Highlights
Explore Old Seoul in Insadong
Dine at a Michelin-starred Buddhist restaurant
Visit Bukchon Hanok Village and historic temples
Enjoy a private traditional music performance
Unique Korean cooking class in a local home
Experience Kpop and local buskers
Eat at a famous Korean BBQ restaurant
Explore Leeum Art Gallery owned by the Samsung Family
Travel on Korea's fastest train, the KTX to Jeongju
Stay in a traditional Korean house a Hanok
Visit Nanta a famous performance at a local theatre
Savour the traditional dish of Bibimbap in its birthplace village
Shop at local art and craft markets
Explore Sorak National Park
Visit Jeju Island's tea plantations and UNESCO Sites
Inclusions
Fully escorted from Melbourne, Australia – Your tour hostess is on hand to assist with making your holiday a memorable one
Hosted by our English-speaking guide and owner of Sidestreet Detours - Jamie Heffernan
Return economy class airfares from Melbourne to Seoul via Sydney (Other departure cities and classes of travel available upon request and subject to availability)
All internal transportation including return KTX fast train to Jeongju and return economy flights to Jeju Island
Accommodation as per itinerary
Meals as per itinerary
Sightseeing as specified including entrance fees
Willing to share option (subject to availability)
Zoom Meet and Greet prior to departure
Notice
Moderate Fitness Rating - A moderate level of fitness will be required for these tours due to the length and/or overall physicality of our tour itinerary. You can expect to walk more than 10,000 steps daily on more challenging terrain and longer periods. You must be capable of boarding and disembarking coaches, trains and boats unaided and at times handle your luggage. For more information on our physical ratings please click here
**TIPPING**
Sisterhood Womens Travel tipping system on all Group Tours involves passengers contributing to a kitty which is paid to the tour hostess at the beginning of the tour who then distributes it on your behalf. This avoids the need for you to consider tipping situations daily throughout your trip. The estimated amount for your Tour Guide is $100 per person and this will confirmed in your final documentation and can be paid in AUD.
Local tipping in restaurants, taxis and hotels etc is not customary in South Korea.
CLICK HERE to view itinerary map
Itinerary
Day 1 - Tuesday 21 May 2024
Melbourne - Sydney - Seoul (Meals Inflight, D)
Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel. Meet your tour hostess at the Melbourne Airport for your flight to Seoul. While in flight, take the opportunity to learn some Korean using the information booklet provided by Sidestreet Detours. It's a chance to get even more excited about the experiences that await us. Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment as we head towards our South Korean adventure.
Upon arrival, we'll be met by our Sidestreet Detours owner Jamie Heffernan. Jamie will help set us up with some local money and WIFI before transferring us to our accommodation.
Due to our flight arrival time, depending on how we feel, a dinner box will be included or we can head out for some street food.
Overnight - Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong (or similar)
The Ninetree Premier Hotel Insadong will serve as our hub throughout our exploration of Korea.
Day 2 - Wednesday 22 May 2024
Exploring Insadong's Sidestreets (B,L,D)
Today, we delve into the charming sidestreets of Insadong and beyond. From teahouses to temples, palaces to delectable street food, and unique shopping experiences, we're in for a day of discovery.
We'll enjoy lunch at a handmade noodle bar, where we can taste authentic Korean flavours whilst surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city.
This afternoon, we'll gather for a private performance of traditional Korean music in a nearby gallery. We'll have the honour of meeting the music masters, giving us an insight into the cultural heartbeat of the country.
Afterward, we'll have free time to explore the shopping streets in search of unique treasures and souvenirs to take home as mementos.
Tonight, a very special dining experience at a Michelin Star Korean restaurant - A Flower Blossom on the Rice Restaurant. Prepare your tastebuds for an exquisite journey.
Overnight - Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong (or similar)
Day 3 - Thursday 23 May 2024
Cooking Class with Dinner & City Lights (B,L,D)
Today, we're off to a local neighborhood by the SUBWAY for a private cooking class led by the talented local, Junghee. She will guide us through the colourful local markets, where we'll handpick fresh ingredients for our culinary adventure. At Junghee's home, we'll dive into the world of Korean cuisine, learning the art of preparation and gaining insights into the cultural significance of the dishes.
An afternoon at leisure. Under Jamie's guidance, we'll have the chance to relax, shop, or explore more of the city's gems.
As the sun sets, the city comes alive in a burst of energy. We'll have time to freshen up before we head out for dinner.
Tonight, dinner is an opportunity for us to explore and choose from the vibrant array of street food stalls and local eateries. Indulge in the diverse tastes and experiences that Seoul's night scene has to offer. Jamie will guide us through street food options or we can hit a local market for some yummy treats.
Overnight - Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong (or similar)
** Prepare for an early start tomorrow. Pack your overnight bag for our overnight Hanok stay (traditional house) - we are keeping our rooms at Ninetree for our return.
We will have time to grab some breakfast supplies before catching the train to Jeongju.
Day 4 - Friday 24 May 2024
Jeongju's Tranquil Beauty (D)
Today, we leave the city lights behind and embark on a scenic journey into the heart of the Korean countryside. A change of scenery with breathtaking landscapes, our train ride is an experience in itself. Brace yourself for a mind-boggling fast train experience where JeongJu's history, culture and famous Bibimbap await!
After a captivating 90-minute train ride, we arrive in Jeongju, a place steeped in history and culture. Prepare to be captivated by the birthplace of Korea's renowned dish, Bibimbap. Upon arrival, we'll be transferred to our Hanok stay. These traditional Korean houses hold centuries of history and culture within their walls. With 900 of these remarkable structures in Jeongju, we are in for a very unique experience.
A visit to Jeongju would not be complete without savouring Bibimbap, an iconic Korean dish. We'll enjoy a scrumptious dinner at a local restaurant indulging in the local flavours of this beloved culinary masterpiece.
Overnight - Traditional Home Stay
** Please Note today is a traditional homestay so you will be sleeping on Korea’s style of a roll-out Futon - All rooms have their own bathroom and toilet.
Day 5 - Saturday 25 May 2024
Explore Jeongju - Return to Seoul (B,D)
As a new day dawns over the charming village of Jeongju, we encourage you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Korean countryside. This morning, we'll enjoy a leisurely stroll along the river behind our Hanok. Breathe in the crisp, fresh air and allow the serene surroundings to set the tone for a peaceful morning. Nearby is a great coffee shop, so we'll grab an easy pastry and coffee this morning for breakfast.
We'll check out of our Hanok with time to discover and explore this charming village before returning to bustling Seoul by fast train.
The remainder of our day is free.
Dinner is included tonight.
Overnight - Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong (or similar)
Day 6 - Sunday 26 May 2024
Palace Walk in Hanok - Shopping Afternoon (B)
Sunday in Seoul is the day that national monuments, art galleries and palaces allow free entry for people wearing the traditional Hanok. Hanoks are available for hire for fun, or if you're happy to forgo, the day is yours to explore the many monuments, art galleries and palaces (own cost). There are many interesting places a short walk from our hotel so plenty to enjoy today. Sunday also brings out buskers and the city is vibrant and full of life and if art is your thing, there are many exhibitions in the area to enjoy.
This afternoon, we go shopping. We will take the scenic walking route along the river to the city centre. Market day is always fun and this afternoon, we'll explore Myeong Dong shops and the markets. Prescription glasses are very cheap in this area and Jamie has a great contact if anyone is interested in coming home with some great new glasses at an amazing price.
Dinner at leisure tonight.
Overnight - Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong (or similar)
Day 7 - Monday 27 May 2024
Seoul (B,D)
Today is a big day. After breakfast, we head out to the east of the country to beautiful Sorak National Park. Have your cameras ready, the scenery is mind-blowing. Waterfalls, Buddhist temples and bridges over rivers - scenery overload! Weather permitting we will take the cable car up the mountain.
Dinner tonight at a nearby hotel upon our return to Seoul.
Overnight - Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong (or similar)
Day 8 - Tuesday 28 May 2024
Seoul (B,D)
Our travel provider Sidestreet Detours is committed to sustainable travel and supporting charitable organisations like the Korea Legacy Committee (KLC). By providing reusable drink bottles from Liberty Kitchen, we are not only promoting eco-friendly practices but also contributing to a meaningful cause. We will each find one of these bottles in our tour welcome pack. Proceeds go to the kitchen to help make food boxes.
Visiting the KLC (Korea Legacy Committee) is a great opportunity to learn more about their mission, see their work in action, and understand how they are addressing the issue of national poverty faced by senior citizens in Korea. It's a commendable initiative to raise awareness and funds for the elderly population while emphasising unity and cultural heritage.
A visit to KLC can provide valuable insights into their activities and inspire others to support their cause. It's a positive example of how businesses and organizations can work together to create a positive impact on both the environment and society.
An opportunity for us to visit today. We'll head to the kitchen, meet students and learn about the work at KLC.
Dinner tonight will be a fun experience.
"A talented troupe of Korean performers treats Cookin' audience to a taste of Culinary lunacy-sliced and diced to percussive perfection." - Playbill, Minetta Lane Theatre-NANTA premiered in 1997 and is the longest-running show in Korean history. This electrifying 90-minute show, on the comically-charged efforts of four cooks who are tasked with preparing an entire wedding banquet in just one hour, is one of Korea's most popular musicals of all time. Since its first performance, this world-famous non-verbal performance made a record of 20% above full capacity at the theatre driving the largest audience in Korean history.
After the show today we will have dinner in MyengDong city centre. We head to a famous Chicken Soup Restaurant. It’s delicious, stuffed with nuts, garlic and herbs. One of our Korea's favourite dishes.
Overnight - Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong (or similar)
Day 9 - Wednesday 29 May 2024
Jeju Island (B,D)
Today, we check out of our hotel, take a train to the Gimpo domestic airport and depart for Jeju Island by air.
Affectionately known as "Little Hawaii" upon arrival, we'll be transferred to our hotel.
Dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Overnight - Haevichi Hotel and Resort Jeju (or similar)
Day 10 - Thursday 30 May 2024
Explore Jeju Island (B,D)
We'll start our day early with sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (Sunrise Peak) a UNESCO World Heritage Site, popular for its breathtaking views.
After sunrise, we'll head to Seopjikoji, a scenic coastal area known for its stunning views and walking trails. Time to take a leisurely stroll to enjoy the natural beauty.
We'll enjoy lunch at Seopijikoji serving delicious Jeju specialities like black pork and seafood dishes.
In the afternoon, we'll visit Manjanggul Cave, an impressive lava tube cave with its unique rock formations. It's a fascinating geological site. Located nearby, we'll continue to Manjaggul Lava Columnar Joint, another picturesque spot with columns of hexagonal basalt rocks.
We then visit Jeju Stone Park which showcases a wide variety of stones, minerals and cultural artifacts. It's a great place to learn about Jeju's geological history.
Returning to our hotel for dinner.
Overnight - Haevichi Hotel and Resort Jeju (or similar)
Day 11 - Friday 31 May 2024
Cultural and Historical Sites of Jeju (B,D)
This morning, we'll visit Jeju Folk Village and discover the traditional architecture and way of life in this recreated village. Then for something fun, we'll enjoy Kimnyoung Maze Park admiring the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Lunch at the Folk Village, before a visit to O'Sulloc Tea Museum where we'll learn about Jeju's tea culture and enjoy a tea session whilst admiring their beautiful green tea field.
Returning to our hotel for dinner.
Overnight - Haevichi Hotel and Resort Jeju (or similar)
Day 12 - Saturday 1 June 2024
Beaches and Relaxation (B,D)
Today, we'll visit Jeongbang Waterfall, one of the only waterfalls in Asia that falls directly into the ocean. It's a picturesque place and a lovely way to start our day's exploring. We then head to Jusangjeolli Cliff to explore these unique pillar-like rock formations created by lava. It's a stunning natural site.
Lunch at a local seafood restaurant (own expense) before an afternoon relaxing on the black sand of Jungmun Saekdal Beach. Feel free to take a walk along the coastline. Afterward, we visit Yongmeori Coast, an area known for its dramatic cliffs and picturesque views.
Dinner is included tonight.
Overnight - Haevichi Hotel and Resort Jeju (or similar)
Day 13 - Sunday 2 June 2024
Jeju Island - Seoul (B)
Today, we fly back to Seoul for our last couple of nights in South Korea.
Overnight - Seoul Hotel L7 Myeongdong (or similar)
Day 14 - Monday 3 June 2024
Seoul (B)
Enjoy some free time in this incredible city today.
With time to pack and squeeze those last-minute souvenirs into your case, we'll regroup for a farewell dinner, celebrating our fantastic adventure with friends!
Overnight - Seoul Hotel L7 Myeongdong (or similar)
Day 15 - Tuesday 4 June 2024
Seoul (B)
A day at leisure until our transfer to the airport for our flights home.
We'll be picked up and taken to the airport in the afternoon, for our overnight flights back to Australia.
Day 16 - Wednesday 5 June 2024
Welcome Home
Welcome Home! Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure.