South Korea Travel Agents

Our 13-day trip to South Korea was amazing!

Jessica did a great job organizing activities for the entire family; we are a diverse group with varied interests. My child loved the National Palace Museum of Korea, the Gyeongju National Museum, and the National Museum of Korea. My spouse loved the art exhibits: Sculpted Céladon of the Goryeo Dynasty - Gyeongju National Museum and the Arte Museum in Jeju. I loved the varied and yummy food. The highlight of my trip was the cooking class with Seoul Foodventure!

All of our guides were lovely and flexible, and helped us pivot when the weather wasn't cooperating or we needed some time to be more still. I would especially recommend Mr. William Jang. He is knowledgeable and kind - it was a real cultural exchange, which is what travel is all about.

We will return to South Korea.

Thank you, Jessica. Thank you, Kimkim.

We really enjoyed the tours provided by our local guides in Japan. Our first guide Nick came very well prepared to provide current and historical information on the sites we visited which included the Meiji Jingu Shrine, and the Sensoji Temple. At lunch time, he navigated the crowded Tsukiji Outer Fish Market to lead us to a restaurant with delicious sushi: Sushizanmai Honten.

Zumi was our guide in Osaka who took us to see the impressive Umeda Sky Building along with the Osaka Castle. The day ended with a visit to Nara Park. Zumi was very kind and easygoing; our family connected with him over our shared love of baseball. Both guides were considerate of the high temperature and humidity and provided breaks to rest and hydrate which we really appreciated.

Clover, our guide in Jeju, was a joy. Among many of the sites, she took us to see Jeju's beautiful beaches on differing sides of the island: Woljeongri Beach and Hyeopjae Beach. Throughout both tour days, she displayed thoughtfulness and consideration of everyone in our family such as helping my elderly mother navigate Dongmun Traditional Market and carrying all of her purchases. She even helped by providing tips for our self guided day on Udo Island.

This kindness and consideration were further extended by Jones, our guide in Seoul. My husband and I had visited Gyeongbokgung Palace before but we learned so much more about its history and architectural symbolism from Jones. We mentioned our impromptu interest in visiting a bookstore in Seoul and Jones gladly accommodated our wish; while at the bookstore he helped our family find the topics of books we were searching for.

Though it was our first time meeting each of our guides, upon arriving in Japan and Korea, we felt like we had friends waiting for us to show us hospitality. Our family left Japan and Korea with so many amazing memories thanks to our guides.

Hotel Review

Jeju Sun Hotel and Casino

Please note that I provided the following review on TripAdvisor as well: My family and I enjoyed a five night stay at Jeju Sun Hotel and Casino and loved our experience there. The staff were so warm and welcoming each time we arrived back at the hotel from an excursion. Special shout out to Ahn Tae Young who went out of his way to help our family find a delicious naengmyeon (cold noodle) restaurant! The location of the hotel is conveniently located to bustling shops and restaurants all within walking distance. There is nearby bank where you can convert your currency. There was even a nearby park that held a free concert featuring young Korean artists on a Friday night. The hotel boasts a beautiful, bright and open lobby area which lifts your spirits after a long day of sightseeing. If you view other nearby hotel lobbies on the same street, they are rather bleak and bare. There’s really no comparison to Jeju Sun’s lobby and reception area. To the right of the lobby, you will find the Garden Buffet which served the most delicious breakfast buffet offering both Western style breakfast (eggs, sausage, bacon) and Korean cuisine. The freshness, quality and presentation of the food shows how much effort the chefs and staff put into the food. There was a green fruit compete dressing that I couldn’t get enough of; I wish I could get the recipe to make at home. Our room consisted of a spacious two bedroom, two bathroom suite that fit five people. After five days in cramped hotel rooms in Tokyo and Osaka, our room at Jeju Sun provided room to breathe. It was clean and comfortable and great for spending time together. One recommendation I would make is for the hotel to offer beach towels for guests who plan to visit Jeju’s beautiful beaches. I saw that most other Asian tourists spent the day at the beach dressed up to take pictures. We came to Jeju to actually swim in its lovely waters.

Authenticity & Character

Bright and inviting lobby area, decor, fixtures.

Location

Nearby shops and restaurants within walking distance.

Staff

One staff member went out of his way to make sure we found a delicious cold noodle restaurant.

Cleanliness & Comfort

I appreciate how clean the bathrooms were on a daily basis.

Activity Reviews

Half Day Horseback Riding and Kayaking Experience

Jeju Island

Our itinerary was adjusted so that horseback riding and kayaking were split into two separate days but I would say these were my favorite activities. The first day we rode horses in light rainfall crossing the street to reach a UNESCO site - a beach that had the most stunning views. The rain, the clacking of the horses as they walked, and the views made it a special experience. Kayaking was great exercise! It was fun to be out on the water with your family. I enjoyed the clear kayak where you should fish swimming beneath you!

Quality of Experience

Stunning views of the landscape near the horseback riding business are priceless!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Staff at the horseback riding business were considerate; they offered to take family photos while on horses.

Transport

Comfortable, clean air-conditioned van. Clover brought us water to ensure we were all hydrated.

Osaka-Nara day trip with Osaka Castle

Osaka

We loved Nara deer park. We fell asleep on the way to Nara and when we arrived, we were surprised to see so many deer frolocking about. The Todaiji Temple was set in a beautiful and serene setting. And having Zumi guiding us along the way was a treat!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore Seoul Highlights

Seoul

We really appreciate the tour of Kwangjang market. While we're not hungry to eat because of lunch, high temperatures and upcoming dinner, we enjoyed seeing all of the delicious street food options. We have this market bookmarked to re-visit on our next trip to Korea.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Jones broke up the market into separate sections (seafood, pancake area, textiles).

Transport

We had a wonderful time in South Korea. Our guides Sophia, Luke and Clover were great.

Hotel Reviews

Lavalse Hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong

Seoul

Nice location and great breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Very close to restaurants and shopping.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Shilla Stay Jeju

Great location. Nice breakfast and room.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Pension Gyeongju Hanokstay Darak 경주 한옥스테이 다락

Great location. Cozy room.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Half Day Gyeongju National Museum and Tumuli Park Tour with Night View

Gyeongju

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Spring Colors: Garden of Morning Calm and Nami Island

Seoul

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Korean DMZ and Hongdae Shopping Street Tour

Seoul

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Bulguksa and Seokguram Grotto Tour

Gyeongju

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Dressing & Namsan Tower

Seoul

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Women Diver Museum, Sunrise Peak, and Seongeup Village Tour

Jeju Island

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Mt. Hallasan, Tea Plantation and Spirited Garden Tour

Jeju Island

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Korean Full-Course Meal Cooking Class at Local Home with Local Market Experience

Seoul

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Haedong Yonggungsa, Haewundae Beach and Traditional Market Tour

Busan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Gamcheon Cultural Village, Songdo Sky Walk and Jagalchi Fishery Market Tour

Busan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

This was my second trip to Seoul and second time working with Jessica…and both of exceeded my expectations. The only part I would advise to pass is on the DMZ experience which was underwhelming. Head to the Gamaksan suspension bridge and unification park, grad Korean BBQ in Pagu, then head back to Seoul.

Hotel Review

JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Full Day Korean DMZ and Hongdae Shopping Street Tour

Seoul

Avoid the full tour and enjoy the suspension bridge and Pagu instead.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Overall, I had a great trip. My planning was definitely a little different. As I was going to visit my cousin, plus break up my trip with popping over to Thailand for 15 days, when I first put together an idea, Kimkim said that they wouldn't be able to do it. After I contacted customer service, they quickly explained to me that they were more than happy to accommodate what I was wanting for my Korea trip. I did have a problem arise while planning and when I contacted customer service again, they promptly called me and told me that they would get my agent to contact me so we could get my issue resolved.

Most of my trip was self-guided, but when I went to Gyeongju, I did have a guide. William was an excellent guide and I greatly enjoyed touring with him for the few days. He was able to take me to all of the sites I was wanting to visit in and around Gyeongju. Plus he had the best recommendations for lunch spots. If one is able to get William as a tour guide, one will definitely have a great experience with a very competent guide.

Part of my trip, I researched 2 places I wanted to go: Gyeongju and Jeonju. While researching the cities, I saw the recommendations to stay at 2 different hanoks. When I was putting together my trip, I requested to stay in those hanoks and Kimkim was able to make the reservations. I definitely recommend staying at Siwoowadang. The hanok was situated within walking distance to multiple areas and the hanok village. The restaurants around Siwoowadang were fabulous and my breakfast every morning was delicious. The couple that ran the hanok were amazing hosts and I had all the comforts I needed. When in Jeonju, I definitely recommend staying at Samlockhon as it is in the heart of the hanok village and the host is quick to give you the best restaurant and cafe recommendations. Jeonju was definitely one of my favorite places to visit.

My trip planner did plan my KTX tickets at a perfect time leaving me with a perfect amount of time visit each city. I am so glad that I was able to plan my trip with Kimkim and I will use them for my next vacation planning.