Pre- and post-conference excursions
The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) is under the
Ministry of Education in Korea
Visiting Korea would not be complete without seeing more of the country. We're delighted that, thanks to our partnership with the Academy of Korean Studies and with support from the Incheon Tourism Organization, we have created three separate excursions to help conference attendees see more of Korea, especially through a history lens.
Tuesday Excursion A: THE LAST FRONTIER OF THE COLD WAR--ONLY IN KOREA
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Time: 7H30 (sharp) departure from the Orakai Hotel; 18H30-19H00 return
Maximum capacity: 40 (minimum of 20 participants required)
Meals: Lunch is included
Registration Fee: USD $55
Note: This excursion requires that you carry your passport during your visit and that you submit to passport verification on site.
For more information about this excursion, visit here.
Korea is one of the very few places in the world where division remains a living reality, not just a chapter in history. The DMZ is far more than a sightseeing stop it is an intense crossroads of history, geopolitics, and the enduring hope for peace. This day-long, guided excursion will travel via bus to the DMZ. You will begin at Imjingak Peace Park, then gain context at the DMZ Theater and Exhibition Hall before descending into the Third Infiltration Tunnel, where the atmosphere shifts instantly and history feels startlingly close. From Dora Observatory, the landscape delivers a powerful message: a world that seems near, yet remains out of reach, leaving a lasting impression long after you return. Participants will enjoy lunch in the Paju area followed by visits to the Gamaksan suspension bridge and the Beomruynsa Temple.
Tuesday Excursion B: A DAY IN SEOUL: PALACE, CULTURE & CITY LIGHTS\
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Time: 7H30 (sharp) departure from the Orakai Hotel; 20H00 estimated return
Maximum capacity: 40 (minimum of 20 participants required)
Meals: Lunch on your own, dinner included
Walking: Moderate walking at the palaces, National Museum, and N Seoul tower.
Registration Fee: USD $55
For more information about this excursion, visit here.
Seoul is a city where royal tradition and modern energy exist side by side. Ancient palace rooftops and graceful curves meet towering skyscrapers, neon lights, and the global pulse of K-culture. For first-time visitors, this day-long, guided city tour is one of the most satisfying ways to experience Seoul’s essence in a single day. At its heart are the palaces, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, where Joseon-era aesthetics and a deep sense of place shape every view. With the National Folk Museum, the palaces become more than beautiful buildings; they become stories of real lives, customs, and everyday culture. The National Museum of Korea adds depth, offering a refined snapshot of Korea’s heritage in a short visit. Finally, N Seoul Tower (aka: the Namsan Tower) completes the day with panoramic views by day or by night, capturing a memorable Seoul scene you will carry home.
Wednesday Excursion C: THE LAST FRONTIER OF THE COLD WAR--ONLY IN KOREA
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Time: 7H30 (sharp) departure from the Orakai Hotel; 18H30-19H00 return
Maximum capacity: 40 (minimum of 20 participants required)
Meals: Lunch is included
Registration Fee: USD $55
Note: This excursion requires that you carry your passport during your visit and that you submit to passport verification on site.
For more information about this excursion, visit here.
Korea is one of the very few places in the world where division remains a living reality, not just a chapter in history. The DMZ is far more than a sightseeing stop it is an intense crossroads of history, geopolitics, and the enduring hope for peace. This day-long, guided excursion will travel via bus to the DMZ. You will begin at Imjingak Peace Park, then gain context at the DMZ Theater and Exhibition Hall before descending into the Third Infiltration Tunnel, where the atmosphere shifts instantly and history feels startlingly close. From Dora Observatory, the landscape delivers a powerful message: a world that seems near, yet remains out of reach, leaving a lasting impression long after you return. Participants will enjoy lunch in the Paju area followed by visits to the Gamaksan suspension bridge and the Beomruynsa Temple.
Wednesday Excursion D: A DAY IN SEOUL: PALACE, CULTURE & CITY LIGHTS
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Time: 7H30 (sharp) departure from the Orakai Hotel; 20H00 estimated return
Maximum capacity: 40 (minimum of 20 participants required)
Meals: Lunch on your own, dinner included
Walking: Moderate walking at the palaces, National Museum, and N Seoul tower
Registration Fee: USD $55
For more information about this excursion, visit here.
Seoul is a city where royal tradition and modern energy exist side by side. Ancient palace rooftops and graceful curves meet towering skyscrapers, neon lights, and the global pulse of K-culture. For first-time visitors, this day-long, guided city tour is one of the most satisfying ways to experience Seoul’s essence in a single day. At its heart are the palaces, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, where Joseon-era aesthetics and a deep sense of place shape every view. With the National Folk Museum, the palaces become more than beautiful buildings; they become stories of real lives, customs, and everyday culture. The National Museum of Korea adds depth, offering a refined snapshot of Korea’s heritage in a short visit. Finally, N Seoul Tower (aka: the Namsan Tower) completes the day with panoramic views by day or by night, capturing a memorable Seoul scene you will carry home.
Sunday Excursion E: INCHEON: FROM COLD WAR SITE TO MODERN CULTURAL PORT CITY AND MEMORABLE CUISINE
Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026
Time: 9H00 (sharp) departure from the Orakai Hotel; 17H00 estimated return
Maximum capacity: 80
Meals: Lunch is on your own; food during classes available
Registration Fee: USD $25
For more information about this excursion, visit here.
A full-day guided excursion via bus of Cold War to present-day Incheon will take participants from the site of the Incheon Landing and its memorial hall to the Incheon Landing Operation to Jayu (Freedom) Park and the statue of Douglas MacArthur, then the Incheon open port cultural district, with an afternoon to learn how to prepare Korean dishes, from traditional rice cake and Kimchi preparation to royal-style Samgyetang cooking, Tteokbokki preparation, and an opportunity to do some Bulgogi cooking and tasting.
All excursions will depart from the Orakai Songdo Hotel. Please note the precise departure times.
All excursion registration fees are non-refundable.
Use the button below to register for one or more excursions. Capacity on each excursion is limited, so register as soon as possible.
The 35th annual World History Association conference in Incheon, Korea, is made possible thanks to the collaboration and sponsorship of the following institutions and organizations:
