Taste of South Korea

Annyeonghaseyo! Welcome to Seoul – South Korea’s energetic capital, where futuristic skyscrapers, buzzing street life and incredible food culture come together. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 4 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers before diving straight into Korea’s famous culinary scene.

Start with an orientation walk through the city and stop by a local supermarket to discover the everyday food habits of modern Koreans. Your leader will introduce you to some popular local snacks, giving you your first taste of Korean flavours and culture.
Later, hop on the subway and head out for one of South Korea’s most beloved combinations – crispy Korean fried chicken paired with cold beer, known locally as “chimaek.” Then continue to the legendary Gwangjang Market, made famous by Netflix’s Street Food, where colourful stalls, sizzling grills and irresistible aromas create the ultimate street food experience.

Follow your leader through the lively market to sample some of the city’s best local bites, and if you’re still hungry, continue the evening in trendy Ikseondong, where charming alleyways are filled with cafés, dessert spots and late-night food stalls.

• It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

This morning, travel by metro to Seoul Station before boarding the train to Jeonju – a city celebrated for its rich food culture, traditional charm and slower pace of life. Known as one of South Korea’s culinary capitals, Jeonju is the perfect place to experience authentic Korean flavours and traditions.

Arrive just in time for lunch at a famous local noodle restaurant that started as a small food stall and grew into a beloved city institution thanks to its legendary handmade noodles. Afterwards, explore the beautifully preserved Hanok Village, where cobblestone lanes wind between hundreds of traditional Korean homes, creating a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from bustling Seoul.
Later in the day, take part in a kimchi-making demonstration and learn the secrets behind Korea’s most iconic dish. You’ll also discover how to prepare a delicious kimchi pancake while gaining insight into the traditions of Korean slow food culture.

This evening, head out with your leader to experience makgeolli – Korea’s traditional cloudy rice wine. Served in brass bowls alongside a variety of creative side dishes, this local specialty offers a unique and memorable dining experience deeply rooted in Korean culture.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
The Jeonju Bibimbap Festival takes place in early October every year. Departures that coincide with this event will have the cooking class replaced by a visit to the festival.

Tonight's accommodation will be in a hanok guesthouse. The bedding in a hanok is a futon mattress on the floor with a light covering. The floor of your room is heated and provides a comfortable and cosy night’s sleep

This morning, move from your traditional hanok stay to a hotel for your second night in Jeonju. Enjoy some free time to continue exploring the city’s charming Hanok Village or visit nearby historical shrines and palaces. Your leader will be happy to recommend the best places to discover based on your interests.
Later, travel by bus to Sunchang Gochujang Village, famous throughout Korea for producing gochujang – the country’s iconic fermented red chilli paste. Learn about the traditional methods used to make this essential ingredient and sample some of the rich, spicy flavours for yourself.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and experience the importance of banchan – the small side dishes that are a beloved part of every Korean meal. Afterwards, enjoy a walk near the base of Mt Gangcheon, where peaceful scenery and a nearby waterfall offer a refreshing break in nature.
Tonight, return to Jeonju for dinner at the city’s most famous bibimbap restaurant. This iconic rice dish is so deeply connected to Jeonju’s culture and culinary heritage that it has officially been recognised as an intangible cultural asset.

Start your morning like a local with a comforting bowl of kongnamul gukbap – a traditional hot soup made with soybean sprouts and rice – before travelling onward to the historic city of Gyeongju. Often referred to as “the museum without walls,” Gyeongju is filled with ancient landmarks and deep cultural heritage.

After arriving, enjoy lunch featuring soondubu, a popular Korean spicy stew made with silky soft tofu and rich flavours. Then, continue your journey into Korea’s spiritual traditions with a visit to a peaceful 7th-century Buddhist temple hidden among the trees outside the city. Here, you’ll have the chance to enjoy tea with a resident monk and gain insight into Buddhist philosophy and temple life in a calm and serene setting.

Later, return to Gyeongju to explore some of its most famous historical sites, including the Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex and the Cheomseongdae Observatory – one of the oldest surviving astronomical observatories in Asia. This evening is free for you to relax and explore at your own pace. Perhaps wander through the lively streets of Hwangnidan-gil, known for its trendy cafés and boutiques, or enjoy a peaceful walk across the beautifully illuminated Woljeonggyo Hanok Bridge.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Today, continue your journey south to the vibrant coastal city of Busan. Along the way, stop at the breathtaking Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, dramatically perched on the rocky coastline overlooking the sea. Unlike most Korean temples hidden in the mountains, this stunning seaside temple offers spectacular ocean views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Later, dive deeper into Korean cuisine with a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare local dishes before enjoying your creations for lunch. Afterwards, head to the famous Haeundae Beach, where soft white sand meets Busan’s modern skyline, creating one of the city’s most iconic views.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. You might choose to relax at a traditional jjimjilbang (Korean sauna), enjoy a yacht cruise along the coast or even experience the excitement of a local baseball game at Sajik Stadium.

This evening, regroup for a delicious Korean-style lamb skewer dinner. Marinated with aromatic Korean spices and cooked on a specialised self-rotating grill, the skewers are perfectly roasted and packed with flavour – a fun and memorable dining experience to end the day.

• Your travel time today is approximately 3 hours.

Enjoy a relaxed morning with free time to explore more of Busan at your own pace before diving back into the city’s incredible food scene later in the day. This afternoon, visit the famous Jagalchi Market – South Korea’s largest seafood market – where rows of fresh seafood stalls create a lively and unforgettable atmosphere along the waterfront.

After exploring the market, head to a seaside restaurant and enjoy a delicious clam bake while taking in beautiful ocean views. Busan’s coastal setting makes seafood here especially fresh and full of flavour.

Later, you may choose to stroll through the colourful streets of Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its vibrant hillside houses, art installations and charming local shops selling handmade souvenirs and postcards. Alternatively, take an optional walk to see one of Busan’s many picturesque lighthouses up close.
Tonight, why not finish the day with one of Korea’s favourite pastimes – noraebang, or karaoke. In South Korea, karaoke is usually enjoyed in private rooms with friends, making it the perfect chance to relax, laugh and sing your favourite songs without holding back.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

After breakfast, board the Korea Train Express and journey back to Seoul, enjoying one final ride through South Korea’s ever-changing landscapes. Once you arrive, the afternoon is free for you to continue exploring the capital at your own pace. You may wish to visit the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, take in panoramic city views from Namsan Tower or discover the stylish streets and cafés of Seoul’s trendiest neighbourhoods, including Sinsadong and Gangnam.

This evening, gather with your fellow travellers in the lively district of Hongdae for a memorable farewell dinner. Enjoy an authentic Korean BBQ experience, grilling delicious meats right at your table while celebrating the incredible flavours, friendships and experiences shared throughout your South Korean adventure.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

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 ahead of time.