South Korea Real Food Adventure

8 Days | Slurp, crunch and spoon your way into the belly of South Korea

4.9 out of 5 based on 140 reviews submitted.
Food
From
USD $2,577
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Immerse yourself in the choose-your-own-adventure atmosphere of South Korean food on this eight-day adventure from bibimbap to bustling street markets, where your local leader will guide you to the best stalls. The food scene here is relaxed and welcoming, encouraging you to explore and discover your own favourite flavours. Enjoy dishes loaded with toppings, crispy Korean fried chicken paired with craft beer, silky glass noodles with fresh salads and some delicious variations of kimchi. As you move around the country, you'll also uncover the rich heritage that makes South Korea's culinary scene so special.

Trip overview

Map of South Korea Real Food Adventure including Korea, Republic Of
Start
Seoul, South Korea
Finish
Seoul, South Korea
Theme
Food
Destinations
South Korea
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
CJZK
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Learn how to make everybody’s favourite pickled dish – kimchi, of course – at a cooking demonstration in Jeonju, then try the city’s iconic bibimbap (declared an intangible cultural asset, it’s just that good).
  • Meet the local stall holders in the Gwangang market of Netflix fame and try the best street food that Seoul has to offer. Then, wander the Jagalchi market – a huge seafood wonderland by the Busan port.
  • Experience Busan’s vibrant food scene with a hands-on cooking class, where you'll prepare your own lunch. In the evening, indulge in a Korean-style lamb skewer dinner, featuring a self-rotating grill that ensures perfectly cooked meat.
  • Rub shoulders with the locals in a hanok (traditional home) in Jeonju, then learn about the everyday life of monks during a unique temple experience in Gyeongju.
  • Feast on all the iconic foods of South Korea, including Korean fried chicken, bibimbap, japchae, kimbap, a seafood barbeque and of course, Korean BBQ.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The cuisine of South Korea includes a lot of meat and seafood. For vegetarians and vegans, we recommend reviewing the itinerary to ensure you can fully enjoy and participate in the trip.
  • South Korea is best explored on foot, and many travelers are surprised by how much walking they do! Be sure your shoes are comfortable and you're ready to spend most of the day on your feet.
  • Pack smart! You’ll need to carry your luggage between train stations and hotels, which can involve multiple flights of stairs. Elevators are available, but lighter luggage will make your journey easier.
  • One night of this trip includes Korean-style floor bedding in a traditional hanok in Jeonju. The futon-like mattress may feel firm compared to Western beds, but heated floors ensure comfort. Extra mattresses are available upon request.
  • During the monastery visit, you'll experience monastic cuisine and rituals. Respecting local culture is key, so you'll be provided with pants and a tunic to wear, and socks must be worn in the temple.
  • The Jeonju Bibimbap Festival (third week of October) and the Seoul Kimchi Festival (first or second week of November) offer unique experiences. If you're interested in attending, please check our departure dates to align with your preferred festival.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of South Korea Real Food Adventure including Korea, Republic Of

Inclusions

Meals

5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, Train, Public Bus, Metro, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Hanok (1 night)

Activities
  • Seoul - Korean Fried Chicken & beer Welcome Dinner
  • Seoul - Supermarket stop
  • Seoul - Gwangjang market and Ikseongdong village visit
  • Jeonju - Kimchi Cooking demonstration
  • Jeonju - Hanok Village Visit
  • Sunchang - Gochujang (traditional chilli paste) Cooking Demonstration
  • Sunchang - Mount Gangcheon Hike
  • Gyeongju - Temple Day Visit program including meditation / & tea or martial arts
  • Busan - Haeundae Beach
  • Busan - Haedong Temple
  • Busan - Lighthouse Visit
  • Busan - Jagalchi Seafood Market Tour
  • Busan - Seafood BBQ by the sea
  • Busan - Home-cooked meal with a local family
  • Seoul - Celebratory Korean BBQ Dinner
Add on activities
  • Busan - Jjimjilbang (traditional Korean sauna) in Spa land Centum City - from 20,000 to 25,000 KRW - KRW20000
  • Busan - Visit to Gamcheon Village - free ( bus to get there 1,300 to 1,500 KRW for a single trip) - KRW1300
  • Seoul - Nanta Live cooking show - KRW50000

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. While we endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so that we can ensure you’ll enjoy this trip.
3. Please advise bedding configuration requests to your booking agent at time of booking.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 140 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Katarina · Traveled September 2024
The South Korea food tour is a great way to taste as well as learn about local culture. Highly recommended if you love food.
Review submitted 25 Sep 2024

JoAnn · Traveled September 2024
The South Korean food tour is nothing short of exceptional! Our knowledgeable and organized tour guide (YongSu) ensured we had a safe and enjoyable immersive experience. The fine details, depth and variety of experiences, really leaves you with a sense of understanding and knowing of not only Korean foods but also the beautiful culture itself. I would highly recommend this tour as it is an stress-free way to really learn about the Korean culture and foods in a deeper way than one could ever do in a self-guided journey. If travelling in September, know that it has become quite hot & humid over the last few years. If looking for cooler Fall-like temps, book in late September and October to avoid bathing in your own sweat daily.
Review submitted 25 Sep 2024

Lyndon · Traveled September 2024
If U wanted a feel good experience then come to South Korea. The country is full of polite energetic can do people. The infrastructure is excellent. The whole country is well run and very tidy.
Review submitted 25 Sep 2024

Christina · Traveled September 2024
Fantastic trip, highly recommend. Guide was outstanding & very knowledgeable re food & culture. We had some memorable meals & experiences. The home visit & meal was a stand out also shell ffish hot grill experience.
Review submitted 25 Sep 2024

Val · Traveled September 2024
Yongsu was an excellent tour guide!! Olin the trip, I particularly enjoyed the stay at the Buddhist Temple because it was so unique,
Review submitted 25 Sep 2024
South Korea Real Food Adventure
From
USD $2,577