History School Trip to South Korea

• Today you’ll embark on a half-day private bus tour of the bustling city. You’ll visit key landmarks around Seoul, including Namsan Tower, the Lotte Tower, and the Gangnam District, with running commentary from your own personal local guide.
• Pay a visit to the iconic Gyeongbokgung, the main Royal Palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Explore the grounds, before heading uphill to the world-famous Bukchon Hanok village. This stunning area is the traditional heart of the city, so spend some time exploring the narrow rustic alleyways.
• Get a view of the city unlike any other – from the second-highest point in Seoul! Head to the observation deck of the N Seoul Tower for some truly remarkable views.

• Two hours north of Seoul is the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. On the visit today, head to the Dora Observatory, to see across the zone and into North Korea. You’ll also visit infiltration tunnels underground to learn about attempts to enter the South, as well as more about the area’s fascinating sociopolitical past.
• 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.
• This evening, you’ll watch a Nanta Show. These popular non-verbal comedy shows incorporate traditional samul nori rhythm from a percussion quartet, and involves acrobats, magic, and a good dose of audience participation!

For the K-Pop fans in your group, Day 4 of your Korea history 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.

• Today you’ll board a high-speed KTX train, bound for the next destination on your Korea history school trip – Gyeongju!
• Explore the historic Cheonmachong Tomb, which is said to date back to the 5th century! Translating as ‘Sky Horse’ Tomb, it’s a typical upper class tomb of the Silla period – like those of kings – that consists of a wooden coffin inside an underground chamber. Upon its excavation, it’s thought that over 11,000 artefacts were removed from around the coffin itself.
• Pay a visit to the stunning Gyeongju Donggung Palace, and the Wolji Pond – once a secondary palace used by the crown prince of the Silla Kingdom. It also served as a banquet site for important visitors and national events. It’s thought that the Pond dates all the way back to 674!

• Discover the fascinating history of the Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on the slopes of Mount Tohamsan, it’s the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and is a designated Historic Site by the Korean government. It’s home to six of the National Treasures of South Korea, as well as two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha.
• You then head to the site of your next, once-in-a-lifetime accommodation – the Golgulsa Temple. Located amid the natural beauty of Hamwolsan Mountain, you’ll be staying overnight in the temple in a stay unlike any other. Be sure to get an early night, because you’ll be up early in the morning for a meditation session.

• Take part in a meditation session at the Golgulsa Temple, before boarding another KTX train to your final destination on the Korea history school trip – Busan!
• Learn all about the fascinating culture and history of the city with a private half-day city tour. You’ll see the most iconic sites, from the Gamcheon Culture Village to the Songdo Skywalk. Explore areas like BIFF Square and Jagalchi, getting to grips with the city as you learn from your very own local guide.
• Spend a wonderful hour on board a luxury yacht, as you take a boat cruise to enjoy some more of Busan. Along the way, you’ll see even more highlights of the metropolis, from Haeundae to Gwangalli Beach and Gwangan Bridge.

• Pay a visit to the stunning Haedong Yonggungsa Temple – a beautiful building notably built on the coast instead of in the hills. Constructed in 1376 by the Buddhist teacher Naong during the Goryeo Dynasty, this amazing complex looks out to sea. Students can explore the Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (Seawater Great Goddess Buddha), Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, Yongwangdang Shrine, Gulbeop Buddhist Sanctum, anda three story pagoda.
• Board the high-speed KTX back to Seoul, ready to finish off your trip.
• On your final evening, there’ll be a chance to take part in a reflection session. Here, your students will have time to digest their findings, consider the new ideas they’ve learned, and see how they’ve grown during their trip.

Sadly, today marks the end of your Korea history school trip. You’ll head back to Incheon Airport, ready to transfer home.