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Korea's Heritage & Culinary Trail
On this journey, we go in search of South Korea's ancient heritage and culinary trail experiencing changing landscapes from the ancient village of Jeonju to the mesmerizing green tea fields of Boseong and to the unmistakable beauty of Jeju Island. A fun and interactive essential journey of South Korea.
HIGHLIGHTS
Stay in a charming hanok in the Confucian city of Jeonju
Experience a South Korea less visited
Savour the finest Korean cuisine
Experience the country with local regional specialist guides
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE INCHEON / SUWON / JEONJU
Arriving at Incheon Intl Airport, be met and travel to the city of Suwon as we visit the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by King Jeongjo in the late 18th Century during the Joseon Dynasty as a defensive fortification against political rebels. Thereafter, spend some time at the Paldamun Market to experience the vibe of local life with street vendors, shops and street snacks. We then continue our day with a drive to the ancient Confucian city of Jeonju (2hrs drive) where we arrive and stay in a charming "hanok", traditional Korean guesthouse. Be welcome warmly and this evening, enjoy a sumptuous dinner course of traditional Jeonju cuisine.
Overnight: Bukyungdang Hanok, Jeonju
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: JEONJU
Today we begin our visit to Jeonju Folk Village which has a collection of more than 700 traditional Korean houses and the best-preserved ancient village in South Korea. With a history of more than 1250 years, Jeonju was the former capital during the Baekje and Joseon dynasties. We start our visit at the Taejoro area which connects the Jeondong Catholic church and the famous Gyeonggi Palace for an immediate glimpse of the old world atmosphere of the village and a window into Korea's past. Consider visits to the Traditional Wine Museum and Jeonju Hanji Museum for an insight into these ancient trades. Thereafter, enjoy a lesson in bibimbap-making, a dish used to be reserved for the aristocratic elites; where you will learn about its origins and why Jeonju is the bibimbap capital of South Korea. Spend some time later for a stroll through the charming streets and alleys before returning to your hanok.
Overnight: Bukyungdang Hanok, Jeonju
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3: JEONJU / SUNCHANG / DAMYANG / BOSEONG
A great day beckons as we first travel to the Sunchang Traditional Gochujang Village, a charming and nostalgic village with inspiring hanok houses and Joseon-era buildings. Established in 1997, the village is constructed to bring together "gochujang" red chili paste masters to promote the traditional methods of gochujang-making. We visit a gochujang master to learn this irresistible paste-making process and sampling as well as an opportunity to learn "injeolmi" (Korean rice cake) and "twibap" (Korean crispy cookie) making. Thereafter, continue to beautiful Damyang featuring the enchanting Bamboo Forest. Stop for a sumptuous "Tteokgalbi" (Grilled short rib meat patties with steamed rice in bamboo tube) lunch. Consider a picture stop along the famous Metasequoia Tree-lined Street, a famous site for films and dramas and a mesmerizing photo opportunity. We then arrive at Golmangtae in Boseong, an eco lodge surrounded by fields of green tea plantations, a chance to reconnect with nature and the beautiful countryside.
Overnight: Golmangtae, Boseong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4: BOSEONG / YEOSU
The day begins with a visit to the fragrance-filled Daehan Dawon Green Tea Plantation with lush green, curvy and beautifully-lined rows of green tea fields against the beautiful mountain backdrop where you will learn about the origins and process of green tea cultivation since the old days of the Japanese occupation. Enjoy a stroll through the plantation, interact with the highly-skilled green tea workers and be treated to some delicious green tea ice cream. Thereafter, we continue on the road to the coastal city of Yeosu, renowned for its exceptional seafood, stunning coastal scenery and now home to some of the finest resorts and convention centres in South Korea. Make a stop at the Yeosu Fish Market lined with fresh seafood and restaurants where we stop for lunch before visiting the beautiful Hyangiram Temple, one of the most beautiful temples in South Korea with stunning views of the sea and a rustic atmosphere. We then check into the outstanding MVL Hotel, built like a sail and with stunning seascape views.
Overnight: The MVL Hotel, Yeosu
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: YEOSU / JEJU
Today, transfer to Yeosu Airport for a short flight to Jeju Island (every Fri & Sun). On arrival at Jeju Island, be met and then drive along the country roads past the domineering Mount Hallasan to the southern coast of Jeju Island where we meet the famed "Haenyeos" women divers of Jeju. These women divers have been harvesting seafood by hand from the ocean floor, usually abalones and other shell seafood for centuries with no breathing equipment. Each individual dive lasts about 2 minutes and occurs whether during calm or rough sea conditions. We have the exclusive opportunity to interact with a haenyeo, learn about their lives, visit the village and then be treated to a fresh seafood lunch. Thereafter, visit the beautiful Cheonjiyeon Falls which derives its name from the legend that the seven fairies serving the King of Heaven came down to the pond on stairs of clouds and bathed in its clean waters. Finally, we check into the amazing Shilla Jeju.
Overnight: The Shilla, Jeju
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 6: JEJU
Begin an excursion of Jeju today as we travel to the eastern coast of the island. Visit the Jusangjeolli Cliffs, a set of black rock pillars of rectangular or hexangonal shapes by the cooling of ancient volcanic lava. We then continue to the Seongsan Ilchubong (Sunrise Peak) rising 182m from the sea in a series of ancient volcanic eruptions more than 100000 years ago. Take a short hike to the peak and marvel at the stunning scenery. We then visit the UNESCO-listed Manjanggul Cave - one of the finest lava tunnels in the world and designated a natural monument. Step into the surreal and bizarre realm and admire the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
Overnight: The Shilla, Jeju
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: DEPART JEJU
Our journey ends today with a transfer to Cheju Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
Located in Jeonju Hanok Village, Bukyungdang offers 7 guest rooms and each designed with special features matching the character of the room, such as lights made with doors from Seokpajeong Villa, sewing machines, one-sided hinged cabinets, straw bag reeds and earthenware pottery and offers you an opportunity to step back into Korea's past.
Surrounded by the fragrant green tea fields, the Golmangtae offers an eco-friendly stay in a beautiful environment. Guests stay in unique "mushroom" huts where rooms comes with a small kitchen, air condition, heating and en suite bathroom.
Located on the eastern tip of Yeosu, The MVL Hotel offers modern and luxurious contemporary rooms with a number of on site dining restaurants. All rooms boasts sea views through floor to ceiling windows.
The Shilla Jeju is a luxurious 5 star resort just 10mins walk from Jungman Beach. Featuring 6 on site dining restaurants, guests have options for Korean, Jeju, Japanese and international cuisine. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature views of either Mount Hallasan or the ocean.
