Korean Tea Culture & Culinary Journey FALL 2026
Journey from the Island of Jeju to the Coastal Mountain Region
TBD: Early October, around Oct 1-8 (After Chuseok Holiday) dates may change 1-2 days and will be confirmed shortly
 

Slow down and immerse yourself into the quiet beauty of Korea’s food and tea culture. This 8-day retreat weaves together traditional and seasonal foods, tea farm visits, temple life, harvest season, and an exploration of a historical Island with the infamous Hanyeo female divers. 

We'll start in Jeju Island (a short and inexpensive flight from Seoul) and spend around 4 days exploring the beach, farms during harvest season, seasonal foods, a small organic tea farm, a ceramic shop that creates their tea pots and cups from the volcanic soil, and more. Then we'll venture back to the mainland on the eastern coast and explore temple life, new regional foods, and if the timing is right we'll head to the coffee festival. 

Travel with us from the southern Island to the eastern coast, guided by Christine of Hearth & Seoul and my Umma. You'll laugh at her stories, listen to what life is like in Korea from a local, enjoy regional and seasonal foods from our favorite local spots, and have an experience that we've specifically curated for this group. 

This retreat is designed for those who want to follow along at a gentle pace, enjoy the traditions and food that Korean culture has to offer, and experience what it's like from a local perspective with friends we've met along our own journeys in the past. We keep our group small so that we can have a real experience. 

*I highly recommend that you fly into Seoul (ICN) for 2-3 days before the start of this trip to acclimate to time and enjoy what Seoul has to offer! Please note that we will be guiding this tour a week after Chuseok. The harvest festival is when everything shuts down for 4-5 days so you won't be able to enjoy much if you come much earlier than planned. 

Please fill out the questions/application below so we can send more information and pricing. 

Basic SAMPLE Itinerary:

Day 1 — 4 Arrival and Jeju Island

We meet on Korea’s "hawaii" island, Jeju and meet for lunch. We'll check into our lodging on the beachside and enjoy the weather and local activities. Dinner will also be provided.

Days 2-4 Local Activities

We'll visit the third tea region in South Korea and enjoy a tasting class at a small organic tea farm followed by lunch and a visit to a ceramic studio that makes their teapots and tea cups from the volcanic soil on the island. If you're into pottery we can include a pottery stop to make your own!

Jeju in the Fall is still somewhat warm and the best time to visit for harvest season. Many farms will be open for harvesting and are known for their oranges. 

Day 5-6 — To the mainland for temple and regional foods

We'll head to Pohang and local areas to experience temple life. We'll learn about temple food and chat with a buddhist monk about his practice. We'll include local activities and regional food.

Day 7 — North into the forests

Here we will head to the North East area and do a forest walk with a healing foot spa at the end. We'll enter a main town where there is a lively coffee culture and if the festival is timed right, we'll spend some time at the coffee festival. 

Day 8 — Return to Seoul

A slow morning followed by a breakfast send off. You'll head back to Seoul by a KTX train and be there by early afternoon. 

What's Included

  • 7 nights of lodging 
    • Some options may include Pension and Hanok
  • All ground transportation around Jeju with a private car rental, and the mainland
  • Healing Forest + foot bath
  • Temple stay (including all meals)
  • Private tea farm tour and tasting
  • Harvests and Farm visits 
  • Some Island Activities such as Private Sunset Yacht Tour
  • All lunches + dinners 
  • Korean/English translation
  • Retreat guidance and itinerary support

Not Included

  • KTX to Seoul (we will provide train information)
  • Airfare to and from Korea and Jeju 
  • Breakfast except temple meals
  • Personal snacks/souvenirs
  • Travel insurance (must have own travel insurance/medical liability)
  • Optional local activities (some will be included in the trip already!)

    Early Bird Pricing starts $3,500 for shared rooms pp, $3,800 for single rooms. Payment plans available. Once you fill out the interest from you'll get an email once registration opens up! 
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Single traveler or 2 or more together?
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Prefer shared occupancy or single room?

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If traveling with a partner, please list them below so we can make sure we pair together. *
Are there any special dietary preferences or allergies? We will be ranging from seafood to local and regional foods, at the temple there is vegetarian fare only, but you are welcome to venture outside the temple to nearby restaurants and explore.  *
Are there any activities you want included based on this itinerary? We can try to bring in a couple of experiences you're really wanting to do while out there. Jeju Island & the East Coast has a lot of potential, since we are a small tailored group we can customize the trip a bit. If you want all the planning done and to relax and enjoy, we are happy to finish the itinerary with our favorites. *
How did you find out about this retreat? This is a small intentional group of 4-5 people so that we can give you all an authentic exprience. Let us know what you are most looking forward to!
Is there anything else you're hoping to include on this trip or anything we should know? *
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