KOREA
South Korea is one of the world's most dynamic countries. If K-pop, K-drama, K-beauty, and K-cinema have opened the door to a new level of interest, the culture and cuisine keep travelers coming back. Seoul is electric: neon alleys in Euljiro, palaces glowing against glass towers at night, a 4am bowl of haejangguk after too much soju with strangers who are now friends. In boisterous Busan, the markets open at dawn and the pork-soup counters have queues by 9am. Beyond the cities, Korea opens up: temple stays in Gyeongju, the bamboo forests of Damyang, the volcanic crater lakes of Jeju, the mountain monasteries where monks have been making the same teas for 800 years. And Korean cuisine is one long unbroken argument that fermentation is the highest art form.
A Taste of What's Possible
Kimchi-making workshop Gyeongju
Confucian calligraphy lesson in Andong
Personal color analysis in Seoul
Where You'll Stay
We spend a lot of time obsessing over the perfect accommodations. Our favorites tend to be smaller, boutique properties with a unique sense of style and fantastic service.
Here are just a few of our favorites...
Three of Our Favorite Spots
BUSAN
01
Korea's port city, built into the hills around a working harbor. Jagalchi, one of Asia's great fish markets, unfolds along the waterfront; a temple sits directly above the surf on the eastern coast, a hillside village of painted houses stair-steps down a hillside in pastels. The beaches at Haeundae are walking distance from the center. Busan is less buttoned-up than Seoul, with arguably better food.
JEOLLA
02
The southwest, Korea's food country. The region invented bibimbap, ferments everything, and pours makgeolli in clay bowls at generations-old restaurants. The largest concentration of traditional hanok houses in the country is here, as are tall bamboo groves, hillside tea terraces in long green stripes, and mudflat sunsets over coastal wetland. Gwangju gave the country its 1980 democracy movement and Han Kang's 2024 Nobel in literature. Jeolla is what Koreans mean when they say Korea's soul is in the south.
GYEONGJU
03
South Korea's ancient capital, where the Silla dynasty ruled for nearly a thousand years and unified the peninsula in 668. You can feel the history everywhere: the royal tombs rising like grass-covered hills; an 8th century temple complex in the pine forests of Tohamsan; the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia; Wolji Pond throwing gold reflections back at Donggung Palace pavilions after dark; a folk village holding 500 years of aristocratic houses that are still lived in today.
Sample Itinerary
A Journey Through The Land of Morning Calm
Day 1: On arrival in Seoul, you will be met and transferred to your accommodations in the city center. In the afternoon, head to one of Seoul’s oldest markets for a private street food tour and meander up to N Seoul Tower at sunset to take in the cityscape.
Day 2: Explore Seoul’s cultural side today, beginning with a visit to the beautifully preserved Bukchon Hanok Village for a glimpse of Korea’s rich architectural heritage. Then step into a local kitchen for a private cooking lesson on how to prepare traditional home cooked dishes. Walk it off with a stroll along the scenic Seoul City Wall.
Day 3: Head outside of the bustling city on a day trip to Yangpyeong. Enjoy a tranquil cycle ride against a mountainous backdrop along the Bukhangang River trail. Then visit Dumulmeori, the scenic point where the North and South Han Rivers meet, for panoramic views and riverside walking paths. Return to Seoul for an evening exploring the trendy Ikseon-dong neighborhood, where traditional hanok alleys are brought to life with stylish cafés, boutique shops, and artful galleries.
Day 4: Private transfer to the charming city of Jeonju, home to more than 800 beautifully preserved traditional hanok houses and a lively mix of artisan shops. Sample Jeonju’s famous bibimbap and traditional sweets before settling into your hanok-style accommodations for the evening.
Day 5: Journey onward by car to the southern coast, making stops at Suncheon Bay Garden and Yongsan Observatory along the way. Arrive in the seaside city of Yeosu and start soaking up the coastal views over fresh seafood.
Day 6: Set off with your guide on a beautiful seaside drive through Yeosu’s stunning coastline and take a ride on the Yeosu Cable Car, crossing high above the sea. In the evening, wind down with a leisurely stroll along Yeosu’s beach promenade.
Day 7: Travel eastward to Busan today, stopping at the Geoje along the way to take in the coastal scenery on Windy Hill. On arrival in Busan, settle into your seaside accommodations in this coastal metropolis.
Day 8: Busan’s vibrant culture takes center stage today, starting with a visit to Gamcheon Culture Village—a colorful hillside maze of art murals, brightly painted homes, and quirky cafés. Then head to nearby Jagalchi Market, South Korea’s largest seafood market, to soak up the lively atmosphere and sample some of the day’s fresh catch.
Day 9: Set off this morning to hike the Igidae Coastal Trail, a scenic route that hugs dramatic sea cliffs of Busan. Afterward, explore Gwangalli Beach’s lively cafes and shops, and relax on the soft sand with picturesque views of the soaring Gwangan Bridge.
Day 10: Board a flight to Jeju Island, known for its unique volcanic landscapes and white sand beaches. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon cycle ride along a coastal trail with views of lava cliffs and striking blue waters before settling into your beachfront accommodations.
Day 11: Spend the morning in Hallasan National Park, home to South Korea’s highest peak, with beautiful alpine landscapes and crater lakes along the way. Then head to the lush, forested Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and Jeongbang Waterfall, a rare sight that pours straight into the ocean. Finish the day at Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff, where dramatic hexagonal lava columns line the coast.
Day 12: Hike up Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), one of Jeju’s most iconic landmarks, where the crater rewards you with sweeping views of the sea and countryside. Continue to Seopjikoji for a coastal walk, then get lost in the hedges at Kimnyoung Maze Park.
Day 13: Private transfer back to the Jeju airport to begin your journey home.
