Leave Seoul behind and spend two days exploring the mountains, temples and tea fields of Hadong and Gurye in southern Korea. Visit Hadong Samseonggung, where thousands of hand-stacked stone towers were inspired by the Dangun founding myth, Saseongam Hermitage perched on a cliff above the valley, and Hwaeomsa Temple, one of the oldest mountain temples in Korea. On day two, stroll through the tea fields of Hadong, the birthplace of Korean tea culture, and join a traditional tea ceremony with a local tea master. As a private tour with your own guide, you can take your time hearing the stories of Korean mythology, Buddhism and tea culture.

Leave Seoul for Hadong and Gurye
and spend two days with mountains and tea culture

Depart Seoul and travel to the mountains of southern Korea. For thousands of years, Korea's mountains have been where myths were born, monks practiced, scholars sought wisdom, and the Korean tea tradition first took root. Before you arrive, your guide shares the stories that give meaning to the landscape.

This is a private tour with your own guide and a flexible schedule. The Standard option travels to and from Seoul by KTX, while the Premium option departs Seoul by private transportation. You will stay one night at a 4-star or similar hotel.

Day 1: Feel Korea's myths and spirituality
at Samseonggung, Saseongam and Hwaeomsa

Start at Hadong Samseonggung. Thousands of stone towers hidden high in the mountains were stacked by hand to honor Korea's founding myth. Through the story of Dangun, explore the beliefs that shaped Korean culture long before Buddhism arrived.

Continue to Saseongam Hermitage in Gurye, set on a cliff overlooking the valley, and see how Korean temples were built to become part of nature rather than to dominate it. Toward evening, visit Hwaeomsa Temple in Gurye, one of the oldest mountain temples in Korea, where Buddhist architecture and the surrounding forest create a calm, meditative atmosphere.

Day 2: Experience a traditional tea ceremony
at Choi Champan's House and the Hadong tea fields

Begin the day at Choi Champan's House, a traditional Korean village. Walk through the hanok courtyards and get a glimpse of how Korean families once lived in harmony with the landscape.

Next, visit the birthplace of Korean tea culture, where tea seeds were first planted nearly 1,200 years ago. Learn how tea became connected with Buddhist rituals, hospitality and mindfulness, then join an immersive tea ceremony led by a local tea master. Learn how Korean tea is grown and take part in a traditional ceremony where every movement encourages focus and patience.

The Premium option also visits Suseungdae in Geochang

The final stop of the Premium option is Suseungdae in Geochang, where Joseon-era scholars gathered by the stream to read, write poetry and reflect. Hear how nature was regarded not just as something to admire but as a teacher.

※ The Day 1 and Day 2 itineraries may be reversed depending on the weather and local conditions.
※ The tour runs regardless of the weather, and the schedule may be adjusted in bad weather.
※ The optional suspension bridge hike includes uphill paths and stairs. The itinerary can be adjusted if you prefer to skip it.

• Please check your mobile voucher via email or the WAUG app.
• The meeting point depends on the option you booked. Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before departure to meet your guide.
• Valid only on the selected date and time.

Meeting point :
Premium (private transportation from Seoul) - Gyodae Station
1573-16 Seocho-dong, Seocho District, Seoul, South Korea

Meeting point information:
Meet in front of the exit of Seoul National University of Education Station (Gyodae Station) on Subway Line 3. The tour departs at exactly 7:00 AM, so please arrive 10 minutes early. Please check your voucher for the exact exit number. The tour returns to the meeting point at the end.

Meeting point :
Standard (round-trip KTX from Seoul) - In front of train platforms 9-10

Meeting point information:
Meet your guide in front of platforms 9-10 at the KTX departure station in Seoul. Please check your voucher after booking confirmation for the exact station and time.

Cancellation & refund

• Cancel up to 24 hours before the activity date for a full refund.

Restrictions

• Not suitable for children under 15 or people aged 80 and over.

What to bring

• Please bring your passport or ID card.
• Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring outdoor clothing.
• As this is an overnight trip, please bring a change of clothes.

On-site information

• You will walk around temple grounds, mountain paths and forest trails. Comfortable sneakers are recommended.
• The tour generally involves moderate walking.
• The optional suspension bridge hike includes uphill paths and stairs and is more physically demanding. If you are afraid of heights or prefer to skip it, the itinerary can be adjusted.
• Meals are not included, but your guide will take you to local restaurants for lunch and dinner.

Other

• The tour runs regardless of the weather. The schedule may be adjusted in bad weather, but the tour will not be canceled.
• The Day 1 and Day 2 itineraries may be reversed depending on the weather and local conditions.
• Suseungdae in Geochang is included in the Premium option only.