Explore some of South Korea’s most spectacular natural wilds and embrace traditional culture as you venture through impressive national parks amongst the changing autumn colours.
Stay in a Buddhist temple and quaint hanok villages as you connect with nature and the customs of the South Korean people. Hiking in South Korea is a favourite past time of many locals, however it is only just starting to be recognised by the rest of the world as one of the most impressive hiking destinations. Come and explore on foot with us, as you delve into a side of South Korea you did not existed.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Signature Tour 
Welcome to South Korea! You will be met upon arrival at Incheon International Airport and transferred to your hotel.
Prepare to be impressed by Seoul, South Korea’s shiny yet often underrated capital city. Enveloped by mountains, this giant metropolis is an exciting jumble of futuristic skyscrapers, castles and temples, with the ever-present backdrop of the many surrounding peaks. From young and funky districts where progressive art and cutting-edge fashion are to be found on every street, through to historic areas where cobbled streets lead to ancient temples, Seoul has one foot planted in the past, and the other stretched eagerly into the future. This is a city that comes alive at night, with its incredible food scene, dazzling neon lights, and a social “bang” (room) to suit every taste, from quirky karaoke bars to a thriving café scene. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore your surroundings.
Overnight – VOCO Hotel Myeongdong or similar
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing with your local guide to explore Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built in 1395, this imposing structure was the principal royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Witness the changing of the guard ceremony at the main gate—a precise re-enactment complete with traditional instruments and costumes. Continue to the National Folk Museum, located within the palace grounds, which houses over 4,000 artefacts detailing the domestic and cultural life of Korean people throughout history.
Drive past the Blue House, the executive office and official residence of the President of South Korea, before arriving in Bukchon Hanok Village. With a history spanning more than 600 years, this district is home to hundreds of traditional Korean hanok houses. Stroll through its alleyways lined with tea houses, craft shops and restored guesthouses.
This afternoon, transfer to Geumseonsa Temple, nestled at the base of Bukhansan Mountain. Upon arrival, register for your overnight temple stay and receive an orientation outlining temple etiquette and the schedule ahead. Geumseonsa Temple offers a glimpse into the disciplined lifestyle of Korean Buddhism.
You’ll be provided with a simple temple uniform (vest and trousers) to wear during your stay. Rooms are shared, traditional ondol-style with heated floors, futon bedding, and private bathrooms. Men and women are accommodated separately.
After settling in, enjoy a traditional Buddhist vegetarian dinner known as Balwoo Gongyang—a mindful and silent meal that reflects Buddhist values of moderation and gratitude. Dishes vary daily but typically include seasonal vegetables, tofu, seaweed and soup.
Following dinner, participate in the evening chanting ceremony, Yebul. Held in the main hall, this ritual involves the rhythmic recitation of sacred texts and prostrations. It is a meditative practice offering homage to Buddha and fostering mindfulness. End your evening with a guided meditation or quiet reflection. (B,D)
Overnight – Guemsunsa Temple or similar
Wake early to join the morning Yebul ceremony at 5am, followed by meditation practice. Depending on the day, you may participate in jwaseon (seated meditation) or haengseon (walking meditation), both central to Buddhist mindfulness training. A simple monastic breakfast follows, maintaining the quiet discipline of temple life.
Later in the morning, visit a nearby hermitage for tea with a Buddhist monk, a practice known as Dado. Rooted in ancient Korean tradition, this is an opportunity to learn about monastic life through conversation and shared silence over tea. Return to the main temple to clean your room and return your uniform.
From the temple, begin your hike along Baegak Mountain, also known as Bugaksan. This is the highest peak bordering central Seoul and part of the Seoul Fortress Wall Trail. Once a restricted military zone, its natural environment has remained well preserved. Along the way, you’ll encounter historical remnants including a tree marked by bullet holes—evidence of a 1968 incursion by North Korean commandos. The two-hour trail offers expansive city views and insights into Korea’s recent past.
In the afternoon, travel to Sokcho on Korea’s eastern coast. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours. On arrival, check into your hotel in Seorak, located just 200 metres from Seoraksan National Park. From the open-air terrace of your hotel, take in views of the rugged peaks of the Taebaek Mountain Range that frame the landscape. (B)
Overnight – Kensington Hotel Seorak or similar
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will explore Seoraksan National Park, beginning with the Gwongeumseong Cable Car. Ascend above the forested slopes for spectacular panoramic views across the park, before exploring the historic Gwongeumseong Fortress area. The elevated vantage point offers an impressive perspective over Seoraksan’s rugged peaks and valleys, particularly striking when the landscape is transformed by the colours of spring and autumn.
From here, you will travel to Andong, an interesting city famous for a variety of ancient sites, as well as its wooden masks, mackeral, and strong local vodka (soju). Upon arrival, visit Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site known for its well-preserved Joseon Dynasty-era architecture. Located by the Nakdong River, the village remains a living community and features tile-roofed aristocratic residences and thatched commoners’ homes, offering a glimpse into Korea’s Confucian past. You will then check into your hotel and have the evening at leisure. (B)
Overnight – Stanford Andong or similar
After breakfast, journey south to Jirisan National Park, Korea’s first and largest national park. Today is dedicated to exploring the park and enjoying the scenic Guryong Valley hiking experience without additional sightseeing.
Your hike follows the Guryong Valley trail, renowned for its cascading waterfalls and dramatic granite peaks. The valley name translates to ‘Nine Dragons’, referencing the nine waterfalls nestled among the forested slopes, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty.
After your hike, continue to Namwon, a small city known for its literary heritage and connection to Korea’s most famous love story, “Chunhyangjeon.” On arrival, check into your hotel and relax for the evening. (B)
Overnight – Namwon Suites Hotel or similar
Today, travel to Mt. Naejang, one of Korea’s finest places to experience the spectacular autumn colours, particularly the vivid red maple leaves. Begin with the Naejangsan Cable Car before hiking towards Yeonjabong Peak, enjoying sweeping views across the surrounding mountains and brilliant seasonal foliage. Should conditions permit and the group wish to undertake a longer and more challenging route, the hike can be extended towards Sinseonbong Peak, the highest point in Naejangsan National Park.
You will then travel to Gwangju, where you will check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. (B)
Overnight – Ramada Plaza Gwangju Chungjang or similar
After breakfast this morning, you will travel to Jeonju (approx. 2 hours), a charming city that in parts feels a little like you have stepped back in time. Jeonju was one of the key cities of the Joseon Dynasty, whose rule stretched from the 14th to the 19th Century and the traditional architecture still found in the city, as well as the continuation of culture and customs from that time mean that this city acts as an open-air museum.
You will visit Jeonju hanok village. This charming village has over 800 hanoks, with their wooden beams and curved tiled roofs. While other parts of the city are completely modern, this traditional Korean village helps to give a glimpse into the way life was lived centuries ago. Strolling through the peaceful village, you will feel a bit like you are in a bubble as on its outskirts, the city backdrop of skyscrapers remind you of the modern world, but in the quaint village lanes, you feel quite removed. Make sure to sample some of the amazing food on offer in this village as well, including Jeonju bibimbap, a Korean rice dish that is beloved around the world, and has a special style in this region. You will also visit Jaman Mural Village. Local artists have painted murals all throughout this cliffside village, creating an open-air art gallery.
Tonight, you will enjoy a traditional hanok stay. A hanok is a traditional Korean home, with a simple design created using natural materials. A typical hanok will have very little furniture, futon beds and an underfloor heating system called ondol. This traditional home heating system was used in ancient Korea, where heated stones from the kitchen were used to keep the floor of a room warm. Technology means the heat is now generated by hot water pipes running under the wooden floors surface, creating a perfect temperature especially at the coldest times of year. Having a warm floor has shaped the daily life of the Korean people, who will often sit, eat and socialise on the floor as opposed to chairs, and floor mattresses like futons are often used for beds, to take advantage of this additional warmth. (B)
Overnight – Traditional Hanok guest house or similar
Enjoy breakfast at your guest house, before returning to Seoul by car (approx. 3.5 hours). Enjoy some free time in the afternoon before heading out to enjoy a farewell dinner with your group. (B,D)
Overnight – VOCO Hotel Myeongdong or similar
Today your South Korea adventure comes to an end. Enjoy breakfast and free time until your transfer to the airport to meet your onwards flight. (B)
Buddhist Temple Stay
Men and Women are not permitted to share the same room, so the group will be divided into genders for rooming. Accommodation is in shared Korean-style ondol rooms (no beds; thin floor mattress and blanket). Private toilets are provided in guest rooms. A temple uniform (vest and trousers) is supplied for all participants. Guests may voluntarily join Buddhist ceremonies.
Hanok Stay
A typical hanok will have very little furniture, futon beds and an underfloor heating system called ondol.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
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**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
* The temple stay is multi-share, divided by gender.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
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Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
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Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
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