11-Day South Korea Ancient Dynasties and Flavours
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
Sampling food, exploring nature, living the culture and meeting locals in try-it-yourself experiences, this trip is the perfect tasting menu to get to know South Korea!
From learning to cook richly-scented Korean dishes and making Sotdae totem protectors to wearing traditional Hanbok dress, you’ll be living your Korean adventure, not watching it from the outside.
Ever lived a temple monk’s life before? This is your chance! Make your home in a cave temple for a night, complete with meditations, tea ceremonies, and enlightenment-evoking movements to reach inner peace.
Korea’s history stretches across centuries of dynasties and tradition into a high-tech future. Walk in the footsteps of ancient rulers and modern minds alike, for an experience that truly encapsulates all of this country’s rich heritage.
Like any Patch trip, this will be a walk on the wild side, with in-the-thick-of-it explorations for adventurous travellers – meaning that you’ll spend the journey with a small group of like-minded women (who may just turn into lifelong friends)!
Trip Details
| Dates | Price AUD (per person twin share) |
|---|---|
|
|
|
$1,743 AUD
Private Supplement: +$414
|
Price
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available (max 6 spots)
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
11 days, 10 nights
Meeting point
Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Yongsan, Seoul
Ending point
Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Yongsan, Seoul
Group size
Maximum 14
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section under the Participation Tab.
Included
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Meals: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners
- Private vehicle transportation
- 2 internal flights (Busan – Jeju Island; Jeju Island – Seoul)
- 9 night of boutique and premium accommodation
- 1 night temple stay
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International Flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Click the tabs to find out more
Day 1: Welcome to South Korea!
Descending through the air between the mountains, Seoul’s skyline reaches up to meet you – you are in South Korea! There’s no better way to arrive than by meeting a smiling face to take you straight to your hotel.
Come evening, kick off your plunge into Korean culture with a welcome dinner that feels more like fireworks. As the table fills with tangy kimchi, rich soups, and flavour-bursting small plates, the air fills with chatter as you get to know your local guide and your fellow Patchies, adventurous women just like you who can’t wait to peel back the layers of this storied region. After dinner, it’s straight to bed – you’ll want all the energy you can get for tomorrow’s first full day in Seoul!
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Yongsan (or similar), Seoul
Included: Dinner
Day 2: Seoul City
Today begins with one of the best ways to understand South Korea: through its food. Alongside a skilled local chef, you’ll wander a bustling market, gathering fresh ingredients. The colours, aromas and lively atmosphere are all part of the experience. Then it’s time to head to the kitchen, where you’ll unlock the secrets behind Korea’s bold flavours and zingy side dishes before sitting down to enjoy your homemade feast together.
To truly experience South Korea, you have to wrap yourself in its customs. A visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace seems right on target, but wait! Wearing a traditional Hanbok dress truly unlocks the palace experience. As each meaningful layer is added around you, you’ll start to feel how clothing and history are intertwined.
You’ll have plenty of time afterwards to wander traditional neighbourhoods and peruse antique-filled side streets. Fill your camera reel with carefully restored wooden houses in Bukchon Hanok Village, a time-warp experience of old tea rooms set against a high-tech Seoul skyscraper backdrop.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Yongsan (or similar), Seoul
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Andong History
Today, it’s time to venture out into the heartland of Confucian Korea. The morning will be spent travelling to Andong, and the ride is the perfect chance to get to know a Patchie or two better! Before you know it, you’ll arrive at your first stop for a traditional Andong speciality with a spicy kick that’ll shake the journey off you.
Refuelled, you’re ready to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Andong Hahoe Folk Village. Maybe you can sense how the 14th-century village’s shape is ideal for cosmic currents. A traditional Hahoe Mask dance performance brings the energy to life!
Ready to make your own destiny? With the help of a skilled wood craftsman, you’ll create a Sotdae – a carved bird on a pole, meant to protect villages and ensure abundant harvests, full of religious and cultural meaning. Just another way you and your Patchie friends are experiencing South Korea from the inside.
Accommodation: Stanford Hotel Andong (or similar), Andong
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Golgulsa Temple
After a few full-on, culturally simmering days, it’s time for a change of pace – in what may be your most magical day yet. Leaving Andong for Gyeongju, you’ll make your way to Golgulsa Temple, your cave temple home until tomorrow.
Take part in authentic temple life, sinking into meditation sessions and practicing martial arts moves meant to help you reach enlightenment, all designed by ancient Buddhist traditions. Feel your soul replenish as your stresses slow down at a traditional tea ceremony. As evening arrives, you’ll be treated to nourishing temple food before your stay in the temple.
Accommodation: Golgulsa Temple Stay
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Gyeongju
Soak up the last of the temple ambience over breakfast, before it’s time to explore Gyeongju, once the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom and today a living museum of Korea’s past. Step into the Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where stone pagodas and Buddha image statues whisper of the Buddhist devotion that has shaped the region for centuries.
As dusk settles, Donggung Palace is where you want to be. Here, lantern lights dance across the water, reflecting the temple pavilions and setting the mood. But don’t think Gyeongju doesn’t have you covered for modern tastes! Hwangridan-gil Road may be picture-perfect, traditional Hanok buildings, but they are all full of trendy restaurants and shops, a lively street beckoning you to return to the 21st century again.
Accommodation: IJE Hanok Hotel (or similar), Gyeongju
Included: Breakfast
Day 6: Busan and Beaches
Can you believe you’re already halfway through the adventure? Today, a short trip takes you to Busan, a glittering coastal town where the mountains tumble straight into the sea. Head straight for the crashing waves around Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a Buddhist temple perched right on the water’s edge. While reaching it requires descending many steps, you’ll be well rewarded with the chance to rub a Buddha statue’s belly for good luck.
Looking for an even more unique way to enjoy the view? We have a train waiting in Haeundae that may have you asking, “Is this real?” in the best way! With plenty of leisure time this afternoon, follow your fancy to enjoy the neighbourhood your way – is it a beachy stroll along Korea’s most famous beach or a market stroll and street food treasure hunt? Regroup in the evening and head to your sky-reaching hotel to hear what the other Patchies discovered.
Accommodation: Asti Hotel Busan Station (or similar), Busan
Included: Breakfast
Day 7: Busan City Life
Today is all about Busan bustle, getting to know this town from sky to street level! The Songdo Marine Cable Car will suspend you over the sea, with fishing boats like diamonds in the green sea below and the Busan skyline ahead. Back on land, navigate the steep maze of Gamcheon Culture Village, coming face-to-face with Busan’s artistic arteries in an explosion of colourful little buildings.
As your stomach starts to rumble, Jagalchi Seafood Market rises to the occasion. With vendors and locals negotiating sales, tanks overflowing with the morning’s catch, this is the place to feel Busan’s pulse. Select the seafood you think looks most delicious and bring it to a chef next door for true sea-to-table treats. Follow your guide through more street markets before venturing off on your own. Returning to your bed and taking off your walking shoes tonight will be sweet!
Accommodation: Asti Hotel Busan Station (or similar), Busan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Jeju Island West
After breakfast, take a short flight to Jeju Island – think, Korea’s Hawaii – a mythical place created by volcanoes, with its own language, cuisine, and even local gods. Your driver will whisk you to the island’s western shores, where your pictures of Hyeopjae Beach may make you question if your camera has a postcard-filter. Your day moves seamlessly from barefoot beach walks to leaf-shaded strolls in the calm of Hallim Park, where it’s easy to get lost in botanical garden blooms or the mysterious lava tube caves. Jeju Island’s perfect climate doesn’t hurt either!
To wrap up this restorative day, there’s an aromatic pleasure waiting for you in the O’sulloc Tea Museum… but we’re keeping our zen – and our mouths shut – for now.
Accommodation: Ocean Suites Jeju Hotel (or similar), Jeju Island
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Jeju Island East
By now, you know you are out with an impressive, adventurous group of women, and Jeju Island has a group to match yours! In Seongeup Folk Village, you’ll walk the same stone streets between thatched-roof houses as centuries of Jeju locals.
A short hike brings you to Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. As you reach the rim of this volcanic crater, there’s that postcard-perfect ocean sparkling around you again. If a climb is not on your wishlist, there’s a seaside coffee break with your name on it instead.
While there are more ooh–worthy views (and nutmeg trees!) in store today, seeing the Haenyeo divers may take the cake. Watch these legendary women emerge from the water, breath held, catch in hand, continuing a way of life like nowhere else in the world. (And if the weather is not dive-friendly, you’ll learn all about them at the Haenyeo Museum!)
Accommodation: Ocean Suites Jeju Hotel (or similar), Jeju Island
Included: Breakfast
THE HAENYEO FREE-DIVERS OF JEJU ISLAND
Haenyeo – literally meaning “sea women” – are extraordinary free-diving women from Jeju Island. Their customs stretch back hundreds of years and their achievements have shaped an unusual, semi-matriarchal society in Jeju.
Without the aid of oxygen tanks or advanced hunting tools, these women, often 50 years old or older, plunge deep into the cold sea in search of abalone, sea urchins, kelp, and octopus to sell at market. Rituals of song and dance – and a good dose of laughter – help ensure both a bountiful catch and a strengthened bond between the women, who remain companions in all aspects of life. Brave, adventurous, capable, and created outside of the cookie-cutter mould – sounds a lot like Patchies to us!
Day 10: Modern Seoul
A quick flight back to Seoul trades traditional values for modern marvels in the capital. Upon arrival, join a guided journey through modern Seoul to reveal a city that is always looking forward. From the top of the Lotte Tower, you get a sense of the city’s nonstop energy with sweeping views of dense neighbourhoods and distant mountains.
Your guide will offer expert knowledge on the city’s unknown must-sees before you finally land on a Han River cruise. From the comfort of your floating haven, watch the skyline light up as evening settles, a glowing end to your cosmopolitan day – and to your South Korea adventure.
There’s only one thing left to do: A Korean BBQ farewell dinner with your Patchie crew: the ultimate, finger-licking finale of a culture-packed adventure to the heart of South Korea!
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Yongsan (or similar), Seoul
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Farewell Friends!
Linger as long as you can over breakfast today, to eke out the last of Korean hospitality, vacation vibes, and time with new friends. As final hugs are doled out and contact info is exchanged, you may already find yourself making plans for future trips together – after all, didn’t you rub Buddha bellies together for good luck? When it’s time for your flight, a driver will take you back to the airport, and though Seoul and South Korea may grow smaller beneath your airplane window, the memories you made here will stay with you forever.
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love travelling and enjoying most of your time in a country.
You don’t like being rushed or herded around B-grade attractions, but you also understand that some places are worth the wait in line.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. Even in the best restaurants, the service sometimes is a little slow. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also know that a ‘great trip’ doesn’t have to mean sprinting from place to place. The best moments so often come when you hit the pause button, sit still, and just take it all in.
You’re young enough at heart to know that sometimes the best opportunities come when you’re least expecting it. You understand that doing things right doesn’t always mean following a strict routine.
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that involves trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
Does that sound like you? We’d love to invite you to travel with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD:0.65 USD
A deposit is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made at least 120 days before trip departure.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
Level 1
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be fine. There is no specific exercise planned for this trip, but there will be days where you’ll be walking and spending a lot of time on your feet – sometimes on uneven ground and unpaved tracks. Daily activities may include morning walks and getting on and off various forms of transport. Art classes may include getting up from ground level or low-lying seats.
You’ll need to be capable of occasionally using a squat toilet. We do our best to accommodate sit-down toilets (all the hotels have them) but when you’re out for the day, and nature calls, sometimes they can’t be avoided.
All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
Citizens of Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa for short‑term tourist visits to South Korea. You can stay visa‑free for up to 90 days for tourism.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
Korea does not have a tipping culture, so there is no expectation to leave tips at restaurants, cafés, or other service establishments.
The only optional gratuities are for your guide and driver, and the amount is entirely at your discretion depending on the experience you have had during the trip. As a general guideline, we recommend:
- Driver: USD 3–5 per person, per day
- Guide: USD 5–10 per person, per day
Tips may be given in either USD or Korean Won.
This trip begins and ends in Seoul, South Korea. We recommend that you fly into Incheon International Airport, as that is where your hotel transfer will be waiting for you.
There are a range of flight options from Australia and New Zealand to South Korea. You can fly direct (non‑stop) to Seoul from cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, or choose 1‑stop flights with connections via other hubs if that suits your schedule or budget. Several airlines operate these services, giving you flexibility in how you travel to and from South Korea.
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier is recommended. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
The opportunity to do laundry during your trip is possible and best left for stays that are for more than one night. Your guide will be able to assist with recommendations during your trip.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
