South Korea

South Korea, split from its neighbor to the north, brims with history, culture, and kimchi (fermented cabbage). What's more, its flag, yin and yang symbols on a white backdrop, symbolizes the values of peace, purity, balance, and harmony. Indeed, Ker & Downey's South Korea tour packages unveil bustling cities, revered traditions, and the captivating countryside, all in private.

Savor Seoul

The bustling capital Seoul is a high-energy city of skyscrapers and shiny lights. As the sun sets, the crammed lanes of the Namdaemun Market—dating to the 1400s—offers everything imaginable.

Street eats in Seoul are also plenteous. Feed your hunger with dakochi (grilled chicken skewers) and rice cakes. Indeed, the food is reason enough to make the trip to South Korea. Most meals center around rice, served with a bowl of piping hot soup and a smorgasboard of meat and vegetable dishes.

However, instead of frying, locals make meals more nutritious and flavorful by soaking food in brine. On a warm day, cool off as the locals do with an omija, sweet magnolia berry tea.

Revered Traditions

Even though Seoul is speeding forward, remnants of its spectacular past are everywhere. The 1395 Gyeongbokgung Palace, a sprawling compound of royal buildings, now houses the National Folk Museum. It’s the largest of the five royal abodes in Seoul. Additionally, Bukchon, a neighborhood in Seoul, charms with its slanted, narrow streets and restored traditional Korean houses, or hanok.

The past comes to life on festive occasions when the local people dress in hanbok. This is a graceful, colorful outfit with a fitted jacket and long, bell-shaped skirt. Ker & Downey's South Korea travel packages also allow you to see traditional music, song, and dance performances. Indeed, many take place at the Jongmyo Shrine, a 16th century UNESCO-listed Confucian royal place of worship.

Beyond the Cities

Ker & Downey's luxury travel packages to South Korea also introduce travelers to the country's captivating countryside. The coast boasts a beautiful national park with ample plants, birds, and marine life. Plus, tiny villages of thatch- and tile-roof houses called hanoks sit in green rice fields backed by lofty mountains.

Climb to the top of Bukhansanseong National Park where the towering golden Buddha statue sits near the Guknyeongsa Temple. Some of the country’s most precious religious artifacts reside in the Haeinsa Temple on the slopes of Mount Gaya. Indeed, the serene temple houses 80,000 Buddhist texts engraved on woodblocks in the 13th century. Across the country in the spring, fragrant cherry blossom trees add to the feeling of spiritual calm.

Experience Luxury Travel to South Korea
with Ker & Downey

South Korea is a country for travelers seeking both the ancient and the avant-garde. Ker & Downey's South Korea tour packages ensure you will discover more than what you might expect. Peruse our collection of sample journeys, then contact a Ker & Downey Travel Designer to begin customizing your own journey.