8 Days | Slurp, crunch and spoon your way into the belly of South Korea
![Leader holding huge crab in Jagalchi seafood market in Busan South Korea](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt229b80545aed1b28/66c720ed3a2d74e5335ee19b/Intrepid-Travel-south-korea-06-busan-jagalchi-seafood-market-8253-1100x735.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Traditional banchan lunch spread with many small plates in Sunchang, South Korea](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt0cd71bb27acb24c0/659def2ffed0cf4016f03ec7/CJZK_south-korea-03-sunchang-gochujang-local-banchan-lunch-7412_1100x735.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Leader pours a traveller a drink while enjoying a seafood barbque lunch in Busan](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/bltc789e206b4d410aa/66c720efd9507ba383a6ade2/Intrepid-Travel-south-korea-06-busan-seafood-bbq-group-lunch-8148.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Group participating in a kimchi making class in Jeonju, South Korea](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt83c64f241a667e3b/659def362029a3ade55d6dfd/CJZK_south-korea-02-jeonju-kimchi-making-class-7033_1100x735.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Group stopping to pose for a photo on a bridge on a walk to a waterfall at Mount Gangcheon, South Korea](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt0c5c4ae7e96caee0/659def3a19b558537a0f8486/CJZK_south-korea-03-mt-gangcheon-waterfall-walk-7447_1100x735.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
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](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt623be76b9469f42f/66c720ecbba40bd534ece682/cjzk_2025.gif?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
- 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
- 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.
- 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
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
Inclusions
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Private Vehicle, Train, Public Bus, Metro, Taxi
Hotel (6 nights), Hanok (1 night)
- 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
- 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
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.
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.
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