I had been hearing great things about South Korea for some time, so I was thrilled to take part in a Bunnik Tours famil earlier this year.
Not only did I get to explore this incredible country, but I also experienced the Bunnik product first-hand – and both exceeded my expectations.
This was an unforgettable journey, rich in culture, history, food and unique experiences, and one that has left me feeling confident in recommending both South Korea and Bunnik Tours to my clients.
South Korea is a fascinating destination, seamlessly blending ultra-modern life with deep-rooted tradition.
You’ll find traditional hanok villages and teahouses sitting alongside neon-lit streets and K-pop stores. It’s safe, easy to navigate and offers a diverse landscape of vibrant cities, mountains, national parks and beaches.
Food and drink are both affordable and exceptional. From BBQ, bibimbap and kimchi to street food favourites like tteokbokki and fried chicken, every meal is a flavour-packed experience.
Traditional Korean dining is also a highlight, with rice, soup and multiple shared side dishes served all at once, allowing for a variety of flavours in every bite.
It’s a destination that truly caters to a wide range of travellers – from foodies and culture lovers to nature enthusiasts and K-pop fans.
We experienced a slightly modified version of Bunnik Tours’ ‘South Korea in Depth’ itinerary, beginning in Busan and finishing in Seoul.
In Busan, we explored colourful hillside communities, walked part of the Igidae Park coastal trail and took in the views from the glass-floor Oryukdo Skywalk.
We also had time to relax at Haeundae Beach and enjoy panoramic views from BUSAN X the SKY observatory. A day trip to Gyeongju included a scenic hike to Seokguram Grotto, exploration of Bulguksa Temple and a peaceful walk through the historic Tumuli Park burial mounds.
In Gwangju, we enjoyed a hands-on cultural experience at the Traditional Culture Centre, including Korean drumming, hanbok dressing and etiquette training – an absolute highlight and one I know clients would love. The day was topped off with an incredible Korean BBQ dinner.
En-route to Jeonju, we relaxed at Seokjeong Hot Spring HUE Spa – a fun group bonding experience – and visited Tapsa Temple at Mt. Mai, famous for its unique stacked stone pagodas.
Jeonju Hanok Village was another standout, offering beautiful traditional architecture and a vibrant food scene, with ample time to explore at our own pace.
A personal highlight was the kimchi-making class with a Kimchi master. We learned about the history of this famous dish, wrapped the cabbage “baby,” and followed the process from start to finish.
This was followed by a bibimbap lesson and lunch at an authentic local restaurant. It was a genuinely immersive experience that provided a meaningful connection to Korean food and culture.
On the journey to Seoul, we stopped in Suwon to try traditional Korean archery at the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress.
In Seoul, highlights included Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a visit to N Seoul Tower for sweeping city views, market shopping, free time to explore and the lively NANTA performance, before concluding with a farewell dinner.
Bunnik Tours delivered an excellent balance of guided touring and free time, along with group dining and opportunities for independent exploration.
The inclusions represent great value, with well-located hotels of a high standard, numerous meals and sightseeing experiences included, and any additional expenses remaining affordable.
What truly set this experience apart, however, was the quality of the guides, driver, hotels and meals, along with the thoughtfully curated cultural experiences such as the kimchi class and cultural centre visit.
Our guide, Monica, was exceptional – knowledgeable, engaging and always willing to go above and beyond.
She encouraged us to try local foods, guided us through bustling markets, helped us navigate cultural nuances and shared her expertise on everything from skincare to local customs to K-Pop, all while keeping the group entertained and engaged.
As a travel agent, experiencing this famil first-hand has given me real peace of mind, knowing this is exactly the level of experience my clients can expect.
It allows me to confidently match the right clients to this product – those who will truly appreciate the blend of culture, history, cuisine and immersive experiences.
I know they will return home with lasting memories, supported by a seamless and well-executed itinerary.
Opportunities like this also highlight the support of Travel Associates and partners such as Bunnik Tours, who enable agents to experience destinations and products first-hand.
This is invaluable in building product knowledge, credibility and confidence, ultimately allowing us to provide more meaningful and informed recommendations to our clients.
Having now experienced a Bunnik Tours journey myself, I can confidently recommend both the product and South Korea as a destination.
The quality of the guides, drivers, hotels and meals, combined with well-considered inclusions and excellent value, ensures clients will enjoy an authentic and truly memorable travel experience – just as I did.
Main image: Jacqui Smart (back row, third from right)
