SOUTH KOREA: CONTEMPORARY TO CLASSIC
OCTOBER 2027
dr NICK GORDON
*** Preliminary Itinerary ***
Discover South Korea, from its UNESCO-listed temples and palaces to traditional ceramics and its thriving contemporary art scene
OVERVIEW
Discover South Korea, from ancient UNESCO World Heritage temples and palaces to cutting-edge contemporary art and architecture. This tour takes in the best of South Korea, revealing both the traditions and history that have shaped the unique culture of the peninsula, and its striking modern face as a result of its spectacular rise over the past three decades.
The tour begins in Seoul, where we survey the history, art and architecture of the dynasty that ruled Korea for 500 years. We also explore the contemporary city, with exceptional contemporary collections, such as the Leeum Samsung Museum, and spectacular architecture by a host of Korean and international designers.
We then take a step back in time to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the peninsula with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed tombs, palaces and temples. Continuing to Busan, Korea’s second city, we explore Korea’s maritime history and visit its distinctive cultural villages, before crossing to Jeju Island, renowned for its natural beauty, contemporary architecture and traditional culture.
Throughout the tour, we enjoy the best of modern and traditional cuisine and stay in comfortable 4 and 5-star accommodation.
TOUR LEADER
Dr Nick Gordon is a director of Limelight Arts Travel and a well-known cultural tour leader, with over twenty years’ experience leading tours to Western Europe, Asia and Australasia. Nick has a University Medal and PhD in History from the University of Sydney and taught history, architectural history and cultural studies at the University of Sydney, Western Sydney University, and UNSW. Since 2006, he has designed and led tours to Italy, France, Germany, the Low Countries, Scandinavia, Japan and China, and is particularly known for his design of successful tours to contemporary art fairs.
“Nick was an exceptional guide, very knowledgeable in terms of the Setouchi Triennale and history of Japan” – Stephen N., Japan’s Art Islands & the Setouchi Triennale, 2025
Highlights
Discover Korea’s extensive UNESCO World Heritage sites, from royal palaces and gardens to the ancient capital’s Bulguksa temple complex
Admire exceptional contemporary architecture by the likes of Zaha Hadid, Tadao Ando and more
Get to know Korea’s modern art and contemporary art movements, from minimalism to Nam June Paik’s cutting-edge work
Understand Korean arts and craft, from celadon ceramics to mulberry-paper calligraphy
Enjoy an exceptional culinary culture: rich stews, the freshest seafood and a dazzling array of side dishes
Appreciate the natural beauty of Jeju Island, where divers still fish traditionally and where contemporary architecture takes full advantage of the rugged coastline
Questions?
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