10 days

Chung Lee Culinary Tour

South Korea
9 October to 18 October, 2026

A 10-day culinary and cultural journey into the heart of South Korea led by Chef Chung Jae Lee. From royal palaces and mountain sanctuaries to bustling seafood markets and private cooking experiences, this is a rich exploration of flavour, heritage and wellbeing, designed for lovers of food & culture.

An immersive Seoulful journey led by Chung Jae Lee, a celebrated Australian chef and proud son of South Korea.
Private hands-on cooking classes in Sokcho and Gwangju, guided market visits and insider storytelling with one of Australia’s most celebrated Korean chefs.
5 & 4* handpicked hotels
Explore Seoul’s grand palaces, stand at the historic DMZ, ascend Seoraksan’s dramatic peaks and experience Busan’s vibrant seaside culture
Traditional tea ceremonies, green tea plantation walks and relaxation in a luxury Korean spa, blending Korea’s rich food culture with its deep wellness traditions
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

10 days

South Korea

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Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport (ICN), you will be met by our English-speaking assistant in the arrivals hall.

  • Transfer to your hotel by private coach.
  • After check-in (available from 15: 00), the rest of the day is at your leisure.
  • Evening: Welcome Cocktail Party (At the hotel venue).
  • Accommodation:  JW Marriott Hotel Dongdaemun Square Seoul (5 Star) or similar

 

 

  • Meet your guide at the hotel lobby.
  • Explore the grandest of Seoul’s royal palaces.
  • Experience a traditional Korean Tea Ceremony. 
  • Stroll through charming streets lined with galleries, cafes, and traditional houses (Hanok), then explore a street famous for its antique shops and art galleries.
  • Transfer to Gangnam District
  • Visit a stunning public library located in the middle of a shopping mall.
  • Return to the hotel.

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.

Accommodation:
JW Marriott Hotel Dongdaemun Square Seoul (5 Star) or similar

 

  • Meet your guide and depart for the DMZ.
  • Private tour of the Demilitarised Zone, a poignant reminder of the Korean War and the ongoing division.
  • Return to Seoul.
  • Ascend to the top of N Seoul Tower for panoramic city views.
  • Explore one of Korea’s largest and oldest traditional markets.
  • Return to the 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.

Accommodation: 
JW Marriott Hotel Dongdaemun Square Seoul (5 Star) or similar

 

  • After breakfast, check out and transfer to Sokcho by private coach. (Approx. 3 hours)
  • Check into your hotel upon arrival.
  • Afternoon: Free time for your privately arranged Cooking Class with Chung Lee.

Accommodation:
Cassia Sokcho (5 Star) or similar

  • Meet your guide and proceed to Seoraksan National Park.
  • Enjoy a scenic cable car ride up to Gwongeumseong Fortress for stunning views of the mountain range.
  • Explore the vibrant local markets of Sokcho, known for fresh seafood and local delicacies.
  • Return to the 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.

Accommodation:
Cassia Sokcho (5 Star) or similar

  • After breakfast, check out and begin the scenic transfer to Gwangju by private coach. (Approx. 5.5 hours)
  • Arrive in Gwangju and check into your hotel.
  • Visit a traditional market to experience the local atmosphere.
  • 18:30: Return to the hotel.

Activities Include:

  • Yangdong Market (Requested):  One of the oldest and largest traditional markets in the Gwangju region.

Accommodation:
Ramada Plaza Gwangju (4 Star) or similar

  • Full day at leisure for your privately arranged Cooking Class with Chung Lee
  • Guide and vehicle will be on standby for your group’s needs within Gwangju city limits. (Itinerary is mandatory for Guide and Driver).

Accommodation:
Ramada Plaza Gwangju (4 Star) or similar

  • Check out and depart for Boseong. (Approx. 1.5 hours)
  • Walk through the beautiful rolling hills of a green tea plantation.
  • Transfer to Busan, Korea’s second-largest city. (Approx. 2.5 hours)
  • Arrive in Busan and check into your hotel.
  • Visit the famous Jagalchi Fish Market. We will inquire locally about the requested Jagalchi Cruise.
  • Return to the hotel.

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.

Accommodation:
 Park Hyatt Busan (5 Star) or similar

 

  •  After breakfast, check out and start your Busan city tour.
  • Explore the colorful village known for its steep streets, twisting alleys, and vibrant art installations.
  • Indulge in relaxation at a luxurious Korean spa (Jjimjilbang).
  • Transfer to Seoul by KTX Speed Train (Approx. 2.5 hours).
  • Evening: Upon arrival at Seoul Station, transfer 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.

Accommodation:

JW Marriott Hotel Dongdaemun Square Seoul (5 Star) or similar

  • After breakfast, enjoy some free time until check-out.
  • Meet your English-speaking assistant and driver at the hotel lobby for your transfer to Incheon International Airport (ICN) for your departure flight.
Important Information

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20 Spaces Left
10 Days from
$9,865
Per Person Twin Share