Five reasons to travel in a group to South Korea
You may have already heard that South Korea is becoming more and more popular as a travel destination. But, something that could surprise you is just how much of a group culture South Korea has.
Collectivist culture is at the heart of what it means to be Korean. Families are the bedrock of Korean society and Koreans work hard at their friendships, developing a close-knit network. This group dynamic translates into everyday life – from restaurant meals made for two or more to share, down to group discounts at some of the biggest sights.
We could go deeper into Korean group philosophy that has directed this cultural identity - but there are academic studies that do that already! For us, put simply, South Korea was made for group travel. That’s why we created our first South Korea Small Group Tour, Soul of Korea: to unlock some of those top experiences.
Here are five reasons why we think South Korea is great as a group.
1. Eating and drinking is set up for two, or more
This is our number one for a reason – in a nutshell: it’s harder to eat out solo in South Korea.
Eating together is a real Korean joy – and is often a trip highlight. Think Korean BBQ served in the middle of your table, seemingly endless banchan side dishes, or kettles filled with makgeolli fizzy Korean wine, best clinked with friends, locals or fellow travelers.
It’s rare for a Korean to go for a meal alone or grab a solo beer (many people have never done it) so menus are set up for this. Portions are made for two or more people – so, to get a true taste of everything possible, it’s best to eat as a pair, or a bigger group.
That’s not to say that you can’t eat out alone. You could pop to a convenience store to build your own perfect meal – there are often microwaves and tables for your, well, convenience.
For a food-focused trip, our Soul of Korea group tour, or our Self-Guided Adventure – Culinary Korea could be your flavor of cultural adventure.
Our South Korea dining guide has more tips and inspiration – from how to use chopsticks to when to cheers your glasses (always!)
2. Things are cheaper
This may sound obvious, but Koreans really do go in for a group discount. Big attractions offer reductions for groups: for example, K-Pop dance classes need at least six people to run – and if it’s just you, a private lesson is going to be a lot more expensive.
Taxi rides are also cheaper – which is particularly important given that some of the best places are more remote, like the Yangdong Folk Village, which we visit on Soul of Korea. Public transport isn’t set up here just yet, and making your own way is easier in a group.
As a follow-on to our dining out point, because dishes are made for two or more people, stacking them up can get expensive if it’s just you paying the bill and you want to have a good variety of things to try. Go in a group and split the cost!
3. Hanok stays become really special
Today, visitors (international and Koreans alike) stay in traditional hanok inns to immerse themselves in traditional Korea: they’re ideal places to slow down and simply enjoy where you are.
First built in the 14th century, hanok homes were designed to fuze a deep appreciation for nature with functionality. Roofs follow natural curve lines which allow rainwater to drain and sunlight to enter windows, and they’re made with natural materials to blend in with their outdoor environment.
And as Youngeun, our South Korea specialist who is Korean herself, says, enjoying your hanok stay is that much more fun with company:
“Staying in a hanok is very different to opening the door to a standard hotel room. The architecture is centuries old, and built to incorporate nature through its materials and location.
“I’d recommend having someone with you to take it all in and share in the experience. Or even just work out how to lay out your futon before bed!”
If you’re going to stay in a hanok anywhere, Gyeongju’s your spot. It’s nicknamed ‘the museum without walls’ for its sheer density of historical sights, such as Bulgksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto and, in keeping with its traditional feel, most western-style hotels are 20 mins outside of the city anyway – so you’re better off bedding down for the night in a hanok.
Speak to us about how to incorporate a hanok stay into your trip.
4. Grab the microphone in a karaoke booth
When people think of karaoke, people often think of its birthplace, Japan. But karaoke (or noraebang 노래방 in Korean ) is a big part of the nightlife culture in Korea, too. The word 노래 (norae) stands for “song,” while the word 방 (bang) means “room” in Korean, so, as the name suggests, in South Korea it’s all about grabbing some friends and booking a private booth. Even the most nervous of singers can overcome their nerves with a solid group of people cheering them on!
And if you drink alcohol, Korean’s love their dutch courage: try a glass of soju (Korean spirit) or somaek (soju and beer) to join in the Korean collaborative spirit of an evening singing.
Just remember to keep an eye on those soju top ups - especially as it’s seen as bad luck to fill your own glass… geonbae!
5. Trying on a hanbok is more fun together
Hanbok is the traditional style of Korean dress which many people try on as part of their cultural adventure in South Korea. Don’t worry – Koreans don’t find this disrespectful: it’s seen more as an appreciation for traditional clothing and culture.
There are places set up to help you choose your hanbok style and get your hair done in the traditional way, and many people do this as part of a family or group of friends. It’s a good opportunity for some fantastic photos.
And, another pro for you bargain hunters out there, you get free entry to some of the big attractions, like Gyeongbok Palace, when dressed in hanbok.
Whether you’re going to Korea for the temples, the hiking, the cities or the food, uncovering South Korea as part of a group is one of the most rewarding (and cheaper!) ways to do it.
Book your Korean cultural adventure today
Join our South Korea tours - Soul of Korea, to access the best of these experiences as part of a group. Many of our Self-Guided Adventures include these experiences too – speak to us to unlock the best of Korea.