Please Stay Tuned for Future Tours in Sept 2026, and April 2027 (will be the same tour)
Slow down and immerse yourself into the quiet beauty of Korea’s tea culture. This 7-day retreat weaves together forest healing and foot spas, tea ceremonies, temple life, artisan tea farms, and one or two of Korea's time honored tea festivals.
Travel with us from the eastern coast to the southern mountains, 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.
You're going to meet some of my family, friends, and get a more intimate 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 fill out the questions/application below so we can send more information and pricing.
Basic Itinerary:
Day 1 — Arrival
We meet on Korea’s eastern coastal side, enjoy a restorative nature experience, enjoy the local cafe scene on the beach, share a local meal at a popular restaurant, and settle into our first night together at a beachside villa.
Day 2 — Entering Temple Life
Ocean sunrise, epic seafood, and a scenic drive through the mountains brings us to a historic buddhist temple, where the first green tea was planted 1200 years ago by buddhist monks.
Day 3 — Stillness, Tea, and Reflection
A full day of temple activities: meditation, simple meals, quiet rest, and a private group tea ceremony and tea tasting class guided by local practitioners. All vegetarian meals.
Day 4 — Into the Tea Valleys
We transition into Korea’s ancient tea-growing region. Depending on seasonal events, the day may include festivals, tastings, markets, or farm visits.
Day 5 — Tea Culture & Nature
Half a day to finish our experience on the wild tea mountains, and then a deeper exploration of tea traditions through experiences such as artisan farm visits, tea cafes, and encounters with regional foods and culture in our second tea region in the west.
Day 6 — Iconic Tea Landscapes
We spend the day among Korea’s most recognized tea fields, taking in scenic views, tastings, and cultural programs before settling into our final night. Optional local activities.
Day 7 — Return to Seoul
A slow morning followed by a beautiful countryside drive north with lunch. We end the journey in Seoul by late afternoon.
What's Included
- 6 nights of lodging
- Some options may include Pension and Hanok
- All ground transportation from Gangneung to Seoul
- Samcheok Healing Forest + foot bath
- 2-night temple stay at Temple (including all meals)
- Private tea ceremony & tasting
- Artisan tea farm visits in Hadong
- Hadong Wild Tea Festival (tentative based on dates not released)
- Boseong Green Tea Festival
- All lunches + dinners
- Korean/English translation
- Retreat guidance and itinerary support
Not Included
- KTX from Seoul to Gangneung (we will provide train information)
- Airfare to and from Korea (I'll have alerts set for price drops)
- Breakfast except temple meals
- Personal snacks/souvenirs
- Travel insurance
- Optional Tea festival activities (usually sign ups are day of and low cost)
Early Bird Pricing starts $3,300*
