The Southwest: experience it all — from drumming to temple life.
Experience Korea at your own pace — even if you’ve never played a drum, used chopsticks, or spent a night in a temple.
Meet at Seoul Station and take the KTX high-speed train to Gongju. Optional group transfer from your hotel in Seoul - $40 per person. Or individual transfer - cost depends on the location of the hotel.
Initially, the capital of the state of Baekje was located in the fortified city of Wire in the territory, presumably, of modern Seoul. However, with the fall of the Vire fortress at the Battle of the Hangang River in 475, the capital was first transferred to the city of Unjin (modern Gongju), then to the city of Sabi (modern Buyeo).
It is these two cities that we will visit during our tour.
According to legend, during the fall of the last capital of Paekche - Sabi (now - the city of Buyeo) - 3,000 Paek women rushed from the Nakhwa-am cliff into the waters of the Kymgang River. Currently, a pleasure boat runs along the rock, from the deck of which a beautiful view of Nakva-am opens. On the boat, we will make a short trip to the Pusosan-son fortress, which is included in the UNESCO list and was the last stronghold of the Baekje state.
In Buyeo, we recommend trying the local dish, yeongnimbap, rice baked in lotus leaves, served with soy paste soup, dowenjang, and a variety of appetizers and salads, panchang.
The only burial of Pek rulers that has survived to this day.
The majestic fortress, perched high above the Geumgang River, has witnessed both times of great prosperity—when it was the heart of the Baekje capital—and more modest days. We’ll walk along its mighty walls and talk about kings, fortresses, and the city of Gongju.
In Buyeo we will get acquainted with the treasures of Baekje, including those included in the register of the State Treasures of the Republic of Korea (Buyo National Museum), we will visit the place where the Buddhist temple of Jeongnimsa was located, with a unique 5-step pagoda.
After the tour ends, transfer to and first night in Jeonju, a city of living tradition and delicious cuisine.
In the morning we will head to the port city of Gunsan, stroll through the streets of the 1930s, visit a Japanese temple and return to Jeonju.
Walking tour in the 1930s (and a little further...)
A unique temple in Korea in Japanses style.
A small town located on the shores of the Western (Yellow) Sea, experienced ups and downs: once the majority of the population in it were not Koreans, but rich Japanese!
In the city, you can feel the atmosphere of the first half of the 20th century, the rapid, uneven growth of the country, the development of colonial capitalism, and the elusive charm of a provincial Korean town, with a touch of Japanese style in architecture.
The unique Buddhist temple Donggunsa has been preserved in the city: it is the only Japanese-style Buddhist temple in Korea. Founded in 1913 by the Japanese monk Uchida under the name "Diamond Temple", it was renamed after liberation (August 15, 1945) as Tonguksa ("Temple of the East Country"; "East Country" is one of the names of Korea).
During the time of the state of Goryeo (910 - 1392), not far from Kunsan in the battle of Jinpo, the first victory of the Koreans over Japan with the use of firearms was won, which is dedicated to the theme park with a collection of tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, aircraft, etc., the joy of the boys.
Itinerary (subject to slight changes): Gunsan Museum of Modern History - former customs building, with a small customs museum - Chinpo Naval Theme Park - Donggungsa Temple - Walk through the old quarters of Gunsan.
We travel to get to know something unusual for us; in an unfamiliar country, authentic cuisine gives us the opportunity to touch a culture different from the one we are used to. And if such a meeting is also accompanied by the process of preparing delicious and healthy dishes under the guidance of a specialist, followed by lunch at the same table with the chef, then the experience of communication will remain one of the most memorable moments of our journey.
Literally, the city's name, Jeonju, translates to "complete, perfect, untouched area." The fertile lands around Jeonju have long been the breadbasket of Korea and the subject of encroachment by the inhabitants of neighboring Japan, and the cuisine of Jeonju is considered one of the most delicious in the country (Jeonju-style bibimbap - rice mixed with minced meat and vegetables - is one of the most recognizable dishes in Korea).
Let's go down to the historical center of Jeonju; many institutions associated with the Joseon era have been preserved here, such as the Gyeonggijeong Shrine, dedicated to .... a portrait! A portrait of Lee Song, the founder of the Lee/Joseon Dynasty we already know.
Itinerary (content and sequence may vary slightly): Omoktae - Imoktae - Chaman Graffiti Village - Pungnammun Castle Gate - Jeonju Catholic Cathedral - Gyeonggijeong Shrine - Self-guided walk through the village of traditional hanok houses.
Omokdae-Imokdae
Imokte is in a small area called Chaman Graffiti Village; the walls of the houses here are painted by professionals and amateurs: the world of Japanese manga and Korean manhwa; korean alphabet, fantastic, disney cartoon characters, traditional korean stories.
Unfortunately, the Confucians were not very tolerant of Catholicism. We are reminded of this by the Jeonju Catholic Cathedral (built in 1908-1931), located on the site of the executions of Catholics.
A shrine that houses a portrait of the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, King Taejo (Lee Songye). An extensive complex of buildings, including the sanctuary itself, the state sago archive, a museum, the burial place of the placenta of King Yechzhon, and a complex of auxiliary buildings.
Why and who made portraits of kings, what is a historical archive, why bury the royal placenta - we will try to find answers to these questions in Gyeonggijeong.
In the very historical center of Jeonju, you will find yourself in a fabulous atmosphere. Traditional Korean hanok houses with tiled roofs line the romantic narrow streets. Here, each house is a unique masterpiece of architecture, reflecting the richness and depth of Korean history.
Walking along these streets, you will notice how each house merges with the surrounding nature and creates a harmonious image. You will see small gardens with flowers, well-kept courtyards, as well as traditional decor elements that recreate the atmosphere of antiquity, and sometimes, on the contrary, remind us of modern design trends.
Recently, it has become fashionable for Koreans and guests of the Land of the Morning Calm to rent stylized costumes - traditional hanbok, or European costumes of the era of the first half of the 20th century, which is closer to us. In Jeonju, you will see many such couples or families looking exotic against the backdrop of historical buildings and traditional hanok houses...
In the morning we check out of the hotel in Jeonju and head to the mysterious peaks of Maisan, where the stone pagodas of Thapsa and unusual natural formations await us.
Probably, fairy-tale creatures, relatives of trolls, used to live here; no one has seen trolls for a long time, but the entourage remains!
Literally "Horse Ears". The two main peaks of the complex really do look like horse ears. The peaks represent the feminine (higher - 673 m) and masculine (lower - 667 m) principles - yin and yang.
The park is famous for its many man-made pagodas, collected in one place by a zealous monk. The pagodas are also "paired", also carrying the feminine and masculine principles.
The road to the park goes under the shade of majestic cherry trees - some of the latest to bloom in Korea!
The Gwanghallu Pavilion in Namwon is truly magical.
Quite literally — it appears in one of Korea’s most beloved folktales, “The Tale of Chunhyang.”
And yet, you can still climb the steps into the pavilion and take in the very same views once admired by the legendary lovers of this Korean story of love and loyalty.
And perhaps… listen to the tale yourself.
Nestled in the woods within Chunhyang Theme Park, this charming museum offers us a short but refreshing stop: a cup of coffee, a few photos against the backdrop of its architecture and the works of Kim Byung-jong, and a moment of quiet inspiration. Not a guided tour, but a chance to rest, reflect, and enjoy where art, literature, and nature meet.
We will try to feel the rhythm of Korean music with our own hands and body. The rhythm is not complicated, but if you approach it with feeling, it is fascinating and addictive.
If you have accumulated stress - it's time to get rid of it: drums are the best cure for stress!
In the evening, we recommend trying a local dish - Namwon-style chuotang (spicy loach soup). It may seem a little spicy, in which case the guide will recommend non-spicy Korean dishes. After dinner, check into a hotel in Namwon.
After breakfast, we check out and head into Jirisan National Park. Please note: tonight’s stay is something special — in a Buddhist temple. Be prepared for traditional conditions: sleeping on a (heated) floor, washing your own dishes, and following a few simple rules (don’t worry — we’ll guide you!).
Hidden deep in the Jirisan Mountains, among the pines and rocks, is one of the most striking waterfalls in the south — 수락폭포 (Surak). In the summer, it doesn’t just make noise — it roars. Even in drought, it doesn’t dry up and falls with force from a height of 15 meters into a natural pool. And what happens in the rainy season!?
Since ancient times, local farmers have come here after hard field work — to put their backs under the stream, relieve pain, cool down and rest their body and spirit.
Thanks to Korean road builders, we have a unique opportunity to take a car to a viewing platform with stunning views of the mountains and valleys of Jirisan.
The name Nogodan is associated with ancient beliefs: according to legend, Halmi, the mother spirit and protector of the earth, was worshipped here. Even in the Silla era, priests made sacrifices to her on the highest peaks of Jirisan. Later, during the Koryo era, the sanctuary was moved here - and the mountain received the name "Nogodan", which literally means "Altar of the Old Lady".
Temple stay at Hwaeomsa is a chance to slow down and reset.
You'll stay at a centuries-old temple at the foot of Mt. Jirisan, walk misty forest paths, join quiet Buddhist ceremonies, and experience a peaceful rhythm far from the noise of daily life.
The monks and staff are kind, welcoming, and speak English well. The views are stunning, and you’re free to simply enjoy the moment — sip tea, read, reflect, or listen to the temple bells at dawn.
Even if you’ve never tried a temple stay before, you’re not alone — many visitors come for the first time and leave wanting to stay longer next time.
Please note: depending on scheduling and availability, the temple may be substituted with another one offering a similar program and atmosphere. We always ensure the experience matches the spirit and comfort of the journey.
In the misty silence at the foot of the sacred Jirisan Mountains lies the ancient Hwaeomsa Temple, the "Flower Garland Temple," one of Korea's most significant Buddhist sites. Founded by an Indian monk in the 5th century, the temple has become the custodian of not only the teachings of Buddha, but also centuries of culture, philosophy, and art.
We say goodbye to the temple and set off on a journey to Suncheon
A unique and extremely picturesque village surrounded by an ancient fortress wall
600-year-old village surrounded by a stone wall
Despite the name, which implies a small area, this "garden" is, in fact, a huge park, consisting of several zones that are completely different from each other.
The ecological park, located about 15 minutes by transport from the Garden, allows you to enjoy nature and, in the winter season, an extraordinary variety of migratory birds.
The ecological park is included in the excursion during the winter months (December-February). Please note that due to quarantine it is sometimes closed to the public!
The garden, which hosted the 2013 World Gardens Exhibition, impresses with its variety of landscapes, abundance of plant species and modern garden design.
The zones of the countries participating in Expo 2014 have been preserved, as well as separate zones created by excellent Korean gardeners.
From April to October 2023, the World Garden Expo 2023 will be held again at the Suncheon National Garden!
Ecopark is famous for its thickets of reeds, reaching heights higher than human height. This is the densest reed thickets in all of Korea. In addition, this place is known for the fact that cranes, storks, spoonbills and other rare birds fly here. There are about 140 different species of birds throughout the park.
The program ends at the Seoul train station. You can optionally order a group transfer to any hotel in Seoul - $ 40 per person. Or an individual one - the cost depends on the location of the hotel.