About Goodmate

Travel is about more than seeing places.

We design small-group journeys that connect people to Korea and to each other, through local hosts, shared meals and everyday places.

Explore our journeys

Rated 4.97 across 9,200+ reviews on Airbnb, Viator, GetYourGuide, Klook & Google

Our mission

To connect people through local experiences.

This isn’t just another plane ticket and hotel room to book. It’s the beginning of a journey we build with you: the creative wanderer, the curious scroller and the adventurous traveler.

Together, we make memories out of the ordinary, turn hellos into lifelong friendships, and skip the hype to embrace the local communities that make every place feel alive.

We travel, we bond, we connect. Explore together.

What makes us different

Small groups. Local hosts. Real connection.

  • Hosted by locals
    Travel with people who call Korea home and take you where they actually go.

  • Small by design
    Groups small enough that the table fits everyone and nobody travels anonymously.

  • Thoughtfully designed
    Every route, meal and host is chosen with care, with room to slow down.

Goodmate in numbers

One table at a time.

  • 9,200+
    reviews on Airbnb, Viator, GetYourGuide, Klook & Google

  • 4.97
    average guest rating

  • 2018
    the year we hosted our first guests in Seoul

  • 57,000+
    guests hosted to date

Meet the team

The people behind every journey.

Founders, directors, tour managers and hosts: the goodmates you’ll share meals, stories and a few bad jokes with.

Meet the team

  • Smiling person wearing a blue sweater, making a rock and roll hand gesture against a plain background.

    Jae l Founder / Host

    Jae Choi, also known as J-dog, is said to be the best host by his guests and himself. As the founder of Goodmate Travel, he takes having fun seriously. His mission is to create the ultimate Korean experience for people from around the world. Connecting them with the culture, the food, and the shared annoyance toward his dad jokes.

  • Yeri, Guest Success Director at Goodmate Travel

    Yeri l Guest Success Director

    You can’t see her, but she’s watching your every move. If you don’t have any complaints, you can thank Yeri. She is the shadow operative working behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly. When you don’t wait in lines for restaurants, it’s her. When you get a surprise birthday cake, it’s her. When you’re walking alone late at night and feel like being watched... it’s not her. She sleeps early.

  • Person wearing a green sleeveless sweater over a white shirt, with sunglasses on their head, looking to the side, arms crossed.

    Minje l Experience Director

    Min is a true Busan man, meaning he follows his heart. Right after getting married, he embarked on a year-long world trip. Though he’s back in Korea now, he’s always ready to pack his backpack and set off into the world again. True to his name, he aspires to be a Vita’min’ to people. Legend has it that he always carries vitamins in his pocket as gifts. Just ask him for one.

  • A young woman with long brown hair, smiling and winking, wearing a gray sweater against a plain background.

    Miki l Tour Manager

    Polyglot, ex-gymnast, and adventure-seeker on a mission to conquer every mountain in South Korea—one breathtaking summit at a time! Miki thrives on connecting with people, exploring new places, and loves learning new languages. If you’re up for a chat in any of her four languages or swapping travel stories, let’s go!

  • Smiling young woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a light gray hoodie with 'goodmate TRAVEL' embroidered on it, standing against a plain light gray background.

    Jade l Operations Manager

    One of the younger members of the team, Jade brings a calm, open energy wherever she goes. Raised in Busan, she’s explored fashion design, bakeries, personal color consulting, and even hosting cooking classes. A former competitive fencer, she loves traveling, eating well, house music, climbing, and trying new things. Jade believes in starting first and figuring things out along the way. Old habits die hard. She’s still fencing behind the scenes.

  • Jimin l Tour Manager

    Being a helpless travel addict, Jimin even married a pilot. She’s traveled 30 countries around the world so far and the list is only getting longer. She relishes in experiencing new cultures and meeting people and is eager to make you feel the same here. Not to be confused with the BTS member.

  • Portrait of a man in a black shirt with arms crossed

    Jacob l Host

    A workaholic and workout fanatic, his day starts at 5 AM with a gym session and continues with office work. But hosting is his true passion. Jacob loves meeting new people and sharing Korean culture. Whether he's flexing his muscles or his hosting skills, Jacob ensures every guest has a blast. If you think his biceps are impressive, wait until you hear his stories!

  • Man wearing a backward cap, gray shirt, and black t-shirt standing against a light background.

    Kevin l Host

    Having lived in the U.S. and Korea, Kevin is the best of both worlds - Fun-loving like an American, eats healthy like a Korean. An expert behind the camera and on tours. His favorite film is 12 Angry Men, which goes to show his American Dad vibe. He also enjoys the various tastes of Korean cuisine. His favorite tour group to lead is 12 Hungry Men.

  • A young person with short black hair, glasses, and a wide smile, wearing a navy blue sweater, standing against a plain, light-colored background.

    Roky l Host

    Roky isn’t just here to show you around—he’s here to make you laugh and wonder how someone can know so much random history. With a background in politics and sociology, he’s got plenty of knowledge to share, plus a knack for turning strangers into friends. If you enjoy sharp wit, fun facts, and new friendships, Roky’s tour is for you.

  • Yoon l Tour Manager

    Yoon l Tour Manager

    Ex-football player, part-time baller, full-time good vibes distributor. Yoon has interpreted live on national TV, produced beats in the studio, and still somehow finds time to dunk on life. Having grown up in a multicultural world, he brings open-mindedness, energy, and the rare ability to connect with literally anyone. If your trip feels smoother, deeper, or more fun than expected—it’s probably Yoon. Also, he gives great pep talks. You didn’t ask, but you needed it.

  • Tan l Tour Manager

    A darling and a daredevil. Tan is all smiles, care, and courtesy—until you hand him a helmet or a karaoke mic. Equal parts polite and wild, he’s the kind of host who’ll make you feel safe and slightly out of your comfort zone. Beneath his shy grin hides a party animal with a heart of gold and a need for speed. Join his tour if you’re ready for good vibes, great memories, and just a little bit of chaos.

  • Juno l Tour Manager

    Before guiding tours, Juno was chasing the K-pop dream as a trainee and even appeared on the survival show Produce X 101. That experience gave him confidence, presence, and an easy way with people. He now guides the way he once trained, energetic, engaging, and always putting his guests in the spotlight. With Juno, you’ll explore Korea’s history and culture alongside K-pop, fashion, and today’s local trends. If you ever feel like you’re traveling with a celebrity, that’s normal. He gets that a lot.

Start here.

A life-changing experience where you won’t only have the chance to visit amazing places, eat the best food Korea can offer, learn about the country’s turbulent history and stunning culture, but also create meaningful connections with fellow travelers and local content creators.

Ready to meet your goodmates?

Explore every themed journey and find the trip that fits you.

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Our awards

Tripadvisor 2024 Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best logo.
A smiling emoji face wearing sunglasses with the words "A Quality Tour Package" in a curved smile on a blue background.