South Korea Real Food Adventure
from $4024
Duration: 8 Days
Immerse yourself in the choose-your-own adventure atmosphere of South Korean food, from bibimbap to immense street food markets that you could get lost in (if it weren’t for the local guiding you to the best stalls!). South Korea’s food scene is often delightfully informal and meals in South Korea are all about finding your flavours. Chow down on meals served with dozens of toppings, light and crispy Korean fried chicken washed down with a small-batch craft beer, silky glass noodles stirred with colourful salad and the various delightful iterations of kimchi. Discover the flavourful diversity and heritage of this rich culinary scene. 
  • Savour the flavours of South Korea’s slow food capital Jeonju, slurping kongnamul gukbap and soup noodles in local haunts and learning to craft kimchi and gochujang.
  • Immerse yourself in monastic life during a temple stay in Gyeongju, including a plant-based dinner and chanting meditation.
  • Spend a day diving deep into South Korean seafood in Busan, embracing the chaotic energy and of the port seafood market before munching clams in an oceanfront restaurant.
  • Visit a craft brewery in Jeonju for a taste of South Korea’s booming and inventive craft beer scene, which has exploded in popularity in recent years.
  • Follow your local leader to the best stalls in the labyrinthian Gwangjang Market in Seoul, which featured in the Netflix series ‘Street Food’.
  • Seoul - Korean Fried Chicken Welcome Dinner
  • Jeonju - Kimchi Cooking Class
  • Jeonju - Hanok Village Visit
  • Sunchang - Gochujang (traditional chilli paste) Cooking Demonstration
  • Jeonju - Craft Brewery Tour
  • Gyeongju - Temple Stay program including meditation
  • Busan - Farm Visit
  • Gyeongju - Morning meditation and tea with a monk
  • Busan - Haeundae Beach
  • Busan - Haedong Temple
  • Gyeongju - Silla Heritage site
  • Busan - Lighthouse Visit
  • Busan - Jagalchi Seafood Market Tour
  • Busan - Seafood BBQ Lunch by the sea
  • Seoul - Celebratory Korean BBQ Dinner
  • Day 1 Location: Seoul
    Welcome to Seoul, South Korea's vibrant capital of high-tech gadgetry, glittering skyscrapers and scrumptious eats. Your Real Food Adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your accommodation, where you will meet your leader and fellow travellers. With the formalities out of the way, it’s time to dive into South Korea’s food scene! First we will enjoy a welcome dinner of Korean Fried Chicken and beer for a 'Chimaek' experience. We then head to the Gwangjang Market for an immersive introduction to the sights, smells and, of course, tastes of South Korean street food. Go deep into the gargantuan market featured in the Netflix series ‘Street Food’, following your leader to the best vendors for dinner and cultural experience like no other.
    Day 2 Location: Jeonju
    This morning take the metro to Yongsan Station (about 10 minutes). Set off for Jeonju, a city that’s all about doing things slowly and doing them well – both in food and in life. The journey should take around 2.5 hours, arriving just in time for lunch at a renowned local noodle restaurant which started as a food stall, but it’s tantizling noodles have made it a hallmark of the city. In the afternoon, spend some time exploring the historical Hanok Village, wandering cobblestone streets between hundreds of traditional homes and further embracing the relaxed pace of the city. Later, learn the art of making kimchi – a Korean slow food poster dish – during a cooking class. You’ll also learn how to make a delicious kimchi pancake. If you're keen for one more 'real food' experience, for dinner your leader will take you for locally brewed, cloudy rice beer called 'makgeolli'. Accompanied by a parade of inventive side dishes, this singular drink is enjoyed in ritual fashion, served in special brass bowls from the coveted makgeoli kettle. It is an experience unlike any other and a true South Korean highlight!
    Day 3 Location: Jeonju
    This morning you'll move from the hanok to a hotel for your second night in Jeonju. You'll have free time to explore the village or visit the historical shrines and palaces. Chat to your leader about which works for you. From here, travel by bus to Sunchang Gochujang, a village famous for the production of gochujang (a traditional red chilli paste), for a tasting and demo on how it gets made. Grab lunch at a restaurant that specialises in fermented bean soup. Later, take a stroll around the base of Mt Gangcheon, and choose whether to take work up your appetite by walking a little further to a nearby waterfall. For dinner tonight, we will visit the most famous bibimbap restaurant in Jeonju. The bibimbap here is so good it’s been declared an intangible cultural asset because of its iconic chef. Seriously. Scoff down some of the classic rice dish topped with, well, lots of great stuff. Wash it down with a couple of beers at a craft brewery. South Korea’s craft beer scene is exploding all across the country after a rise to popularity in Seoul, and tonight your belly will reap the benefits.
    Day 4 Location: Temple Stay
    This morning you'll have the opportunity to start your day with a breakfast of kongnamul gukbap – a hot soup of soybean and sprouts. Today, we will be traveling from the west coast to the east coast for our temple stay. The east coast is an area rich with temples, tombs and palace ruins (many of which are World Heritage sites). Stop en route to sample some of Korea's favourite driving snacks - hotteok, red bean walnut bread, kimbap and jjajangmyeon. At the temple you will be introduced to the life and meditation routines of a monk. Dinner will be plant-based, in line with monastic custom. In the evening, relax with a chanting and meditation service, then choose to be guided through a monastic training session or simply settle in for an early night's sleep.
    Day 5 Location: Busan
    Your life as a monk continues today with a 4am wake-up for a memorable morning meditation (you can opt out of it if early mornings are not your thing, but we highly recommend you partake in this unique experience). Following breakfast, learn about the spiritual values and beliefs of Korean Buddhism over tea with a resident monk. Leaving the tranquil life behind, stop at the Royal Tombs of Silla, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the story of the ancient Silla dynasty and view their tombs from inside and out. We then drive to a local farm for an insight into agricultural life. After a walk around the farm and chat with the farmer, you'll be treated to some home-made snacks. Travel onwards to Busan to visit the beautiful Haedong Temple, built into the rocks by the sea. When night falls, you can decide whether to join in an optional dinner of Korean lamb skewers with eggplant, dumplings and other side dishes. After dinner you may want to take in the local nightlife in the Seomyeon Entertainment District.
    Day 6 Location: Busan
    Today is all about the flavours of the sea. Begin this morning by taking a public bus to the Taejondae Lighthouse, from which there are great views over the ocean and of the surrounding cliffs. Visit Jagalchi Market, an enormous seafood market situated by Busan port. Lunch today is at a restaurant overlooking the ocean for a clam bake with a view. Spend the evening at your leisure.
    Day 7 Location: Seoul
    After breakfast at the hotel, travel by Korea Train Express back to Seoul where you'll have a free afternoon to explore. Perhaps wander around Gyeongbok Palace, marvel at the views from Namsan Tower or check out Seoul’s most eclectic neighbourhoods of Sinsadong and Gangnam. For our final meal we will head to the youthful district of Hongik University for the most traditional Korean BBQ experience and to celebrate our time together! Try not to decorate this delicious beef with your tears as you savour your last bites of South Korean goodness!
    Day 8 Location: Seoul
    Your South Korea Food Adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you wish to extend your stay and explore more of Seoul, contact your booking agent for further information.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    24AUG2023
    Return Date:
    31AUG2023
    4735NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    27AUG2023
    Return Date:
    03SEP2023
    5130NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    31AUG2023
    Return Date:
    07SEP2023
    5220NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    07SEP2023
    Return Date:
    14SEP2023
    5220NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    14SEP2023
    Return Date:
    21SEP2023
    5105NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    18SEP2023
    Return Date:
    25SEP2023
    5015NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    21SEP2023
    Return Date:
    28SEP2023
    5635NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    23SEP2023
    Return Date:
    30SEP2023
    4925NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    02OCT2023
    Return Date:
    09OCT2023
    5635NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    05OCT2023
    Return Date:
    12OCT2023
    5115NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    04 Jul 2023

    Trip title

    South Korea Real Food Adventure

    Trip code

    CJZK

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023

    Introduction

    Immerse yourself in the choose-your-own adventure atmosphere of South Korean food, from bibimbap to immense street food markets that you could get lost in (if it weren’t for the local guiding you to the best stalls!). South Korea’s food scene is often delightfully informal and meals in South Korea are all about finding your flavours. Chow down on meals served with dozens of toppings, light and crispy Korean fried chicken washed down with a small-batch craft beer, silky glass noodles stirred with colourful salad and the various delightful iterations of kimchi. Discover the flavourful diversity and heritage of this rich culinary scene. 

    Style

    Original

    Themes

    Food

    Transport

    Private Vehicle,Train,Public Bus,Metro,Taxi

    Physical Rating

    3

    Joining point

    Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall Hotel

    22 Sejong-daero 16-gil, Bukchang-dong, Jung-gu

    Seoul

    KOREA, REPUBLIC OF

    Phone: +822 63626000

    Joining point description

    Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall Hotel is conveniently located across from exit 8 of City Hall Subway Station. Shops and restaurants are within walking distance. The hotel features a fitness centre, self-service laundromat and laundry service, co-living pantry space, communal space, 24hr reception. All rooms are come with a private bathroom, wifi, and flat-screen TV with cable channels. Please don’t confuse this property with the Euljiro (Myeongdong) or Dongdaemun branches.

    Joining point instructions

    Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. For your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign after you’ve collected your luggage and exited the immigration and customs area. If you cannot locate the transfer representative, please call the number listed in the ‘Problems & emergency contact information’ section of this document. Alternatively, Seoul is very well-connected by public transport. Take Airport Limousine bus #6701 from the airport to the City Hall (Plaza Hotel) stop. Cost is approx. USD15. Arrive at Plaza Hotel and walk about 5 minutes to our hotel. From the bus stop cross and go down Namdaemun 1 Road, cross the road and go down Sejong Daero 18 Street. Or take the train from the airport to Seoul Station. Change to subway line 1, travel two stops and alight at City Hall. The hotel is a 5min walk away. If you’d prefer to take the subway from the airport, buy a reloadable T-Money card (USD3) and load it with WON7000. Take the AREX airport subway to Hongik University Station (approx. 45 minutes). Once you arrive, transfer to line 2 (green line) towards City Hall. Exit City Hall station at exit 8. Cross the street and go down Sejong Daero 18 Street and take the second right, down Sejong Daero 18. From the subway station to the hotel should only take about 5 minutes. If you would like to consider other modes of transport between Incheon Airport and the hotel, visit https://www.airport.kr/ap_cnt/en/tpt/pblctpt/pblctpt.do

    Finish point

    Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall Hotel

    22 Sejong-daero 16-gil, Bukchang-dong, Jung-gu

    Seoul

    KOREA, REPUBLIC OF

    Phone: +822 63626000

    Finish point instructions

    Intrepid can assist with pre-booking a departure transfer to the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to the start of your trip. If you have a confirmed departure transfer your leader will advise your pick up time the day before your trip ends. Alternatively, your leader or hotel staff can assist with guidance on reaching the airport by public transport.

    Important information

    1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 4 (Temple Stay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. While we endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so that we can ensure you’ll enjoy this trip. 3. On Day 4 you will stay overnight at a Buddhist temple. Accommodation here is multi-share and you may be required to share with up to three other travellers of the same gender. Couples of opposite genders are unable to share a room, as this is against the rules of the temple. 4. Please advise bedding configuration requests to your booking agent at time of booking. 5. The Jeonju Bibimbap Festival takes place in the third week of October, with games, exhibitions and foods related to this iconic dish. The Seoul Kimchi Festival takes place in the first week of November, and you may have an opportunity to make kimchi with thousands of locals. If you’d like to attend one of these festivals, please check our departure dates to ensure your selected date aligns with your preferred festival.

    Group leader

    All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

    Safety

    Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    Speeding, running red lights and other risky driver behaviour is reasonable common in the Republic of Korea (South Korea). Please exercise caution when crossing roads and do not expect traffic to stop at pedestrian crossings. Taxis often do not have seatbelts, particularly in the back seats.

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. Entry requirements can change and are different depending on your nationality. Please refer to your government's foreign travel advisories, the consular websites for the countries you’re travelling to and those you may transit through. Always follow visa advice from official websites; not all visa information found online may be valid. You can also head to Intrepid’s Entry & Health requirement page to get the latest information on travel documents and visa requirements, plus local government COVID-19 vaccination and quarantine policies: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/visa-health-requirements SOUTH KOREA Temporary for 2023/24: 22 countries are exempted from K-ETA (Korea – Electronic Travel Authority) for travelling to South Korea between 1 Apr, 2023 and 31 Dec, 2024. The full list of 22 countries temporarily exempt from K-ETA are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam). Other nationalities are required to obtain a K-ETA prior to travel. The K-ETA costs KRW10,000, is valid for two years, and allows most nationalities to travel for up to 90 days. Please visit the official website for more information and to apply: https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/index.do When selecting the hotel address, please enter the post code 04146. Then select this address: 109 Baekbeom-ro Mapo-gu Seoul. Our local operator’s details are: 8 Birds Tours & Events Hyoungyoon Park(박형윤) and Daniel Lee Gray Seoul Jongrogu Donhwamunro 88-1, 3rd floor 42 Ho +82-10-9003-1918 Apply for a K-ETA no later than 72 hours before departing for South Korea. We recommend applying two weeks prior to travel. Real-time approvals are not available and arriving at your departing airport without a previously approved K-ETA will likely result in being denied boarding. If you are a male of Korean origin whose name appears on the Korean family register, you may be liable for military service even if you are travelling on your foreign passport. All travellers to South Korea must preregister their vaccination status through the government website linked below. After submitting your details you will be issued a QR code that you need to show upon entry. https://cov19ent.kdca.go.kr/cpassportal/biz/beffatstmnt/main.do;jsessionid =wZqvgXdbgspaA4y8O5TV-xIL8yIC62zkUxqCbkFL.prd-cpass was91?lang=en

    Why we love it

    Savour the flavours of South Korea’s slow food capital Jeonju, slurping kongnamul gukbap and soup noodles in local haunts and learning to craft kimchi and gochujang.

    Immerse yourself in monastic life during a temple stay in Gyeongju, including a plant-based dinner and chanting meditation.

    Spend a day diving deep into South Korean seafood in Busan, embracing the chaotic energy and of the port seafood market before munching clams in an oceanfront restaurant.

    Visit a craft brewery in Jeonju for a taste of South Korea’s booming and inventive craft beer scene, which has exploded in popularity in recent years.

    Follow your local leader to the best stalls in the labyrinthian Gwangjang Market in Seoul, which featured in the Netflix series ‘Street Food’.

    Is this trip right for you

    The cuisine of South Korea includes a lot of meat and seafood. For vegetarians and vegans we recommend reviewing the itinerary and inclusions to ensure that you will be able to fully participate and enjoy this trip. South Korea is best explored on foot. In fact, most travellers are surprised at how much distance they end up covering! Make sure your shoes are comfy and you are fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet. We suggest packing smart for this trip, as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between train stations and to hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs in crowded areas. Elevators are available in most stations, but the lighter you pack the easier it will be. A traditional Korean bed is a futon-like mattress placed on the floor, which may be folded up and placed in the cupboard in the morning. This trip includes two nights' accommodation with Korean-style floor bedding – one night in a hanok (traditional house) in Jeonju, and one night at a monastery in Gyeongju. While floor bedding can be firm compared to standard western mattresses, the floors are heated and you will be comfortable. You can also request extra mattresses for your comfort. The monastery stay provides both unique accommodation and an inimitable cultural experience, offering insight into monastic cuisine and rituals. Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities, including dress codes. You will be given pants and a tunic to wear during your stay, and socks must be worn in the temple. Rooms at the monastery are multi-share, which means you may have to share a room with up to three people of the same gender. Couples of opposite genders are not able to share a room on this night as it is against monastery rules. Smoking and alcohol consumption are prohibited at the monastery.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. COVID-19 The safety and wellbeing of our travellers, leaders, crew, staff, and suppliers continues to remain our highest priority as we travel. You can read more about how we will keep you safe on our trips, including our COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safe-travels VACCINATION POLICY From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for this trip. However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers get vaccinated to protect themselves and others. Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully. For more information, including a detailed FAQ about this policy, please visit https://www.intrepidtravel.com/covid19. HEALTH SCREENING If you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to complete a self-screening health form at the group meeting for this trip. If you are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms or have any health concerns during the trip, we will follow the advice of local health authorities to determine whether medical assistance, isolation or further action is required. Travellers who test positive while taking part in an Intrepid trip will need to leave the group for a minimum of five days and may only rejoin the group if presenting as asymptomatic – our team will assist them in arranging a place to self-isolate and any onward journey. It's quite possible that the destination country may have different or more strict protocols than your home country regarding COVID-19. This may include hotel or hospital quarantine or quarantine for the group. Please check your government's travel advice or contact the closest embassies to find out the details. We ask all travellers to continue to monitor their health throughout their travels and report any relevant symptoms to their tour leader. Some medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are considered controlled substances (narcotics) in South Korea. Please ensure you travel with a letter from your doctor regarding prescription medications and you may also require a government permit from the authority in South Korea. Please refer to your local travel advisory for more details or go to http://smartraveller.gov.au/Countries/asia/north/Pages/south_korea.aspx for further information.

    Food and dietary requirements

    While we will endeavour to cater to dietary requirements where possible, please note that many meals and food activities on Real Food Adventures are set in advance in order to deliver a well-rounded experience of a country’s cuisine. In many countries, dietary restrictions are uncommon and not well understood. If you have dietary requirements and are concerned about whether this may impact on your ability to participate fully in all food-related activities on this trip, please contact your agent at time of booking for further information. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, you must notify your booking agent prior to departure so it can be determined whether your dietary requirements can be met. In South Korea, garlic or sesame allergies are hard to accommodate for. Meals & Beverages: Please refer to the inclusions section for the included meals and food activities. Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are not included with meals unless specified or part of a beverage tasting activity. 

    Money matters

    SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. The official currency of South Korea is Won (KRW). Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, however may not be accepted in smaller towns. ATMs are readily available, but do not always accept foreign cards. Look out for ATMs with a sign saying ‘Global’. Your trip leader will also be able to advise locations for ATMs compatible with foreign cards. TIPPING If you are happy with the services provided by your group leader tipping - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline US$3-5 per person, per day can be used. Tipping is not customary in South Korea in restaurants or for other service providers. BUDGET: Please budget for additional meals and expenses while on your trip. We suggest USD350.00 for meals not included on this trip. Our suggestion is based on past traveller feedback but you may choose to spend more or less. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

    What to take

    What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg. Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps). If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day. Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

    Temple Stay: Bring socks to wear inside the temple, as well as a warm covering as it can get cold on the early morning walk to the temple service. You will also need to bring a towel.

    A couple of rules

    We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leaders are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the number below: In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, please contact our local office: Intrepid's Local Operator: +821090031918

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip leaders, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than 12.8 million dollars and supported more than 130 communities worldwide. Now, with almost 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. By simply being on this trip, Intrepid Travel will make a donation to the Intrepid Foundation on your behalf. If you choose to donate too, 100% of your donations will go directly to our partners on the ground – where they’re needed most. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your leader or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip directly supports Eden Reforestation Projects, who are tackling climate change by restoring forests across the world; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Kenya and Nepal. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/eden-reforestation-projects

    Accommodation notes

    Hotel rooms: Many South Korean hotels have a limited supply of twin rooms. If you are a couple travelling, please advise at the time of booking if you would like double bedding. Air-conditioning & Heating: Air-conditioning is not usually turned on until the warmer season. The traditional housing has floor heating. Hanok Stay: Your mattress will be on the floor. If you find that the surface is too hard, you can stack the bedding or ask for an extra mattress. Temple Stay: Please note couples are not able to share a room during the Temple Stay (Day 4), as this is against Temple rules. You will share a twin share room with someone of the same gender for this evening.

    Transport notes

    If you are spending additional time before or after your tour, you will find that the transport in South Korea is reasonably priced, quick and efficient. Public buses don't always have the signage in English so is is recommended that you write your destination in hangeul (Korean phonetic alphabet) letters on a piece of paper. Bus drivers don't speak English. Local tourist centres usually have English-speaking staff and are the best places to find out about local buses.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

    Accommodation

    Hotel (5 nights),Temple stay (1 night),Hanok (1 night)

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