Art & Culture Study Tour — Seoul

The excitement begins

You will arrive at Incheon International Airport on your preferred flight where your English speaking guide will welcome the group and accompany you on the private coach transfer to the hotel. You will check in and take some time to settle into your rooms before enjoying dinner at a nearby restaurant. You will then return to the hotel for a relaxing first evening and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Traditional culture and Taekwondo

Meet the guide in the hotel lobby at 09:00 and change into traditional Hanbok dress. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at 10:00, then explore the National Folk Museum of Korea. After returning the Hanbok, free time in Insadong with a Halal-friendly lunch recommendation. In the afternoon, a one-hour Taekwondo class with an introductory demonstration, followed by free time at Myeongdong Street and dinner at 18:00.

After breakfast, begin the day with either a visit to a local school, offering students an opportunity to meet their Korean peers and learn about education and daily life in Seoul, or explore COEX and the spectacular Starfield Library.

Located within one of the city’s leading cultural and commercial centres, the library is famous for its soaring bookshelves, contemporary architecture and impressive public spaces.

After lunch, step back in time at Bukchon Hanok Village, where narrow streets are lined with beautifully preserved traditional Korean houses. You will discover how Seoul’s architectural heritage continues to exist alongside the modern city while enjoying excellent views and photography opportunities.

The day concludes with an energetic K-Pop dance class led by professional instructors. You will learn a choreographed routine, practise performance techniques and experience one of South Korea’s most influential cultural exports firsthand.

After a thoroughly informative and fun day you will head to a local restaurant for dinner before heading back to your hotel.

History and peace a trip to the DMZ

After enjoying an early breakfast, travel north from Seoul to the Demilitarized Zone, located approximately 50 kilometres from the capital.

During the 60–90-minute journey, your guide will introduce the historical events that led to the division of the Korean Peninsula and explain the continuing importance of this remarkable region.

At the DMZ, explore significant locations connected to the Korean War, the 1953 armistice and the relationship between North and South Korea. Descend into the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, visit informative exhibitions and look across the border from an observation point. This powerful experience will help you understand the human impact of the conflict and Korea’s continuing hopes for peace and reunification.

After enjoying lunch, return to Seoul and continue to the War Memorial of Korea. Through immersive exhibitions, military artefacts, photographs, aircraft and historic vehicles, you will discover how conflict shaped modern Korea and learn about the people whose lives were affected.

After enjoying dinner at a local restaurant, return to your hotel following one of the trip’s most memorable and thought-provoking days.

Culinary arts and youth culture

After enjoying breakfast, take part in a hands-on Korean cooking class where you will discover the ingredients, flavours and techniques behind some of the country’s best-loved dishes. Guided by an experienced instructor, you will prepare your own Korean meal before sitting down with your classmates to enjoy your creations for lunch.

In the afternoon, explore the lively streets of Hongdae, one of Seoul’s most creative neighbourhoods. Known for its youthful energy, independent art, street performances, fashion, music and colourful shops, this vibrant district offers an exciting insight into the trends influencing modern Korean culture.

Complete the day with a relaxing cruise along the Han River, enjoying wonderful views of Seoul’s skyline, bridges and riverside landmarks from the water. After enjoying dinner at a local restaurant, return to your hotel following a memorable day filled with food, creativity and contemporary city life.

After enjoying breakfast, prepare for an action-packed day at Lotte World, one of Seoul’s most popular attractions and one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks. Experience an exciting combination of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, colourful parades, live entertainment and imaginative themed zones.

With both an indoor adventure park and outdoor attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy, whatever the weather. Take a break from the excitement to enjoy lunch inside the park before continuing to explore with your friends.

After a full day of rides, laughter and unforgettable moments, enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Art, views and departure

After enjoying breakfast, spend your final morning at leisure before checking out of the hotel and meeting your guide. Travel by loop bus up Namsan Mountain to the N Seoul Tower Observatory, where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views across Seoul and appreciate the remarkable scale of the South Korean capital.

Continue to the Leeum Museum of Art, where traditional Korean ceramics, calligraphy and cultural treasures are displayed alongside contemporary works by influential Korean and international artists. The museum’s striking architecture and contrasting collections provide a fascinating conclusion to the trip’s art and design focus.

Your final visit is HiKR Ground, an innovative cultural space combining K-Pop, digital technology and interactive media art. Step into colourful immersive installations, experiment with virtual performance experiences and create some memorable final photographs.

Afterwards, transfer to Incheon International Airport for your late-evening flight home, taking with you lasting memories of Seoul’s history, creativity and exciting modern culture.