Judly International with the co-operation of Korea Tourism Organization have organized the very first Food Lover’s Tour of Korea this October to coincide with the 2008 Gwangju Kimchi Festival.Today there are many lovers of Korean cuisine in Australia evidenced by the huge growth in Korean restaurants in Australia’s major cities in the past few years. The tour will allow members to enjoy the very best of Korean cuisine every day of the eight day tour in Korea.
The highlight of the tour will be getting your hands messy at one of Korea’s biggest festivals, the 2008 Gwangju Kimchi festival. The festival is held in autumn which is called kimjang season, the time of year when all Koreans make their kimchi for the coming winter. The tour will visit Jeonju in the south west of Korea, the home of bibimbap (mixed rice/vegetables). Bibimbap is one of the most popular dishes with foreign visitors to Korea.
Nearby Jeonju is Mt. Naejangsan National Park where you can see the very best of Korea’s autumn colours – the beautiful red, gold and orange hues of the maple trees with the spectacular Baegyangsa temple hidden among the autumn colours in the valley of the park. South of the park is Boseong where you can wander among the green tea plantations and experience an authentic Korean tea ceremony and enjoy some green tea ice-cream.
For those who wish to try their hand at making kimchi and bulgogi (Korean BBQ beef) there is a two hour lesson at a cooking school in Seoul followed by a luncheon at the conclusion of the course. Seoul city offers many opportunities to enjoy the history and culture of Korea with a visit to a royal palace, the national folk museum and Insadong antique street with its many beautiful arts and crafts shops as well as traditional tea-houses.
The tour includes visits to Suwon and the Hwaseong Fortress south of Seoul followed by a visit to Everland, Korea’s version of Disneyland. There is also a chance to see Korea’s number one theatre company ‘Nanta’ perform ‘Cookin’ a show which blends traditional Korean sounds and drumming with the preparation of a wedding banquet.
The tour departs Australia on the 12th October and costs $3,390 per person twin share including return airfare, 7 nights accommodation and breakfast daily as well as two lunches and four dinners, English speaking guide and all transfers & transport. Airport taxes and insurance are excluded. Bookings made prior to the 20th July will receive a $100 discount per person.
For full details regarding the Food Lover’s Tour of Korea please contact Judly International Ph: 1800 880 062 or by email: judly@bigpond.com
If you wish to learn more about Korean cuisine order your free copy of ‘The Wonderful World of Korean Food’ from the Sydney office of Korea Tourism Organization
Email: visitkorea@knto.org.au or
Ph: 02)9252-4147/8
Website: www.visitkorea.or.kr
