Think beyond Japan for Cherry Blossom season. South Korea is often missed as travellers get wrapped up in Japan’s Sakura season or ‘Golden Week’.
Follow ‘Dream Road’ in South Korea as you hike and weave through lush forests bursting with soft cherry blossoms. Bowing overhead as you follow abandoned train tracks and pass gurgling streams, explore on foot and absorb nature at its most elegant. Move into the remote mountains to Mt. Songnisan National Park, one of the countries best kept secrets. Here you will be introduced to the zen of Buddhism at a traditional temple stay. Enjoy alms under the starry sky and meditation in the mountains and traditional tea ceremony’s with the monks and nuns. The perfect introduction to both the Korean and Buddhist culture and the beautiful natural world often hidden from many travellers minds.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Private Departures 
Welcome to South Korea! Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be met by a local English-speaking guide and transferred to Busan by KTX, a bullet train (approx. 4hrs 40mins). Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is framed by electric blue oceans, lush mountains, and mouthwatering cuisine. It’s a city bursting with surprises, a chilled vibe, and the perfect base to start your journey. The remainder of the day is at leisure. If you are interested, why not head to Gamcheon Cultural Village or explore the fish markets right near your hotel?
Overnight – ASTI Hotel Busan or similar
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before you transfer to Changwon (1-hour drive). On arrival, you will visit Anmingogae Hill, a 9-kilometre-long hill stretching from Taebaek-dong in Jinhae to Anmin-dong in Changwon. Six of the nine kilometres are lined with cherry blossoms, forming the famous Jinhae Cherry Blossom Tunnel. The hill is also known for its views of Jinhaeman Bay, Ungsan Mountain (alt. 703m), Sirubong Peak (alt. 630m), and Cheonjabong Peak (502m).
Next, explore the area around Yeojwacheon Stream, renowned as one of the best locations for viewing spectacular cherry blossoms. Each April, the entire city of Jinhae is filled with cherry blossoms, with the Yeojwacheon Stream area boasting the most beautiful displays.
Your last stop of the day is Gyeonghwa Station, another famous cherry blossom viewing site. This small railway station, neighboured by Seongjusa Station to the north and Jinhae Station to the south, no longer has railway services, allowing you to walk through the tracks surrounded by rows of cherry blossom trees, creating a stunning floral tunnel effect. (B)
Overnight – Grand Mercure Ambassador or similar
Enjoy breakfast this morning at a local restaurant before you prepare to depart on foot to walk two sections of the Dream Road, totalling 14 kilometres and taking approximately 6 hours. Listen to the birds singing in the surrounding forest as you walk the Dream Road. The sweet scent of cherry blossoms fills the air, and their petals will rain down on you like soft snowflakes. Depending on what time you finish walking today, those interested may wish to visit the birthplace of Seongheungsa andKim Daejin, a famed poet, as well as Kim Daejin’s literature museum, located at the end of the Dream Road. (B)
Overnight – Grand Mercure Ambassador or similar
Fuel up again this morning in a local restaurant for breakfast before you set off to walk two more sections of the Dream Road, covering 13.4 kilometres and taking approximately 6 hours. Walk through the cooling forest as your mind clears and you absorb the spectacular nature surrounding you. (B)
Overnight – Grand Mercure Ambassador or similar
Following breakfast at a local restaurant, you will embark on a scenic drive to Mt. Songnisan National Park, approximately 3.5 hours away. This park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and offers a unique opportunity to engage in a temple stay program, introducing you to the serene practices of Zen Buddhism.
Nestled in lush greenery, Songnisan National Park is home to mountains that have been revered for 1500 years. The highlight of your visit will be Beopjusa Temple, a significant Buddhist site founded in 553 CE. Beopjusa, meaning ‘a temple where the teaching of the Buddha resides’ holds a wealth of cultural treasures. This includes Geumdongmireukdaebul, a gilded bronze Buddha statue standing 33 metres high and Palsangjeon, a five-story wooden pagoda. You will also see Daeungbojeon, which is considered one of three major Buddhist halls in Korea as well as Ssangsajaseokdeung (twin-lion stone lamp), a lotus-shaped stone fountain, and Palsangjeon Hall.
Regardless of your personal beliefs, the temple stay provides an immersive experience of Buddhist spiritual culture. You will participate in a traditional vegetarian temple meal for dinner, followed by an evening Yebul ceremony. Yebul is the most significant event in Korean temples, involving paying respect to the Buddhas and reaffirming teachings. This ceremony, also known as the “ceremony of five fragrances,” is marked by the sounding of various instruments to symbolically summon all beings. It includes recitations of the Heart Sutra and Wishes for the welfare of the temple and all people (Barunmoon).
The temple observes lights out by 9 pm, providing a serene end to the day. This experience allows you to connect deeply with nature and engage in self-reflection within the peaceful setting of Beopjusa Temple. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Beopjusa temple or similar
Note: During the temple stay male and female guests (including couples) may be required to stay in separate rooms due to gender-segregated accommodations at certain temples. Single rooms are not possible. With regards to clothing, sleeveless t-shirts and flip-flops are not permitted.
Participate in an early morning chant (Yebul) with the monks under the moonlight and stars before returning to the main temple for breakfast. Following breakfast, enjoy Zen meditation, a meditation session in the mountains, and a tea ceremony with the monks and nuns, where you’ll have the opportunity for a Q&A session. After a temple lunch, depart at midday to return to Incheon International Airport (approx. 5hrs) for your onward flight. (B)
Buddhist Temple Stay
Your Temple Stay in Mt. Songnisan National Park is simple multi-share accommodation, with shared bathrooms. Men and Women are not permitted to share the same room, so the group will be divided into genders for rooming.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
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Enquire About a Private Option**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.
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.
Stay up to date with the latest travel trends and new destinations opening up. To be the first to go, you need to be the first to know.
Travel professionals are welcome. For partnerships or agent enquiries, we recommend contacting us directly.
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:
More about our Tour Styles.
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:
More about our Tour Styles.
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:
More about our Tour Styles.
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