Korean Tea Culture & Culinary Journey

April 30 – May 6, 2026

A 7-day journey through Korea’s ancient tea mountains, healing forests, tea festival and sacred temples.

Journey from the Coastal beaches to the Wild Tea Mountains

Slow down and immerse yourself into the quiet beauty of Korea’s tea culture. This 7-day retreat weaves together forest healing and foot spas, tea ceremonies, temple life, artisan tea farms, and one or two of Korea's time honored tea festivals.

Travel with us from the eastern coast to the southern mountains, guided by Christine of Hearth & Seoul and my Umma. You'll laugh at her stories, listen to what life is like in Korea from a local, enjoy regional and seasonal foods from our favorite local spots, and have an experience that we've specifically curated for this group. 

This retreat is designed for those who want to follow along at a gentle pace, enjoy the traditions and food that Korean culture has to offer, and experience what it's like from a local perspective with friends we've met along our own journeys in the past. We keep our group small so that we can have a real experience. 

You're going to meet some of my family and get a more intimate experience. There will be some free time to explore your own activities if you choos such as museums, traditional villages, tea houses, etc.

Retreat Details

• Dates: April 30 – May 6, 2026
• Locations: Gangneung • Samcheok • Pohang • Ssanggyesa Temple • Hadong • Boseong • Seoul
• Length: 7 days / 6 nights
• Group Size: 4–5 participants
• Hosted By: Christine Young (Hearth & Seoul)
• Languages: English & Korean

What's Included

• 6 nights of lodging (shared or single rooms available, please note that the temple may be shared rooms for all but 1 single room)
  • Some options include Pension and Hanok
• All ground transportation from Gangneung to Seoul
• Samcheok Healing Forest + foot bath
• 2-night temple stay at Ssanggyesa Temple (including meals)
• Private tea ceremony & tasting
• Artisan tea farm visits in Hadong
• Hadong Wild Tea Festival (tentative based on dates not released)
• Boseong Green Tea Festival
• All lunches + dinners 
• Korean/English translation
• Retreat guidance and itinerary support

Not Included

• KTX from Seoul to Gangneung (we will provide train information)
• Airfare to and from Korea (I'll have alerts set for price drops)
• Breakfast except temple meals
• Personal snacks/souvenirs
• Travel insurance
• Optional Tea festival activities (usually sign ups are day of)

Retreat Itinerary

Day 1 — April 30 (Thursday)

• Take KTX from Seoul → Gangneung
• Coffee Row for snacks/tea/coffee/beachside
• Lunch in Samcheok at a famous local restaurant
• Samcheok Healing Forest
• Walk through forest
• Foot tea bath
• Drive to Pohang Beach and stay in a beachside villa.
• Dinner included, famous for seafood!

Day 2 — May 1 (Friday)

• Optional sunrise on the beach
• Scenic drive through mountains
• Stop for lunch
• Arrive at Ssanggyesa Temple 
• Check-in for temple stay
• Dinner provided in temple, optional activities

Day 3 — May 2 (Saturday)

Temple Stay: Full Day

• Morning meditation + temple meal
• Optional Hike to spiritual site
• Private tea ceremony and tasting 
• Free time or follow Temple activity schedule
• All meals provided on a schedule (all vegetarian)
  

Day 4 — May 3 (Sunday)

If Hadong Wild Tea Festival is happening:

• Spend the day at the festival

If the festival is not happening:

• Hadong Market visit
• Private tea farm tour(s)
• Check into pension or hanok stay

Day 5 — May 4 (Monday)

Half day in Hadong

Free time: Tea festival or tea farm, visit local cafes 
Lunch Optional

Head to Boseong Tea Region 

• Check into hotel/guesthouse in Boseong 
• Tea Festival Activities 
• Dinner in Boseong

 Day 6 — May 5 (Tuesday) 

Boseong Tea Festival and/or farm tours

• Spend the day at the Boseong Green Tea Festival or tour tea farms
• Optional Activities
• Free time, nearby Activities: Beach, Hiking, Tibetan Museum, Art museums, Traditional Village
• Lunch and Dinner included

Day 7 — May 6 (Wednesday)

Boseong → Seoul

• Breakfast (not included)
• Drive toward Seoul
• Lunch stop in Jeolla-do 
• Arrive in Seoul around 4:00–5:00 PM
• Drop-off
  
  * There may be a slight adjustment in itinerary based on tea festival dates that are released in 2026, but will remain the same overall dates. 

Retreat Pricing

Early Bird Pricing (Ends Feb 1st):

• Shared Room: $3,300
• Single Room: $3,650

Regular Pricing:

• Shared Room: $3,600
• Single Room: $3,850

Deposit of $750 if you need a payment plan. 

Who This Retreat Is For

This retreat is for those who crave a slower, deeper way to experience Korean nature, tea, culture, and local life. No tea or meditation experience is needed.

Ready to Join Us?

Reserve your spot for this intimate, intentional journey through Korea’s tea heritage.