Republished from Agoda Travel Guides
The list of Visit Korea Traditional Korean Experiences guarantees authentic activities for international travelers. Get a taste of Korean history with tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and walk down ancient streets in traditional clothing during a hanbok experience. Activities for Visit Korea Year 2023-2024 are in full swing, and tourist visas are free for visitors from 22 countries. There’s never been a better time to visit South Korea!
Old Korea Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan
Visit the most historical landmarks in Gyeongju, the capital of Silla and home to some of the country’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Tour hanok houses and photograph natural scenery during this 12-hour excursion from Busan that includes a night view of the Korean palace.
Itinerary
- Busan Station Tourist Information Center – your journey begins here, with additional pickups at Seomyeon and Haeundae stations.
- Bulguksa Temple – spend an hour soaking in the natural scenery at this unforgettable landmark that represents the Silla period. Admission to the temple is included in the ticket price.
- Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village – don’t forget your camera for this unbelievable one-hour walk through a hanok house village. Stroll along an ancient stone wall to get a close-up view of the houses, along with Woljeong Bridge and Muncheon Stream.
- Daereungwon Tomb Complex – get a glimpse of royalty in this densely populated tomb honoring kings, queens and aristocrats from the Silla era. Admission to the tomb is included in the ticket price.
- Hwanglidangil – feel the atmosphere of the 1960s on this preserved avenue. Guests will have two hours to discover the allure of this old neighborhood.
- Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond – this palace site and ancient Korean structure from the Unified Silla period reflects an incomparable beauty. The lake and surrounding grounds are must-see night attractions in Korea. Guests will spend one hour at the palace and pond. Admission price is included with the tour.
Book the Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan
Tour to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, the UNESCO World Heritage Site
A stunning night view of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, this tour features a symphony of lights and a vibrant slice of Korean history. The fortress is a perfect place to dive into the heart of Korea’s heritage, and the night tour brings the experience to life. The tour includes magical views of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and narratives throughout the grounds. Guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring their own water. Pets are not allowed on this tour. Ticket holders should meet at Suwon Hwaseong Ticket Office 10 minutes prior to tour time.
Experience times and meeting places: Saturdays, 6:30 to 9 p.m., March to October; 4 to 6:30 p.m., November.
Book a tour of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
5-Day Korean Wave History Tour
Become a part of Korea’s history from the Joseon Dynasty to the present on this 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
Jeonju Hanok Village Tour
More than 800 traditional houses are waiting to be explored on this three-hour day trip south of Seoul. Visit the modern metropolis of Jeonju to see these charming homes filled with history and tradition. The tour also includes traditional Jeonju food and a stop at a traditional tea house. All entrance fees are included, and round-trip transportation is available from downtown Seoul locations.
Book a Jeonju Hanok Village Tour
Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Sites and History Full-Day Tour with Lunch
Go with a dedicated driver on an eight-hour buzz around Gyeongju to see UNESCO World Heritage sites and more. The semi-private tour requires a minimum of two people to operate. Ticket price includes entry fees, lunch and transportation.
Tour stops
- Cheomseongdae Observatory – the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia was used for observing the stars to forecast the weather. The ancient stone structure is designated as National Treasure No.31. Its cylinder shape is constructed of 362 stones that represent the days in a lunar year. This leg of the tour is about 30 minutes long.
- Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond – spend an hour strolling ancient fortress grounds that once contained rare animals and a mystical garden. Built during the Silla Kingdom (57 BC-935 AD), Wolji Pond originally part of Wolseung Fortress, which was destroyed and now lies in ruins. Thanks to historical findings in 1974 and existing historical records, Wolji Pond was restored to its former glory. Imhaejeon, one of the crown prince’s palaces, is historically the most important building on the grounds, and an excavation revealed several buildings, including Hoerang (the corridor area) and five towers. Ticket holders will explore the grounds of the complex for about one hour.
- Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village – this 50-minute tour takes you to the hanok village of the famous Choi Clan and introduces you to the taste of Gyeongju Gyodong Beopju Liquor, made inside the village.
- Daereungwon Tomb Complex – explore more than 20 large tombs of kings and queens from the Silla Kingdom during this one-hour tour. More than 11,000 artifacts are on display and showcase the lavish lifestyle these ancient aristocrats led.
- Seokguram – located on Tohamsan Mountain, Seokguram is the representative stone temple of Korea and a designated UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1995. The artificial stone temple is made of granite and was finished in 774 AD. Inside the structure, guests can see a smiling Bonjon figure seated on the stage wearing a lotus flower and the signature rounded ceiling. Sunrise is a popular time to see the structure.
- Bulguksa Temple – designated a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO in 1995, Bulguksa Temple is one of Gyeongju’s most celebrated landmarks. The beauty of the ancient temple and stone relics are renowned around the globe. Destroyed and restored many times over the centuries, the temple now is home to important cultural relics, like Dabotap Pagoda (National Treasure No. 20), Seokgatap Pagoda (National Treasure No. 21) and Cheongun-gyo and Baegun-gyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 23).
Book the Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Tour
Korean Folk Village Afternoon Tour from Seoul
Leave from Seoul on this half-day tour to Yongin, where you can see ancient houses and artifacts. Your guide will take you back in time to experience Korean culture then and today.
Itinerary
- Seoul – jump in your comfy transportation right from your hotel and head to your destination with a small group of travelers.
- Yongin – travel one hour to arrive in Yongin, where you can see local culture and cuisine up close.
- Korean Folk Village – watch a traditional Korean performance and view traditional houses. You’ll never forget the Korean folk music and tightrope-walking show during this hour and a half experience.
- Seoul – enjoy a stress-free drop-off at your hotel in Seoul.
Book the Folk Village Afternoon Tour from Seoul
The Way of Tea – Experience
Take part in a tea ceremony with ceremonial grade matcha served in a traditional Korean tea bowl, called a chawan. In addition to learning about the significance of the tea ceremony, guests will discover how the chawan is created in a wood-burning stove by some of the most famous pottery artisans in the country. This tour begins and ends at 53 Dalmaji-gil 117beon-gil, Haeundae in Busan. The meeting point is on the second floor of the “CU” convenience store.
Book The Way of Tea Experience
Full-Day Palace Tour in Seoul
Don’t miss the best of Seoul in this thrilling expedition of Korea’s capital city. Experience the harmony of tradition and modernity during visits to Gyeongbok Palace, The Blue House and more. Plan for a full day of history and amazing views in this one-of-a-kind tour that takes you to the most popular points in Seoul.
Itinerary
- Seoul – start your tour from your hotel in comfortable transportation driven by a friendly tour guide.
- The Blue House – the official residence of Korea’s head of state, The Blue House contains answers to all your questions about the country’s government.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace – spend about 50 minutes exploring one of the biggest and most important structures in South Korea.
- National Folk Museum of Korea – this museum inside Gyeongbok Palace introduces guests to the cultural aspects of Korea.
- Jogyesa Temple – located in the center of Seoul, this ancient temple is the largest in South Korea.
- Seoul ginseng center – enjoy a stop at a ginseng center, where you can learn about the healing properties of this spice and the economic benefits it provides to the country.
- Seoul restaurant – stop for lunch at a traditional Korean restaurant.
- Changdeokgung Palace – added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Changdeokgung Palace is one of the most preserved and beautiful palaces in South Korea.
- Insadong – let’s shop for souvenirs at one of the most popular shopping districts in Seoul! Find Korean tea shops and traditional street food on this 30-minute adventure.
- Namdaemun Market – head to the oldest market in Seoul to sample authentic Korean food and market finds.
- Seoul – enjoy a stress-free drop-off at your hotel in Seoul.
