Teen-friendly trip from Seoul to Tokyo K-pop, manga and street food

For several years now, the younger generation has been looking resolutely towards East Asia. South Korea and Japan. The Land of the Morning Calm and the Land of the Rising Sun. Two giants with charismatic pop culture. BTS, Blackpink, One Piece, Squid Game, Parasite… These names often come up in your teenagers’ conversations and echo in the media, associated with record-making figures and an unstoppable frenzy. A real phenomenon. To understand it (and them ), set off for Seoul and Tokyo, the epicentres of the movement. These two Asian megacities, where neon lights, eccentric outfits and unusual street foods will delight your teens, nevertheless remain the cultural hearts of countries with centuries of heritage. Gyeongbok Royal Palace and the old streets of Bukchon in Seoul, Edo Castle and Asakusa Shrine in Tokyo: both cities confirm, surpass and reshape expectations. There's something to delight the whole family.

Your trip

Logistically, the journey is relatively straightforward: a direct flight of 2 hours and 30 minutes separates the two capitals, and on site, extensive and efficient public transport networks make getting around easy (for Seoul, you even have the card already in hand). Major sites and small addresses are within easy reach. Your accommodations are also located in the city centre. They don't compromise on charm or comfort: in Seoul, you stay in a private, restored hanok house in a traditional neighbourhood that instantly captivates; in Tokyo, you settle into a unique apartment-hotel with a quirky theme... Pokémon (yes!) Prove to your teenagers that you can still surprise them. In both, you'll feel completely at home. There's room for everyone, spaces to come together, and a welcome sense of independence when travelling with the family. During the day, there’s no hesitation or boredom with  an activity in your itinerary every day. Seoul, K-pop then K-drama style, Tokyo with a manga theme, a night out in Seoul, and a tour of Japan's geek districts are all experienced alongside private guides. For the Korean comedy show and the immersive TeamLab exhibition, you’ll want to experience them on your own — no guide needed. Would you like to add a private dance lesson or cooking session? Just let us know. And then, along the way, an unexpected whim or a minor setback may arise. You have the contact details of our  on-site concierges, who are available at any time to assist you. They can even, in coordination with your travel specialist / travel expert, adjust the itinerary of your journey, including once you are on site. Saying “yes” to your teens has never been so easy.

In Seoul and then Tokyo, they'll love it…

Indulge in a corn dog between meals; admire the bold fashion choices of young Koreans; hear locals speak the language of their favourite shows; learn to recognise members of K-pop music groups; ride the subway alongside students in uniform; eagerly scan the shelves at the Pokémon Center; watch yourself try out a few K-pop dance moves; let go of the handles on the roller coasters at Tokyo Disney Sea; flip through mangas in the original Japanese; strike a pose under the lights at TeamLab Planets; and, thanks to Wi-Fi, share real-time photos of their dream come true.