The 10-day Soul of Korea itinerary blends key sights and attractions with off-the-beaten-track insights into Korean life and culture.

It takes in futuristic capital Seoul and coastal Busan’s narrow alleyways and beach districts, as well as the cities of Jeonju and Gyeongju.

InsideAsia had planned to launch the tour earlier, only for the intervention of "an extraordinary turn of political events", which saw president Yoon Suk Yeol on 3 December seek to impose a state of martial law – one that was quickly defeated by Korea’s MPs and has led to impeachment proceedings against President Yoon.

An InsideAsia spokesperson said the "overwhelmingly peaceful" protests that followed demonstrated why Korea can and should be seen as a safe, modern and exciting place to visit.

Rebecca Barry, InsideAsia’s senior South Korea product executive, said the trip had been designed for first-time visitors and solo travellers, and was "the ultimate introduction to South Korea".

Highlights and activities, said Barry, include crafts in Bukchon Hanok village, making Bibimbap – Jeonju’s classic rice bowl dish – in the city itself, and heading to a Busan market to experience Korea’s unique and increasingly popular cuisine.

Barry pointed towards Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla kingdom for more than 1,000 years and to this day South Korea’s cultural epicentre, as a particular highlight. "It absolutely lives up to its name as a ’museum without walls’," she said.

Guests will also visit Korea’s largest traditional yangban village, Yandong, something Barry said was akin to "stepping back into old Korea" with its traditional thatched buildings.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 16 in number. Each trip will feature a core Soul of Korea itinerary, but other experience will vary from departure to departure.

Key inclusions are the services of a tour leader, input from local guides to offer local expertise and tips on where to have the most authentic experiences, high-speed rail travel, and stays in traditional accommodation.

Alastair Donnelly, co-founder of InsideAsia parent Inside Travel Group, said the group was continuing to see "significant increases" in South Korea’s appeal. "The launch of our new small group tour seemed like the next logical step," he said. "This tour marks the next phase of growth for our InsideAsia brand.

"South Korea is rapidly becoming one of Asia’s hottest new destinations, and this tour gives travellers the opportunity to uncover both the iconic landmarks and lesser-known districts in Seoul and beyond, all while being guided by insightful Insiders who have made Korea their home."

Donnelly added those travelling with InsideAsia would experience culture through a local lens, and allow them to tap into experiences not usually available to visitors.