Strategem Travel Presents
Korea is Calling 2026
Choir Tour
August 5-14, 2026
2026 Tour Details
Join the Oratorio Society of Minnesota for its tour of Korea from August 5 to August 14, 2026. 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.
Performance and rehearsals are in the planning phases but will be scheduled in Seoul.
Pricing will include double and single occupancy rates, and airfare will be separately priced.
If you have not completed a Trip Interest Form, please review more information about the tour, and fill out the form below. You will continue to receive updates on the tour as well as other valuable information on travel to Asia.
Itinerary
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Day 0: Fly to Seoul
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Day 1: Arrive Seoul
Transport to Seoul
Check-in at Hotel and Free Time
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Day 2: Rehearsal Day + Welcome Dinner
Rehearsal
Welcome Dinner
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Day 3: Seoul Experiences
Rehearsal
Visits to Gyeonbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Gwangjang Market
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Day 4: Seoul Experiences
Visits to Borgensa Temple and COEX Concert
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Day 5: DMZ Tour
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Day 6: Seoul Experiences
Lotte World Aquarium
Lotte World Observatory Tower
Concert
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Day 7: Gyeongju Tour
KTX High Speed Train to Gyeongju, Capital of the Ancient Kingdom of Silla
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Day 8: Optional Tours
Professional Baseball Game
Hiking tour in Bukhansan National Park
Museum
Shopping
Farewell Dinner
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Day 9: 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.
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."