Itinerary Map
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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
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
Experience YeonDengHoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) celebrating Buddah's Birthday in Seoul
Inclusions
Fully escorted from Melbourne, Australia – Your tour hostess is on hand to assist with making your holiday a memorable one
Hosted by an English- multilingual guide.
Step on Local Guides as per Itinerary
Return economy class airfares from Melbourne to Seoul (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)
Pre-departure ZOOM Meet & Greet
Notice
Moderate Fitness Level Required
A moderate level of fitness will be required for this tour due to the length and overall physicality of the itinerary. You can expect to walk more than 10,000 steps a day on more challenging terrain and for longer periods. You must be capable of boarding and disembarking coaches, trains and boats unaided and at times handle your own luggage. For more information on our physical ratings please click here
**We spend one night in 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.
**Korea is a big green tea drinking culture. If you love a good black tea cuppa, you will need to bring some tea bags with you as most places only serve local teas.
**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 $200 per person and this will confirmed in your final documentation and can be paid in $AUD.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Tuesday 22 April 2025
Melbourne - Sydney - Seoul (Meals Inflight, D)
Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel. Meet your tour hostess at the Melbourne Airport for your flight to Seoul. Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of our airlines as we head towards our South Korean adventure.
Upon arrival, we'll be met by our English-Korean speaking guide who will help set us up with some local money and WIFI before transferring us to our accommodation.
Due to our flight arrival time, dinner is served in-flight.
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 23 April 2025
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 meet our local guide to learn about Korean history and culture.
We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near our hotel, where we can taste authentic Korean flavours whilst taking in views of the city's largest Buddhist temple.
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 24 April 2025
Cooking Class with Dinner & City Lights (B,L,D)
Today, we're off to a local neighborhood by taxi 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. 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. Our guide will take 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.
Day 4 - Friday 25 April 2025
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!
We will have time to grab some breakfast supplies before catching the train to Jeongju.
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. Noodles at Veteran Restaurant are delicious and they do a great dumpling too!
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 26 April 2025
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.
Often Saturdays are market day along the river in Jeongju. We will take a stroll and look at some local produce before returning to pack our bags and head back to Seoul by fast train.
Tonight, after freshening up, we can enjoy the Lantern Festival celebrations right outside our hotel ad surrounding areas. We'll enjoy some local street food at the festival for dinner.
Overnight - Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong (or similar)
Day 6 - Sunday 27 April 2025
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. PLUS, it's Buddha's birthday celebrations!
Gyeongbokgung Palace is a must see and if wearing your Hanbok, a wonderful spot for photos. We have a guided tour of the Palace then free time to take photos and explore.
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 if anyone is interested in coming home with some great new glasses at an amazing price.
Dinner at leisure tonight. It's been a big day, so maybe a light meal on the rootftop bar, or a gin and tonic to look back on the day.
Overnight - Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong (or similar)
Day 7 - Monday 28 April 2025
Seoul (B, L, 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.
Lunch is in the park and the specialty is pancakes and pork cutlets!
Dinner tonight at a nearby hotel upon our return to Seoul.
Overnight - Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong (or similar)
Day 8 - Tuesday 29 April 2025
Seoul (B,D)
Today we wlll head off on tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) with a knowledgable local guide who shares the history and highlights of this important strip of land that separates North and South Korea. Established in 1953, after the Korean War, the DMZ includes key sites such as the Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park, the DMZ Museum, and DOra Observatory. Visit the DMZ from Seoul on a morning or afternoon half-day tour, with an optional upgrade to a full-day tour which also visits the suspension bridge.
You will need to bring passports and good walking shoes.
Dinner included this evening.
Overnight - Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong (or similar)
Day 9 - Wednesday 30 April 2025
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.
Welcome to Jeju Buffet Dinner at our resort. The buffet here is really something to look forward to.....seafood and many Jeju delights!
Overnight - Haevichi Hotel and Resort Jeju (or similar)
Day 10 - Thursday 1 May 2025
Explore Jeju Island (B,D)
We'll start our day after breakfast exploring a UNESCO World Heritage Site, popular for its breathtaking views.
We will head to the oceans and mountains as we cover the Island and loop back to our resort.
Over the next 2 days, our explorations will see us heading in different directions each day, taking us to:
Jeju Stone Park
O'Sulloc Tea Museum
Jeju Folk Village
Jeongbang Waterfall
Yongmeori Coast
Haenyeo - Famous Women Pearl Divers
Returning to our hotel for dinner.
Overnight - Haevichi Hotel and Resort Jeju (or similar)
Day 11 - Friday 2 May 2025
Cultural and Historical Sites of Jeju (B)
Today we will continue to explore the cultural and historical site of Jeju.
Overnight - Haevichi Hotel and Resort Jeju (or similar)
Day 12 - Saturday 3 May 2025
Beaches and Relaxation (B,D)
Today we can take part in Daily Yoga or the resort program on offer.
If you would like an alternative spa experience, our guide can arrange a massage not far from the resort which also includes a footpath massage, great for soothing tired feet!
Dinner is included tonight.
Overnight - Haevichi Hotel and Resort Jeju (or similar)
Day 13 - Sunday 4 May 2025
Jeju Island - Seoul (B)
Today, we fly back to Seoul for our last couple of nights in South Korea. We have a private transfer in Seoul to take us to our city centre Hotel.
Tonights entertainment 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 Korea's favourite dishes.
Overnight - Seoul Hotel L7 Myeongdong (or similar)
Day 14 - Monday 5 May 2025
Seoul (B)
Enjoy some free time in this incredible city today.
Some optional experiences you might enjoy are:
* The Secret Garden guided tour
* Sky Garden Pedestrian Walk near Seoul station to see the city from above
* Namdaemun Market (Korea's oldest market)
* The cable car up Namsan to Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city.
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! Don't forget your glasses you ordered the week before.
Overnight - Seoul Hotel L7 Myeongdong (or similar)
Day 15 - Tuesday 6 May 2025
Seoul (B)
A day at leisure until our transfer to the airport for our flight home.
We'll be picked up and taken to the airport in the afternoon, for our overnight flight back to Australia.
Day 16 - Wednesday 7 May 2025
Welcome Home
Welcome Home! Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure.