Premium South Korea

9 Days | Dive into the history, culture and cuisine of South Korea

 

Tour Description

On this nine-day Premium adventure, you’ll explore the culture and cuisine of South Korea from unique perspectives with a local leader who has all the insights. Start in Seoul with a bowl of steaming hot pot and meet with a North Korean defector to learn their fascinating story. Wander through Gyeongbukgung Palace before heading to a local home for a private food lecture. Enjoy a bibimbap in Jeonju and learn about the town’s rich art culture. Walk through bamboo forests before heading for Mt Gaya’s Hainesa Temple, where you’ll stay overnight, meditate like the monks, and chat with a local monk over tea. Visit iconic sites in Mokpo and then explore Purple Island at your own pace – before ending it all on Jeju Island – where you’ll chat with a local Haenyno woman and visit UNESCO’s Seongsan Ilchulbong for the most scenic views in Korea!

 
 

Our Highlights

  • Visit the home of Daniel Gray – a food expert and food tour pioneer who worked on Netflix’s Street Food Asia Seoul – for a fascinating lecture on local cuisine, food history and a homemade meal.

  • Immerse yourself in the local way of life for Korean monks at your Premium Feature Stay in Hainesa Temple on Mt Gaya – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Three Jewels Temples representing Dharma.

  • Visit Jeju Island, where you’ll visit Seongsan Ilchulbong or Jeju Seongsan Sunrise Mountain/Castle – a volcanic peak nicknamed Sunrise Peak with sweeping panoramic views that earned Korea its first ever UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Enjoy the vibrancy of Purple Island near Mokpo, where the colours of lilac and lavender fields have spread to the entire town.

  • Meet a local Haenyno – one of the local women divers who go diving for shellfish 10 m under the sea on Jeju Island. Learn about the local fishing culture and why these women, some in their 80s, still practice diving.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

 

    • Seoul - Orientation Walk

    • Seoul - Gyeongbukgung Palace

    • Seoul - Korean Food Lecture and Homemade Lunch

    • Seoul - Bukchon Hanok Village

    • Seoul - North Korean Defector meeting

    • Seoul - DMZ Tour and Imjingak Peace Park

    • Damyang - Bamboo Forest Walk

    • Jeonju - Hanok Village

    • Jeonju - Brassware Workshop

    • Haeinsa - Tea with a monk

    • Haeinsa - Temple Tour and Dinner

    • Haeinsa - Evening Meditation

    • Shinan - Purple Island Visit

    • Mokpo - Dinner with a local family

    • Mokpo - Ferry to Jeju

    • Jeju - Orange Farm

    • Jeju - Jeju Folk Village

    • Jeju - Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) Visit

    • Jeju - Osulloc Teahouse

    • Jeju - Sanbang-san Mountain

    • Jeju - Haenyno Meeting

    • Jeju - Farewell Dinner

  • Meals

    8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners

    Transport

    Public Transit, Private Vehicle, Ferry

    Accommodation

    Hotel (7 nights), Feature Stay (1 Night)

    Premium Inclusions

    Arrival airport transfer

    Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport

    Luggage transfer

    Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences

    24/7 on-ground support

  • Booking and Payments

    • Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking.

    • Final Payment: The balance must be paid in full 90 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your booking.

    Cancellations and Refunds

    • Cancellation by Client:

    • More than 90 days before departure: Loss of deposit.

    • 30-90 days before departure: 65% of the total tour cost.

    • Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total tour cost.

    • Cancellation by Company: We reserve the right to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund will be provided.

    • Changes to Itinerary

    • Flexibility Required: Weather and road conditions may necessitate changes to the planned route and itinerary. Flexibility is essential.

    • Substitutions: We reserve the right to substitute accommodations and services of similar standard when necessary.

    Travel Insurance

    • Mandatory: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, personal injury, and emergency evacuation is mandatory for all participants.

    • Proof Required: Proof of insurance must be provided before the tour begins.

    Health and Safety

    • Fitness Level: A reasonable level of fitness is required for participation in the activities outlined in the tour itinerary.

    • Medical Conditions: Participants must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions at the time of booking.

    Liability

    • Responsibility: The company will not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage to personal property that occurs during the tour.

    • Third-Party Services: The company is not responsible for the actions or omissions of third-party providers, such as airlines or accommodation services.

    Visas and Documentation

    • Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.

    • Visas: Obtaining necessary visas and travel documents is the responsibility of the participant.

    Conduct

    • Respect for Culture: Participants are expected to respect local customs and cultures.

    • Behavior: Disruptive or harmful behavior may result in the participant being asked to leave the tour, with no refund provided.

    Complaints

    • Immediate Reporting: Any complaints should be reported immediately to the tour leader to allow for a timely resolution.

    • Post-Tour Complaints: Complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the tour's conclusion.

    By booking this tour, you agree to adhere to these terms and conditions.

 

Travellers photos