South Korea Culinary & Cultural Journey Private Tour

Arrive in South Korea’s dynamic capital city, Seoul. On arrival, meet your driver for your transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and refresh after your flight.

Meet your guide and embark on an exploration on the city using public transport. Begin at the heart of the city, Gwanghwamun Plaza where you’ll see the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, a centuries old tradition. Continue to Gyeongbokgung Palace to admire its architecture and gardens before wandering through Bukchon Hanok Village with its well-preserved historic houses. Here, you’ll also take part in a craft workshop where, guided by skilled artisans, you’ll try your hand at creating lacquerware. End the day atop Namsan Seoul Tower with incredible views over the city.

Meet your guide and driver to explore more. Discover the cultural exhibits at the National Museum of Korea before receiving a warm welcome at a family home. Chat with your host over a lunch prepared lovingly with seasonal produce sourced from their farm. Stop by Mangwon Market in search of desserts and street food favourites, then continue to Hongdae for a workshop experience where you’ll craft a ‘norigae’, a traditional accessory. Finally, visit a self-photo studio to try out a fun local trend.

A driver will take you to the station to catch a train to Andong. On arrival, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant then visit Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and window into a traditional Korean way of life, and witness a Hahoe Mask Dance performance. Next is the Andong Mask Museum to uncover Korea’s fascinating mask culture, then Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy in its serene, natural setting. This evening, dine on ‘Andong jjimdak’, a beloved local dish.

Meet your guide and driver and travel by road through the countryside to Gyeongju. Often referred to as South Korea’s ‘open-air museum’, you’ll spend the exploring palaces, temples and tombs. Start in Tumuli Park, then Cheonmacheong before a Sundubu Jjigae set menu of local dishes for lunch. This afternoon, enjoy more historical sights, including Cheomseogdae observatory and Woljeonggyo covered bridge. End with day with Korean fried chicken and beer.

Meet your guide and driver and head to the religious complex of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple to admire the architecture and artistic mastery, before a Tteokgalbi set menu for lunch. Later, visit the Gyeongju National Museum and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond for a pleasant stroll through the gardens.

With your guide and driver depart for Busan by road. On arrival, take a short walk through Gukje Market and BIFF Square, an area steeped in pop culture, then have a lunch of milmyeon, a local noodle dish. Visit Jagalchi, Korea’s largest seafood market, then ride the ‘Danubi Train’ through the coastal beauty of Taejongdae Park. The day ends at Gamcheon Culture Village, a colourful hillside neighbourhood. Enjoy dwaeji gukbap for a comforting dinner.

With your guide, transfer to a tea studio for a guided tasting of seasonal flower and herbal teas. Then, join a signature floral tea blending class to design your own custom blend, leaving with a unique recipe crafted to your taste. Lunch in Yeongdo Haenyeo Village where you can sample Busan’s signature seafood dishes before a thrilling walk on the Daritgol Skywalk. Then, fly over the breathtaking coastline on the Haeundae Sky Capsule. Enjoy a quintessential Busan dining experience this evening – eomuk hotpot or haemul pajeon.

Fly to South Korea’s holiday destination of choice, Jeju, a subtropical, volcanic island in the East China Sea. Meet your guide and driver and travel to the east of the island for a day dedicated to Haenyeo, Jeju’s legendary female divers who harvest seafood using traditional techniques. Enjoy a demonstration, visit the Jeju Haenyeo Museum and sit down to a Haenyeo dinner this evening, sampling flavours of the sea.

With your guide and driver, explore the island stopping at sights including Hallim Park, the O’sulloc Tea Museum, the scenic Jusangjeolli Cliffs, Yakcheonsa Temple and Jeongbang Falls. The next day, transfer to Geomun Oreum for a beautiful hike through Jeju’s dense forests, along crater rims, pausing at panoramic viewpoints as you go. Later, stroll Dongmun Market to sample some of its delectable treats.

Fly back to Seoul where you’ll be met by a driver and taken to your hotel. Meet up with your pedicab for an evening exploration of Seochon, exploring hidden alleys, historic landmarks and vibrant culture. Enjoy a full day at leisure, exploring independently.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.