Hidden Korea | Visit Korea Year 2023-2024 Small City Activities

Ready to go beyond Seoul to dive into serious Korean culture? Check out these activities in small cities to discover hidden Korea. The lineup chosen for Visit Korea Year 2023-24 includes attractions and tours perfect for families, groups and even solo travelers who want to meet fellow adventurers. With visa-free entry for tourists from 22 countries until the end of 2024, why wouldn’t you plan a trip to South Korea?

3-Day Korea Western Course by K-shuttle | Tour from Seoul to Busan

Romance awaits on this breathtaking adventure through some of South Korea’s most beautiful countryside. Discover traditional coastal villages along the western shores, explore a green tea plantation and learn what happened in Jinjuseong Fortress. Travelers ride in a comfortable coach from Seoul to Busan for this tour. Day one stops include Gongju and Jeonju. On day two, the coach stops at Gwangju, Suncheon and Yeosu. Day three’s stops are in Yeosu, Jinju and Busan. Ticket prices include two nights of 4-star accommodations, hotel transfers, a professional guide, some meals and entrance fees.

3-Day Korea Eastern Course by K-shuttle | Tour from Busan to Seoul

Take off from South Korea’s gorgeous port city of Busan to explore eastern Korea on this adventurous tour. Soak up ocean views and see the best attractions in Pyeongchang, Gyeongju and beyond! From historic landmarks to natural attractions, your professional guide will keep you informed. This tour includes 4-star accommodations, hotel transfers, some meals and entrance fees. Top attractions on this tour include Bulguksa Temple, Haeundae Beach and Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests can ride the Seorak Cable Car for an additional charge.

Full-Day Tour | Unmissable Things to Do in Busan

A photographer’s delight, this tour of hidden attractions in Busan provides plenty of photo ops and takes travelers to hard-to-reach spots unknown to tourists. Explore diverse attractions and enjoy cultural experiences from the comfort of a vehicle driven by an expert guide who will lead you through attractions like Gamcheon Culture Village and some of South Korea’s most famous temples. Round-trip transportation is available from several points in Busan.

Tour stops

• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple – feel the atmosphere of Busan while soaking up views of the East Sea with this one-hour visit of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.
• Cheongsapo – one of the tour’s best photo op, this stop gives visitors a full view of Haeundae Beach and the train running along the East Sea.
• Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk – this picturesque stop features the coastline and the port side of Busan.
• Huin Yeoulgil Huinnyeoul Culture Village – the only village in Korea with a cliff is a highlight of this tour.
• Busan Gamcheon Culture Village – visit this historic village where refugees lived during the Korean War. Take selfies with colorful buildings, sculptures and local murals.

Tour to Gangneung | Feel the K-WAVE!

Known as the K-WAVE, this well-rounded tour features everything a visitor needs to know about K-Culture. Featuring the stunning city of Gangneung, known for its natural beauty, this tour features culture, history and even K-pop!

Tour stops

• BTS Bus Stop – this beachside bus stop appeared in a BTS album jacket photo and was recreated as a photo zone for tourists.
• Gangneung Jungang Market – characterized by local heritage and active trading of seasonal specialties, this market also is the largest fish market in the Yeongdong region.
• Haslla Art World – appreciate art in harmony in this comprehensive art space that faces the East Sea. It features a Museum Hotel, Outdoor Sculpture Park, Contemporary Art Gallery, Pinocchio Museum and restaurant.

Tour to Sokcho and Goseong, the DMZ Journey

See K-pop filming locations while experiencing Korean history firsthand at The DMZ Museum, where elements of the Cold War are showcased and ongoing military conflicts are revealed. In winter, ticket holders will visit Neungpadae, a unique tafoni colony formed on the rocky coast of Yukgyedo.

Tour to Suwon the UNESCO World Heritage Site

Explore Suwon’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and more during this day tour of one of South Korea’s most vibrant cities. Offering a blend of tradition with modern-day charm, this city offers the complete package of things to do.

Tour stops

• Yeonmudae Post – this military observation post offers sweeping views from inside a historic fortress.
• Nammun Market – take the Royal Market Tour to discover local and specialized products.
• Hwaseong Haenggung – enjoy a glimpse of this temporary palace, which hosted kings during royal processions. The 576-rooms compound is renowned for its architecture.

Full-Day K Drama Shared Guided Tour in South Korea

Enjoy an entire day of visiting drama locations from some of the most popular shows in South Korea and Asia. Visit shooting locations, like Hantangang Haneul Dali Bridge of the Sky from “Crash Landing on You,” Art Valley from “Scarlet Heart Ryo” and “Legend of the Blue Sea” and Bidulginang Falls from “Kingdom.” Included in the ticket price is admission to Hantangang Haneul Dali Bridge of the Sky, Bidulginang Waterfalls and Grand Central Mosque. Admission to Art Valley is not included.

Full-Day Cultural and Shopping Tour in Ansung

Start the day with a three-hour visit to Anseong Farmland, where guests can feed and pet native animals, like kudzu cows and bulls, donkeys, sheep and geese, and learn about Korea’s agriculture and livestock industry. In the afternoon, shop at Starfield and take in a view of the sky from the mall’s 63-meter observatory. The second part of this tour is two hours.

Ganghwado Outdoor Activities

Adventure lovers won’t want to miss this exciting expedition to Ganghwado! Take a gondola to the top of Ganghwa Seaside Resort to discover themed trails and the longest luge track in Asia. Meet the mountains and the sea in this fun-filled resort that features trails, an observatory and Ganghwado Beach. The second part of this tour includes a visit to Ganghwa Leports Park, a comprehensive activity facility that offers a zipline experience over Ganghwa Island and an unforgettable battle of survival.

Ganghwado Activities, Plus Ginseng/Strawberry Experience Day Tour

Experience Incheon’s representative activities, including a luge and rail bike, strawberry picking and a meal featuring ginseng.

Tour highlights

• Ganghwado attractions – enjoy the most popular facilities in Ganghwado Island in one day, including the Ganghwa Mega Luge, the longest slide in Seoul, and the Yeongjongdo Rail Bike, where you’ll see natural scenery from Wolmido Island to Incheon Bridge.
• Strawberry Farm – pick fresh strawberries, and enjoy the taste of this local sweet treat.
• Ginseng Digging (May through November) – this unique experience takes guests through the process of searching for, digging and tasting this magical spice native to South Korea.
• Manghyangdae – take a peek into North Korea from this famous viewpoint.
• Zipline – Tianlim Park features a variety of leisure facilities, including thrilling ziplines and a recreational forest. Visit Ganghwado forest to escape from daily life!
• Tianlim Leports Park – extreme activities await in Tianlim Leports Park, which features high-altitude ziplines, forest adventure and survival games. Adventures also can ride a Go Cart and dine in glass greenhouse cafes!

Jeonju Hanok Village Tour

Explore the historical charms and traditions of Jeonju Hanok Village, where more than 800 traditional houses are preserved amidst a modern city. This three-hour day trip south of Seoul takes you through the modern metropolis of Jeonju to hidden homes filled with historical charms and traditions. You can even try explore the streets dressed in a traditional hanbok. Hairstyling services are available with different packages.

Korea Daegu City Tour Bus Day Ticket

Visit 12 attractions during a two-hour tour of Daegu city. Attractions on this jam-packed journey include Modern Culture Alley and Duryu Park. A complimentary audio guide directs guests to destinations and provides information about each location.

Tour highlights

• Modern Culture Alley – admire local street art, and shop for souvenirs and local products at Seomun Market.
• Apsan Observatory – take in the amazing views of the skyline by day and the city’s illumination by night.

Other landmarks along this tour include Daegu Samsung Creative Campus, Daegu Opera House, E World, Duryu Park and Daegu National Museum.

Top Hotels in Seoul

Yeosu Venezia Hotel&Resort

Stanford Hotel and Resort Tongyeong

SONO BELLE BYEONSAN

“Visit Korea Year” will extend from 2023 through 2024, with events, festivals, and discount promotions for visitors. Please visit the “Visit Korea Year” website for dates and details.