A South Korean Foodie Adventure

Your global adventure begins immediately as you step out of the airport. South Korea is a high-tech country but still steeped in old world foodie tradition. Your culinary world travel adventure is about to begin!

Your guide for the week will deliver you to your hotel where you can explore the neighborhood or shake off the jet lag with a quick nap.

Tonight you will experience your first banchan , or “small plate” at a small local establishment where you will go over your itinerary with your professional guide. With banchan you have the opportunity to try many different items. It helps mitigate the “what shall I have” question – the answer is “one of each!”

At Gyeongbokgung Palace witness the ceremonial changing of the guard at Gwanghwamun Gate. The royal guards have manned this gate for over 500 years. 

A short trip from the Palace is Bukchon Hanok village. Hanok is a classic South Korean house that dates back hundreds of years. Here you will join in a traditional tea ceremony. Learn the fine art of steeping and pouring tea, and immerse yourself in the traditional tea culture.

Gyeongdong market will assault your senses as you walk through. It’s the oldest market in Seoul, and a it’s a delight to explore the more than 5000 shops that sell everything from street food to silk. While away the afternoon going stall to stall, looking for just the right memento. Sample banchan from the enormous variety of food vendors.

No visit to Seoul is complete without visiting the DMZ (demilitarized zone). A relic of the Cold War, the DMZ  has stood for almost 50 years at the 38th parallel. You can view the enormous tunnel that was dug to move full military divisions at a moment’s notice. 

Andong Hahoe Folk Village is the spiritual and cultural capital of South Korea. Visit the Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy, where your docent will delve into the long history of the academy.

At Taekwondonwon, a huge park dedicated to taekwondo, challenge yourself with a class where you practice training your mind and body through the practice of taekwondo. The quest for mastery in taekwondo is a lifetime journey. Perhaps you will discover a new practice.

Tonight – dumplings! Your dumpling cooking class will take place in a master chef’s home. The art of making light, delicious dumplings is challenging to master. In this class, learn the chef’s secret tips and tricks to make truly inspired dumplings. Share your creations, along with other succulent dishes prepared by your host with your classmates for a group dinner.

Jeonju is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and a bustling foodie destination. The designation recognizes the city’s 1,000-year-old cooking traditions. Jeonju is the birthplace of Korea’s national dish. Bibimbap, rice, veggie and chili paste yumminess topped with a perfect egg. Make sure to try it with mung bean sprout jelly, a local accompaniment.  Koreans say food tastes best in Jeonju and they flock here for their vacations. 

Learn how to make authentic kimchi at the Jeonju Kimchi Cultural Center. The fermented vegetable side dish is a staple in Korean cuisine. Make sure you try the jjigae, aka kimchi stew, as you will be amazed at the flavor bomb.

The Hahoe Mask Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is next on your agenda. In addition to the Hahoe Masks, the museum houses a world-renowned mask collection. You will even get to try a few on for a great Instagram shot.

Authentic Korean barbeque is the specialty of the evening. Dine at one of those unforgettable places where the locals go. Queue up with the locals all anticipating that same fabulous BBQ treat.

Meet your guide early today for the 3-hour trip up to Sokcho to climb Seoraksan Mountain. This 5,600-foot peak is the third-highest in South Korea and is located in a national park. The park is noted for its beautiful forest, and is home to the endangered Asiatic black bear. As you hike up the mountain, stop at Shinheungsa, a Buddhist temple. 

The hike is short, bringing you to a cable car that will take you to the top. Enjoy a picnic lunch and the breathtaking mountain views.

Dine tonight at a wonderful Seoul restaurant where you can retry all your favorite banchan.

The National Museum of Korea is both a history museum and an art museum. Your docent will highlight the important aspects of Korean history, focusing on how Korea has shifted from a rural country to a high-tech giant.

The impressive 63 Square is a 60-story skyscraper on Yeouido Island. Ride to the observation deck for a spectacular view of the Han River. 

Celebrate your last evening in Seoul with a Han River dinner cruise. As your captain glides the boat along the Han River, enjoy a delectable 12-course cheop fit for royalty. Savor the likes of gamjatang (pork and potato stew), gogigui (grilled meat), sundubu naengmyeon (noodles), samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) and godeungeo-gue (grilled salted mackerel). It’s the perfect ending to a perfect trip to Seoul.

After a quick walk around the neighborhood for a last bite of something amazing, it is time to pack and head back home. You will take with you a little piece of Seoul, her people and her amazing food.