LEAP encompasses the best practices of student-centered learning. Your Tour Director will get to know you and your group, will push you to think deeply, and will prepare thoughtful, hands-on opportunities to display your learning. LEAP is exclusive to WorldStrides and is what makes our Tour Directors unique and our programs transformative.

The capital of South Korea is a huge metropolis where modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and colorful pop culture meet Buddhist temples, richly adorned palaces and vibrant street markets. On your guided sightseeing tour, first stop is Gyeongbokgung, a former royal palace. Here, see the changing of the guards, a colorful reenactment of Joseon Dynasty guard duties and experience wearing the Korean traditional costume. Next, explore the Gwangjang Market, where you can sample some delicious Korean food. Spend time walking along Cheonggyecheon, an 11 km long modern stream that runs through downtown Seoul. The modern canal is a restoration of the stream that was once there during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Insadong Street is one of the most memorable attractions in Seoul and offers a wide variety of goods that can only be purchased or appreciated in Korea: hanbok (traditional clothing), hanji (traditional paper), traditional teas, pottery and folk crafts. And you’ll get one of the most spectacular, 360 degree views of the city from the Seoul Tower and Observatory.

Spend some time walking along Cheonggyecheon, an 11km-long modern stream that runs through downtown Seoul. The modern canal is a restoration of the stream that was once there during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

The DMZ separates North and South Korea and was created by an agreement between North Korea, China and the United Nations in 1953. It is 250 kilometers (160 miles) long, and about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) wide. On this excursion, you’ll see the infamous barrier first-hand as well as visit Imjingak Park, which boasts many statues and monuments memorializing the Korean War; the Dora Observatory, which looks out over the demilitarized zone and is the closest you can get to North Korean from below the 38th parallel; and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, one of four known tunnels under the border between North Korea and South Korea, extending south of Panmunjom.

Hongdae is a lively, youth-driven district in Seoul known for its indie art scene, street performers, trendy fashion, unique cafés, and nightlife, centred around Hongik University.

Tonight, try Noraebang, the Korean style Karaoke.

Visitors interested in South Korea’s cultural heritage flock to Gyeongju. It is home to 31 National Treasures—a designation given to an artifact, site, building, etc. by the South Korean government. These include gilded Buddha statues, towering stone pagodas and many artifacts found in the Gyeongju National Museum. On your guided sightseeing tour you’ll visit: Tumuli Park, where three royal tombs and the ornate decorations upon them have been preserved; Cheomseongdae astrological observatory, the oldest surviving observatory in the world; and Anapji Pond, which was constructed by order of King Munmu in 674 CE.

 On the slopes of Mount Toham, the Seokguram Grotto contains a monumental statue of the Buddha looking at the sea. Surrounded portrayals of gods, Bodhisattvas and disciples, all realistically and delicately sculpted in high and low relief, it is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art in the Far East.

Hwangnidan-gil Street is a charming area, where traditional hanok-style buildings house trendy cafés, boutiques, and eateries, blending historic atmosphere with modern culture.

Enjoy a Korean BBQ dinner, with a selection of marinated meats and a a variety of banchan (side dishes).

 Busan, a large port city in South Korea, is known for its beaches, mountains and temples. A few highlights you’ll see on this guided sightseeing tour are the Yongdusan Park, Busan Tower, Jagalchi fish market and Kukje market.

A walk where the sea meets the city. Enjoy a scenic walk along Haeundae Beach and the Dongbaek Island coastal trail, offering ocean views, forested paths, and iconic Busan landmarks.

Learn how to make Korea’s famous double-fried crispy chicken, a beloved local favourite. After the class, enjoy the lunch you’ve prepared.

Hwaseong Fortress is a stone-and-brick fortress from the Joseon Dynasty encircling the centre of Suwon. Built to protect the city, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, experience traditional archery while wearing historic military attire.

The Samsung Innovation Museum explores Korea’s electronics industry through the story of Samsung, one of the country’s leading global companies. Learn about Samsung’s past, present, and future innovations.

Hyundai Motorstudio is an interactive space for mobility enthusiasts, showcasing Hyundai’s automotive design, technology, and vision for the future of transportation.

Starfield Library in COEX Mall, Seoul, is famous for its striking, Instagram-worthy architecture, featuring 13-meter-high bookshelves holding over 50,000 books.

Learn the choreography to popular K-pop hits in a fun class led by professional K-pop dance instructors.

In the heart of Seoul, Myeongdong Street is a lively shopping district famed for its fashion boutiques, street food, cosmetics stores, and energetic atmosphere.