South Korea:
Past Meets Present
March 20 -25, 2027
Booking Deadline: December 20, 2026
Reserve Your Spot with Flexible Payment Plans
Welcome to South Korea, a country where royal palaces sit blocks away from neon-lit shopping districts and ancient hanok villages share streets with global K-pop influence. This six-day journey through Seoul invites you to step into a city that is constantly evolving while still deeply rooted in its heritage. Designed with intention for Black queer travelers, this experience blends cultural immersion, culinary adventure, and the freedom to explore at your own rhythm. From dressing in traditional hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace to learning to cook beloved Korean dishes after a local market visit, every day balances the guided and the spontaneous. You will leave Seoul having tasted, learned, laughed, and connected, with stories to tell and people to remember.
This experience is designed for a small group of up to 12 travelers, allowing for meaningful connection, flexibility, and shared moments throughout the trip.
✨ Pair It with Vietnam ✨
South Korea is also available as a back-to-back trip with our Vietnam 2027 trip. There is one day in between the two trips, giving you the flexibility to either travel straight through or take a moment to breathe between destinations. If you choose to combine both trips, we will help arrange your flight between South Korea and Vietnam, though airfare is at cost and not included in either trip price. Two countries, two full experiences, one unforgettable spring. If the timing is calling you, take the leap!
Photos are examples; actual room may vary slightly based on availability and accommodation alignment.
The Accommodations
Your home throughout this journey is a trendy and welcoming hotel in the heart of Seoul's most vibrant district, surrounded by bustling shopping streets, late night food stalls, and quick access to the city's biggest cultural landmarks. Located within walking distance of Namsan Tower, Myeong-dong Walking Street, and Gwangjang Market, this stay offers the perfect balance of energy and comfort.
You will enjoy modern amenities including a rooftop bar with panoramic city views, a fitness center, daily breakfast, and select rooms with stunning Namsan Tower views. The 24-hour check-in and central location make it easy to come and go, explore at your own pace, and rest comfortably between your adventures.
NOTE: ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Day One (Saturday, March 20th)
TOUCHDOWN IN SEOUL
Welcome to Seoul. Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be welcomed by your private driver and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to recover from jet lag, ease into the city, and settle into your room.
In the evening, we gather for our welcome dinner, your first official taste of Korean cuisine. Think sizzling Korean BBQ, bibimbap rich with rice, meat, and veggies, and the warmth of doenjang-jjigae soybean paste stew. This first meal kicks off everything to come.
Day Two (Sunday, March 21st)
SEOUL ON YOUR TERMS
Today is yours to explore. You might spend a cozy afternoon in one of Seoul's beloved themed cafés, dessert spots, board game cafés, dog cafés, or visit a rescue cat café where the residents are available for adoption if you visit a few times first. Wander through the artistic Ihwa Mural Village taking photos or hop on a Han River Cruise to catch the sunset.
If you are looking for nightlife, head to Itaewon for trendy restaurants, cool bars, and the kind of energy that defines Seoul after dark. Whatever you choose, today is about discovering the parts of Seoul that speak to you.
Day Three (Monday, March 22nd)
PALACES, HANOK + SKYLINE VIEWS
Today is a full guided day through Seoul's most iconic cultural landmarks. Start the morning at Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you can rent and dress in traditional hanbok and step into the royal history of the Joseon Dynasty. Catch the guard changing ceremony at Gwanghwamun, then explore the ornate pavilions, halls, and throne rooms.
In the afternoon, visit Bukchon Hanok Village, the former residential area of Joseon Dynasty officials, now full of museums, galleries, stylish cafés, and the kind of streets made for slow walks and great photos. Continue to Namsan Seoul Tower for panoramic city views, then end the day with a small group performance at Jinyeon, an intimate traditional Korean music experience in a beautiful hanok setting. Powerful, peaceful, and unforgettable.
Lunch is included. Hanbok rental is at your own expense.
Day Four (Tuesday, March 23rd)
REST + REVITALIZE
Today is open. Sleep in, enjoy a slow breakfast, or follow your curiosity. You might visit the War Memorial of Korea for a quiet and meaningful look at the country's history, or head to Lotte World Tower & Mall for shopping, dining, and breathtaking views from the Seoul Sky Observatory.
Or skip the agenda entirely. This is your day. Rest, wander, eat, repeat. We will help you with suggestions if needed.
Day Five (Wednesday, March 24th)
FROM MARKET TO TABLE
Spend your morning with a private guide on a hands-on cooking experience. Visit a local market, taste exotic street food, gather your ingredients, and then learn to prepare some of Korea's most beloved dishes under the direction of a local chef. Sit down to enjoy your creations as lunch, paired with traditional dishes and desserts.
The afternoon is free to do as you please. Visit another themed café, stroll through Ihwa Mural Village one more time, or head to Dongdaemun Market for some last-minute shopping. Whatever feels good, do that.
Day Six (Thursday, March 25th)
UNTIL NEXT TIME
Your South Korea journey wraps today. Enjoy breakfast and a slow morning before your private transfer to Incheon International Airport for your flight home or onto your next destination. You will leave Seoul carrying flavor, history, new friendships, and the memory of a city that truly knows how to welcome you in.
What’s Included✨
Airport Pickup & Drop Off
6 Days, 5 Nights in a boutique hotel in central Seoul
Daily Breakfast, 1 Lunch & 1 Dinner
Domestic Transportation to Activities on the Itinerary
Full Day Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Experience + Namsan Tower
Jinyeon Korean Traditional Music Performance
Half Day Market Visit + Cooking Class
Monte Penoso Hike
Cooking Class + Batuko Dance + Kriolu Language Intro
Sightseeing
Lesbifriends Swag Bag
Travel Guide
On-ground team to ensure you have an amazing time!
What’s Not Included
International Flight
Your Flight from your Home country to South Korea and your flight back Home is not included - but we can help you figure both out.
Flight Between South Korea + Vietnam (if combining trips) If you are combining this trip with our Vietnam 2027 trip, the flight between the two destinations is not included. We will arrange this on your behalf at cost.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Lesbifriends Travel trips and a great way to protect your investment. When you book, WeTravel offers a free, no-obligation quote for basic coverage. You can easily select this option when registering. You’re also welcome to purchase your own policy from any provider. Some credit cards include built-in travel insurance if you pay for the entire trip with that card but be sure to check their terms to confirm your full trip cost is covered.
Any Applicable Vaccines
Meals not Mentioned
You are responsible for most lunches and dinners.
Optional Add-Ons
Korean Folk Village, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, and Icheon Ceramics Tour.
Personal extras
Additional tours and excursions not included in the itinerary.
Tips and gratuities
You are responsible for all tips and gratuities, including those for accommodation staff, meal service (even for included meals), drivers, tour guides, and other service providers. We recommend budgeting $100–$200 for gratuities to ensure you can tip appropriately throughout your trip.
Pricing
Booking Deadline: December 20, 2026
Payment Plans Available - All Listed Prices Are Per Person
Please review the booking terms and conditions and frequently asked questions section before booking a package.
Double Occupancy
$3,250
Deposit: $100
1 OR 2 BEDS AND 2 PEOPLE IN THE ROOM. (PRICE PER PERSON)
Single Occupancy
$4,350
Deposit: $100
1 BED AND 1 PERSON IN THE ROOM.
Disclaimer
THIS TRIP ISN'T FOR EVERYONE
South Korea is a fast-paced East Asian country with its own customs; their standards are not the same as the USA.
IT IS FOR YOU IF:
You are open-minded
You enjoy eating, walking, and off-the-beaten-path ideas
You love to have a great time and are open to meeting others and accept the different personalities you will encounter
THIS TRIP IS NOT FOR YOU IF:
You have a tendency to bring first world expectations with you everywhere
You have a tendency to be negative or create a challenging atmosphere for those around you
You're not into trying new things or stepping outside of your comfort zone
You don’t like Korean cuisine; that is what we’ll be eating every day
You have very specific and particular travel preferences and tend to criticize everything around you
You have difficulty walking up stairs or being on your feet for extended periods, then this trip isn’t suited to you
You are looking for a slow, low-energy trip; Seoul moves at its own pace and rewards travelers who keep up
You are looking for luxury; Korean standards are not the same as it is in the USA, however, if you keep an open mind, you will have a great time!
Important Information
Flights
Airport transfers are included in this trip on both arrival and departure days within the designated time windows listed below.
You must schedule your flight to arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN) on Saturday, March 20th, between 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM local time in order for airport transfers to be included.
You must schedule your departure flight from Incheon International Airport (ICN) on Thursday, March 25th, after 3:00 PM local time in order for airport transfers to be included. There is one group transfer provided, departing around 11:00 AM.
If you arrive earlier on the arrival day, you are welcome to wait at the airport until your group’s scheduled pickup time so that you can join the included transfer. Otherwise, you are welcome to arrange your own transfer to the accommodations or request a private transfer at an additional cost.
The same applies for departure day. If your flight departs outside the included transfer window, you may coordinate your own transfer or request a private transfer at an additional cost.
Please forward your flight itinerary to hello@lesbifriendstravel.com as soon as you purchase your tickets so that ground transportation can be coordinated.
Entry Requirements
Passport: Must be valid at the time of entry. There is no minimum expiration validity requirement. One blank page required for entry stamp.
Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days, but a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is required within 72 hours prior to arrival starting January 1, 2027. Learn more here: https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/newapply/index.do
Health and Safety: There are currently no COVID-19-related entry restrictions. No vaccination certificates or pre-departure tests are required to enter South Korea.
Prior to Your Departure
Do your own research on South Korea. Being well informed adds to your overall experience. Also be sure to sign up for State Department/Embassy alerts. and the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Trip Terms & Conditions
We believe in transparency and informed travel. The document below outlines the Trip Terms & Conditions you will agree to once you book, so we invite you to review it ahead of time.
Money/Currency
The national currency of South Korea is the South Korean Won (KRW). Most hotels, restaurants, and major retailers accept credit and debit cards, but smaller shops, local markets, taxis, and family-owned businesses often prefer cash. Card transactions may include international processing fees and follow the current exchange rate, which can vary. We recommend carrying small amounts of cash for tips and local purchases, and to check with your bank before traveling to avoid unexpected charges.
Travel Insurance
Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Lesbifriends Travel requires you to have travel insurance for any trip you take with us. Your premium is related to your trip cost, so you don’t have to worry about being over-insured. We want to make your travel experience seamless, so sign up and we will get a travel insurance policy for you or we can provide you with a no obligation quote. If you opt not to go with our preferred travel insurance provider, you are required to get your own and proof of insurance may be requested before the trip.
Payments and Payment Plans
All payments to Lesbifriends Travel are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is because Lesbifriends Travel has contractual agreements with hotels, airlines, and other vendors that will not allow us to obtain any refunds. This way we can keep our package prices low and allow you to make monthly payments on your vacation.
When you sign up for a trip, you are automatically signed up for monthly payments and your confirmation email will clearly note your due dates and amount. We suggest you put this payment plan on your personal calendar.
A $75 late fee will be applied to all payments made after the 3-day grace period. Your trip is subject to cancellation after two missed payments.
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If you are traveling alone and do not want to spend the extra money for a single occupancy room, we are happy to match you with a like-minded traveler to be your roommate on this trip. We understand that the extra money spent in getting your own room takes away from the money available for you to splurge while on vacation.
For that reason, we extend each traveler the option of having us pair you with a suitable roommate for no additional cost. Roommates are paired based on room selection and a potential roommate questionnaire if there are several solo travelers. Before the trip, you will be introduced to your roommate, with plenty of time for you to get to know each other before we reach our destination.