The Korean War

The Korean War

The First Conflict of the Nuclear Age

Experience ToursMilitary History and Battlefield Tours

16th - 26th April 2025
(11 Days)

Expert Historian : Lieutenant-General Jonathon Riley

Tour price: £6,725

click here to book

The Korean War

The First Conflict of the Nuclear Age

Experience ToursMilitary History and Battlefield Tours

Your Holiday Essentials

16th - 26th April 2025
(11 Days)

4-star hotels, meals as indicated,

drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,

tour manager and expert historian

throughout, all internal travel,

optional travel from UK.

Activity Level: 2

Expert Historian: Lieutenant-General Jonathon Riley

Prices:

Standard price: £5,675

Incl. travel from UK: £6,725
Room sole occupancy supplement: £725
Non-refundable deposit: £950

Booking open

click here to book

Interested in this tour but not ready to book? Register your interest using the link below and we will keep you updated on the progress of the tour.

click here to register your interest

Tour Introduction

Whilst the focus of our tour is clearly on the Korean War, our journey takes us through some tranquil idyllic landscapes: pine-clad hills and mountains; emerald-green rice-paddies; stunning mist-shrouded coastlines; glorious spring gardens. Experience the KTX ‘bullet’ train, cross vast waterways over modern awe-inspiring bridges and explore the heart of pulsating, glittering Seoul where 5000 years of tradition seamlessly intertwines with the modern. Visit magnificent palaces dating from Medieval times, see classical wooden ‘hanok’ homes, savour international and local cuisine and immerse yourself in Korean culture and heritage. Get close to North Korea in the Demilitarised Zone or DMZ, explore North Korean Infiltration tunnels and learn about the latest negotiations between the two countries. Whilst no plans have been confirmed presently, we anticipate attending the annual commemorations of the battle of the Imjin River. The tour will be accompanied by military historian and former infantryman Lt-Gen (Ret’d) Jonathon Riley who was Deputy Commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan (2007) and has recently published his biography of General Sir Anthony Farrar-Hockley, the much feted 1 Gloucester’s adjutant at the Imjin.

Background

When the Japanese army in Korea surrendered at the end of WW2, the Allies agreed that those surrendering north of 38th Parallel would do so to the USSR and those below it to the USA. Capitalising on the situation, the Soviets speedily cordoned off their sphere of influence and thus Korea became a divided country. Five years of fruitless international negotiation followed, finally broken by the invasion of South Korea on 25th June 1950 by Soviet backed North Korea. Seoul quickly fell and a rapid advance by the North Koreans saw them laying siege to the perimeter of Pusan by the beginning of August, a siege that was to last for over a month. US reinforcements allowed for the simultaneous Inchon Landings outside Seoul and the breakout from Pusan on 15th September and by the end of October US forces, now reinforced by a polyglot of United Nations troops, had occupied Pyongyang and stood less than 100kms from the Chinese border. But at the end of November, a massive UN reconnaissance in force was surprised by a Chinese backed counter-offensive and by the end of 1950 both sides were facing each other across the 38th Parallel. Early 1951 saw a second Communist invasion of the South repulsed, but a redoubled effort in the Spring produced, amongst others, the heroic stand by the Gloucestershire Regiment on the Imjin River. By the summer of that year the frontline was once again running along the 38th Parallel. For the next 2 years, whilst peace negotiations stalled, a series of small-scale battles of attrition took place with neither side gaining material advantage. Finally, on July 27th 1953, an armistice was signed and the extant front-line became the agreed border, a border that still nervously exists today.

Highlights

  • An unrivalled comprehensive Korean War tour
  • Inchon Landings
  • The battles on the Imjin and The Gloucesters’ commemorations
  • Goeje POW Camp
  • Gaze across into North Korea from the DMZ
  • Immerse yourself in Korean culture, cuisine and history

Itinerary

Day 1: Evening flight from London to Incheon, arriving following day.

Day 2: Arrive Incheon late afternoon. Check-in Incheon airport hotel. Introductory talk and dinner. (D)

Day 3: Osan.
Look at the first engagement of the war (5 Jul 1950) at the Task Force Smith memorial and its museum. This afternoon examines the defence of the Kum River at Gongju. Bullet train to Busan and check-in to hotel for two nights. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Busan.
Cross the remarkable 8km long Geoga bridge/tunnel to Goeje Island to visit the Korean War history park with its museum, preserved former UN PoW camp, barracks, dioramas and 4D film. Explore the 1950 perimeter defences, discuss the counterattack/break out and visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Battle of Jangsari.
Drive to Pohang to discuss the diversionary landings at Jangsari: the tragic sacrifice of the student-soldiers is commemorated in two excellent exhibitions. Thence to Seoul by express ‘bullet’ train to check-in to our hotel for seven nights. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Seoul.
A full day exploring the centre of this vibrant city: visit the magnificent Joseon Royal palace of Gyeongbokgung; witness the changing of the guard ceremony at the Gwanghwamun Gate; wander through pedestrianised Insadong with its teahouses and shops selling a mixture of historical and modern goods; saunter along the banks of the regenerated Cheonggyecheon stream. This afternoon takes a tour of the Korean War Memorial Museum which boasts 6 exhibition halls and has a wealth of aircraft, armoured vehicles and weaponry on display. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Inchon Landings.
Head for Sondo Island to gain a panorama of Incheon Bay from Wolmido Hill and discuss the landings. Thence to Freedom Park to stand beside General McArthur’s statue which enjoys spectacular views over the bay and downtown Incheon. At the Inchon Landings Memorial Museum view contemporary films, a splendid amphibious diorama, weapons and poignant statues. An early afternoon finish may allow for some free exploration. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Chipyung and Kapyong.
From the UN monument see where French/American forces halted the Chinese advance at Chipyong (13-15 Feb 51). Thence to Kapyong (22-25 Apr 51) to discuss the defence of the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade with visits to the Australian and Canadian monuments. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Attrition
Visit the Chulwon Peace Observatory to gaze upon the hills that witnessed the pointless battles of the latter part of the war such as Pork Chop Hill, White Horse Hill and Baengma. Looking towards North Korea, see the abandoned buildings of Woljeong-ri station and the Korean Workers’ Party HQ. This afternoon we look at the initial positions and withdrawal route of 29 (British) Infantry Brigade prior to the epic action it would fight the following day. (B,L,D)

Day 10: The Imjin River
Drive to Solma-ri where, on the hills looking down upon the Imjin River, the 29th British Independent Infantry Brigade Group faced three divisions of the 19th Chinese army. Below Kamak-San Hill see where the 1st battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment grimly defended Hill 235, visit 29 Brigade HQ at Yangyeon and drive up the former Route 11 in the wake of the 8th Hussars and the 1st Royal Ulster Rifles as they pushed forward to give support to the Royal Northumberland Fusilers defending Hill 398. With permission, we expect to attend the annual commemoration of the battle at the Gloucester Valley Monument. (B,L,D)

Day 11: DMZ
Subject to access being granted (and signing a local disclaimer) to the Joint Security Area (JSA) visit Freedom House, House of Peace Conference Room and the Bridge of No Return. Within the wider DMZ see the Memorial to Korean War Abductees, The Last Train Out and The Bridge of Freedom. Gaze towards North Korea from the Dora Observatory and explore the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Home
Check-out of hotel and drive to Incheon Airport for midday return flight to London (B)

Recommended Reading List

Lieutenant-General Jonathon Riley, CB DSO PhD MA FRHistS

Lieutenant-General Jonathon Riley, CB DSO PhD MA FRHistS

Jonathon Riley has enjoyed a long career with the British Army and has commanded troops from many nations. He has served in Northern Ireland, Central America, the Balkans, Sierra Leone, Iraq (GOC British Forces) and Afghanistan (Deputy Commander NATO forces). He is currently Visiting Professor in War Studies at King’s College London and works for several companies involved with defence, security and strategic issues. His awards include: the Distinguished Service Order for bravery and distinguished conduct in the Balkans in 1996; Officer of the Legion of Merit of the United States of America in 2004; Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath in the New Year’s Honours 2008; and the NATO Meritorious Service Medal by the Secretary-General in December 2008.

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Your Holiday Essentials

16th - 26th April 2025
(11 Days)

4-star hotels, meals as indicated,

drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,

tour manager and expert historian

throughout, all internal travel,

optional travel from UK.

Activity Level: 2

Expert Historian: Lieutenant-General Jonathon Riley

Prices:

Standard price: £5,675

Incl. travel from UK: £6,725
Room sole occupancy supplement: £725
Non-refundable deposit: £950

Booking open

click here to book

Interested in this tour but not ready to book? Register your interest using the link below and we will keep you updated on the progress of the tour.

click here to register your interest

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