independent travel and group trips
Korea in
the Fall.
Palaces and street food in Seoul, volcanic craters and green tea fields on Jeju, temple stays and karaoke in Busan, ancient UNESCO sites in Gyeongju — ten days of cultural, culinary, and natural highlights. All vegan.
“South Korea is a country that surprises you at every turn — ancient palaces beside neon-lit markets, Buddhist temple serenity a short drive from volcanic coastlines, and a plant-based food scene that’s quietly one of the best in Asia.”
Korea has one of the world’s oldest and most sophisticated vegetarian traditions — rooted in Buddhist temple cuisine that has been refined over centuries. It also happens to be one of the most exciting food destinations on the planet right now.
From temple food lunches at Beomeosa and the green tea fields of Jeju to the street food chaos of Gwangjang Market and a vegan welcome dinner in Seoul — this trip is built for people who travel with their appetite leading the way.
Palaces, Villages & Living History
Watch the Changing of the Guards at Gyeongbokgung Palace, wander the perfectly preserved hanok houses of Bukchon Village, explore UNESCO-listed Bulkuksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju — a city so rich in heritage it’s known as the Museum without Walls. Korea’s history isn’t behind glass.
Temple Food & Plant-Based Feasting
Korean Buddhist temple cuisine is one of the great culinary traditions of the world — and it’s entirely vegan. We’ll experience it firsthand with a temple food lunch at Beomeosa Temple during our half-day Temple Life program. Add vegan welcome dinners, street food markets, green tea tastings, and daily plant-based meals throughout.
Jeju — Korea’s Volcanic Island
Three days on Jeju Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site unlike anywhere else in Korea. Sunrise Peak crater at dawn, the cascading Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls, a coastal yacht tour, green tea fields at O’sulloc Museum, hidden beaches, and the dramatic Yongmeori Coast carved by lava into the sea. Extraordinary at every turn.
Temple Stay & Cultural Immersion
A half-day Temple Life program at Beomeosa Temple in Busan — Seon meditation, a traditional tea ceremony, and a temple food lunch prepared by monks. Then the colorful alleyways of Gamcheon Culture Village, the buzz of BIFF Square, and an evening at a Korean karaoke bar in Gyeongju. Deep culture, joyful moments.
Your 10 days
in Korea.
Jeju Island · Busan
Gyeongju
Arrive at Incheon Airport and meet your guide for a private transfer to the hotel. Check-in from 15:00 — and Korea is one of the safest countries in the world, so feel free to head straight out and explore. In the evening, the group gathers for a vegan welcome dinner to kick off the adventure together.
Begin at Gyeongbokgung Palace for the Changing of the Guards Ceremony — a glimpse into Korea’s royal history. Then wander Bukchon Hanok Village, its traditional wooden houses clinging to the hillside between the palaces. Ride the cable car to N Seoul Tower for panoramic city views, then dive into the vibrant chaos of Gwangjang Market.
A morning departure to Imjingak Park for the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) tour — one of the most sobering and fascinating experiences in Asia. Visit the 3rd Tunnel and Dora Observatory, looking out over the border into North Korea. Afternoon back in Seoul, completely free to shop, eat, or wander at your own pace.
Check out from Seoul and transfer to Gimpo Airport for a short domestic flight to Jeju Island — Korea’s volcanic island paradise in the South Sea. Arrive, enjoy lunch, check into your hotel, and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. A calm arrival before three days of spectacular island exploration.
Visit Sungsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) — a UNESCO World Heritage volcanic crater rising from the sea, with dramatic views in every direction. Explore Seopjikoji, the scenic coastal headland made famous as a K-drama filming location. Then discover the beautiful Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls, and cap the day with a scenic yacht tour along the coast (weather permitting).
Explore Yongmeori Coast — a lava-carved shoreline of extraordinary beauty — and Sanbang Mountain, visiting Bomunsa Temple tucked into the rock face. Learn about Korea’s tea culture at the O’sulloc Green Tea Museum surrounded by immaculate green fields. End the afternoon relaxing at Hyubjae Beach and wandering Hallim Park.
Check out from Jeju and fly to Busan — Korea’s second city, a major port with a completely different character to Seoul. After lunch, visit the moving UN Memorial Cemetery and the striking Nurimaru APEC House perched above the sea. Dinner and an evening exploring Busan’s famous beachside Haeundae district.
The highlight of the Busan days: a half-day Temple Life program at Beomeosa Temple — one of Korea’s great Buddhist sanctuaries. Participate in Seon meditation, a traditional tea ceremony, and a temple food lunch prepared in the Buddhist tradition (entirely plant-based, centuries of refinement). Afternoon in the colorful hillside alleyways of Gamcheon Culture Village and the buzz of BIFF Square.
Journey from Busan to Gyeongju — the ancient Silla Kingdom capital, so dense with UNESCO heritage that it’s nicknamed the Museum without Walls. Visit Bulguksa Temple, a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture, and the Seokguram Grotto housing a serene stone Buddha. After lunch, explore Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. And after dinner — Korean karaoke, obviously.
Breakfast at your own pace before saying goodbye to new friends and heading to the airport. We highly recommend extending your stay — in Korea, Japan, or anywhere else in East Asia. You’ll leave with a full heart, a head full of temple bells and market aromas, and a very long list of Korean dishes you want to learn to make at home.
“Verena arranged an amazing tour of Korea. There were magnificent temples, palaces, cities, gardens, coastlines, and of course delicious vegan food finds from gourmet to big market sit-downs. For me the very best of it all was the lovely people of Korea — and the liveliness of Seoul at night.”
“Verena is an amazing host who takes the time to make sure each day is balanced so you get to know each city without being overwhelmed. The restaurants were well thought out and delicious. She is also very warm and caring, which makes it feel like you are vacationing with a friend.”
10 days.
3 destinations.
One extraordinary fall.
From the ancient royal capital to a volcanic island paradise to Korea’s most spirited port city — this itinerary covers the full range of what makes South Korea one of the most rewarding countries on earth to visit.
Everything
taken care of.
Seriously.
From your airport welcome in Seoul to your final breakfast before departure — every meal, every entrance fee, every transfer is handled. All you need to do is show up hungry and curious.
Book NowIncluded
Not Included
Two options.
One unforgettable trip.
Prices are per person. Group size is 6–16 travelers. Book by August 22, 2026 to secure your spot.
Korea this fall.
Are you in?
18 – 28 October 2026 · 10 days · Seoul, Jeju, Busan, Gyeongju · Max 16 travelers