한국

More than the recent explosion of K-pop and K-drama shows, South Korea is the most intriguing mix of the old and the new. Within the nooks and crannies of the sprawling modern metropolis of Seoul, there are tiny alleyways of old mom-and-pop restaurants specializing in just one dish. For every futuristic building designed by the likes of Zaha Hadid, there is an artisan carrying out centuries-old traditions.  

In this tour of South Korea co-led by Chef Ji Hye Kim of Miss Kim (Food & Wine Best New Chef 2021), we will start with the old Seoul, visiting traditional food markets and street food stalls of Chef Ji Hye’s childhood and trying the dishes most representative of Korean cuisine — like tteokbokki and Korean barbecue.  

Then we go off the beaten path to explore the countryside outside of Seoul — we will meet a Buddhist chef at a mountainside temple, a fermentation artisan in Jeolla Province, and the seafood foraging grandmothers of Jeju Island. 

Who?

The trip is designed for experienced travelers with a passion for great food made the traditional way. The activity level on this tour is Med/High. Including: snorkeling, walking distances between 10-20K steps a day — potentially over uneven ground (farms/beaches) and cobblestoned streets. Also, climbing stairs in and out of buildings and public transportation. There may be long periods of standing for classes and demonstrations.

• Food Curiosity Level: High

• Patience

• A good appetite

• A sense of humor

• Curiosity

• Flexibility 

Accommodations

We’ve carefully curated a selection of four- and five-star hotels around the country in an effort to balance our active days with comfort and relaxation. All of our hotels include bars or restaurants and a few also offer spa facilities.

** Please note, our stay at the temple is not private and will have shared rooms by gender. We will enjoy community living for one night.

What’s Included?

• Amazing food – all breakfasts, most lunches, and several dinners. We will enjoy traditional regional specialties made with local, fresh ingredients.

• Behind-the-scenes visits with artisanal producers, local farmers, and hands-on cooking experiences.

• A Zingerman’s tour host and our guides will be at your disposal at all times.

• Public/Private Transportation

• Hotel accommodations for 9 nights

What’s Not Included?

Airfare

Alcoholic beverages (other than beverages with dinner or when they are specifically included in the itinerary)

Personal spending money

Additional Tips

Day 1 : Seoul

Today we will get to know each other — meeting in the afternoon to kick off our 9-day adventure throughout this beautiful country. Tonight, we will share our first meal at one of Ji Hye’s favorite local restaurants.

Day 2 : Seoul

After breakfast, we will kick things off with a visit to Gwangjang Market — your senses will be lit up as we sample street food along the way, learning about new food and traditions throughout the market. This will be a big walking day — we will walk a portion of this big city to explore places like Hanok Village (streets lined with old Korean houses and cute little shops) and Korean palaces.

Day 3: Jeolla Province

We will wake up early and travel to Jeolla Province today. Located in the southwest corner of South Korea, this area is one of the three regions in Korea known for its food (the others being Seoul and Kaesong, North Korea). As the rice patty of the country, Jeolla Province is famous for its warm hospitality. Wherever you go, even the smallest restaurants will serve you an abundance of banchan (side dishes). This province is also known for its fermented fish and soy bean products, as well as its most famous dish, bibimbap.  

Day 4: Gwangju

Today we will visit an artisanal jang maker. Together we will learn about Korean mother sauces and fermentation! This is a whole-day event and will surely be one of the highlights.

Day 5: Temple stay

Today we move to a special location where we will slow down. Together we will check into a temple where we will spend some time tapping into the old Korean Buddhist traditions, including meditation. We will have time to enjoy the nature and culture surrounding the temple. Tonight we will have dinner at the temple community kitchen.

(This experience will include one night of shared lodging, by gender, at the temple.) 

Day 6: Temple

After a quiet night at the temple, today we will learn about the tenets of Korean Buddhist cuisine with a cooking demo by a Buddhist chef, then enjoy lunch at the temple.

Day 7: Jeju

Today we wake up and fly to Jeju, a large island off the southern coast of South Korea. We will check into a new hotel, settle in, and visit a traditional market. During our stay here, we’ll enjoy the natural beauty and fresh seafood from the surrounding waters. Dinner will highlight regional Jeju food, including whole grilled hairtail fish.

Day 8: Jeju

Today is a water day! We will be snorkeling with Haenyeo, the sea diving grandmothers of Jeju Island. We’ll learn about the history of Jeju Island and sample freshly foraged seafood, all while enjoying the beauty of the island and the sea.

Day 9: Jeju

Today we will explore all that the island has to offer — you can swim, hike, or head into the city center for some shopping. Tonight will be our final evening together, ending with celebrations of Korean BBQ with traditional Jeju black pig pork belly.

Day 10: Departing day

This morning we will take a flight back to Seoul, departing in the AM. Once we return to Seoul, you’ll be free to return home to carry on with your own adventure.

*One thing to note: this itinerary is the current plan, and, things may change. We will make every effort to provide the tour and experiences that are described above. However, the nature of the places we’ll be visiting — not typical tourist destinations — means that plans may change at the last minute. Also, you always have the option of skipping a particular excursion, but please note that we will be unable to make refunds for any missed meals or other events.