Culture in South Korea

Day 3: DMZ

• Two hours north of Seoul is the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. On your visit today, you’ll head to the Dora Observatory, where you’ll be able to see across the zone and into North Korea. You’ll visit infiltration tunnels underground to learn more about the area’s fascinating past, before paying a visit to Panmunjeom. It was in this village that the armistice agreement which paused the Korean war was signed.
• You’ll learn about another key moment in Korean military history with a visit to the Gloucester Hill Battle Monument. Known in full as the British Army’s Seolmari Battle Monument in Paju, the monument commemorates the actions of the 1st Gloucestershire Regiment in 1951 during the Korean War. You’ll also visit Hill 235 in the same area, known as ‘Gloster Hill’, and learn about the actions of the Regiments during this period.
• For a change of pace, you’ll also explore Hongdae Street. Known for its street performances, art, and buskers, Hongdae Street is one of most exciting places for a walk in the city!

Day 4: Pop Culture

For the K-Pop fans in your group, Day 4 of your Korea culture school trip kicks off with a bang.

• You’ll attend a K-Pop dance class, taught by professional instructors! Students will learn routines that will help them perform like their idols.
• Today you’ll also head to the HiKR Ground. Set up by the Korean Tourism Organization, it’s a home to all things K-wave. Filled with smart tech and entertainment spaces, it’s an interactive playground celebrating hallyu, the arts, and more.
• If you’d not been musical enough today – it’s karaoke time! Head to a local space to belt out all your favourite hits.

Day 5: Food Class

• Today, you’ll meet with a local expert for a sustainable food class. You’ll learn about Korean food and nutrition, and enjoy three staple Korean foods. You’ll be taught about using seasonal and local produce, how to reduce food waste and avoid highly-processed foods, and learn about the environmental impact of what you eat.
• You’ll also pay a visit to Namdaemun Market. Opened in 1964, it’s the largest traditional market in Korea and is filled with shops selling amazing products at affordable prices – many of which are made by the shop owners themselves.
• Then it’s showtime! You’re heading out to watch a Nanta Show. These hugely popular entertainment experiences are a non-verbal comedy show. They incorporate a traditional samul nori rhythm from a percussion quartet, and feature acrobatics, magic, and a healthy dose of audience participation.

Day 6: Taekwondo

• Dojang is the Korean word for ‘training hall’ – and today you’ll pay a visit to a martial arts dojang! You’ll see the local areas where taekwondo and tangsoodo take place, which are staple parts of Korean culture. You’ll then join a training session, led by a local instructor!
• Home to more than 50,000 books and magazines, the Starfield Library is at the centre of the COEX Mall. Pay it a visit to gaze up at the 13-meter tall bookshelf! The mall is also home to an endless amount of entertainment – including an aquarium!
• From under the water to on top of it – you’ll take a boat cruise down the Han River. On your scenic tour, you’ll be able to see Seoul’s landmarks from a new perspective, including the Banpo Bridge, complete with its unique fountains.

Day 7: Hometime

Sadly, today marks the end of your Korea culture school trip. You’ll transfer back to the airport, ready to head home with a suitcase full of new experiences and memories!