South Korea — Innovation and Culture

Annyeong, Seoul

Welcome to Korea

Incheon International Airport · Seoul

Flights from the UK are arranged separately, so arrival times depend on your chosen flight.

• Arrival · Met at Incheon

  Your group is welcomed at Incheon International Airport and taken by private coach into Seoul to check in at the hotel.

• Afternoon · Welcome orientation

  An introduction to the week ahead and to Korea's journey from a developing nation to a global leader in technology, education and culture.

• Evening · Welcome dinner

  The first meal together, and a chance to settle in before a full week.

From palace robes to corner shops

Heritage, tradition and everyday life

Gwanghwamun · Insadong · Ikseon-dong · Gwangjang Market

• Morning · Gyeongbokgung Palace in hanbok

  Dressed in traditional hanbok, students cross Gwanghwamun Square to Gyeongbokgung, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, built in 1395. They watch the colourful Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at the palace gate.

• Afternoon · Insadong, Ikseon-dong and Namsangol Hanok Village

  Traditional wooden hanok houses, artisan workshops and tea rooms, still standing among the towers of a modern city.

• Cheonggyecheon Stream and Gwangjang Market

  A walk along the restored stream that runs through central Seoul, then into Gwangjang, one of the city's oldest markets, to taste authentic street food and see why food matters so much in Korean life.

• Evening · The Convenience Store Challenge

  In small teams, students take on a local convenience store with one mission: build their own Korean-style snack meal from popular local products. It is a fun look at how Korean teenagers really eat.

The future, on display

Innovation nation

Samsung Innovation Museum · Samsung D'light · LG Discovery Lab

• Morning · Samsung Innovation Museum and Samsung D'light

  The story of electronics from early inventions to the digital technology of tomorrow, and how innovation helped turn South Korea into a technology powerhouse.

• Afternoon · LG Discovery Lab

  Hands-on STEM sessions on artificial intelligence, sustainability, future energy and environmental technology. Students are asked to think critically about how science can solve global challenges.

• Evening · Dinner together

  Back in Seoul for dinner as a group.

Meet the machines

AI, robotics and mobility

Seoul Robot & AI Science Museum · Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang

• Morning · Seoul Robot & AI Science Museum

  Students interact with working robots, machine learning systems and artificial intelligence, and ask what our world will look like in the future.

• Afternoon · Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang

  Immersive, engineering-led exhibits on autonomous driving, electric vehicles and smart manufacturing, and how they are changing transport worldwide. A strong day for anyone thinking about careers in engineering, design or technology.

• Evening · Dinner together

  Back in Seoul for dinner as a group.

Same age, different school

Student life in Korea

A Korean school & university · Myeongdong · Namdaemun Market

• Morning · Cultural exchange with Korean students

  Students meet Korean peers to share experiences, talk about cultural differences and build international friendships.

• A leading Korean university

  A visit to one of Korea's top universities, with an insight into student life in one of Asia's most competitive academic systems.

• Afternoon · Myeongdong and Namdaemun Market

  Korean fashion, beauty products and street food in two of Seoul's busiest shopping districts, and a real look at the interests of Korean young people.

• Evening · Dinner together

  A group dinner in Seoul.

A border you can see

A divided peninsula

The DMZ · Majang Lake · Seoul

Passports must be carried on this day. Access to DMZ sites is controlled by the military and can change at short notice.

• Morning · The Korean Demilitarized Zone

  Few places teach modern history as powerfully. At Imjingak Peace Park, Dora Observatory, the Third Infiltration Tunnel and Unification Village, students learn about the Korean War, the division of the peninsula and the hope for peace and reunification. For many groups this is the most memorable day of the tour.

• Afternoon · Majang Lake Suspension Bridge

  A walk high above the water on one of Korea's longest suspension bridges, with mountain and lake views all around.

• Evening · Traditional Korean archery

  Back in Seoul, experienced instructors teach the basics of one of Korea's oldest martial arts. Students practise focus, discipline and precision.

Hallyu, in person

The Korean Wave

HiKR Ground · COEX · Hongdae

• Morning · HiKR Ground and a K-pop dance workshop

  Immersive K-culture exhibits, then a professional K-pop dance workshop where industry instructors teach a routine and show the dedication it takes to succeed in entertainment.

• Afternoon · Starfield Library, COEX and Hongdae

  The towering bookshelves of Starfield Library inside COEX, then Hongdae, the youth district around Hongik University known for street performers, fashion, cafés and independent shops.

• Noraebang and the Life Four Cuts Challenge

  Korean karaoke, one of teenagers' favourite ways to socialise, then a team contest to make the most creative Korean-style photo booth strips with props and themes. Free time to explore Hongdae follows.

• Evening · Farewell dinner

  A celebration of a week of learning, discovery and friendship.

Jal-gayo, Seoul

Taking Korea home

Seoul · Incheon International Airport

• Morning · Reflection and departure

  After breakfast, time to reflect on the week before the private transfer to Incheon International Airport. Students leave with wider perspectives, new friendships and a real understanding of one of the world's most dynamic countries.