Republished from Agoda Travel Guides
There’s never been a better time to explore K-Culture as South Korea opens its doors and offers visa-free entry for visitors from 22 countries. To help in welcoming travelers from all over the world, the Korean Tourism Organization has provided a lineup of 100 activities for Visit Korea 2023-24. Included on the list, of course, are loads of opportunities to dive into K-Culture and celebrate all things hallyu. Not familiar with hallyu? Think of it as the Korean Wave, or K-wave, which sums up the global popularity of Korean music, film, television dramas, cuisine and more!
Tour to Gangneung | Feel the K-wave!
Known for its stunning natural beauty, the coastal city of Gangneung also contains a multitude of K-Culture stops!
Tour highlights
- BTS Bus Stop – Charge up your cameras for an unforgettable photo shoot for BTS fans with a scene taken straight from the pop band’s album jacket. The beachside bus stop is now a photo zone for tourists who want to hop on the K-wave.
- Gangneung Jungang Market – Visit the largest fish market in Yeongdong to discover local heritage and watch the seasonal trading of goods. The vibe is different depending on the season, but visitors will discover something unique with each visit.
- Haslla Art World – This comprehensive art space lets visitors appreciate art in harmony with nature. With a front row view of the East Sea, you can explore the Outdoor Sculpture Park, Contemporary Art Gallery and Pinocchio Museum. Haslla Art World also offers a restaurant and hotel.
Tour to Sokcho & Goseong – the DMZ Journey
Get a blend of K-pop and history on this tour of Sokcho, Goseong and The DMZ Museum. First, step into The DMZ Museum, a showcase of the Cold War era and Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Guests will learn about the military demarcation line and how it came to be from the Armistice Agreement, as well as the ongoing military conflicts that have taken place since the line was drawn. In Sokcho and Goseong, visit the rocky coast of Yukgyedo to discover the wonders of Neungpadae. This large scale tafoni, or honeycomb rock, colony formed years ago from the waves crashing upon the rocks. Visitors can see the formations today and discover the unique story behind their existence.
Book a Tour Sokcho & Goseong – the DMZ Journey
5 Days Korean Wave History Tour
Become a part of Korea’s history from the Joseon Dynasty to the present on the 5-day tour designed to entertain and educate. See how much Korea has changed over the years as you visit amazing sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Namsan Mountain. Also on the list of tour stops are attractions made famous by K-dramas and K-pop. Tours depart on the 10th day of every month and include five days of activities and four nights of accommodation.
Book a 5-Day Korean Wave History Tour
K-POP Tour
Experience all things K-pop with a full-day Hallyu-themed tour in Seoul. This group tour begins with K-pop idol sightings at the KBS building and ends with a selfie extravaganza at HiKR Ground, one of K-pop’s biggest playgrounds. Enjoy a personalized experience as your guide gives you insider secrets and helps spot some of the most famous stars in Korea.
Best DMZ 3rd Infiltration Tunnel Tour from Seoul (No Shopping)
Immerse yourself in a full-day experience between North and South Korea to discover the years-long result of the Cold War Era. While the war happened a long time ago, Korea is the only country that remains divided as a consequence. The most heavily fortified border in the world, the DMZ offers an opportunity to experience history in the making. Knowledgeable tour guides spill all the details and help you game insight into the significance of the division.
Tour stops
- Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park – stroll through the grounds that offered comfort to North Koreans who left the country during the Korean War. Visitors will enjoy one hour in the park.
- Bridge of Freedom – built to liberate 12,773 prisoners in 1953, the Bridge of Freedom was used by South Koreans returning home from the North. Visitors can walk in their footsteps amidst natural scenery. This 30-minute stop of the tour includes fantastic photo opportunities!
- DMZ Theater – watch a video about the Korean conflict to get a South Korean perspectie of the Korean War. You’ll also learn about the beginning of the DMZ and how it is viewed today. Learn about the infiltration tunnels dug in North Korea and explore the DMZ Exhibition Hall, a fantastic exhibit for history lovers containing artifacts, photos and remnants from the Korean conflict. The theater tour lasts about half an hour.
- The Third Tunnel – this one-hour, action-packed tour takes guests 52 miles from Seoul to explore a tunnel dug in 1978. With the purpose of invading the south, the tunnel could move an entire division in an hour. Walk through the 1,635-meter tube, and take a step back in time during this one-of-a-kind adventure.
- Dora Observatory – Peek into North Korea from the top of Dorasan during the highlight of this tour. Guests get access to high-powered binoculars from the third floor of the observatory, where you can spot North Korea’s propaganda village and Gaesong, the country’s ninth largest city. On clear days, even the famous bronze statue of Kim Il-sung is visible! Rebuilt in 2018 to offer better views, the Dora Observatory is a favorite stop on this tour.
Buy tickets to DMZ 3rd Infiltration Tunnel Tour
