South Korea Real Food Adventure

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
South Korea Real Food Adventure
8 Days
From AUD $4670
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(20 reviews)

South Korea Real Food Adventure

South Korea Real Food Adventure

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

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.

Highlights

  • 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.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle,Train,Public Bus,Metro,Taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Seoul , Korea, Republic Of

Finishes

Seoul , Korea, Republic Of

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Seoul
Annyeonghaseyo! Welcome to Seoul, South Korea's capital known for its high-tech gadgetry, towering skyscrapers and great food. Your adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 4 pm today, where you'll meet your leader and fellow travellers. With the formalities out of the way, it’s time to dive into South Korea’s food scene! Get your bearings with a leader-led orientation walk, where you’ll stop at a local supermarket to get a broader view of the food habits of modern Koreans. Here, you’ll get an insight into the everyday life culture, and your leader will pick up some popular local snacks for the group to enjoy. Then, hop on the subway and make your way to dinner – Korean Fried Chicken and beer, a popular pairing known as ‘chimaek’. Then head to the Gwangjang Market for an introduction to the sights, smells and, of course, tastes of South Korean street food. Go deep into the market – which you might recognise from the Netflix series ‘Street Food’ – and follow your leader to the best vendors. If you’re still hungry, you can grab round two at Ikseodong. The streets are lined with cafes, so you’ll have no trouble finding something to satisfy your cravings.

Included Activities:

  • Seoul - Korean Fried Chicken & beer Welcome Dinner
  • Seoul - Supermarket stop
  • Seoul - Gwangjang market and Ikseongdong village visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Jeonju
Take the metro to Seoul Station this morning and set off for Jeonju – a city that’s all about doing things slowly and doing them well, both in food and in life. You'll arrive just in time for lunch at a renowned noodle restaurant that began as a humble food stall but has since become a city icon, thanks to its noodles. In the afternoon, spend some time exploring the historical Hanok Village, wandering cobblestone streets between hundreds of traditional homes and embracing the relaxed pace of the city. Later, learn the art of making kimchi – a signature dish of Korean slow food – during a cooking demonstration. You’ll also learn how to make a kimchi pancake. If you're keen for more authentic food experiences, join your leader for locally brewed, cloudy rice beer called 'makgeolli'. Accompanied by a variety of inventive side dishes, this unique drink is traditionally enjoyed in a ritual manner, served in special brass bowls from the cherished makgeoli kettle.

Included Activities:

  • Jeonju - Kimchi Cooking demonstration
  • Jeonju - Hanok Village Visit

Accommodation:

  • Hanok (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Jeonju
This morning, move from the hanok to a hotel for your second night in Jeonju. You'll have free time to wander the village or visit the historical shrines and palaces – just chat to your leader if you’re unsure where to explore first. From here, travel by bus to Sunchang Gochujang – a village famous for producing gochujang (a traditional red chilli paste). You’ll get to discover how the paste gets made and sample some. Grab lunch at a nearby restaurant and try the banchan – side dishes are a staple on the Korean table. Later, stroll around the base of Mt Gangcheon and maybe work up your appetite by walking a little further to a nearby waterfall. For dinner tonight, you’ll visit the most famous bibimbap restaurant in Jeonju – so famous, in fact, that the bibimbap has been declared an intangible cultural asset!

Included Activities:

  • Sunchang - Gochujang (traditional chilli paste) Cooking Demonstration
  • Sunchang - Mount Gangcheon Hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Gyeongju to Busan
This morning you'll have the opportunity to start your day with kongnamul gukbap (a hot soup of soybean and sprouts) before heading to Gyeongju. When you arrive, tuck into soondubu for lunch (a famous spicy stew with soft tofu) before watching a martial arts demonstration. Life is all about the journey, not the destination, so on the way to the demonstration, stop off at a statue that’s been standing for over 1500 years among ancient temples. After the ground fighting display, learn about Buddhism and meditation routines as you sip tea with a monk at Gyeongju temple. Tucked away among the trees outside Gyeongju city, the temple is the perfect spot to recharge. Feeling at peace, you’ll be ready to drive to your new location for the next two days – bustling and beachy Busan.

Included Activities:

  • Gyeongju - Temple Day Visit program including meditation / & tea or martial arts

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Busan
Since Busan is famous for its beaches, start your day by visiting the most famous one – Haeundae Beach. Admire the contrast of the white sand with the distant skyscrapers before travelling on to Haedong Temple, built into the rocks by the sea. You’ll get a bit more hands on with your food today at a cooking class, where you’ll prepare dishes to enjoy for lunch. The afternoon is yours to explore – maybe go sightseeing from a yacht, unwind at a Jjimjilbang (South Korean sauna) or catch a baseball game at Sajik Baseball Stadium. Regroup at dinner for a feast of Korean-style lamb stewers. As well as the tasty marinade with a mix of Korean spices, these skewers have a self-rotation mechanism. A specialised grill allows the skewers to rotate automatically, ensuring the meat is perfectly cooked – yum!

Included Activities:

  • Busan - Haeundae Beach
  • Busan - Haedong Temple

Optional Activities:

  • Busan - Jjimjilbang (traditional Korean sauna) in Spa land Centum City - from 20,000 to 25,000 KRW (20000 KRW)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Busan
Soak up some free time in Busan this morning, then later, visit Jagalchi Market – an enormous seafood market by the port. Head to a restaurant overlooking the ocean for a clam bake with a view. Did you know that Busan has more than 100 lighthouses? See one up close on an optional walk after dinner. Or you can walk around the colourful Gamcheon village, where you can pick up a postcard or a handmade souvenir. Maybe wrap up your day with noraebang – also known as karaoke. Luckily for those who lean more towards shy than showstopping, karaoke in Korea is often in private rooms with just your friends and family – so sing like no-one's listening!

Included Activities:

  • Busan - Lighthouse Visit
  • Busan - Jagalchi Seafood Market Tour
  • Busan - Seafood BBQ by the sea
  • Busan - Home-cooked meal with a local family

Optional Activities:

  • Busan - Visit to Gamcheon Village - free ( bus to get there 1,300 to 1,500 KRW for a single trip) (1300 KRW)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Seoul
After breakfast at the hotel, travel by Korea Train Express back to Seoul where you'll have a free afternoon to see new parts of the city. Perhaps wander around Gyeongbok Palace, see the views from Namsan Tower or check out Seoul’s most eclectic neighbourhoods – Sinsadong and Gangnam. For your final meal, make your way to the youthful district of Hongdae for an authentic Korean BBQ experience and celebrate your time together as a group.

Included Activities:

  • Seoul - Celebratory Korean BBQ Dinner

Optional Activities:

  • Seoul - Nanta Live cooking show (50000 KRW)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Seoul
Your South Korea food adventure comes to an end this morning. If you wish to extend your stay and explore more of Seoul, contact your booking agent ahead of time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $4,670
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

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.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 20 Nov 2025

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.0
Kyle
Traveled, March 2024

04/04/2024

Fantastic experience, a great way to be see South Korea in ways you would not plan normally. There was a good amount of walking and stairs but never too much, the monastery stay was not my cup of tea personally and the morning meditation was not what I expected since it was no different to the evening session, still a great and unique experience nonetheless. If you get a chance to travel with Dennis you are in for a treat!

4.0
Wai-Kuen
Traveled, March 2024

03/31/2024

I definitely learned more about the Korean and their rich culture. It was fun to sample Korean food and see the sights.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989