Taste of South Korea | May 13th, 2025

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*Prices are CAD per person, based on 2 people sharing and reflects early booking discount (land only).

*Based on a minimum of 15 passengers.

*Single Supplement: Add + $2000 CAD (this includes the early booking savings). If you’re a single traveler and looking to be matched up with a roommate, of the same gender, please reach out to us for details.

*International departure date will be May 12th, as the arrival date for this program is May 13th, 2025. Do not book air until the minimum of 15 passengers has been achieved. 

*Prices are subject to change without previous notice depending on any significant increase in rates, taxes, fuel or due to availability problems.

*Air Round Trip International Airfare routing/pricing based on requests. Depending on your departure gateway, an overnight flight, and/or, pre or post nights may be required.

Save $500 CAD per person! Early Booking Price Expires September 1st, 2024! 

Taste of South Korea: May 13-25, 2025

Hosted by Co-Founder of Trip Merchant, Ryan Mikucki!

After travelling to South Korea in the latter part of 2023/early 2024, Ryan knew he needed to bring a group of travellers back to this destination to explore it further! South Korea is untouched in many parts throughout the country and it is a true cultural gem. The demand for South Korea is rising as it is an up and coming destination! Even airlines are noticing it by offering more direct flights from Calgary and Vancouver.

Why South Korea you ask? South Korea is Asia’s best kept secret…It has a blend of old and new, from rural folk villages to buzzing modern cities, from fortresses to mountainous forested areas, from ancient stone pagodas to bustling food markets and shopping streets (full of signs and lights), from a turbulent history to a globally influential pop culture.

South Korea is an East Asian nation on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. It is known for its green, hilly countryside dotted with cherry trees and centuries-old Buddhist temples, plus its coastal fishing villages, sub-tropical islands and high-tech cities such as Seoul, the capital.

On this program you will visit the key culturally immersive locations within the country, while also tasting some of the delicious staple cuisine that Korea has to offer.

Itinerary at a glance:

Seoul– 4 Nights Ninetree Insadong or similar (4*), Standard DBL / TWIN

Gyeongju– 2 Nights Lahan Select Gyeongju or similar (5*), Deluxe DBL / TWIN

Busan – 2 Nights Avani Central Busan or similar (4*), Deluxe DBL / TWIN

Yeosu – 1 Night Ramada Plaza Yeosu or similar (4*), Superior DBL / TWIN

Jeonju – 1 Lahan Jeonju or similar (4*), Deluxe DBL / TWIN

Seoul – 2 Nights Ninetree Insadong or similar (4*), Standard DBL / TWIN

Highlights:

• Witness the changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace (Seoul), which was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty.
• Have lunch at the Gwangjang market – Gwangjang Market is a famous Korean street food market in Seoul which offers a variety of traditional Korean street food from Mungbean pancakes, mandu (Korean dumplings), and more.
• Attend a traditional K-Kick Performance and Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
• Visit Noryangjin Fishery Market (Seoul), an expansive wholesale & retail market with stalls offering hundreds of types of fish & seafood.
• Take in a different perspective of the city of Seoul with a Sunset River Cruise along Han River!
• Embark on a fascinating full-day DMZ Peace Tour to learn more about the Korean War, and the impact that it has had on Korea which continues to this day.
• Stay in Gyeongju, which is a coastal city in the far southeastern corner and continue on to Daereungwon Tomb Complex and visit Cheongmachong in Tumuli Park, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.
• Enjoy a Korean Fried Chicken and Beer Dinner at a local restaurant with a lake view.
• Visit the UNESCO site Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple; Bulguksa Temple is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and contains six National Treasures, including the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo, and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha.
• Stop at Haedong Yonggung Temple which is a Buddhist temple in Busan. This large temple complex is in a unique setting as it is one of few in Korea to be set on the seaside.
• Make a stop Haeundae Beach Area; Haeundae-gu is a modern district known for seaside beaches like Haeundae, on a wide, sandy bay.
• Spend a morning at Boseong Green Tea Plantation Field where high-quality green tea is produced and is a popular tourist attraction year-round thanks to the vast rows of tea trees that line the hillside like a deep green carpet.
• Experience Yeosu Maritime Cable Car which offers breathtaking views.
• Have a local lunch in Jeonju, then visit Hanok Heritage Village which is an area of traditional houses, craft shops and food stalls.
• Visit the Shinpyeong Makgeolli Brewery; a family run brewery displaying the history of Makgeolli, a traditional Korean alcohol.
• And more unique experiences!

What’s Included:

• 12 Nights hotels listed or similar, including breakfast
• All transfers & tours as stated
• All admission & activity fees as mentioned with an English-speaking guide
• 23 Meals stated (All breakfasts, 5 Standard Lunch, 1 Welcome Dinner, 1 Farewell Dinner, 3 standard Dinner)
• Lunch with 1 glass of soft drink / Dinner with 2 glasses of soft drink or beer
• All included transfers and tours as mentioned within the itinerary
• Gratuities for guide(s)/driver(s)

*GROUP ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TRANSFERS INCLUDED ON ARRIVAL DAY – This transfer will be based on the timing of the majority of flight arrivals and departures. If flights are booked outside of this then a $50 CAD per person cost each way will apply (or train into the city).

Not included: 

• Round trip International Airfare
• Cancellation and Out of Country Medical Insurance
• Anything not mentioned in included section 
  
• Any meals / drinks not specified
• Any shopping, Snacks, Souvenir, etc
• Any optional activities unless requested
• All included transfers and tours as mentioned
• Any early check-in or late check-out

Payment Terms & Conditions:

$500 per person deposit | If you cancel prior to September 1st, 2024, then $250 per person is refunded and the remaining $250 per person becomes a Future Travel Credit to be used on any TMJ group departure up to 2 years beyond original date of travel. Deposit becomes non-refundable and cannot be converted to a Future Travel Credit after September 1st, 2024.

Final Balance: January 10th, 2025 (100% non-refundable after final payment)