SOUTH KOREA

October 2026
JACKIE MENZIES OAM

*** 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 new 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.

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

TOUR LEADER

Jackie Menzies OAM has extensive experience with the art and culture of many Asian countries, to which she has travelled in her role as Head of Asian Art at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Her studies included academic courses in Sydney and Tokyo, internships at the Tokyo National Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Korea Foundation workshops around Korea.

Jackie has made numerous research trips to Japan, Korea, Europe, India and South-East Asia, often for research which was realised in Asian acquisitions and exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and she has led many tours to these destinations for the Art Gallery Society and other bodies.

In 2001, Jackie received a Centenary Medal in the Order of Australia and in 2008 was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for the study, preservation and promotion of Asian art in Australia.

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