Strategem Travel Presents
Korea is Calling 2026
Choir Tour
August 5-14, 2026
2026 Tour Details
After a highly successful tour to Croatia in 2023, the Oratorio Society of Minnesota is planning a tour to South Korea from August 5 to August 14 and you are invitited to participate. You will explore the cosmopolitan city of Seoul, one of Asia's great cities, and technology forward powerhouse. Seoul is a city of contrasts, mixing the cutting-edge with the deeply traditional. Skyscrapers and futuristic architecture sit alongside ancient temples and traditional houses. If you have never visited Asia, Seoul is a great destination to experience the best that Korea has to offer.
Please note that an extended tour to Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan is now included with its own itinerary and will be priced separately.
While in Seoul, we will tour the Gyeongbokgung Palace complex and the Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple. Optional tours will include hiking in nearby Bukhansan National Park and attending a professional baseball game. There will be plenty of time to visit museums and the various shopping districts, plus we will have multiple experiences with Korean cuisine.
Day trips will include visits to the Demilitarized Zone that divides North and South Korea, and the city of Gyeongju, historic capital of Korea during the Silla Dynasty.
Rehearsals and performances will be scheduled in Seoul. The tour is open to non-singers to include friends and family members.
Airfare will be separately priced.
Itinerary
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August 5: Fly to Seoul
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August 6: Arrive Seoul
Check-in at Novotel Ambassador Hotel
Free Time
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August 7: Seoul Experiences and Welcome Dinner
Rehearsal
Visits to Gyeonbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Gwangjang Market
Welcome Dinner
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August 8: Rehearsal and Concert
Rehearsal (Hotel)
Rehearsal (Venue)
Concert -
August 9: Seoul Experiences
Visits to Borgensa Temple, COEX, and Lotte World Aquarium and Observatory Tower
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August 10: DMZ Tour
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August 11: Rehearsal and Concert
Rehearsal (Hotel)
Rehearsal (Venue)
Concert -
August 12: Gyeongju Tour
KTX High Speed Train to Gyeongju, Capital of the Ancient Kingdom of Silla
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August 13: Optional Tours
Professional Baseball Game
Hiking Tour in Bukhansan National Park
Museum
Shopping
Farewell Dinner
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August 14: Departure
Visits to Namdaemun Market and Myeongdong (Optional)
Depart Seoul
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Extended Tour to Japan
August 14-20, 2026
Click here to explore an extended tour to Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan
Meet your hosts
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Randall and Kristin Olson are frequent travelers to Korea, as their son, Pearce, taught English at a Jukjeon elementary school. On two visits to Korea, Olson facilitated entrepreneurial training for over 100 entrepreneurs hosted by the Korean Entrepreneurship Foundation and the Pohang University of Science and Technology. This tour will be highly customized to include unique cultural and historic attractions in Seoul and also include day trips to the Demilitarized Zone and Gyeongju, historic capital of the Silla Dynasty.
Pricing & Payment Schedule
INCLUDES:
✓ Hotel Accomodations
✓ Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Japan extension includes breakfast & lunch only)
✓ Transportation in Coach Buses, KTX Train and Bullet Train
✓ Expert Guides
✓ Entrance Fees to Major Attractions
Payment Schedule
February 15 - $350 Deposit
March 15 - $1,333 (South Korea First Installment)
April 15 - $1,630 (Japan First Installment)
May 15 - $1,333 (South Korea Second Installment)
June 15 - $1,630 (Japan Second Installment)
July 15 - $1,333 (South Korea Third Installment and All Payments Due)
Participants may chose to make their own travel arrangements or purchase group airfare.
Delta Airlines Group Travel
Minneapolis Depart - Seoul Return: $2,134.43
Minneapolis Depart - Tokyo Return: $2,022.03
Accepted Payments
Visa (credit and debit cards)
MasterCard (credit and debit cards)
American Express
Discover (US merchants only)
Testimonials
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"In 2023, I traveled to Croatia with this group. It was an incredible trip to a beautiful country. The accommodations were outstanding as were the sightseeing venues. I was impressed with the quality of the wine, truffle, oyster, and olive oil tasting experiences. Nothing was "touristy" and everything was genuine. The balance between scheduled sightseeing as well as opportunities to explore on our own were perfect. I genuinely enjoyed every minute and recommend this tour."
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"I was fortunate to be a part of a group trip through Croatia, and the trip was fantastic. I attribute the trip’s success to Randy Olson, who organized the itinerary and bookings. We saw places that were typical tourist spots, and we saw places that are off the beaten path. I would definitely be interested in participating in an excursion of Randy’s planning. I know I won’t be disappointed."