Skip to Main Content

May 2025

Korea & Japan

Office of the President

Mark your calendars and reserve your spot to join Concordia University Irvine President Dr. Michael Thomas on an orchestra and choir companion tour through Korea & Japan in May 2025.

Korea & Japan: 2025

Concordia University Irvine Orchestra and Choir Companion Tour

11 Days: May 7-17, 2025

Touring sites in and around Seoul and Tokyo

Hosted by
Dr. Michael and Mrs. Kimberly Thomas
President, Concordia University Irvine

Dr. Michael and Mrs. Kimberly Thomas

Dear Friends,

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I invite you, as the President of Concordia University Irvine, to join Kim and me on 11-day Concordia Orchestra and Choir “Companions Tour” of South Korea and Japan from May 7-17, 2025.

Enjoy performances of the Concordia Orchestra and Choir in three different venues South Korea before we move on to enjoy two additional performances in Japan.  Additionally, the companions will have the opportunity to enjoy a no-host meal at a small local restaurant with the Concordia performers during a free evening.  This will prove to be one of the highlights of the tour!

During this tour we’ll have the opportunity to explore Seoul, the political, social, and economic hub of Korea.  Nearly destroyed during the Korean war, this 14th century city has undergone an amazing transformation and is now a fascinating blend of old and new.  You’ll be encouraged to explore the amazing markets at the base on Mt. Nansam and surrounding areas before traveling to the Hongdae disctrict, known for Seoul’s nightlife and center of K-pop culture.  After leaving Seoul, we’ll visit the Yongin and Suwon region and spend some time at the Korean Folk Village, a recreation of a 19th century village with traditional arts and crafts.  Our last day back in Seoul will feature a walking tour of the historic town, including a tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace.  

After an amazing and eye-opening visit to Korea, we’ll board a flight to go to the Land of the Rising Sun.  We’ll land in Tokyo and have free time to explore a neighborhood in Tokyo, such as Roppongi or Shinjuku.  We’ll start off the next day at Tokyo’s Skytree to get oriented before we visit the ancient area of the capital: Asakusa, home of the Asakusa Kannon Temple.  We’ll visit the Imperial Palace Gardens and explore the famous Ginza district.  We’ll explore Meiji Shinto Shrine in the Harajuku district before visiting Shibuya.  Make sure to cross the busiest intersection in the world under the glow of the dazzling lights of this bewildering shopping district.  

Kim and I are excited to offer this companion tour which provides a balance between traveling with the Concordia students who perform in the orchestra and choir while providing plenty of free time to explore at a more leisurely pace on your own or to eat your way through Asia, enjoying Korean BBQ, Japanese ramen, sushi, and so much more!   

The travelers on the companion tour will stay in upgraded, select hotels (4+ star) hotels, and we’ll be accompanied by a bilingual guide in both countries.  Also included are: daily breakfast at hotel; 1 included lunch; 4 included dinners; four Concordia Orchestra and Choir concerts (and one worship service); all scheduled sightseeing and entrance fees; tips for Tour Manager, Bus Driver and Local Guides.

Please notice that international airfare from the US to Seoul and home from Japan is not included.  This is intentional, as many of you will want to arrange your own transportation, and some of you will want to go ahead, stay behind, and/or upgrade your flight arrangements.   Later this summer, we will provide clear times and expectations on when you need to arrive in South Korea.

Kim and I so much look forward to having you join us on amazing trip to South Korea and Japan.  It promises to be a wonderful experience for all with time to enjoy the fellowship of old friends and new. Travel arrangements are provided by World Projects, a partner of the Concordia Music department.

NOW is the time to make plans and reserve your place on this tour, as space is limited.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the history, culture, and remarkable scenery of Asia! 

We’re so excited for you to join us on this tour.  

Pax Domini,

Dr. Michael and Mrs. Kimberly Thomas
President, Concordia University Irvine

Tour Cost

$3,750 per person + airfare* 

$730 - single room supplement^

* Passengers will book their own flights USA - Seoul, and Tokyo - USA. Airfare pricing should be available by 8/1/24.

^Solo travelers will be given the opportunity to match with others on the tour. If they choose not to, or if no other solo travelers are available, they must pay the single room supplement.

Payment Schedule

Payment Schedule

Payment Due Amount Refundable Total Paid
Deposit At time of registration $250 Nonrefundable $250
Payment #1 8/30/2024 $500 50% of this payment before 11/1/2024 $750
Payment #2 11/1/2024 $1,000 50% of this payment before 1/1/2025 $1,750
Payment #3 1/3/2025 $1,500 50% of this payment before 3/1/2025 $3,250

Payment #4

(LAND ONLY)

2/14/2025 $500 50% of this payment before 3/15/2025 $3,750
         
Payment #4 2/14/2025 $500 50% of this payment before 3/15/2025 $3,750
(WITH AIRFARE)   + Airfare Balance   + Airfare Balance

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Los Angeles / Across the Atlantic

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Depart from Los Angeles.

Arrive in Seoul, South Korea

Thursday, May 8, 2025

  • Arrive into Incheon International Airport.
  • Meet your bilingual tour escorts.
  • Transfer to your hotel in Seoul.
  • Home to almost half of South Korea’s population, Seoul is Korea’s political, cultural and economic hub. Bisected by the Han River and surrounded by hills, Seoul enjoys a stunning physical setting and has been the seat of Korea’s royalty since the 14th century. Mostly destroyed during the Korean War, Seoul’s transformation into a 21st century metropolis has been astounding. With its fascinating blend of old and new, Seoul is an amazing city of contrasts.
  • Check into hotel.
  • Welcome dinner.

Seoul

Friday, May 9, 2025

  • Breakfast daily.
  • Transfer to the Yongin/Suwon region just south of Seoul. This morning, enjoy a visit to the Korean Folk Village.
  • The Korean Folk Village is a living museum designed to transport you to the Joseon Dynasty. The picturesque grounds feature a slice of 19th century Korea with traditional architecture and “villagers” demonstrating traditional arts and crafts.
  • Lunch provided.
  • Transfer to Suwon and enjoy time to explore the UNESCO recognized Hwaseong (fortress walls) and the city center.
  • Transfer to Yongin.
  • Dinner on your own.
  • Performance in Yongin.
  • Return to your hotel.

Seoul

Saturday, May 10, 2025

  • Breakfast daily.
  • Today, enjoy time to explore Seoul. Transfer to Nansam Mountain and enjoy time to explore – activities could include hiking, enjoying the aerial tram, or taking in the views from N Seoul Tower (all costs on own).
  • Afternoon Enjoy time for lunch on own and to explore the amazing markets of Namdaemun and Myeongdong (at the foot of Nansam Mountain).
  • Later this afternoon, enjoy time for independent sightseeing – activities could include strolling Insadong St. (known for its crafts and antique markets), explore the Namsangol Hanok Village with its traditional houses, visit one of Seoul’s great free museums like the National Museum of Korea or National Folk Museum of Korea, etc. (all costs on own).
  • Evening Transfer to the Hongdae District (known for its nightlife and as the center of K-pop culture).
  • Dinner and free time on own in the Hongdae District.
  • Return to the hotel.

Seoul

Sunday, May 11, 2025

  • Breakfast daily.
  • This morning, transfer to the Manna Church in Seongnam and get ready for services with a performance during the church services.
  • Afternoon Lunch on own.
  • Second performance of the day.
  • Time permitting, time for independent sightseeing in Seoul.
  • Evening Dinner as a group.
  • Enjoy a Nanta Show then return to the hotel. Nanta is a uniquely Korean experience! The non-verbal comedic show featuring acrobatics, magic tricks, comedy, pantomime and audience participation. The unifying element throughout the musical is the use of traditional Korean samulnori music, which is performed with improvised instruments, such as cutting boards, water canisters and kitchen knives.

Seoul

Monday, May 12, 2025

  • Breakfast daily.
  • This morning, enjoy a walking tour of the historic old town including sights such as Chunggyecheon Stream, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong, etc.
  • Afternoon Lunch on own at the Gwangjang Market. Sightseeing activity TBD.
  • Later this evening, transfer to the church venue in Seoul.
  • Evening Dinner on own (or at the church as arranged by CUI).
  • Performance at church venue in Seoul.
  • Afterwards, return to your hotel in Seoul.

Seoul to Tokyo

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

  • Breakfast daily.
  • Check out of the hotel(s) and transfer to Seoul-Incheon International Airport or Seoul-Gimpo International Airport.
  • Depart Seoul for Tokyo.
    (Land Only travelers, please consult with Concordia prior to making your flight arrangements as both Seoul and Tokyo have more than one airport.)
  • Tokyo's kaleidoscopic lights, crush of humanity, and sheer scale can be overwhelming for first-timers. Yet linger awhile and you'll almost certainly encounter the serene side of traditional Japan. Discover graceful tea ceremonies and gardens, a world apart from skyscraper-dotted Shinjuku or trend-obsessed Harajuku. Pass through immigration, collect your luggage, and proceed with customs formalities.
  • You will be met by your local bi-lingual Tour Escorts who will direct you to the coaches. Transfer to your hotel in Tokyo and check-in. Time to settle into your rooms.
  • Evening Dinner on own near the hotel(s) and/or in one of Tokyo’s nightlife areas such as Roppongi or Shinjuku depending on flight times.
  • Time permitting, attend a sumo match or a baseball game (additional cost will apply - ~US $30-$65 per person).

Tokyo

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

  • Breakfast daily.
  • This morning, enjoy a visit to the Tokyo Skytree for stunning views of the city followed by a visit to the Asakusa District (old city). Asakusa is an ancient area of Tokyo which is home to the Asakusa Kannon Temple and the Nakamise-dori (a shopping promenade packed with food stands and souvenir shops).
  • Afternoon Lunch on own in Asakusa.
  • Enjoy a visit to the Tokyo National Museum. Later this evening, transfer to the concert venue in Tokyo. Evening Dinner as a group.
  • Performance (venue TBD)
  • Afterwards, enjoy social time with local group then return to your hotel(s) in Tokyo.

Tokyo

Thursday, May 15, 2025

  • Breakfast daily.
  • This morning, enjoy a visit to the Imperial Palace Gardens – home to the Tokugawa shoguns for 250 years and now the current home of the Japanese Emperor since the 1870s.
  • Afterwards, enjoy time to explore the famous Ginza District and the area around the expansive Tokyo Station.
  • Afternoon Lunch on own.
  • Enjoy time for independent sightseeing in Tokyo.
  • Later this evening, transfer to the concert venue.
  • Evening Dinner on own.
  • Performance in the northern Tokyo suburb city of Tsukuba, a sister city of Irvine.
  • Afterwards, enjoy social time with local group then return to your hotel in Tokyo.

Tokyo

Friday, May 16, 2025

  • Breakfast daily.
  • This morning, enjoy a visit to the Meiji Shrine in the Harajuku district. Dedicated to defied spirits of the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the Meiji Shrine is located in the hip Harajuku district – center of Japan’s teen culture.
  • The center-piece of the Harajuku district is Takeshita Street lined with trendy shops, boutiques, restaurants, and fastfood outlets.
  • Afternoon Lunch on your own in the Harajuku district.
  • This afternoon, transfer to the Shibuya district. Enjoy time to explore. Another center of youth fashion and culture, Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most colorful and busy districts, packed with shopping, dining, and nightclubs serving swarms of visitors that come to the district every day. A prominent and famous landmark of Shibuya is the large intersection in front of the subway station's Hachiko Exit.
  • Evening Farewell Dinner as a group in Tokyo.
  • Afterwards, enjoy time to explore the nightlife in Shibuya or the nearby Shinjuku District.
  • Return to the hotel.

Tokyo to Los Angeles

Saturday, May 17, 2025

  • Breakfast daily.
  • Check out of the hotel(s) and depart for a Tokyo airport.
    (Land Only travelers, please consult with Concordia prior to making your flight arrangements as both Seoul and Tokyo have more than one airport.)
  • Immigration and customs formalities will take place at 1st port of entry into the USA. Time TBD Arrive into LAX – collect baggage and say good-bye to your World Projects Tour Manager.

 

Registration Form

Contact Us

If at any point if you have questions, please contact us directly.

Michael Bergler

Mike Bergler
University Advancement
(949) 214-3187
[email protected]

Back to top