itinerary, you may also see special stays such as a temple stay or traditional-style lodging, which can add a different perspective on local culture.
Are South Korea tours operated by On The Go Tours?
Many trips are operated by trusted local partners, and some tours are Signature Journeys. Each itinerary explains what is included and how support is delivered, which may differ between fully guided and partly guided formats.
Choose your South Korea experience
Discover the best ways to experience South Korea.
South Korea Group Tours
Travel with like-minded people on a guided itinerary that takes care of the planning while leaving room to explore.
67 trips
South Korea Private Tours
Enjoy the benefits of expert planning and local guides, with a trip designed just for you and your travelling companions.
13 trips
South Korea City Explorer
Stay in one well-chosen base and discover the city and surrounding highlights through guided day trips and free time.
2 trips
