Make the most of your time in Korea during the 49th IHF World Hospital Congress with a selection of optional cultural experiences and excursions designed to introduce you to the country’s rich history, vibrant culture and remarkable destinations.
Seven optional tours are available on selected dates surrounding the Congress. Browse the experiences below to find the tour that best fits your interests and schedule.
Advance booking is required, with reservations closing on 28 September 2026 for most tours and on 21 September 2026 for the DMZ Excursion.
Discover the many sides of Seoul on a full-day introduction to the Korean capital. This tour brings together royal history, traditional culture, prominent city landmarks and panoramic views for delegates looking to experience some of Seoul’s essential sights in one day.
Date: 18 October 2026
Time: 09:00–17:30
Fee: USD 150
Inclusions: English-speaking guide, coach transportation, lunch at a local restaurant – choice between vegetable bibimbap (rice mixed with vegetables) or bulgogi (grilled marinated beef), admission fees, travel insurance, portable transceiver, bottle of water.
Places you’ll visit
Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
Witness the colourful recreation of a traditional ceremony from Korea’s Joseon Dynasty.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Explore the largest of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces and one of the city’s most important historical landmarks.
National Folk Museum of Korea Discover Korea’s traditional way of life, customs and cultural heritage.
Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House)
Pass by the former presidential office and residence, located near Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Cheonggyecheon Stream & Gwanghwamun Square
Experience two of central Seoul’s most prominent public spaces and the city’s blend of history and modern urban life.
Namsan Seoul Tower
Take a cable car up to one of Seoul’s most recognizable landmarks and enjoy panoramic views from the observatory.
Experience the fascinating contrast between Seoul’s past and present. This excursion combines traces of the city’s historic defences with contemporary architecture and the lively atmosphere of one of Korea’s oldest traditional markets.
Date: 19 October 2026
Time: 09:00–13:00
Fee: USD 95
Inclusions: English-speaking guide, coach transportation, food at Gwangjang Market (KRW 30,000), admission fees, travel insurance, portable transceiver, bottle of water.
Places you’ll visit
Seoul City Wall & Museum
Discover the historic wall that once surrounded the old capital and learn about its importance during the Joseon Dynasty.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Visit one of modern Seoul’s most distinctive architectural landmarks and a major centre for design, culture and exhibitions.
Gwangjang Market
Explore one of Seoul’s oldest traditional markets, known for its bustling atmosphere, local stalls and Korean street food.
Journey into Korea’s royal and cultural heritage through some of Seoul’s most treasured historical sites. This full-day experience combines a UNESCO World Heritage palace, traditional neighbourhoods, cultural streets and one of Korea’s most important museums.
Date: 19 October 2026
Time: 09:00–17:30
Fee: USD 130
Inclusions: English-speaking guide, coach transportation, lunch at a local restaurant – choice between vegetable bibimbap (rice mixed with vegetables) or bulgogi (grilled marinated beef), admission fees, travel insurance, portable transceiver, bottle of water.
Places you’ll visit
Changdeokgung Palace
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed royal palace, renowned for its architecture and harmony with the surrounding landscape.
Changdeokgung Secret Garden
Walk through the palace’s beautiful historic garden, featuring traditional pavilions, ponds and landscaped grounds.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Discover a traditional Seoul neighbourhood filled with beautifully preserved hanok, or Korean houses.
Insadong Culture Street
Explore one of Seoul’s best-known cultural districts, home to traditional shops, galleries, crafts and tea houses.
National Museum of Korea
Discover thousands of years of Korean history, art and culture through the collections of Korea’s flagship national museum.
Experience Korean culture firsthand with an introduction to makgeolli, Korea’s traditional unrefined rice wine. This hands-on cultural experience is complemented by a visit to one of Seoul’s most picturesque traditional neighbourhoods.
Minors are welcome to participate in this experience but will not be permitted to taste or consume alcohol, in accordance with the venue’s policy.
Places & experiences
Makgeolli-Making Experience
Learn about the ingredients, preparation and cultural significance of traditional Korean rice wine before taking part in a hands-on makgeolli-making session. You’ll also take home your own Makgeolli to ferment and enjoy.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Continue your cultural experience in a historic neighbourhood known for its traditional Korean houses and charming streets.
Spend the morning exploring the royal, historical and spiritual heart of Seoul. This excursion brings together grand public spaces, royal traditions, palace architecture and Korean Buddhist heritage in the centre of the capital.
Gain a deeper understanding of the Korean Peninsula’s modern history on a full-day visit to the Demilitarized Zone. The tour visits several significant sites connected to Korea’s division and provides insight into the Korean War, inter-Korean relations and hopes for peace and reunification.
Date: 23 October 2026
Time: 08:00–17:30
Fee: USD 135
Inclusions: English-speaking guide, coach transportation, lunch at a local restaurant – choice between vegetable bibimbap (rice mixed with vegetables) or bulgogi (grilled marinated beef), admission fees, travel insurance, portable transceiver, bottle of water.
Advance reservation is required. Reservation deadline: 21 September 2026.
Participants are required to provide their full name, date of birth and gender when making a reservation and bring their passport on the day.
This tour involves walking on uneven terrain and may be challenging for participants with limited mobility.
Places you’ll visit
Imjingak Park
Visit an important historical site dedicated to remembrance and hopes for reunification near the border between North and South Korea.
Bridge of Freedom & Bell of Peace
See symbolic landmarks associated with the Korean War, the division of the peninsula and aspirations for peace.
DMZ Theater & Exhibition Hall
Learn more about the history and significance of the Demilitarized Zone through exhibits and presentations.
Third Infiltration Tunnel
Visit one of the tunnels discovered beneath the border and learn about its historical and military significance.
Dora Observatory
Look across the Demilitarized Zone towards North Korea from one of the area’s best-known observation points.
Unification Village
Travel through an area close to the DMZ and gain another perspective on life near the border.
Gyeongui Line Forest Park
Visit an urban park created along the former Gyeongui railway line, historically connecting Seoul with destinations farther north.
Venture beyond Seoul for a full-day journey combining spectacular mountain landscapes, Korean cultural heritage and one of the country’s most popular scenic destinations. The tour also offers an opportunity to experience Korea’s beautiful autumn scenery.
Date: 23 October 2026
Time: 06:00–17:30
Fee: USD 150
Inclusions: English-speaking guide, coach transportation, lunch at a local restaurant – choice between vegetable bibimbap (rice mixed with vegetables) or bulgogi (grilled marinated beef), admission fees, travel insurance, portable transceiver, bottle of water.
This tour involves walking on uneven terrain and may be challenging for participants with limited mobility.
Places you’ll visit
Seoraksan National Park
Discover one of Korea’s most celebrated national parks, renowned for its dramatic mountain peaks, forested valleys and spectacular seasonal scenery.
Seoraksan Cable Car
Travel above the mountain landscape by cable car and take in sweeping views across Seoraksan National Park.
Gwongeumseong Fortress
Journey towards the historic mountain fortress area and enjoy impressive views over the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Sinheungsa Temple
Visit a historic Buddhist temple nestled within Seoraksan and discover another aspect of Korea’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Nami Island
Explore one of Korea’s most famous scenic destinations, known for its picturesque tree-lined paths, peaceful landscapes and beautiful seasonal scenery.
Before you book
Please take note of the following important information when planning your tour:
All tours are operated by Grace Travel, the official tour agency of the 49th World Hospital Congress.
Advance booking is required. Reservations for all tours must be made by 28 September 2026, except for the DMZ Excursion, which has an earlier booking deadline of 21 September 2026.
Delegates are welcome to book more than one tour and may reserve places for additional participants as part of their booking.
Tours are subject to minimum participation requirements. Each excursion will operate only if the required minimum number of participants is reached. If a tour cannot proceed due to insufficient participants, Grace Travel will offer an alternative excursion or tour. Otherwise, a full refund will be provided.
Reservations are confirmed only upon receipt of payment. Following your registration, Grace Travel will send a PayPal payment link via email.
All tour prices and payments are in US dollars (USD).
The meeting and drop-off point will be at COEX Magok Lewest Convention Centre. Further instructions will be provided to confirmed participants before the tour.
Tour schedules and itineraries may be adjusted due to local conditions, weather, traffic, operational requirements, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Tours include an English-speaking guide knowledgeable in Korean culture and history and holding a tourism interpretation guide certificate.
Cancellation & refund policy
Cancellation charges are based on how far in advance the booking is cancelled:
14 days or more before the scheduled tour date: 80% refund
13 days to 7 days before the scheduled tour date: 50% refund
6 days or less before the scheduled tour date: Non-refundable
Before proceeding to the booking form, delegates are encouraged to review the full tour details, applicable rates, and booking terms and conditions before confirming their reservation.
Ready to explore Korea?
Make the most of your time in Korea with a memorable cultural experience or excursion. Choose your preferred tour and reserve your place today.
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