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Culture School Trip to Kyoto and Seoul

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Trip curated by
Tom Moorhouse

This 14 day culture school trip to Japan and South Korea offers students an immersive experience, exploring the rich heritage, cultural traditions, and modern advancements of both countries. Starting in Japan, they’ll explore Kyoto’s historic streets, visiting landmarks like Kiyomizu-Dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine, and take part in cultural activities such as a traditional tea ceremony. In South Korea, students will experience Seoul’s blend of old and new, touring Gyeongbokgung Palace, practicing Taekwondo, and joining a K-Pop dance class. They’ll also visit the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village and enjoy Korea’s coastal charm. This unforgettable culture school trip to Kyoto and Seoul offers a deeper appreciation of both countries’ heritage and contemporary life.

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Prices from £3,750 

for 14 days

Price based on 20 students and 2 free staff, not including flights.

Prices from €4,480 

for 14 days

Price based on 20 students and 2 free staff, not including flights.

Prices from $4,850 

for 14 days

Price based on 20 students and 2 free staff, not including flights.

for 14 days

Price based on 20 students and 2 free staff, not including flights.

Highlights

Tea Ceremony

Sustainability Program

Taekwondo Class

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kyoto

  • Students will touch down, ready for the start of their culture trip! They’ll meet their Adventure Leader and they will have a trip briefing. Alongside running through the next 14 days of the itinerary, they’ll also introduce students to the local culture in Japan and provide some tips for adjusting to local life, while also explaining the best ways to stay safe while they travel.
  • Then its time to head to Kyoto!

Day 2: Kyoto

  • For their first morning, students will get to experience the serenity of Zen Buddhism at Tenryu-Ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the picturesque Arashiyama district of Kyoto. They will explore the temple’s meticulously maintained gardens, featuring tranquil ponds, lush foliage, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • After a zen morning, it’s time to experience a landscape never-before-seen with a visit to the lush bamboo forest at Chikurin-no-Michi in Arashiyama. Students will stroll through this magical space filled with the fresh scent of bamboo and lush greenery, embodying the beauty of Arashiyama.
  • To end their first full day, students will walk down the bustling Hanamikoji Dori, a street that runs from Sanjo Dori in the north to Kenninji Temple in the south. On both sides of the street are shrines and temples such as Kenninji Temple and Toto Temple, as well as numerous restaurants and souvenir stores.

Day 3: Kyoto

  • This morning, students will stroll through charming side streets to the 1,200-year-old Kiyomizu Dera Temple, where they can take in breathtaking, postcard-worthy views of Kyoto. They will stroll around Higashiyama District, one of the city’s best preserved historic districts.
  • Next, treat the tastebuds at Nishiki Market – with over 100 stalls and shops lining the narrow street, it has been nicknamed ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’. Students can explore through this thriving 400-year old market and taste some regional treats.
  • In the evening, students will get the chance to take part in a traditional Japanese custom with a tea ceremony experience. During this ceremony, students will learn about the fascinating history of the rituals of the ceremony, as well the intricacies of the different tea-making methods. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get a hands-on experience of a historical tradition.

Day 4: Kyoto

  • Today, students will visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, a major Shinto shrine complex on Mount Inari. The seemingly endless path of vibrant gates is an impressive setting and is one of the most famous images of Japan.
  • It’s time to dive into a hands-on craft workshop experience. Renowned for its stunning crafts like origami, tea-making, hand-weaving, tie-dye, and calligraphy, Japanese culture offers students a chance to explore the significance of these traditions through an immersive crafting class.
  • Tonight, students will step into the theatre at Gion Corner where they will see a traditional Japanese show. The program includes real geisha performing their traditional arts, as well as other Japanese performances of comedy, spoken word and dance. The various performances have English translations in the accompanying program.

Day 5: Osaka

  • Students can sit back and relax this morning as they transfer to Osaka. This takes approximately 1 hour.
  • Once they have arrived, they will discover the beauty of Osaka Castle, Osaka’s most prominent landmark. Visible from most panoramic viewpoints in the city, it is a stunning sight from afar, standing out in the skyline of east Osaka. Freely take a stroll around the stunning gardens and park of this famous landmark.
  • The moment has arrive to explore the vibrant area of Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori. Almost a mile long, Shinsaibashi arcade is one of the busiest and oldest shopping streets in Japan. There are shops to suit everyone, a limitless selection of cafes and restaurants. Here, students can walk along the 400-year old canal and over the Ebisubashi Bridge, and they should make sure to get take a photo with the iconic Glico Running Man – one of Osaka’s famous landmarks.

Day 6: Osaka

  • Enjoy a Ninja Experience in Osaka! Get ready to dress up in Ninja clothing, handle ninja swords and practice throwing special ninja stars.
  • Next, students will venture into the Shinsekai district, meaning “new world,” and visit Tsutenkaku Tower, a beloved symbol of Osaka. They will stroll through vibrant streets filled with retro signboards and billboards. There’s so much to see, shop, and savor!
  • To end the day, take an evening visit to TeamLab Botanical Gardens. An outdoor exhibition transforming nature into art through digital technology. Through their work, they aim to transcend personal boundaries and discover new ways of perceiving the world around us.

Day 7: Osaka

  • Today is all about community contribution in the beautiful Ogi region in Shiga. Students will connect and contribute to this region by learning about local issues, experiencing the unique culture and lifestyle, participating in exchange and cleanup activities, cultivating abandoned rice fields and service at the community centre.

Day 8: Seoul

  • This morning its time to leave Osaka and fly to the second destination of the trip, Seoul.
  • The Adventure Leader will introduce students to the local culture in South Korea and provide some tips for adjusting to local life, while also explaining the best ways to stay safe while they travel in this new destination.
  • Arriving in a new city can be overwhelming for anyone, so for the students first day in Seoul, they will experience a walking tour of the local area. The Adventure Leader will talk students through some of the cultural differences they should be aware of, as well as giving them some top tips for their tour.

Day 9: Seoul

  • To start their trip in Seoul, students will visit a Dojang, the Korean word for the training hall, where martial arts like Taekwondo & Tangsoodo take place. Have a training session lead by a local instructor.
  • After a traditional Korean workout, students will visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main Royal Palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Here they can explore the exquisite palace before walking up the Hill to the East of the palace. At the top, they will find Bukchon Hanok Village, a Korean traditional village of narrow alleys and traditional Korean houses called Hanoks.
  • To finish off the day, students will explore the Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea. Students can take their time to sample the numerous types of local food or wander the stalls that sell a variety of goods.

Day 10: Seoul

  • In the morning students will take a sustainable cooking class and try 3 famous Korean foods. During this class they will learn about the seasonal and local foods and the reduction of food waste.
  • After learning new cooking skills, students can soak in incredible views over the Metropolis, from the observation deck of Seoul’s second highest point, the N Seoul Tower.
  • Students will then board the cable car near Myeongdong Station and head up Namsan to the based of N Seoul Tower, taking in the city views as they ascend.
  • Finally, they will visit Myeong-dong – Korea’s best-known shopping district, where the streets are lined with department stores and shops that sell brand-name cosmetics, clothes, shoes and accessories.

Day 11: Seoul

  • Do your students dream of being a K-Pop backing dancer? Now they can make that dream come true in a K-Pop dance class! They can sing along if they know the lyrics and follow the guidance of the professional instructors.
  • After learning some new dance moves, students can experience K-Pop and view media art at the same time at the HiKR Ground, a homage to all things k-culture. Get immersed in Korean local tourism through various arts, experiences, and exhibitions or enjoy various media arts through the large media “HiKR Wall”. Students can make their own K-pop music videos using the XR Live Studio!
  • Its time for students to sing their hearts out, Korean-style at a local karaoke, featuring all the favourite K-Pop hits!

Day 12: Busan

  • In the morning students will take a high speed train from Seoul Station to Busan Station.
  • Once they have arrived at Busan, students can stop by “Korea’s Santorini”, Gamcheon Culture Village, which was originally a poor hillside neighbourhood. Inspired by the surroundings, students will take part in a photography competition.
  • After trying to capture the best photo, students will take a ride in Korea’s first cable car and enjoy the most incredible views of tranquil emerald waters, the surrounding hillsides and cliffs.
  • Tonight, students will spend an hour cruising on a luxury yacht. Throughout the boat ride, students will get to see how the cityscape panorama looks during the day and night with the cruise passing by popular Busan landmarks such as Haeundae, Gwangalli Beach and Gwangan Bridge.

Day 13: Busan

  • Visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple which was first built in 1376 by the great Buddhist teacher known as Naong during the Goryeo dynasty. Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (Seawater Great Goddess Buddha), Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, Yongwangdang Shrine, Gulbeop Buddhist Sanctum (enclosed in a cave), and a three-story pagoda with four lions can all be seen looking out over the ocean.
  • Students will then take a high speed train from Busan Station to Seoul Station.
  • Once students have arrived back in Seoul, they can explore the Starfield COEX Mall. Combining fashion, food, culture and entertainment, the mall provides everything they will need.

Day 14: Farewell

  • Sadly, today marks the end of the Learning Adventure for your students. We’ll transfer back to the airport, ready for students to head home.

Map

Prices from £3,750 

for 14 days

Price based on 20 students and 2 free staff, not including flights.

Prices from €4,480 

for 14 days

Price based on 20 students and 2 free staff, not including flights.

Prices from $4,850 

for 14 days

Price based on 20 students and 2 free staff, not including flights.

for 14 days

Price based on 20 students and 2 free staff, not including flights.

What's included

  • Adventure Leader for the entire trip
  • All accommodation costs, with option for single rooms for teachers
  • All meals for the entire trip
  • All transportation costs, including airport pick-up and drop-off
  • All activities listed in the itinerary
  • Customisable Free Teacher Ratio
  • 24-hour emergency contact support during the trip
  • Detailed pre-departure summary & briefing
  • Full financial failure protection
  • Public liability insurance
  • Our trips are fully risk-assessed
  • Fully customisable

Learning Outcomes

Students will explore the history, rituals, and philosophy of the Japanese tea ceremony. This will enhance their understanding of cultural heritage, etiquette, and the values of harmony, respect, and mindfulness.
Students will explore the historical and cultural significance of Gyeongbokgung Palace, gaining insight into the Joseon Dynasty’s impact on governance, architecture, and Korean heritage.
Visiting Japan and Korea, allows students to enhance their ability to compare cultural practices, historical developments, and societal values, deepening their global perspective and appreciation of East Asia’s diverse heritage.

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