Korea in the Fall 2026 — Cultural, Culinary & Natural Highlights | Vegan Tours NY
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Group in traditional hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
Yellow and white paper lanterns against a blue sky
Painted wooden fish art wall at Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan
Love locks and Seoul skyline from N Seoul Tower
Buddhist temple food lunch at Beomeosa Temple

Korea in the Fall — cultural, culinary & natural highlights

A fully guided 10-day group journey through Seoul, Jeju Island, Busan and Gyeongju — with every meal 100% vegan.

South KoreaGroup tourAll meals veganOct 18–27, 2026

Highlights

  • Seoul — Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, N Seoul Tower & Gwangjang Market
  • DMZ tour to the 3rd Tunnel and Dora Observatory on the border with North Korea
  • Jeju Island — UNESCO-listed Sungsan Sunrise Peak, waterfalls, tea culture & beaches
  • Temple Life program at Beomeosa: Seon meditation, tea ceremony & temple food lunch
  • Gyeongju, the “Museum without Walls” — Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto (UNESCO)
  • Every included meal vegan — from street food to temple cuisine to Jeju’s plant-based kitchens

About this trip

Join us on the next edition of our tour through South Korea, a hidden gem in East Asia, visiting many of the country’s cultural and natural highlights.

South Korea offers a unique blend of traditional culture, modern cities, and stunning natural landscapes. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the tranquil beauty of a mountain temple, to K-pop and K-beauty, there is something for everyone in this vibrant country.

You will explore historic palaces, sample delicious vegan cuisine, shop for the latest fashion and experience temple life. With friendly locals, efficient transportation, and a rich cultural heritage, South Korea is a must-visit destination in Asia.

Moments from our last Korea tour

Tour group selfie in an elevator in Seoul
Squeezing the whole group into one Seoul elevator
Group dinner at Jeju Veggies restaurant
Dinner at Jeju Veggies, Jeju Island
Group sharing tteokbokki and makgeolli at a local eatery
Tteokbokki & makgeolli at a local favorite

Dates & prices

DatesPriceDepositStatus
Oct 18 – 27, 2026
10 days, Seoul → Jeju → Busan → Gyeongju
$4,790
excl. flight to Korea
$2,500 Spots available Book now

Feel free to extend your stay in Korea or East Asia to make the most of your flight — we’re happy to advise.

Itinerary day by day

Day
1

Arrival in Seoul & welcome dinner

Welcome to Korea! Upon arriving at Incheon Airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. This is your opportunity to relax and acclimate to your surroundings (check-in from 15:00). Korea is a very safe country to visit and Seoul is no exception — so head out and explore!

In the evening, the group gathers for a delightful vegan welcome dinner. Afterwards, explore a bit more or relax at the hotel.

BLDIbis Ambassador Insadong or similar
AREX airport express train mascots at Incheon Airport
Touchdown at Incheon — the AREX mascots say hello
Day
2

Exploring Seoul

Begin the day at Gyeongbokgung Palace to witness the Changing of the Guards Ceremony, offering insight into Korea’s royal history. Explore Bukchon Hanok Village, renowned for its well-preserved traditional Korean houses.

After lunch, ascend to N Seoul Tower via cable car for panoramic views of the city skyline. Then dive into the bustling atmosphere of Gwangjang Market, a vibrant hub of street food and local goods, before dinner at a local restaurant.

BLDOvernight in Seoul
Love locks with Seoul skyline at N Seoul Tower
Golden hour above the city at N Seoul Tower
Day
3

DMZ tour — or a free day in Seoul

This morning, depart for Imjingak Park and the DMZ (demilitarized zone) tour, visiting significant sites like the 3rd Tunnel and Dora Observatory, with lunch at a local restaurant. Should access to the DMZ not be possible, an alternative itinerary explores Imjingak Park, the Unification Bridge, and a gondola ride to Odusan Unification Observatory.

Return to Seoul with the remainder of the day at leisure — or skip the DMZ and spend the whole day exploring Seoul on your own.

BLDOvernight in Seoul
Group selfie in a Seoul elevator
Free-time adventures with the group
Day
4

Flight to Jeju Island

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Gimpo Domestic Airport for a short flight to Jeju Island, Korea’s volcanic holiday isle.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before transferring to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure and relaxation — the beach, a café, or one of Jeju’s excellent plant-based restaurants.

BLDBloom Hotel Jeju or similar
Group dinner at Jeju Veggies
Group dinner at Jeju Veggies
Day
5

Jeju — Sungsan Crater & Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls

Visit Sungsan Crater (Sunrise Peak), a UNESCO World Heritage site, to admire its unique volcanic landscape. Explore Seopjikoji, a coastal area known for its scenic views and as a popular filming location.

Discover the beautiful Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls, then enjoy a scenic yacht tour along the coast (weather dependent) before dinner and overnight on Jeju.

BLDOvernight on Jeju Island
Vegan soup, salad and bread lunch on Jeju with mountain views
Lunch with Hallasan views on Jeju
Day
6

Jeju — coast, tea culture & beach time

Explore the dramatic Yongmeori Coast and Sanbang Mountain, including a visit to Bomunsa Temple. Learn about Korea’s tea culture at the O’sulloc Green Tea Museum.

Visit Hallim Park, known for its diverse gardens, and relax at Hyubjae Beach before dinner at a local restaurant.

BLDOvernight on Jeju Island
Vegan japchae glass noodles with vegetables
Japchae — one of many vegan classics on the menu
Day
7

Flight to Busan

Check out and transfer to Jeju Airport for a short flight to Busan, Korea’s vibrant seaside second city.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before visiting the UN Memorial Cemetery and Nurimaru APEC House on scenic Dongbaek Island. Dinner and overnight in Busan.

BLDRamada Encore by Wyndham Haeundae or similar
Bubbling vegan mushroom and dumpling hot pot
Mushroom & dumpling hot pot for dinner
Day
8

Temple Life at Beomeosa & Gamcheon Culture Village

Begin the day at Beomeosa Temple with a half-day Temple Life program: Seon meditation, a traditional tea ceremony, and a beautiful temple food lunch prepared by the monastery kitchen.

Then explore the maze of painted lanes at Gamcheon Culture Village and BIFF Square, experiencing Busan’s vibrant arts and culinary scene. Dinner and overnight in Busan.

BLDOvernight in Busan
Temple food lunch tray with many small vegan dishes
Temple food lunch at Beomeosa
Day
9

Day trip to Gyeongju — the “Museum without Walls”

Journey to Gyeongju, capital of the ancient Silla kingdom. First stop is Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site of intricate architecture, followed by a short walk to Seokguram Grotto, a remarkable Buddhist cave temple housing an exquisite stone Buddha.

After lunch, visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond for a glimpse into the city’s royal history. After dinner tonight — let’s hit one of the city’s many karaoke bars!

BLDOvernight in Busan
Traditional Korean hanok courtyard with tiled roof
Hanok charm in old Korea
Day
10

End of trip — flight home or onward journey

Today it’s time to say good-bye to your new friends as our trip comes to an end. We highly recommend extending your stay to spend more time in Korea, join us on an extension, or visit one of the other countries in the area.

Have a safe flight back home!

BLD
Pororo kids zone inside Incheon Airport
One last dose of cute at Incheon Airport

What’s included

Included

  • Daily accommodationOvernights in 3–4 star hotels
  • Daily breakfastHotels offer breakfast with vegan options
  • Daily lunch & dinnerVegan lunch and dinner included every day
  • Local guide & driverWith you throughout the trip
  • Local transportationPrivate bus, local transport and domestic flights
  • Entrance feesFor all attractions on the itinerary
  • Bottled waterWe suggest you also bring a refillable bottle

Not included

  • Flight to KoreaFeel free to extend your stay in Korea or East Asia to make the most of your flight
  • Travel insuranceHighly recommended for any trip — happy to help with that
  • TipsKorea doesn’t have a big tipping culture, but tipping driver and guide is recommended (about $5 per day)
  • Personal expensesShopping, snacks and the like

Good to know

The yacht tour on Jeju and some outdoor activities are weather dependent. Should access to the DMZ not be possible on Day 3, the alternative program described above will run instead.

Hotel check-in generally begins at 15:00. Named hotels may be substituted with similar properties of the same standard.

All included meals are vegan. We do our best to stay in vegan-friendly accommodations and support locally owned businesses.

V

About your organizer — Vegan Tours NY

Vegan Tours NY has been running tours in New York City since 2019 and expanded to international trips in 2023. Our trips have a strong food focus, with all included meals being vegan.

Schedule time with me