Food Journey to the Soul of Seoul and Beyond

Welcome! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into Incheon International Airport (ICN).

Today, you'll embark on a captivating city tour of Seoul, beginning with a short transfer to visit the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, where the rich history of the Joseon Dynasty comes to life. Afterwards, you'll head to the vibrant Insadong street, filled with traditional tea houses, antique shops, and cultural delights. For your next stop, you'll dive into the bustling Gwangjang Market, a food lover's paradise, offering a variety of street foods and local treats. Then, hop on a transfer to a kimchi making class, gaining hands-on experience in crafting this iconic Korean dish before transferring back to the hotel. For today's activities, you'll want to wear comfortable walking shoes, as well as pack some extra cash with you if you want to purchase any additional food, beverages, or souvenirs at Gwangjang Market.

• After breakfast, you'll take a 20-minute private transfer from the hotel to Gyeongbokgung Palace to explore and learn about the history of the palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace is a majestic architectural masterpiece that served as the main royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395, it boasts an impressive array of ornate halls, pavilions, and courtyards surrounded by picturesque mountains. The iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace remains a symbol of Korean history and culture.

  09:0· 60 min· Seoul
• Insadong Antique Street

  Take a 15-minute transfer to Insadong Antique Street to wander around the charming district renowned for its antique shops, traditional tea houses, and cultural treasures. Strolling along its narrow alleys, you'll encounter a delightful blend of historic artifacts, calligraphy supplies, and unique crafts, providing a captivating glimpse into Korea's artistic heritage. The street's nostalgic ambiance, combined with its vibrant array of shops, makes Insadong Antique Street a cultural haven for those seeking a taste of traditional Korean aesthetics.

  10:45· 60 min· Seoul
• Gwangjang Market

  From Insadong Antique Street, take a brief transfer to the famous Gwangjang Market. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of stalls, Gwangjang Market offers a sensory feast with its street food vendors, textiles, and traditional Korean goods. The bottom floor serves as a labyrinth of vendors and food stalls. Here you will sample some of the city’s iconic street food staples like bindaetteok, tteokbokki, mayak kimbap, and san-nakji. Be sure to pack some extra cash with you if you want to purchase any additional food, beverages, or souvenirs!

  12:30· 30 min· Seoul
• Kimchi Making Class

  After lunch, take a 30-minute private transfer to a kimchi making class! Your journey into traditional Korean culture continues as you take part in a kimchi-making class. Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish of salted and fermented vegetables, such as napa cabbage and Korean radish. In the end, you will be served a snack of Korean pancakes to pair with your kimchi. Guided by expert instructors, you'll learn the art of preparing this iconic fermented dish, from how to select fresh ingredients, to mastering the intricate seasoning process. The instructor will demonstrate, and you'll have the chance to roll up your sleeves and make some kimchi on your own. At the end of the class, you will be served a snack of Korean pancakes to pair with your kimchi. Afterwards, you will take a 30-minute transfer back to your hotel.

  14:30· 120 min· Seoul

Today, you'll start the morning with a transfer out to Yongin. Experience a journey through Korea's rich cultural history with a visit to the Korean Folk Village -- a living museum showcasing traditional homes, crafts, and performances of the Joseon Dynasty era. Witness artisans at work, partake in traditional activities, and savor the charm of this open-air museum, creating lasting memories of Korea's cultural heritage. You'll have time to wander around the village on your own, and then the group will have lunch before transferring back to the hotel in Seoul for an evening at leisure.

• Yongin Korean Folk Village

  Experience a journey through Korea's rich cultural history with a visit to the Yongin Korean Folk Village -- a living museum showcasing traditional homes, crafts, and performances. Enjoy the convenience of a private transfer to and from the village, allowing you to immerse yourself in the authenticity of the Joseon Dynasty era. Witness artisans at work, partake in traditional activities, and savor the charm of this open-air museum, creating lasting memories of Korea's cultural heritage.

  10:30· 120 min· Yongin
• Transfer · Seoul → Yongin

  Depart the hotel this morning and take a private transfer to Yongin Korean Folk Village. Restroom breaks will be made as needed.

  private · 90 min
• Transfer · Yongin → Seoul

  After lunch, take a private transfer back to the hotel in Seoul. Restroom breaks will be made as needed.

  private · 90 min

Today, you'll say goodbye to Seoul for now and take a 4-hour transfer to Jeonju. Enjoy a delicious bibimbap lunch at a local restaurant in Jeonju before diving into the enchanting Hanok Village for a guided tour, exploring traditional Korean hanok houses and savoring various street foods. The adventure continues with a Moju brewing experience, where you will learn about the brewing process of this traditional alcoholic drink from the Jeonju area. Conclude the day with a short transfer to the hotel in Jeonju.

• Hanok Village and Street Food Tour

  From lunch, take a 15-minute transfer to start your Hanok Village tour. Jeonju Hanok Village is a charming district renowned for its well-preserved traditional Korean hanok houses, offering glimpses into the country's architectural and cultural heritage. The village is celebrated for its picturesque alleys, historic structures, and vibrant atmosphere. The local guide will show you around the neighborhood as well as allow you some free time to explore on your own. Then, you'll try a variety of street foods, such as Jeonju-style Hotteok, Kimbap, Bungeoppang, Gukbap, Tteokbokki, and Odeng (exact dishes may vary and will be determined on the spot).

  14:30· 120 min· Jeonju
• Moju Brewing Experience

  As you explore Jeonju Hanok Village, you will make a stop to learn more about Moju. Moju refers to makgeolli (unrefined rice wine) with ginger, jujube, cinnamon, and the like. Its production process, which involves makgeolli boiled with medicinal herbs, results in a beverage with almost no alcohol content. On this tour, you will begin with a brief introduction to learn more about the drink, and then be shown the boiling and cooling of the ingredients. Then, you'll be able to sample the Makgeolli before its bottling. In Jeonju, moju is often served alongside the bean sprout and rice soup, so one can find moju quite readily across restaurants in Jeonju. The beverage is sweet, with a healthy, cinnamon-laced flavor. Please note that Moju contains about 1% alcohol, and travelers under 19 years of age, the legal drinking age in South Korea, will not be able to participate in this activity.

  14:30· 80 min· Jeonju
• Transfer · Seoul → Jeonju

  Depart the hotel this morning and take a private transfer from Seoul to Jeonju. Restroom breaks will be made as needed.

  private · 240 min

Today you'll transfer to the Sunchang Gochujang Village. Immerse yourself in the art of gochujang production, complemented by tastings and interactive experiences. After a Korean Hanjeongsik lunch, embark on a short transfer to Juknokwon Bamboo Forest in Damyang, where a serene loop offers a tranquil stroll amidst picturesque bamboo groves. Conclude the day with another dinner before a transfer back to the hotel, capturing the essence of Korean cuisine, culture, and natural beauty.

• Sunchang Gochujang Village is a captivating destination in South Korea, celebrated for its rich tradition of producing gochujang, a fermented red chili paste widely used in Korean cuisine. The tiny village of 149 people specializes in one thing, gochujang paste. As you enter the village, you will notice rows and rows of hang-a-ri or clay pots used to ferment the chili paste. This village offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the entire process of making gochujang, from the cultivation of red peppers to the fermentation and aging stages. In addition to the educational aspects, the village features interactive experiences, tastings, and a variety of gochujang-infused products. The guide will give you some background and history into the area and you will have the opportunity to explore freely. You'll then head to the Sunchang Traditional Paste Museum, which offers a look at different traditional paste cultures from gochujang (pepper paste) to doenjang (soybean paste). Located across from the Sunchang Gochujang Village, a robot gochujang grandmother greets the visitors by telling the history of Sunchang pepper paste. The exhibition halls inside display the history of various traditional pastes and you'll even have a chance to experience the process of making different pastes.

  10:00· 120 min· Gwanju
• Juknokwon Bamboo Visit

  From lunch, you'll take a 10-minute private transfer to Juknokwon Bamboo Forest for a stroll. Juknokwon Bamboo Forest is a tranquil and enchanting destination located in Damyang, South Korea. This sprawling bamboo grove is renowned for its picturesque walking paths, creating a serene atmosphere for visitors to explore. Amidst the bamboo, you'll find charming pavilions, bridges, and artistic installations, making Juknokwon not only a peaceful retreat but also a cultural and natural haven that celebrates the beauty of bamboo and makes for a wonderful photo opportunity. The path is an easy 1.7 mile loop that is mostly flat.

  14:00· 90 min· Gwanju
• Transfer · Jeonju → Sunchang

  Depart the hotel and take a private transfer to the Sunchang Gochujang Village.

  private · 60 min

This morning, you will be taking a lengthy journey back to Seoul from Gwangju. Upon your arrival in Seoul, you'll enjoy a delightful cruise on the Han River, taking in breathtaking views of the city's skyline and landmarks. Conclude your day with a memorable farewell dinner picnic at Yeouido Hangang Park, featuring Korean fried chicken and pizza. Revel in the scenic beauty and culinary delights, savoring your last evening in Seoul with a quintessential local experience.

• Han River Cruise

  A Han River Cruise is a delightful experience in Seoul, offering panoramic views of the city's iconic skyline and landmarks. Passengers can enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the Han River, taking in the illuminated bridges and skyscrapers that create a mesmerizing backdrop. Please note that no food or drinks are included on the cruise.

  15:30· 40 min· Seoul
• Transfer · Gwanju → Seoul

  Depart the hotel this morning and take a private transfer from Gwanju to the Seoul Han River Cruise. Restroom breaks will be made as needed.

  private · 330 min

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of Incheon International Airport (ICN).