Example Itinerary

Seoul: Riding the Korean Wave

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
With Kids
Destinations
South Korea

Hallyu, the Korean Wave, has washed over the world in the past decade. This global phenomenon of South Korean pop culture increasingly influencing the mainstream is seen in everything from Korean dramas on Netflix, K-pop artists on the airwaves and billboards, and Korean fried chicken and BBQ landing on menus, to must-have Korean skincare and cosmetics. This four-day trip takes you to the heart of the action where it all originated, Seoul, where you will discover the depths of this industry that delivers picture-perfect entertainment. Under the tutelage of the industry’s top experts, you will dance, sing, and transform into a K-pop star — and star in your very own music video. Along the way, you’ll snack through food streets, pick up the latest skincare and fashion at mega stores and boutiques, take in the Instagram-able youth culture, and peruse the finest Seoul’s high-end neighborhoods can offer.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Become a K-pop Star: Learn the dance moves of your favorite groups, get a makeover from one of the finest makeup artists and hair stylists, then take a photoshoot and strike some poses, and finally record a music video under the tutelage of vocal coaches.
  • Star-Spotting: Browse the same shops and stroll the same streets as celebrities in the high-end neighborhoods like Gangnam. You might also spot stars when you visit idol-owned cafes and restaurants, or at entertainment companies where the stars go to work. 
  • A Taste of Korea: South Korean cuisine offers an eclectic range of flavors and styles from traditional and royal cuisine to simple street snacks and adventurous eats. Popular dishes include grilled meats wrapped in lettuce, rice and vegetables smothered with chili and soybean paste, fermented kimchi,  chewy rice cakes, delicate shaved ice topped with chocolate, spicy seafood stew, and much more. Try as much as you can as you explore Seoul’s street markets, cafes, and restaurants. 

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Seoul

Arrive in Seoul, the bustling capital of South Korea, where you will be met at the airport and whisked via private car to your hotel. Settle in and relax before stepping out this afternoon. Begin with some pampering at Sulwasoo’s flagship store in the ritzy Gangnam neighborhood. Sulwasoo is one of South Korea’s most luxurious skincare brands, often endorsed by celebrities. Get the VIP treatment and be treated to tea and refreshments as you are guided through the store and introduced to exclusive products. Then, enjoy a spa treatment that combines traditional Korean ginseng with modern science and techniques. After getting recharged, explore the affluent Gangnam which is full of luxury fashion houses, celebrity plastic surgery clinics, Maseratis and Mercedes tucked into every street, and homes of Korean celebrities. Don’t miss the famous Hallyu K-Star Road which is filled with various idol-related attractions, restaurants, and stores. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a few celebrities. This evening, we recommend you cap your first day with a quintessential Korean BBQ dinner. This popular dining style can be found everywhere around the capital and ranges from casual to premium. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Set in one of the four towers of Seoul’s International Finance Center, in the heart of Yeouido Business District, and attached to a subway system and an international lifestyle mall, this hotel is truly in the center of the action, and ideal for business and lifestyle travelers.

Service: Apple-based in-room technology provides guests with state-of-the-art entertainment and multimedia equipment.

History: Guests will be fascinated by Yeouido’s transformation from a plot of land thought to be useless, to what is now known as Korea’s Wall Street.

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Conrad Seoul Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

History: For the first time, the Four Seasons brings its decades of quality hospitality to Seoul.

Location: The hotel enjoys an ideal position in Gwanghwamun district, in the very heart of the city.

Service: Guests will be delighted by the intuitive and comprehensive service, synonymous with the name that’s trusted around the world.

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Four Seasons Hotel Seoul Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Access to Seoul’s Top Attractions: Signiel Seoul is located within easy access of Seoul’s most striking examples of modern architecture, as well as its notable historic sites like ancient Buddhist temples. The LOTTE World Tower and Mall itself, which ranks among the top 10 tallest buildings worldwide and houses Signiel Seoul, is worth exploring in its own right. The Olympic Park facility and well-manicured Songpa Naru Park are also nearby tourist attractions recommended by the hotel.

Expertise and Attention to Detail: As a landmark hotel representing Korea for the LOTTE Hotels & Resorts brand, Signiel Seoul offers the ultimate in high-end hospitality for luxury travelers. The hotel’s operations are backed by the LOTTE brand’s more than half a century of experience in the industry.

Unforgettable Fine Dining: Between STAY – the brainchild of multi-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alleno – and other offerings like the Michelin-starred Korean restaurant BICENA, some of Seoul’s top food and beverage options are housed within the LOTTE World Tower.

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Signiel Seoul Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Seoul

Jumpstart the day with a K-pop dance lesson. Learn the moves to your favorite songs and music videos from real K-pop back-up dancers who will lead the class. At the end of class, receive a certificate and a keepsake video of your experience. Afterwards, spend the day exploring some of Seoul’s trendiest neighborhoods. Hongdae is known as a youth neighborhood, built around Hongdae university, and is constantly buzzing with life and students. Discover the trendiest Korean fashion, sip on banana milk at a cafe, try a claw machine in a gaming hall, and pick up cute accessories, cosmetics, and face packs from countless colorful boutiques. In Myeongdong, get ready for a tasting tour of some of Seoul’s best street foods. The pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with rows of stalls hawking favorites and quirky creations such as egg bread, omelette burgers, grilled cheese and rice cake sticks, giant meatballs, seaweed rolls, and much more. Not just a food paradise, Myeongdong is a shopping mecca. Myeongdong Underground is a must-visit for K-pop fans where you can find all sorts of memorabilia including socks, nail decals, key chains, umbrellas, calendars and more. This underground shopping complex is so large it connects three different subway stations. Those seeking more traditional culture will want to swing by artsy Insadong where the narrow back alleys are lined with art galleries, wooden tea houses, and small shops selling arts and crafts. This neighborhood is best for finding tea, calligraphy materials, folk crafts, ceramics, and traditional hanbok clothing. 

Seoul
Seoul

Day 3

Seoul

Today is the day you transform into a K-pop star. Start off with a K-style makeover from one of the finest Korean makeup artists and hair stylists. After getting all glammed up, head to the studio to meet an industry photographer who will show you how to strike poses just like your favorite stars. After your mini photoshoot, it’s time to work on your vocals. At a music studio, choose your favorite songs and receive vocal training from professionals who have worked with K-pop stars. When you are ready, lay down the track and make your music video. In a few days, you’ll receive your newly mixed and mastered recording. While you’re playing the part of a K-pop star, visit HiKR Ground in the Jongno District where you experience XR Live Studio in their 6 themed rooms, allowing you to step into different K-Pop video settings with customizable lighting and audio. Make tonight a night to remember and try out your new vocal skills at a noraebang, where you and your friends can sing in a private room and have food, snacks, and drinks catered to your room. 

Day 4

Departure

After one final breakfast at your hotel, relax at your hotel. If you have time, you may want to squeeze in a visit to an idol-owned restaurant or cafe. If you’re lucky, you might bump into the celebrity themselves. Super Junior Choi Siwon has a cafe named after his French bulldog Bugsy, while BTS Jin manages a Japanese restaurant, and Jay Park’s Cafe Dudart is perpetually busy. Come time, your private vehicle will transfer you to the airport in time for your flight home. 

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