Culture in South Korea

Day 4: Meet a North Korean Defector

Morning

Set out to discover the (not so) Secret Garden behind Changdeokgung Palace. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a private garden for the Royal family and the women of the palace. Wander through the exquisite lotus ponds, pavilions, landscaped lawns and flowers. You’ll be joined by a North Korean defector, who, whilst walking you through the gardens, will share his stories about the history of the divided peninsula as well as his personal journey from North to South.

Afternoon

Take a break to eat like an emperor for lunch. Pay a visit to a restaurant fit for royalty, where you will have the chance to try an exquisite range of dishes prepared according to traditional royal recipes.

Evening

K-pop is taking the world by storm, with BTS hitting the top spot in the British album charts. Stop by the SM Town Coex Artium, which offers the opportunity to visit K-pop recording studios and see hologram performances from the genre’s megastars.

Day 5: Demilitarized Zone

Morning/Afternoon

Today, you’re off to the DMZ, the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. Take in views across the zone from the Dora Observatory and investigate the infiltration tunnel under the DMZ built by the North Koreans. Then, pay a visit to Panmunjeom, the village just North of the de facto border, where the armistice agreement that paused the Korean War was signed.

Evening

After a busy day exploring, treat your taste buds to South Korean pizza. Whilst there are more standard options, we recommend eating like the locals. It’s not quite the same as back home. Expect the unexpected: figs, snails, cream cheese… You’ve been warned!

Day 6: Korean Cooking Class

Morning

Wake up bright and early to explore the sights, smells and tastes of Namdaemun Market, the oldest and largest traditional market in Korea. Get in amongst the hustle and bustle as you pick out ingredients for the next activity, a cooking class. Here, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Korean food as you try your hand at making popular Korean dishes such as Kimchi, bibimbap or seafood pancakes.

Afternoon

Wander around traditional markets in the famous shopping district surrounding the Dongdaemun Gate. This is the place where tradition meets modernisation – pick your way through wares at flea markets, then turn the corner to find big names at huge modern malls.

Evening

As it’s your final evening, embark on a scenic cruise of the Han River – the major river running through Seoul. Cruise up to the Banpo Bridge to witness its unique fountains.

Day 7: Annyeong!

Take your transfer to the airport, and spend the flight reflecting on your magical week. It might be home time, but it’s not over. Seoul’s soul will follow you back to the classroom…and beyond! Or check out some of our other Korea school trips.