10 days
Chung Lee Culinary Tour 2027
South Korea
31st March - 9th April 2027
10-day culinary and cultural journey into the heart of South Korea led by Chef Chung Jae Lee. Royal palaces, mountain sanctuaries, bustling seafood markets and private cooking experiences, this is a rich exploration of flavour, heritage and wellbeing.
Overview
An immersive Seoulful journey led by Chung Jae Lee, a celebrated Australian chef and proud son of South Korea.
South Korea is a country of contrasts – ancient dynasties and neon skylines, meditative tea rituals and vibrant street markets, mountain serenity and ocean abundance. On this exclusive journey, Chef Chung Jae Lee returns to his homeland to guide you beyond the surface, sharing the flavours, traditions and wellness philosophies that shape Korean life. From the grand palaces of Seoul to the spiritual stillness of Seoraksan National Park, every experience has been curated to awaken the senses.
You will explore UNESCO-listed royal grounds, wander hanok-lined streets, stand at the historic DMZ, ascend N Seoul Tower and immerse yourself in markets alive with colour and energy. In Sokcho and Gwangju, you will cook alongside Chef Chung in intimate private classes, learning the foundations of authentic Korean cuisine, from fermentation and balance to bold, soulful flavours. Walk through green tea plantations in Boseong, savour seafood at Jagalchi Market in Busan and unwind in a traditional Korean jjimjilbang spa, embracing Korea’s deep-rooted culture of restoration and wellbeing.
This journey is a cultural homecoming with one of Australia’s most celebrated Korean chefs. With luxury accommodation throughout, seamless private transfers, curated experiences and the warmth of Chef Chung’s storytelling, humour and expertise, you will understand, taste and experience the unique, rich Korean culture. A rare opportunity to travel with a culinary master and experience South Korea through flavour, history, landscape and soul.
About Chung Lee – Host Chef
Originally from Seoul, Chef Chung Jae Lee is an award-winning chef, author and presenter who has become one of Australia’s most recognisable voices in Korean cuisine. A former professional judo athlete and pilot, his path to the kitchen is as dynamic as his food, blending discipline, creativity and deep cultural pride.
He first earned acclaim with Mapo in Adelaide, followed by Little Miss Korea in Darwin, named one of Australia’s Top 10 New Openings by Qantas and the Australian Financial Review. He later opened Seoul Sisters, further cementing his reputation for vibrant, accessible Korean flavours. Chung has appeared on SBS Food Safari, Everyday Gourmet, and major food festivals across Australia, and is the author of A Twist on the Traditional: Modern Korean Cuisine.
Today, he continues to share Korean food and culture through his Korean Essentials product range, live demonstrations and curated culinary experiences, bringing bold flavour, humour and authenticity to every table.
Tour Inclusions
Itinerary
Chung Lee Culinary Tour
View itinerary
Day 1
Wednesday 31st March
Seoul
Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport (ICN), make your own way to your hotel for check in. Here you will stay for the next three nights.
After check-in, the rest of the day is at your leisure. This evening, gather at the hotel for a Welcome Cocktail Party.
Day 2
Thursday 1st April
Seoul
After meeting your guide in the hotel lobby, begin your exploration of Seoul with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty.
Continue with a traditional Korean Tea Ceremony before enjoying lunch at Tongin Market. In the afternoon, stroll through the charming streets of Samcheongdong-gil, where traditional Hanok houses sit alongside galleries and cafés. Discover the vibrant Insadong Antique Street, renowned for its art galleries, traditional craft stores, tea houses and antique shops.
Later, transfer to Gangnam District to visit the iconic Starfield Library at COEX, a stunning public library set within a bustling shopping mall, featuring towering bookshelves and an impressive collection of books.
Following the day’s sightseeing, enjoy a convenient on-the-go dinner at Hangang River and watch the sunset.
Activities include:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: The largest palace of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty
- Samcheongdong-gil Road: A charming area with a unique blend of traditional Hanok houses and modern galleries
- Insadong Antique Street: A bustling street filled with art galleries, traditional craft stores, and tea houses
- Starfield Library at COEX: An iconic cultural space featuring towering bookshelves and a vast collection of books.
Meals Included – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3
Friday 2nd April
Seoul
Meet your guide and depart Seoul for a private tour of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), a poignant reminder of the Korean War and the ongoing division between North and South Korea. Explore this unique and historically significant area before returning to Seoul.
Continue to N Seoul Tower, where you will ascend by cable car to the observatory for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views across the city. Afterwards, discover Namdaemun Market, one of Korea’s largest and oldest traditional markets, offering a vibrant array of local goods, clothing, produce and souvenirs.
Following the day’s sightseeing, return to your hotel.
Activities include:
- DMZ (Demilitarised Zone): A buffer zone between North and South Korea, offering a unique glimpse into the Korean conflict
- N Seoul Tower Observatory & Cable Car: An iconic landmark offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city
- Namdaemun Market: A historic market offering a vast array of goods, from clothing to local produce.
Meals Included – Breakfast
Day 4
Saturday 3rd April
Seoul > Seoraksan
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and make your way to a hands-on three-hour cooking class with Chung Lee.
Following the class, transfer by private coach to Seoraksan, with the journey taking approximately three hours.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Meals Included – Breakfast
Day 5
Sunday 4th April
Seoraksan
This morning you’ll be met by your guide and depart for Seoraksan National Park, one of Korea’s most spectacular mountain regions. Enjoy a scenic cable car ride up to Gwongeumseong Fortress, taking in breathtaking panoramic views across the surrounding mountain range and national park.
In the afternoon, explore the vibrant local markets of Sokcho, including Sokcho Jungang Market, renowned for its fresh seafood, local delicacies and traditional atmosphere. Continue to Daepo Port, a bustling waterfront area famous for its seafood restaurants and lively fish market, before returning to your hotel.
Activities Include:
- Seoraksan Cable Car: A cable car that takes you up to Gwongeumseong Fortress, offering spectacular views of Seoraksan National Park
- Sokcho Jungang Market: A lively traditional market popular with locals and tourists
- Daepo Port: A bustling port famous for its fresh seafood restaurants and fish market.
Meals Included – Breakfast
Day 6
Monday 5th April
Seoraksan > Gwangju
After breakfast, check out and depart Sokcho by private coach for the scenic journey to Gwangju, taking approximately 5.5 hours. Arrive in Gwangju and check in to your hotel before heading out to experience the local atmosphere at Yangdong Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in the region.
Explore the lively market stalls and discover a taste of everyday life in Gwangju before returning to your hotel.
Activities Include:
- Yangdong Market – One of the oldest and largest traditional markets in the Gwangju region.
Meals Included – Breakfast
Day 7
Tuesday 6th April
Gwangju
After breakfast, enjoy a three-hour hands-on cooking class with Chung Lee, offering the opportunity to experience local Korean cuisine and culinary traditions.
Continue with a visit to May 18 Democracy Square, stretching from the former Jeollanam-do Provincial Government Office to the Geumnam-ro area and recognised as the historic site of the May 18th Democratic Uprising.
After exploring, return to your hotel.
Meals Included – Breakfast
Day 8
Wednesday 7th April
Gwangji > Busan
After breakfast, check out and depart for Boseong by private coach. Upon arrival, explore the beautiful rolling hills of Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation, Korea’s most famous green tea plantation, and enjoy a leisurely walk through its picturesque tea fields.
Continue by private coach to Busan, Korea’s second-largest city, and check-in to the hotel. In the late afternoon, visit the vibrant Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood market, offering an authentic glimpse into local life and culture.
Activities Include:
- Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation: Korea’s most famous green tea plantation, known for its stunning landscapes
- Jagalchi Market: Korea’s largest seafood market, offering a vibrant and authentic cultural experience along with Jagalchi Cruise.
Meals Included – Breakfast
Day 9
Thursday 8th April
Busan > Seoul
After breakfast, check out and begin your Busan city tour, starting with a visit to Gamcheon Culture Village, a vibrant hillside community known for its colourful streets, winding alleys and unique art installations.
Continue to the UN Memorial Cemetery, the only UN cemetery in the world and a significant memorial to those who lost their lives during the Korean War. Enjoy some time to relax at Spa Land Centum City, an upscale Korean jjimjilbang offering a variety of traditional saunas and baths.
In the afternoon, transfer to Busan Station and board the KTX high-speed train to Seoul, with the journey taking approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival at Seoul Station, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and check in.
Activities Include:
- Gamcheon Culture Village: A vibrant, artistic community built on a steep hillside, often called the “Machu Picchu of Busan.”
- Spa Land Centum City: A modern and upscale Korean spa complex offering a variety of saunas and baths.
Meals Included – Breakfast
Day 10
Friday 9th April
Seoul
After breakfast, your tour comes to an end. Before checking out of your hotel, settle any incidentals and continue on your own arrangements.
Safe travels!