Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Immerse your students in the rich cultures, languages, and traditions of South Korea and Japan. Your class will experience authentic Korean culture as they walk along Cheonggyecheon, learn how to make bibimbap and tteokbokki, and explore the bustling port city of Busan. Your students will also explore Japanese history as they visit the Meiji Shrine and Todai-ji Temple, explore beautiful Nara, and take the stage at a local karaoke venue.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to South Korea (Seoul)
Day 2
Arrive in Seoul
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 3
Seoul guided sightseeing tour
Discover Seoul, where soaring skyscrapers and K-pop culture blend with historic palaces and temples. Walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, a restored canal dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, then explore Insadong Cultural Street, lined with shops for hanbok, teas, and folk crafts. Hike the Naksan City Fortress Trail for sweeping views of the capital’s skyline and history, and visit HiKR Ground, an immersive hub for Korean Wave culture.
Bukchon Traditional Crafts Center workshop
This hands-on craft center offers a variety of South Korean workshops, from needlework and accessory making to hanji paper crafting and more.
Korean bibimbap and tteokbokki cooking class
Learn the secrets of Korean cuisine with a professional chef. In this hands-on class, prepare traditional dishes such as bibimbap or tteokbokki, discover the importance of fresh local ingredients, and gain insight into the food culture that has made Korean cooking famous worldwide.
Day 4
Travel to Busan via KTX (Korean Express Train)
Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is a vibrant seaside destination framed by mountains and blessed with a mild climate. Known for its mix of culture, tradition, and a laid-back beach atmosphere, it appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of art, history, and shopping alike. Be sure to sample the city’s famously fresh seafood at Jagalchi Fish Market, where the catch comes straight from the sea.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple visit
Dongbaekseom Island excursion
Dongbaekseom Island, or Island of Camellias, sits at the edge of Busan’s famous Haeundae Beach. Stroll past the monument to scholar Choi Chi-won, the mermaid statue of Princess Hwagok, and the modern Nurimaru APEC House. From winter to spring, camellias bloom across the island, which also offers sweeping views of Busan’s shoreline.
Day 5
Busan guided sightseeing tour
As South Korea’s bustling port city, Busan is famous for its beaches, mountains, and temples. On your guided sightseeing tour, stroll through Yongdusan Park before ascending Busan Tower for panoramic views of the city. Sample the freshest seafood at Jagalchi Fish Market, browse the bustling stalls of Kukje Market, and experience the lively energy of BIFF Square, the heart of Busan’s film and cultural scene.
Oryukdo sunrise park
Drone show at Gwangalli Beach
Available on weekends only.
Day 6
Fly to Tokyo
Karaoke experience and dinner
Karaoke, which originated in Japan, remains one of Tokyo’s favorite pastimes. Step into a lively venue, grab a mic, pick your favorite song, and sing your heart out alongside friends.
Day 7
Tokyo guided sightseeing tour
Tokyo is a city of contrasts, where neon lights mix with tranquil temples and cutting-edge technology blends with age-old traditions. With your local guide, start at Senso-ji Temple, where incense smoke is believed to heal. Continue to the Meiji Shrine, honoring Emperor Meiji and his empress, then explore the vibrant Harajuku District, famed for bold fashion and youth culture.
Day 8
Odaiba Island excursion
Explore Odaiba, Tokyo’s futuristic man-made island with sweeping views of the city skyline. Step into TeamLab Planets, an immersive museum where barefoot visitors move through vast interactive artworks and gardens that transform with light, motion, and human presence. Shop and dine at DiverCity Shopping Center, home to entertainment and retail, and don’t miss the towering life-size Gundam statue just outside.
Akihabara Electric Town visit
Visit Tokyo’s Akihabara district, the epicenter of electronic goods and otaku culture. Explore countless shops filled with anime, manga, and video games, making it a paradise for fans and tech lovers alike.
Day 9
Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen bullet train
Jump on the fastest train in the world and zip to Kyoto aboard the Shinkansen “bullet” train. First inaugurated in 1964, it has been continually improved and now travels up to 200 miles per hour. Using advanced aviation technology to reduce wind resistance and noise, the train offers a safe, comfortable, and incredibly fast ride.
Nara excursion
Discover Nara, where history and tradition come to life. At Todai-ji Temple, marvel at the 50-foot bronze Buddha, dedicated in AD 752, and learn the story of its symbolic “eye-opening.” Continue to Kasuga Grand Shrine, famed for its thousand bronze lanterns. Conclude with a stroll through Nara Deer Park, home to wild deer once regarded as messengers of the gods and still protected as a national treasure.
Day 10
Kyoto guided sightseeing tour
One of Japan’s best-preserved imperial cities, Kyoto, is home to more than 2,000 temples and shrines. Visit Kinkaku-ji, the famed Golden Pavilion, whose top floors gleam with gold leaf above a reflective pond. Continue to Fushimi Inari Taisha, where thousands of bright red torii gates wind up the hillside. Conclude at Sanjusangendo Temple, with its hall of 1,000 life-size guardian statues.
Arashiyama excursion
Embark on an excursion to the scenic Arashiyama district, nestled on the outskirts of Kyoto. Wander through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering stalks sway gently overhead, creating a serene, otherworldly atmosphere. Continue to Arashiyama Monkey Park, where you’ll hike to a hilltop with panoramic views and observe wild Japanese macaques in their natural habitat. This outing blends natural beauty, wildlife, and peaceful exploration for an unforgettable experience.
Day 11
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 2 Days in Hiroshima
Travel by bullet train to Hiroshima, a city rebuilt from the devastation of the atomic bomb, to tour the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Peace Memorial Museum, then stroll the tranquil Shukkei-en Garden. The next day, ferry to Miyajima to see Itsukushima Shrine’s “floating” torii, visit the Senjokaku Pagoda, and shop along Omotesando Street before heading home.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from South Korea and Japan
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.