There’s much more to South Korea than meets the eye, and travelling with InsideAsia allows you access to it. In recent years, K-Pop, K-Drama, and K-Beauty have captured the imaginations of people across the globe and helped to put the country on the map both online and in popular culture. Still, there’s a whole other side to Korea that is waiting to be discovered by intrepid travellers.

Gamcheon, Busan
To many people, there’s a misconception that Korea can be reduced to Seoul’s busy streets and neon signage, however, this is a country that’s just as diverse as it is dynamic. Imagine a landscape rippling with mountains (over 70% of the country is mountainous), peppered with islands (over 3,000!), and dotted with seaside cities and traditional villages. This is a destination where you’ll find centuries-old hanok houses sitting alongside buzzing pocha street bars. And, of course, let’s not forget the food. The culinary scene, whether steeped in hansik tradition or reinvented as Korean drinking food, is some of the best and most unique on the planet.
South Korea’s culture is a rich tapestry of resilience and reinvention. Once bullied on the international stage, it has reemerged as a nation that is loud and proud in every sense. This spirit is evident in both its contemporary culture and its deep-rooted traditions, which can be discovered in everything from its peaceful, serene temples to the quirky charm of its kitsch. But, it can be a bit difficult to navigate without help from someone in the know.
That’s where InsideAsia comes in. With some of the best local guides in the country, you can rest easy that you’ll be getting the inside track on the real Korea. Whether you fancy a tour through bustling markets and pochas serving delicious street food or would prefer to wander untamed national parks and wilderness, InsideAsia creates bespoke adventures that are tailored to suit every timeframe, budget and interest.

Seoraksan Shrine
Lachlan Miller - InsideAsia Tours
This year marks an exciting new milestone for the company with the launch of InsideAsia’s first small group tour: Soul of Korea. This intimate tour limits groups to a maximum of 14 people and offers a blend of insider experiences and iconic, must-see sites. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-timer, get ready to be whisked away on a breathtaking journey that takes in high-speed KTX trains, stays at traditional hanoks in the cultural heartland of Gyeongju, community support in the quaint village of Yandong, street food in Busan, and the thrilling city streets and secret alleyways of Seoul.
However, InsideAsia isn’t specific to South Korea. In addition to the company’s tours there, it offers cultural adventures in South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo and Japan. No matter where in Asia your wanderlust leads you, InsideAsia will craft itineraries that bring you closer to the destination through experiencing its culture. Are you ready to get beneath the surface?
InsideAsia is a specialist in cultural adventures to Southeast and East Asia offering cultural adventures across Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Malaysia. InsideAsia is part of B Corp certified Inside Travel Group together with InsideJapan. Visit the ‘Steal my Trip’ section of their cultural adventures site for inspiration or to plan that special trip.