South Korea: Kim Il-Sung Tour

A new adventure has begun as your trip abroad to study political science takes you to Seoul, South Korea. As your plane descends, take a look out your window to see towering mountains and abundant forests. A local guide will be waiting to greet and transfer you to a local hotel. 

Take the afternoon to rest and unpack. If you’re in the mood for activity, take a dip in the hotel infinity pool, enjoy a tranquil garden walk, or walk around the bustling city. In the evening, you will meet with your group and guide for a traditional Korean dinner. 

For your first full day in Korea, head to the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. A variety of events and performances are held at this location every day, so sit back and enjoy! You’ll also tour and learn about the history of this fortress and its service in World War II. After lunch, you’ll head to a small folk village to experience South Korea’s traditional culture. Take part in one of its cultural classes. Stop to explore the farmland, private houses, Confucian academy, and village schools. You’ll also be welcomed into a nobleman’s steel workshop to learn about his craft.

Enjoy a full-day, adventurous tour to the DMZ with a private guide. Your first stop is at the 3rd Invasion Tunnel, which was once used as an invasion ingress. Explore the endless underground maze, but don’t get lost. Next, you’ll jump on the Gyeongui Train to find the Gamelan Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in Korea. Enjoy a satisfying lunch with incredible views after crossing it. Finally, you will drive to the War Memorial of Korea, to better understand both North Korea and South Korea’s past political and war history. 

Get a break from the heaviness of politics and history as you travel to the Garden of Morning Calm. You’ll have 2 hours to photograph and explore the renowned attraction. Next stop is Nami Island, where you will enjoy a traditional Korean lunch and bike ride the area. Take the day to relax and soak up the exotic beauty of South Korea. 

Get up early to begin your drive to Mt. Naejang. When you arrive, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant where you can choose from more than 30 dishes! Next, you will take a cable car to the summit of the mountain for a panoramic view of South Korea. You’ll proceed to make your way to the Buddhist temple of Naejangsan, which is over 1000 years old (wow)! Explore the area and the mountain while being educated about culture and history by your guide. 

It has been an exhilarating and educational week in Korea, but it’s time to head home. Enjoy a final breakfast with your group and guide. Discuss what you have learned about Kim II Sung and Korea on your political science studies tour. How do they compare to that of your own country? We bet that you’ll have a newfound appreciation for your freedom as a citizen on your flight home.