한국

More than the recent explosion of K-pop and K-drama shows, South Korea is the most intriguing mix of the old and the new. Within the nooks and crannies of the sprawling modern metropolis of Seoul, there are tiny alleyways of old mom-and-pop restaurants specializing in just one dish. For every futuristic building designed by the likes of Zaha Hadid, there is an artisan carrying out centuries-old traditions.  

In this tour of South Korea co-led by Chef Ji Hye Kim of Miss Kim (Food & Wine Best New Chef 2021), we will start with the old Seoul, visiting traditional food markets and street food stalls of Chef Ji Hye’s childhood and trying the dishes most representative of Korean cuisine — like tteokbokki and Korean barbecue.  

Then we go off the beaten path to explore the countryside outside of Seoul — we will meet masters in Gochujang sauces and Kimchi, ceramics artisans and the seafood foraging grandmothers of Jeju Island. 

Who?

The trip is designed for experienced travelers with a passion for great food made the traditional way. The activity level on this tour is Med/High. Including: snorkeling, walking distances between 10-20K steps a day — potentially over uneven ground (farms/beaches) and cobblestoned streets. Also, climbing stairs in and out of buildings and public transportation. There may be long periods of standing for classes and demonstrations.

• Food Curiosity Level: High

• Patience

• A good appetite

• A sense of humor

• Curiosity

• Flexibility 

Accommodations

We’ve carefully curated a selection of four- and five-star hotels around the country in an effort to balance our active days with comfort and relaxation. All of our hotels include bars or restaurants and a few also offer spa facilities.

** Please note, our stay in Pyeongchang is a Glamping location. This is not in tents but the amenities are limited.

What’s Included?

• Amazing food – all breakfasts, most lunches, and several dinners. We will enjoy traditional regional specialties made with local, fresh ingredients

• Behind-the-scenes visits with artisanal producers, local farmers, and hands-on cooking experiences

• A Zingerman’s tour host and our guides will be at your disposal at all times

• Public/Private Transportation including internal flights from Jeju Island and to the mainland

• Hotel accommodations for 9 nights

What’s Not Included?

Airfare

Airport transfers

Alcoholic beverages (other than beverages with dinner or when they are specifically included in the itinerary)

Personal spending money

Additional Tips

Day 1 : Seoul

Today we will get to know each other. We will meet in the afternoon to kick off our 9-day adventure throughout this beautiful country. We kick things off with a visit to Gwangjang Market — your senses will be lit up as we sample the markets offerings and street food along the way, learning about new food and traditions throughout the market.

Day 2 : Seoul

After breakfast, we will go to a older more traditional market where we will have a lunch made up of foods from the market. For dinner we will have a cooking class to learn how to make two favorite Korean dishes.

Day 3: Jeju

Today we wake up and fly to Jeju, a large island off the southern coast of South Korea. We will check into a new hotel and settle in. During our stay here, we’ll enjoy the natural beauty and Dinner will highlight regional Jeju food. Tonight will be a celebrations of Korean BBQ with traditional Jeju black pig pork belly.

Day 4: Jeju

Today is a water day! We will be snorkeling with Haenyeo, the sea diving grandmothers of Jeju Island. We’ll learn about the history of Jeju Island and sample freshly foraged seafood, all while enjoying the beauty of the island and the sea. Dinner will be a modern take on what Jeju has to offer.

Day 5: Jeju

Today we will explore all that the island has to offer — you can swim, hike, or head. Tonight will be our final evening on Jeju. Dinner will be a meal at a restaurant that focuses on traditional Jeju recipes.

Day 6: Cheongsong

We have an early wake up call to catch our flight to Cheongsong today. We will have lunch in Daegu and then to our next hotel where we will hat free time to explore the hot springs nearby.  

Day 7: Cheongsong/Pyeongchang

Today we will visit an artisanal jang maker and an artisanal kimchi master. Together we will learn about Korean mother sauces and fermentation! We will have a Gochujang class followed by lunch with the Jang Master. Then we leave for Pyeongchang. In the evening we will have a Kimchi tasting + dinner with Mama Park.

Day 8: Pyeongchang

After breakfast we will visit to a local Temple perched on a mountain. We will have a tour and an opportunity to with forage to plants to use in a traditional temple lunch. Then we return to Mama Park’s to learn how to make KimChi with a hands on class to make our own Kimchi to take with us.

Day 9: Seoul

Today is our last full day in Korea. After breakfast we will head to Seoul. Stopping on the way we will visit two traditional Korean ceramic studios. After we return to Seoul and check in to our hotel we head to for our final evening together, ending with celebrations of our adventures in South Korea.

Day 10: Departing day

From here you are free to return home or to carry on with your own adventure.

*Please understand that this itinerary is the current plan. Things may change. We make every effort to provide the tour and experiences that are described above. However, the nature of the places we’ll be visiting — not typical tourist destinations — means that plans may change at the last minute. Also, you always have the option of skipping a particular excursion, but please note that we will be unable to make refunds for any missed meals or other events.