Travel with Jiyong & Ku

Join us for an unforgettable journey with Jiyong & Ku, where you’ll dive into Korea like a local — from Seoul’s vibrant nights and serene mountain temples to sailing along Busan’s coast, wandering Boseong’s green tea fields, and strolling in hanbok through Jeonju’s timeless streets.

OVERVIEW

An 8-day journey with Jiyong & Ku through city lights, sea breeze, and countryside.

Experience Korea Through the Eyes of Jiyong & Ku

This journey is personal. Jiyong and Ku aren't just your guides — they're your hosts, your friends, your window into a Korea that most visitors never get to see. Each day is shaped by their stories, favorite places, and the people they love to introduce. You'll learn everyday Korean naturally along the way — not through flashcards, but through real-life moments.

Go Beyond the Landmarks — Feel the Rhythm of Real Korea

This is a tour for those who want more than sightseeing. You’ll wake up in a quiet mountain town, laugh over a shared meal in a seaside city, and spend your afternoons wandering through villages, tea fields, or small family-owned cafés. Jiyong and Ku will guide you with care, weaving in simple Korean language tips so that by the end of the trip, you’re not just a guest — you’re part of the story.

Travel, Learn, and Connect — The Way Korea Was Meant to Be Felt

From the first night in Seoul to the final walk through Jeonju’s hanok alleys, this tour is built around connection — to people, to place, and to language. You’ll explore with intention, learn Korean that’s actually useful, and share moments that are impossible to plan. With Jiyong and Ku by your side, every day feels meaningful.

Trip Highlights

Must-do experiences await, ready to be ticked off your bucket list!

Itinerary

  • This is a Korean language, culture, and connection experience designed for travelers who want to explore Korea more deeply — not just through sights, but through people, stories, and everyday language.

    Throughout the trip, Jiyong and Ku will guide you with care — offering casual Korean mini-lessons woven into real moments: over a shared meal, while navigating a local market, or during a peaceful countryside walk. You’ll pick up useful Korean naturally, while experiencing Korea through their eyes — creative, warm, and deeply local.

    *Whether you’re a complete beginner or already know a little Korean, this journey welcomes all levels.

  • Arrive at your own pace and settle into your hotel. In the evening, kick off the journey with a cozy welcome dinner hosted by Jiyong & Ku — featuring sizzling samgyeopsal and soju at one of their favorite local spots. It’s the perfect chance to meet your fellow travelers, learn what’s ahead, and dive into Korea’s nightlife with a fun, no-pressure karaoke experience.

    Meals included: Dinner

  • Leave the city behind as we head east to the rivers and mountains of Jecheon and Danyang. You’ll explore stunning natural views and enjoy a peaceful temple stay, where you’ll learn simple Buddhist customs and slow down with a mindful evening routine.

    Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

  • After breakfast, we travel south to Busan. You’ll check in and enjoy a laid-back afternoon by the beach, followed by a sunset yacht ride along the coast. In the evening, we’ll head to one of Busan’s hidden local gems for dinner and stories.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Start with a colorful stroll through Gamcheon Culture Village or join an optional Korean cooking class. The rest of the day is yours — explore seaside cafés, shop in small boutiques, or just relax with your toes in the sand.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Take a scenic ride to Boseong’s green tea fields and soak in the view with your camera (and a cup of tea). Later, ride a cable car over the sea and arrive in Mokpo, where we’ll spend the night.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Spend the morning walking through Shinan’s Purple Island, a dreamy escape known for its lavender-colored bridges, quiet paths, and gentle charm. After a traditional Korean lunch, we’ll head to Gwangju, where your afternoon is free to explore. Sip tea in a tucked-away teahouse, browse local markets, or wander through small galleries.

    Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

  • Arrive in Jeonju just in time for lunch at a local gem. You’ll put on hanbok and walk through the city’s traditional hanok village — a true step back in time. In the evening, gather one last time for a farewell party filled with memories and reflection.

    Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

  • We return to Seoul together, wrapping up the journey. You’ll leave with more than photos — you’ll take home real friendships, stories, and a new way of seeing Korea.

Philosophy

This trip is about slowing down, making real connections, and feeling the soul of Korea through the people, places, and stories that matter. With Jiyong and Ku’s thoughtful and creative energy, you’ll feel less like a tourist and more like a friend being welcomed into their world.

Meet Your Hosts

Jiyong & Ku

Meet Jiyong and Ku, two beloved Korean educators known for making language and culture feel personal, fun, and approachable. Jiyong brings energy and clarity to her practical Korean lessons, helping learners speak with confidence in everyday situations. Ku adds depth with his thoughtful approach to culture and storytelling, offering insights into the rhythms of real Korean life. Together, they create meaningful experiences that go far beyond the classroom.

A group of people gather outside Jongno 5(o)-ga Station exit 7, listening to a person speaking. Trees and buildings are in the background.

Goodmate Travel Crew

Goodmate Travel, a Korean local-based company, ensures that every trip is tailored to the group, providing a unique and unforgettable experience in South Korea. Our hosts are specialists in their fields, dedicated to customizing each journey to meet your needs. Throughout your trip, you will be accompanied by a primary Goodmate Travel host, with guest local hosts joining at various stops to enrich your experience with their local expertise.

What’s Included

Welcome Dinner with Jiyong & Ku (K-BBQ + Karaoke Night)
Casual Daily Korean Language Moments with Jiyong & Ku (learn while living!)
Temple Stay Experience in a Traditional Mountain Monastery
Jeonju Hanok Village Tour in Hanbok
Yacht Sailing Tour on the Busan Coast
Busan Local Chef Cooking Class
Gamcheon Culture Village Visit
Green Tea Field Walk in Boseong
Sea Cable Car Ride with Southern Coast Views
Purple Island Visit – A Colorful Coastal Escape
Traditional Hanok Stay in Jeonju
On-the-ground support from the Goodmate Travel team
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
And so much more 😉

Accommodation
7 nights of accommodation (hotels, hanoks, and a temple)

Meals, Transportation
3 Breakfast meals
6 lunch meals
7 Dinner meals
Limousine bus, taxi, walking

What's Not included

❌  International flights
❌  Meals not listed in the daily itinerary
❌  Additional activities you might want to do during your free time
❌  Orders at cafes, bars, or other informal gatherings are optional and are not included in the trip cost or covered by the Host

F.A.Q

  • That’s the essence of GoodMate Travel: a multitude of our travelers join our journeys because they are embarking on solo adventures and seek to connect and share experiences with fellow like-minded individuals hailing from various corners of the globe.

  • Our tours offer a Small Group Experience, typically with an average of 16 participants and a maximum of 24.

  • During our trips, rooms are typically allocated on a twin-share basis. For solo travelers, we match them with another traveler of the same gender, as indicated by the gender marker on their application form. However, if you prefer your own private space, the option to reserve an individual room is also available on most of our trips.

  • You have the option to make a one-time payment or take advantage of our deposit and final payment plan. To secure your reservation, a 10% deposit is required. Please be aware that 10% of the trip’s total cost is non-refundable. The remaining 90% of the tour cost must be paid in full no later than 90 days before the tour’s start date.

  • Cancellations made more than 30 days before the trip’s start date will receive a refund except for the non-refundable 10% deposit. For cancellations made between 15 and 30 days before the trip’s start date a refund of 70% of the total trip cost will be made. If you cancel your trip 8 to 14 days before the trip’s start date you will be eligible for a refund of 50% of the trip cost. Regrettably no refunds will be issued for trips cancelled within 7 days of the trip’s start date.

    *Bookings made within 24 hours are eligible for a full refund, with a 3% deduction from the paid amount for credit card processing fees.

  • We will make every effort to accommodate your dietary requirements to the best of our abilities. However, in certain remote locations, it may be challenging to provide specific guarantees. If there are places on your itinerary where this may pose a challenge, we will notify you in advance. To ensure we can meet your needs, please inform us of any dietary requirements or allergies at the time of booking.

  • Traveling with Goodmate Travel requires you to have comprehensive insurance covering cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability, loss of personal property, and COVID-related expenses before embarking on your journey. It’s crucial to ensure that your insurance also extends to all the activities you plan to enjoy, especially if you’re an adrenaline enthusiast indulging in adventure activities. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.

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Start Your Adventure Here

South Korea with Jiyoung & Ku

from $4,200

8 DAY, 7 NIGHTS
NOV 11th - 18th, 2025
9 cities including Seoul, busan, gwangju

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Contact Us

cs@goodmatetravel.com

We usually respond within 24 hours