Forget the tourist traps — this 10-day South Korea tour is all about authentic experiences

Experience South Korea like a local.

By Amanda Teague Published January 29, 2025

InsideAsia Tours — InsideAsia Tours / InsideAsia Tours

If you’re looking to experience South Korea beyond the usual tourist hotspots, InsideAsia Tours has just the itinerary for you. Expanding its signature cultural adventures across East Asia, the company is launching its first-ever South Korea Small Group Tour (SGT), aptly named “Soul of Korea.”

This 10-day immersive journey goes beyond the country’s famous landmarks, covering both well-known sights as well as hidden gems that offer a deeper connection to local traditions, cuisine, and daily life.

Recommended Videos

“The tour will showcase the must-see highlights and off-radar sights of Seoul, Busan, and Jeonju, action-packed with crafting activities in Bukchon Hanok Village, Bibimbap making classes in Jeonju (home to the famous dish), and market food sampling in Busan to unveil Korea’s unique and delicious culinary culture,” said Senior South Korea Product Executive Rebecca Barry.

Soul of Korea: What to expect

InsideAsia Tours

With a small group size capped at 16 travelers, the Soul of Korea tour offers an intimate experience. This format allows guests to connect not only with fellow travelers, but also with locals, creating a deeper cultural exchange throughout the 10-day journey.

The itinerary is packed with diverse experiences, from racing across the country at 300 km/h on the high-speed KTX train to spending a night in a traditional hanok, a beautifully preserved Korean guesthouse in the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom. Travelers will also explore the streets of Busan’s Gamcheon Culture Village, a former war refugee settlement that has transformed into a colorful neighborhood filled with art galleries and cafés.

No two trips are ever the same, ensuring a one-of-a-kind adventure. Each morning, an Insider tour leader tailors part of the day’s itinerary to highlight what’s trending at that moment, whether it’s a pop-up bar, a cultural festival, or a newly discovered foodie hotspot.

How to book your trip

InsideAsia Tours

You can book your trip directly on the InsideAsia Tours website. Pricing starts at $3,900 per person, and there are currently tours available in both May and October of this year.

Topics

Destinations

Contributor

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…

Travel

For an authentic California surfer experience, visit this underappreciated gem

Hidden in South Orange County, Dana Point offers good vibes, great waves, gnarly adventures, and so much more

A view of the Dana Point Headlands from Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, California.

Dana Point, California, lies near the southernmost tip of Orange County, so it’s understandable how this scenic coastal city feels far removed from OC’s more central — and more famous — tourist attractions. But if you’ve ever wanted to try out OC’s favorite sport, you have to head down here. (And no, we’re not talking about shopping!)

Surfing may not be native to California, but it’s definitely part of Dana Point’s lifeblood. Whether you’re an aspiring pro surfer looking for a new spot to ride some epic waves or you’re a hodad who’s never climbed onto a surfboard before, you have plenty of good reasons to hit the beach at Dana Point. From Dana Point’s remarkable range of waves to the city’s prominent place in surfing history, it's always a good idea to suit up and bring your board down here for an awesome beach vacation.
Here's some historical background on Dana Point

Travel

Discover the hidden gems of Augusta, GA (it’s not all about the Masters Tournament)

No matter your attitude on golf, Augusta, Georgia, has everything you need to have a great time!

"The swamp" at Phinizy Center and Nature Park in Augusta, Georgia.

When you hear “Augusta, Georgia,” what comes to mind? Is it the tremendous musical and activist legacy of “Godfather of Soul” James Brown? Is it one of the American South’s most vibrant and expansive art scenes? Is it a serene kayak journey along the Augusta Canal? I’m guessing you first thought of a certain famous golf tournament. While this golf tournament is certainly prestigious, there’s a lot more to see and do in Augusta beyond those links.

Whether you’re here for the Masters Tournament, you’re looking for other stuff to do while your travel partners attend the Masters, or you’re coming to town any other time of the year, there are plenty of things to do in Augusta, Georgia, and lots of colorful treasures beyond the greens. We’ll also clue you in on where you can actually play golf in Augusta!
Let’s get to know Augusta

Travel

All the reasons to visit Dublin (that have nothing to do with St. Patrick’s Day)

There's more to Dublin than shamrocks and leprechauns and drinking Guinness on St. Patrick's Day — a lot more

dublin ireland river

Since its founding by Vikings well over a thousand years ago, Dublin's fortunes have waxed and waned with successive waves of migrants and invaders. From the Celts that first inhabited the lush landscapes of the Dublin area to the Norman invasion of the 12th century and on through more than half a millennium of colonization by the British, Dublin has remained the center of Irish commerce, culture, and craft.

And it's no different today. Ireland and Dublin, in particular, are riding high on a wave of tech-industry powerhouses, making this city a global player. For anyone planning a visit to Dublin, we recommend you stay at the Conrad Dublin Hotel, prep yourself with a Dublin Pass, and go over this list of the best reasons to visit Dublin — and not one has anything to do with St. Patrick's Day (though this city certainly does that day, well four days, right).
The food