Get creative
Organize your art supplies and get to crafting. Consider making a hanbok, traditional Korean clothing worn during traditional occasions. Watch this video and follow along to learn how to make an origami version!
Need more inspiration? Check out these virtual tours of the Korean National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
Pick a film
Watch a movie or show that relates to your destination. Some ideas for South Korea include:
- Parasite (2019)
- Mr. Sunshine (2018)
- Crashing Landing on You (2019)
Study some history
Dive deep into the history of specific sites you’ll visit on tour. Start by learning about the five grand palaces in Seoul or study the Korean War.
Choose a book
Read and discuss a book that takes place in your destination or describes the local culture. Pick from titles like:
- Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
- Human Acts by Han Kang
- The Interpreter by Suki Kim
Fill up your plate
Arrange a potluck and encourage your friends to bring a traditional dish from your destination. Know a chef? Hold a virtual cooking class with your travel group, or support a local restaurant that offers delivery/take-out of your destination’s cuisine. Try Korean fried chicken, kimchi, bibimbap or yachaejeon.
Learn the language
Annyeonghaseyo! Call up a friend or set up a group video chat and practice your language skills. It helps to make flashcards with common sayings to use on the phone or throughout your travels (think about ordering at restaurants, buying souvenirs, and chatting with locals). Check out Talk to Me In Korean for free videos to help you learn Korean!
Did you know?
Because of its spellbinding natural beauty of picturesque high mountains, clear waters, and splendid tranquility (particularly in the morning), South Korea is referred to as the “Land of Morning Calm.”
Meet Your Travel Partner
Keiko lived in South Korea for five years teaching English. She fell in love there and got married in Gangnam, Seoul (oppa gangnam style!). She’s lived in the capital city, Seoul, as well as surrounding suburbs. Keiko’s favorite pastime is picnicking along the Han River while eating chicken and drinking beer (known as Chimek). Though she has returned to the U.S., she plans to visit Korea yearly with her husband to see her in-laws and friends.