Discover Korea’s natural treasures, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and vibrant metropolises. You will hike through Jeju’s volcanic landscapes, experience the tranquillity of a temple stay and immerse yourself in temple cuisine during an exclusive cookery course with the famous monk Jeong Kwan. Accompanied by Swiss nationals who live in Korea, you will experience the country and its people from a unique perspective – mindful, enjoyable and authentic.
DATE
29.OCT.2025 – 10.NOV.2025
DAYS/NIGHTS
13 Days/12 nights
GROUP/SIZE
6 – 10
PRICE
CHF/USD per person
Highlights
Hiking on the volcanic island of Jeju
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Cookery course with Jeong Kwan
Discover culinary delights & temple cuisine
DMZ
Insights & views on the border with North Korea with a former Swiss officer
1 night in a temple
Mindfulness & Buddhist rituals
Hikes
National parks, city walls & volcanic landscapes
Encounters
Hiking with a local hiking group
Itinerary
Day 1
Seoul Beginnings: A Warm Welcome Through Flavors
Welcome to Korea! After your arrival, you will have time to settle into your hotel in the centre of Seoul. A first highlight awaits you in the evening: a traditional meal together with your Swiss hosts – the perfect opportunity to get to know your travel group and get into the culinary mood for the days ahead.
Day 2
Seoul’s Timeless Tapestry: Where History and Future Converge
Today you will experience the diversity of Seoul. In the alleyways of Tongin and Bukchon, we feel the charm of times gone by, while the Blue House offers an insight into Korea’s political history. At the Gwangjang market, authentic street food specialities invite you to try them. The ‘Secret Garden’ of the Changdeok Palace glows in autumnal colours before a walk along the historic city wall leads to the futuristic architecture of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza – where past and future meet.
Day 3
Seoul from Above: Mountain Trails, City Views, and Herbal Serenity
The first hike takes us up Inwangsan, a quiet city mountain with impressive views over Seoul. We continue over the Muakjae Sky Bridge to neighbouring Ansan – a route that harmoniously combines nature and the city. The Gyeongdong market is the largest ginseng and herbal medicine market in Korea, alongside the vegetable and fruit market. A soothing herbal foot bath provides relaxation and rounds off the experience.
Day 4
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Travel relaxed in 1st class on the KTX high-speed train to Gwangju before continuing to Baegyangsa Temple – a place of silence and mindfulness. A very special experience awaits you here: an exclusive cookery course with Buddhist nun and Netflix star Jeong Kwan. Her temple cuisine is far more than just cooking – it’s meditation, culture and indulgence all rolled into one.
Day 5
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A sea of colours awaits you! Naejangsan National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Korea to experience the splendour of autumn. Bright yellow ginkgo trees and red maple forests form a backdrop straight out of a painting. A hike through this landscape not only offers spectacular views, but also moments of contemplation.
Day 6
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After eventful days on the mainland, the journey continues to the UNESCO biosphere island of Jeju. Jeju’s landscape is characterised by volcanic rock, unique nature and spectacular coastal trails. One of these is the Olle Trail, a long-distance hiking trail that connects hidden natural treasures and picturesque villages.
Day 7
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On Olle Trail section 8, the trail leads along dramatic coastlines and through picturesque villages. The famous Joosang Jeolli cliffs, formed from cooled lava, rise out of the sea in hexagonal columns and tell of the island’s volcanic past. The trail alternates between lush nature and open sea views, while the rugged beauty of Jeju can be felt at every turn.
Day 8
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A very special hiking experience: Olle Trail section 6 combines hidden beaches, dramatic cliffs and traditional villages. This route is a sister trail to the 5 Lakes Trail in Zermatt, a sign of the close connection between Korean and Swiss hiking culture. Overlooking the turquoise sea, Jeju’s unspoilt nature reveals itself at every turn.
Day 9
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Jeju is an island full of natural wonders, and the extinct volcano Seongsan Ilchulbong is one of the most impressive. A climb to the crater rim opens up spectacular views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. The journey continues through the volcanic world of Jeju, characterised by solidified lava flows and lush vegetation. Hallasan National Park, home to the highest mountain in South Korea, shows the wild side of the island once again before continuing by plane to Busan.
Day 10
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It’s worth getting up early: the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is spectacularly situated on the coast and offers an unforgettable sunrise. Then it’s off to the famous Jagalchi fish market, where you can take a look behind the scenes on a private tour with chef HeeYoung Jang. In the evening, the KTX will take you back to Seoul.
Day 11
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The demilitarised zone (DMZ) marks the border between North and South Korea. Together with Daniel Thomas Faller, a former officer of the Neutral Monitoring Commission in Panmunjeom, we gain a unique insight into this region. A particular highlight is the visit to Infiltration Tunnel 2, one of the secret tunnels dug by North Korea. The atmosphere of this area tells stories of division, conflict and hope for reunification.
Day 12
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A cosy Sunday brunch in Seongsu, a neighbourhood full of trendy cafés and a creative atmosphere, is the perfect way to start the day. Gangnam boasts modern architecture, luxurious boutiques and vibrant city life. The afternoon is all about exploring – whether it’s strolling around, relaxing or gathering some last impressions. To round off the trip, you will enjoy a culinary dinner together.
Day 13
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With a backpack full of unforgettable memories, you start your individual onward or homeward journey.
Photos © Daniel Thomas Faller | Unsplash
Information
Cost included
- Private German- and English-speaking Swiss tour guide (from/to Seoul)
- 11 nights in a middle-class hotel (basis double room) incl. breakfast
- 1 night temple stay as per programme (based on double room) incl. breakfast
- All transport partly by hire car or minibus
- Subway and bus ticket for Seoul and Busan
- Domestic flights Gwangju – Jeju / Jeju – Busan in economy class
- KTX train Seoul – Gwangju / Busan – Seoul in 1st class
- 5 lunches and 6 dinners
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per programme
- Local experts as per programme
- incl. taxes and fees
Fitness level
Moderate – Ideal for enjoyable hikers who like to be active without pushing themselves to their limits. The hikes take between 2 and 4 hours on well-maintained paths with some minor ascents and descents. We don’t hike every day, but we are often on foot even when sightseeing. If you want to skip a hike, you can take a break at any time.
Additional Information
- We are happy to help with flight bookings to and from Seoul
- Citizens of EU and Schengen states can enter the Republic of Korea (South Korea) without a visa; short-term stays (less than 90 days and no gainful employment) are possible without a visa.
- Time difference: summer +7 hours, winter +8 hours.
- Prices and programme are expressly subject to change
- Due to high demand, the cookery course with monk Jeong Kwan cannot be guaranteed. If she is not available, a cookery course with Chef HeeYoung Jang in Busan will take place instead.
- The DMZ tour is subject to official approvals and may be subject to change at short notice.
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