Compare South Korea Real Food Adventure by Intrepid Travel vs Exploring South Korea by Encounters Travel
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 3,092 | $ 1,785 |
| Price Per Day | $ 387 | $ 149 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Basic |
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| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Immerse yourself in the choose-your-own adventure atmosphere of South Korean food, from bibimbap to street food markets you could get lost in (if it weren’t for your leader guiding you to the best stalls). South Korea’s food scene is often delightfully informal and meals in South Korea are all about finding your flavours. Chow down on meals served with dozens of toppings, light and crispy Korean fried chicken washed down with a small-batch craft beer, silky glass noodles stirred with colourful salad and the various delightful iterations of kimchi. Discover the flavourful diversity and heritage of this rich culinary scene. |
This 12-day South Korea adventure introduces you to the vast array of what the country has to offer such as its rich history, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty - from bustling, neon-lit metropolises to rolling countryside hills, long sandy beaches to temples in the mountains, and even a visit to the historic Demilitarized Zone |
Day 1 Seoul
Welcome to Seoul, South Korea's vibrant capital of high-tech gadgetry, glittering skyscrapers and scrumptious eats. Your adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your accommodation, where you'll meet your leader and fellow travellers. With the formalities out of the way, it’s time to dive into South Korea’s food scene! First, you'll enjoy a welcome dinner of Korean Fried Chicken and beer for a 'chimaek' experience. Then, head to the Gwangjang Market for an immersive introduction to the sights, smells and, of course, tastes of South Korean street food. Go deep into the gargantuan market featured in the Netflix series ‘Street Food’, following your leader to the best vendors for dinner and cultural experience like no other.
Day 2 Jeonju
This morning take the metro to Seoul Station. Set off for Jeonju, a city that’s all about doing things slowly and doing them well – both in food and in life. You'll arrive just in time for lunch at a renowned local noodle restaurant which started as a food stall, but it’s tantalising noodles have made it a hallmark of the city. In the afternoon, spend some time exploring the historical Hanok Village, wandering cobblestone streets between hundreds of traditional homes and further embracing the relaxed pace of the city. Later, learn the art of making kimchi – a Korean slow food poster dish – during a cooking class. You’ll also learn how to make a delicious kimchi pancake. If you're keen for one more 'real food' experience you can opt to join your leader for locally brewed, cloudy rice beer called 'makgeolli'. Accompanied by a parade of inventive side dishes, this singular drink is enjoyed in ritual fashion, served in special brass bowls from the coveted makgeoli kettle.
Day 3 Jeonju
This morning you'll move from the hanok to a hotel for your second night in Jeonju. You'll have free time to explore the village or visit the historical shrines and palaces. Chat to your leader about which works for you. From here, travel by bus to Sunchang Gochujang, a village famous for the production of gochujang (a traditional red chilli paste), for a tasting and demo on how it gets made. Grab lunch at a restaurant that specialises in fermented bean soup. Later, take a stroll around the base of Mt Gangcheon, and choose whether to work up your appetite by walking a little further to a nearby waterfall. For dinner tonight, we will visit the most famous bibimbap restaurant in Jeonju. The bibimbap here is so good it’s been declared an intangible cultural asset because of its iconic chef. Seriously. Scoff down some of the classic rice dish topped with, well, lots of great stuff. Afterwards, opt to wash it down with a couple of beers or non-alcoholic tipples at a craft brewery. South Korea’s craft beer scene is exploding all across the country after a rise to popularity in Seoul, and tonight your belly will reap the benefits.
Day 4 Temple Stay
This morning you'll have the opportunity to start your day with a breakfast of kongnamul gukbap – a hot soup of soybean and sprouts. Today, you'll be traveling from the west coast to the east coast for your temple stay. The east coast is an area rich with temples, tombs and palace ruins (many of which are World Heritage sites). Stop on the way to sample some of Korea's favourite driving snacks, including hotteok (red bean walnut bread), kimbap and jjajangmyeon. At the temple you'll be introduced to the life and meditation routines of a monk. Dinner will be plant-based, in line with monastic custom. In the evening, relax with a chanting and meditation service, then choose to be guided through a monastic training session or simply settle in for an early night's sleep.
Day 5 Busan
Your life as a monk continues today with a 4 am wake-up for a memorable morning meditation (you can opt out of it if early mornings are not your thing, but we highly recommend you partake in this unique experience). Following breakfast, learn about the spiritual values and beliefs of Korean Buddhism over tea with a resident monk. Leaving the tranquil life behind, stop at the Royal Tombs of Silla, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the story of the ancient Silla dynasty and view their tombs from inside and out. Visit a nearby apple farm and chat with the farmer about his life, sampling a slice or two of his best produce. Enjoy a Korean favourite for lunch - Eonyang-style bulgogi beef. Crisp, smoky and juicy, it's popular all over the country for good reason! Travel onwards to Busan to visit the beautiful Haedong Temple, built into the rocks by the sea. After checking into your hotel in downtown Busan for the next two nights, enjoy free time to explore this seaside city. You might like to join an optional dinner of Korean lamb skewers with eggplant, dumplings and other side dishes.
Day 6 Busan
Today you'll be welcomed into the apartment home of a local resident to learn about their life and food culture. Enjoy Korean favourites like kimbap, japchae and banchan (the exact menu will vary with the seasons). Sip fragrant tea and chat with your host about Busan and what it's like to live there. Stop at a local supermarket and get a broader view of the contemporary food habits of modern Koreans. Here, you’ll get an everyday-life insight into the culture, and your leader will pick up some local popular snacks for the group to enjoy. Visit Jagalchi Market, an enormous seafood market situated by Busan port. Wrap up your day at a restaurant overlooking the ocean for a clam bake with a view. Return to central Busan to relax or hit the town and take in the local nightlife in the Seomyeon Entertainment District.
Day 7 Seoul
After breakfast at the hotel, travel by Korea Train Express back to Seoul where you'll have a free afternoon to explore. Perhaps wander around Gyeongbok Palace, marvel at the views from Namsan Tower or check out Seoul’s most eclectic neighbourhoods of Sinsadong and Gangnam. For your final meal, youll head to the youthful district of Hongdae for the most traditional Korean BBQ experience to celebrate your time together.
Day 8 Seoul
Your South Korea Food Adventure comes to an end this morning. If you wish to extend your stay and explore more of Seoul, contact your booking agent for further information.
This afternoon you will be greeted by your tour guide at the hostel where you’ll be briefed about your trip. This is also a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over dinner – enjoy!
After dinner, you’ll make your way to the top of Namsan Mountain, where you can admire spectacular views of Seoul lit up at night. Later, we’ll head back to the district of Hongdae to your accommodation.
Here, you’ll have some time to stroll and explore the area or get an early night to be well-rested for your first full day tomorrow!
Day 2: Seoul
The tour officially kicks off today where you will visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone. A bus will be taking you an hour north of Seoul to Imjingak, where you’ll grab breakfast. We continue to Dorasan Station – the northernmost train stop in South Korea that was once intended to connect the country with North Korea.
Next, descent into the 3rd Tunnel created by North Koreans, taking you as close as 170m to North Korea! After, you’ll head back to Seoul. Back in Seoul, you have some free time to explore.
For some evening entertainment, watch a traditional Nanta Show (a comedy cooking performance), explore Itaewon, best known for its endless restaurant and bar options, or head over to the ritzy Gangnam district.
Day 3: Seoul
We start the day early by exploring the ancient side of Seoul. We hop on the metro to Gyeongbokgung Palace where you’ll have the chance to watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, before entering the palace itself.
Later, we make our way to Bukchon Hanok Village, stopping by the Blue House also known as the White House of South Korea.
In Bukchon Hanok Village, you can change into hanbok, traditional Korean clothes, to walk around the historical village.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a walk down the Cheonggyecheon stream, an area restored during an urban renewal project. Afterwards, prepare to be inspired by the Insadong Art Street where you can take part in an optional Kimchi Tasting session.
In the evening, you will have some free time to explore Seoul. We suggest exploring Ikseon-dong Hanok Street, immerse yourself in local life with a group dinner at pojangmacha – soju or head back to Hongdae Street for a night out.
Day 4: Seoul & Sokcho
On today’s agenda, we head for a day trip to Sokcho, in the northeastern part of the country. You will arrive at Seoraksan National Park in the late morning and pay a visit to Sinheungsa Temple.
We hike to Ulsanbawi Rock for impressive views over the national park - for those looking for a less challenging hike, you can hike the well-signed waterfall trail and board a cable car to another peak.
Later. We’ll take a short break to refuel with lunch after which we take the bus to Sokcho town. Here, you’ll travel on a gatbae to cross the river to Abai, a small village of North Korean refugees.
In the evening, enjoy dinner with the rest of the group in and around the local fish markets. After, we head back to Seoul and check into your accommodation for the night, a jjimjilbang – a traditional Korean bath and sleeping house.
Day 5: Gyeongju
We start the day with breakfast before taking the train to Singyeongju Station near the city of Gyeongju.
After checking into your hostel, you’ll have the chance to enjoy lunch at Seongdong Traditional Market or one of the surrounding restaurants.
Get ready for an afternoon exploring Gyeongju by bike! First up, explore Cheonmachong Ancient Tombs, part of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex in Tumuli Park. Then, the Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia. We then head to Gyerim Forest and pay a visit to Hyanggyo Confucius School on the way.
Day 6: Gyeongju
The day kicks off early with a visit to Bulguksa Temple - a UNESCO World Cultural Asset - or take the opportunity to have a lie-in. Grab a bite to eat for lunch in the city before transferring to Golgulsa Temple, where you’ll experience an overnight temple stay.
After checking in at the temple you’ll start the day’s activities with a meditation class or, if you’re looking to do something more adventurous there’ll be activities such as archery, horse riding, or training classes.
Afterwards, you can take some time out to enjoy a traditional art performance and Sunmudo demonstration before lending a hand to the temple’s communal work.
A simple Buddhist dinner of vegetables, rice and fruit is on the menu for dinner – this can be enjoyed with the other temple visitors.
Day 7: Busan
The day starts with a traditional breakfast after ehich you will have the opportunity to take part in your final Sunmudo training lesson.
Before taking the bus back to the city you’ll have lunch. You will then make your way to Gyeongju bus station where you’ll start your journey to Busan.
Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll have a chance to settle in before heading out for dinner and time to explore on your own.
Day 8: Busan
First up, you’ll your way to Jagalchi Market, the biggest seafood market in South Korea. Wander through the bright and colourful stalls showcasing a huge variety of the day’s fresh catch you can enjoy for lunch before heading to Nampo-dong - the city’s famous movie district and home to the annual Busan International Film Festival.
Treat your taste buds to Busan-style hotteok, a fried pancake filled with brown sugar and various seeds from a street food vendor.
Later, we head to Songdo Beach where you’ll hop on the Marine Cable Car where you’ll witness aerial views of the city in the distance. If you’re lucky, your car might have a glass floor!
Day 9: Busan
The morning is yours free to explore Busan.
Later, you’ll catch an overnight ferry to Jeju Island. Catch a great view of the city from the top deck as you pull out of the port.
Day 10: Jeju Island
After having breakfast on board the ferry you’ll arrive bright and early in Jeju. We start the day at the coastline to take part in a Haenyeo Diverse Experience, where you’ll have an opportunity to go out with the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage women divers of Jeju.
Once back on dry land, you’ll have lunch before taking part in a traditional liquor making experience – here you’ll learn how it’s made and get to sample different types.
Later, hike to the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak – this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a unique formation that was formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions over 5,000 years ago.
The rest of the day at your leisure. If you’re looking for an epic view this evening, head to Seopjikoji Viewpoint at sunset.
Day 11: Jeju Island
In the morning we depart by private transfer on a day trip to Jeongbang Waterfall followed by a day-long trek along the Jeju Olle Trail.
While trekking we’ll take a break for lunch in Seogwipo city before continuing to Oedolgae Rock – here we suggest taking in the natural scenery along the way, from the volcanic cliffs to the bright yellow fields of canola.
You’ll return to the hostel in the early afternoon and enjoy some well-deserved rest time – the rest of the days is yours where you’ll be free to explore or relax.
In the evening, you’ll have dinner on the beach with a barbeque on the menu. Eat delicious food, watch the sun go down and if you want, party into the night by the seashore. Make the most of your time with your fellow travellers, as you’ll be saying goodbye in the morning.
Day 12: Jeju Island
Your adventure ends today and departs back home. A transfer to the airport is included at 10.30am - you will need to arrange your own transfer if you need to travel to the airport at a different time.
