South Korea·April 1 - 7 2024

The Culture & Gastronomy of South Korea

Spring time in South Korea  is such a special time - it’s when the  cherry trees burst into bloom.

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Overview

Join us on a unique journey via the food, culture, history, and nature of South Korea. We will kick off our trip by exploring vibrant Seoul focusing on its history, its architecture, its religious influences it's cuisine. We will end our trip with an incredible stay at a well known Buddhist temple. This trip highlights all that South Korea has to offer and includes a particular focus on the incredible range of cuisine to discover here. Our adventure will start in the capitol of South Korea, Seoul, where we will not only see temples and palaces, but we’ will taste our way through Gwangjang Market, famous for its delectable street food. Light and crispy Korean Fried chicken washed down with a local Korean craft beer sounds like a perfect end to a day of sightseeing, don’t you think? After days of exploring the big city, we’ll make our way to the western edge of Korea for an overnight Buddhist Temple stay. We’ll sleep like the monks do and participate in evening ceremonies. But the highlight of the stay will be our plant-based meals. You've come all this way, why not join us for our 3-day extension when we'll venture to the Boseong region, to visit tea plantations, stunning gardens, bamboo forests, ancient temples and small historic villages. This immersion into nature will return you home refreshed and reinvigorated.

Highlights

Immerse yourself in the streets of Seoul on a culinary adventure

Immerse yourself in the streets of Seoul on a culinary adventure

Be awed at the Bongeunsa Temple, the largest temple in the heart of Seoul

Be awed at the Bongeunsa Temple, the largest temple in the heart of Seoul

Participate in a Traditional Korean Art Class

Participate in a Traditional Korean Art Class

Take part in a Kimchi Cooking Class

Take part in a Kimchi Cooking Class

Learn to make Makgeolli, one of Korea’s most enjoyable alcoholic beverages

Learn to make Makgeolli, one of Korea’s most enjoyable alcoholic beverages

Savor Korean BBQ

Savor Korean BBQ

Visit Itaewon, the Antique Furniture Street

Visit Itaewon, the Antique Furniture Street

Stay at the Baekyangsa Temple  with the monks

Stay at the Baekyangsa Temple with the monks

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip

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Day 1: Saturday April 1st, 2024

Welcome to South Korea, where your adventure begins! Upon arrival at Seoul's Incheon International Airport, you will meet your guide and be transferred to the Bonum Hotel and Hanok Stay our accommodation for the next few days. This area of Seoul is extremely special and we've selected this hotel because of the area. This is the Buckchon-Ro part of Seoul which lies between the two palaces and is the oldest part of Seoul. We have reserved both traditional rooms at the hotel and Western rooms if you prefer. 

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. You may want to explore the hotel, or take a stroll through the surrounding area, perhaps stopping by a local store or coffee shop.

In the evening, we'll come together for a mouth-watering welcome dinner of Korean Barbecue. Get ready to indulge in some delicious food and immerse yourself in the Korean culture!

Included

Airport transfer

Dinner

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Day 2: Sunday April 2nd, 2024

After a delicious breakfast at our hotel, we will start the day by exploring Seoul via private vehicle.

Our first stop is at Gyeongbokgung Palace, a stunning royal palace that was first built in the 14th century and then rebuilt in the 19th century. We'll take a tour of this "Greatly Blessed by Heaven" palace, which is one of the five palaces from the Choson (Joseon) Dynasty. We'll also visit the Folk Museum, which houses a collection illustrating traditional Korean life. 

Next up is a visit to Jogyesa Temple, one of the most important temples in the city and the heart of the Jogyejong Buddhist Order, where Zen meditation is practiced. Then we'll have lunch at a local restaurant. 

In the afternoon, we'll take a stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, an area known as the "North Village" that's home to around 900 traditional Korean houses. Here, you'll feel as if you've taken a step back in time. Our last stop of the day will be at Insadong Street, a vibrant and lively place where you'll discover various antique shops and art galleries displaying old, precious traditional goods and we'll get to meet with a shop owner or two. 

In the evening, we'll take to the streets of Seoul with a guide for a culinary exploration of the most popular Korean dishes. We'll taste a variety of specialties such as: rice crispy cakes with beans, nori rolls, Korean sausage, noodles, dumplings, fried chicken and Korean style tempura all washed down with a local beer.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Food Tour

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Day 3: Monday April 3rd, 2024

After breakfast, we will embark on a fun-filled day dedicated to exploring Seoul and its pulsating food scene.

Our day begins with a Korean cooking class, where we will learn to make one of the hundreds of different types of Kimchi. Like salsa every family has their own recipe. 

Then we will stroll through the market to learn about traditional cuisine ending with a delicious Bibimbap lunch, the national dish of Korea.

In the afternoon, we'll visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, to admire the collections of important Korean art and sculpture in the garden. Then we'll take a stroll down the Itaewon Antique Furniture Street before departing for an excursion to the Namsan Park (pictured). We will climb the stairs to the top through a shady forest to enjoy a beautiful view of the city skyline and return by cable car. 

After time to rest and freshen up we will venture out for dinner. Tonight’s destination will leave us salivating for more. Eatanic Garden is in an airy garden space that opens up onto a spectacular city view in the heart of Gangnam, one of Seoul’s most vibrant and upscale neighborhoods. This Michelin-star restaurant focuses on contemporary Korean cuisine and is one of the most sought-after places to dine in Seoul.

Included

Breakfast

Korean cooking class

Lunch

Dinner

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Day 4: Tuesday April 4th, 2024

After breakfast, we'll head to Korea's National Museum to explore the country's history and art through their impressive collection. Then we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before delving into a traditional art class in the afternoon. Choose from fan-making, macrame, mask-making, or Hanji paper crafts. 

In the early evening, we will experience the famous Nanta show. Nanta is a comedic show about four chefs who must prepare a wedding banquet in just one hour. The entire performance has no spoken dialogue. You’ll be entertained by traditional rhythms of samulnori, a traditional Korean percussion quartet, played with a unique set of instrumental tools.  

For dinner afterwards, we'll savor a street food tour at the Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul's oldest and largest street food markets. With over 5,000 shops, you'll find a wide variety of items to sample.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Traditional art class

Dinner

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Day 5: Wednesday April 5th, 2024

After a delicious breakfast, we'll start our day with a visit to the Bongeunsa Temple, a stunningly peaceful Buddhist temple nestled in the heart of the bustling metropolis. This temple was once the largest in Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty, and its beauty and tranquility are sure to leave you awe-struck. 

Switching 180 degrees, next we'll explore the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), located in the exciting Dongdaemun shopping area. This spectacular building is dedicated to showcasing the latest design and fashion trends and features a variety of exhibitions throughout the year. 

For lunch, we'll indulge in some mouthwatering local cuisine at a nearby restaurant, and then we'll participate in a Makgeolli Class. Makgeolli is one of Korea's most beloved alcoholic beverages, and brewing your own batch of it will be a truly unique experience. 

As the day draws to a close, we'll enjoy a sumptuous gourmet dinner at one of the city's finest restaurants. It's the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable day in Seoul!

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Makgeolli Class

Dinner

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Day 6: Saturday April 6th, 2024

We’ll depart in the morning to Gwangju, located on the west side of the Korean peninsula to embark on a truly unforgettable experience - a two-day, one-night stay at the Baekyangsa Temple. En route to the temple we'll take a break to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. 

Founded in 632 C.E. during the reign of Baekjae King Mu by Ven. Yeohwan, Baekyangsa was initially named Baekamsa Temple. The name changed multiple times to Jeongtosa and back to Baekamsa until the 19th century when it was finally named Baekyangsa (White Sheep Temple). The temple earned its name because white sheep used to descend from the mountain to listen to the monks chanting before returning to their pastures. The temple is nestled in nature and offers breathtaking scenery year-round. 

We will enjoy a full board and overnight stay at the temple, immersing ourselves in the tranquility of this spiritual retreat. The reason we chose this particular temple is for the quality of their temple food. One of the nuns was featured on Chef's Table not long ago. We cannot promise that we'll meet her but we can promise some of the best vegetarian food you've ever had!

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

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Day 7: Sunday April 7th, 2024

After a peaceful morning breakfast at the temple, bid farewell to Baekyangsa and return to Seoul in the afternoon if you’re not joining us for the extension.

If you flight schedule permits, enjoy some free time to explore the city or do some last-minute shopping. Then we'll organize your transfer to the airport for your departing flight.  

It’s always a little sad when such a magnificent adventure has concluded, but we’ll have memories for a lifetime.

Included

Breakfast

Transfer to airport

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Day 1 of Extension: Sunday April 7th, 2024

Today we'll continue onwards for an exciting day of adventure after bidding farewell to the temple. 

We will satisfy our appetite with a delightful lunch at a local restaurant before we immerse ourselves in the vibrant artistic and democratic spirit of the city of Gwangju.  

Next, we'll explore the charming town of Damyang for a peaceful stroll through the beautiful Soswaewon Garden, surrounded by a serene bamboo forest.  

The evening brings a delectable dinner showcasing the city's renowned cuisine. Retreat to the comfortable Ramada Plaza by Wyndham for a well-deserved rest. We typically do not stay in named chain hotels, but this one is considered the best in town.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

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Day 2 of Extension: Monday April 8th, 2024

We’ll start our day with a beautiful drive through the picturesque green tea and cedar fields to reach the Daehan Dawon's tea plantation in Boseong. Here we will learn about the art of tea production and indulge in a tea tasting.  

Next, we’ll visit the historic Nagan's fortified village, known for its beautiful gardens, adobe houses, and stone roofs covered in reeds.   Then, we’ll enjoy a delicious local lunch before exploring Jogyesan Provincial Park and its magnificent Temple Songgwangsa, a renowned center for Zen meditation from the 9th century. 

We’ll end the day with dinner at a local restaurant and check-in to our hotel for a comfortable overnight stay in Suncheon at Hotel Raum.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

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Day 3 of Extension: Tuesday April 9th, 2024

We will depart after breakfast for an excursion to Hwaeomsa Temple, founded in 544 AD and located on Jiri Mount. This is a unique opportunity for us to participate in an authentic tea ceremony and experience a zen meditation led by a Buddhist monk.  

We will be served a delicious vegetarian lunch at the temple. After lunch its time to say our final goodbyes and promise to keep in touch. 

In the afternoon, we can choose to return to Seoul or continue on to another next destination. You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight home.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Transfer to airport

You'll Be Staying Here

Bonham Hotel & Hanok Stay

Bonham Hotel & Hanok Stay

The Bonham Hotel & Hanok Stay in the most ancient area of Seoul, Bukchong Hanok Village is a traditional Korean Inn. You cannot compare a stay here to staying at a Four Seasons or a Marriott in modern Seoul. What a stay here will do for us is to transport us back to ancient Seoul to feel and experience what life used to be like. The architecture and rooms are historic and some are antique filled. For your convenience we have one traditional room with futon beds as well as Western rooms on hold. 

Baekyangsa Temple Stay

Baekyangsa Temple Stay

Staying at a Buddhist temple for a night allows you to end your stay on a sublime restful note, a welcome to weary travelers after bustling Seoul. The real highlight here besides praying with the monks will be the vegetarian food we will savor created by the well-known chef from Chef's Table, Jeong Kwan. The temple was opened in the 7th century.

Hosts

Doni Belau

Doni Belau

Doni Belau is the creator and founder of Girls' Guide to the World. She is an inveterate traveler, having been to nearly 80 countries (and counting). She loves to help other women experience this sensation as she truly feels it helps us see a larger world of possibilities within ourselves.

Price

Base Trip - Private Room

Base Trip - Private Room

Everyone gets their own fabulous room!

FROM$8,725.00/pp

Base Trip - Shared Room

Base Trip - Shared Room

Share a room with a family member or friend

FROM$7,950.00/pp

Korean Countryside - 3 Days/2 Nights Extension - Private Room

Korean Countryside - 3 Days/2 Nights Extension - Private Room

FROM$2,335.00/pp

Korean Countryside - 3 Days/2 Nights Extension - Shared Room

Korean Countryside - 3 Days/2 Nights Extension - Shared Room

Share a room with a family member or friend

FROM$2,105.00/pp

Experience a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern living

Discover the Beauty and Rich Culture of South Korea

South Korea is a fascinating country that offers visitors a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern living. From bustling cities to serene temples, South Korea has something for everyone. Discover the natural beauty of the country's national parks, with their lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain views. 


Experience the rich cultural heritage of South Korea through its many temples, festivals, and traditional arts. Whether you are a foodie looking to sample some of the country's world-renowned cuisine, a history buff eager to learn about the ancient kingdoms that once ruled this land, or simply seeking adventure and new experiences, South Korea has it all. 

 

Discover the Beauty and Rich Culture of South Korea

What's Included

What's Included

Everything specified in the itinerary

All meals (except where indicated), including beer & wine with dinner

All transportation during the trip (except where indicated)

Expert Guides and Trip Leaders

A small group experience

Temple stay in Gwagju

Airport transfers

Single occupancy in a traditional Hanok Inn

One Michelin Star Meal

Numerous cooking classes and tastings

Round-trip airfare to Seoul airport

Additional wine, beer, and/or spirits beyond what’s offered at meals

All personal souvenirs

Travel and Medical Insurance (required)

Visa fees

Inquire about this trip

The Culture & Gastronomy of South Korea

South Korea· April 1 - 7 2024· 6 nights

FROM$8725/pp