My company was given a seemingly impossible task. Introduce all that Korea has to offer in 5 days to a group of 14 food professionals from Holland. Three of the members were Michelin-starred chefs: Moshik Rot, Akira Oshima and Gerrit Gerveling. I have had the opportunity to tour other star chefs in the past and I know they can be quite particular. The group was looking for a tour that would show them all the Korean food secrets the country had to offer. They wanted to meet with top chefs, they wanted to explore the farms and the food production areas and they wanted to have fun. A lot of fun. Luckily our company was up to the task.

On the first few days, we explored Seoul. We went to the traditional markets and the new modern markets (SSG). They also took cooking classes at our cooking school and at the North Korean Institute for Korean food. We also had a high-end dinner at Korea’s contemporary Korean restaurant: Jungsikdang where the chef prepared a special meal for the group.

You would think after full days of eating, the group would have been tired but at night they went partying at some of Seoul’s hottest clubs where we might have all gotten a little…excited.

It was a good start to the beginning of 5 days of Korea. After Seoul we went to Jeonju, Busan, Andong and Chuncheon. We did this all without causing an international incident. More pictures to follow.

Dan

August 24 – September 1, 2013 

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Known as the  “land of the morning calm”, South Korea is a fascinating mix of ancient and modern, tradition and innovation. This unique Food Sovereignty Tour allows you to explore South Korea’s world-renowned cuisine and the centuries-long struggle of South Korean farmers for land and democracy. This fall, join Food First, the Korean Peasant’s League and the Korean Women’s Peasant Association for a once in a lifetime experience.

On this tour, you’ll experience the ancient culinary traditions that set this region apart, from famous regional dishes such as “Chuncheon Dakgalbi”, a spicy red chili barbecue, vegetarian meals at a serene Buddhist temple, and the age-old tradition of kimchi- a Korean staple of fermented vegetables spiced with flavorful seasonings, considered the country’s national dish.

Today, South Korean peasants are at the forefront of the global food sovereignty movement promoting local food, native seed preservation, democracy, and women’s rights. South Korean farmers have also become famous for their persistent struggle against global trade liberalization. In recognition of these struggles, the Korean Women’s Peasant Association was awarded the 2012 Food Sovereignty Prize in New York City.

On this tour you will visit the contemporary and historical sites of peasant struggles that have defined the modern history of Korea. You will also visit farmer operated cooperatives and speak to peasants and activists who are working to promote a democratic local food system that respects the history, tradition, and food culture of the Korean people as an alternative to the hyper-modernization that Korea is known for in mainstream media. Along the way, you will get to taste the rich heritage of Korean food, visiting fish markets, Songnisan National Park, famous for its mountain vegetables and medicinal herbs, and even take a cooking class to learn the basics of Korean cooking.

This Food First tour is brought to you in collaboration with the Korean Peasant’s League, the Korean Women’s Peasant Association and the highly acclaimed Seoul-based culinary tourism agencyO’ngo Food Tours. With a Food First expert as your guide, you will experience a Korea rarely seen by outsiders. You will explore some of the most serene areas of the “land of the morning calm”, experience Korea’s unique food traditions, and meet the people of this beautiful country to learn about their struggles for food, land, and democracy.

Tour highlights may include:

• Visit to traditional local food markets in Seoul
• Experience the culinary traditions of Korean food and try the famous regional cuisines of Korea such as “Chuncheon Dakgalbi”, a spicy red chili barbecue
• Take a Korean Cooking class
• Visit a beautiful Buddhist mountain temple and share a vegetarian meal
• Meet with leaders of the Korean Peasant’s League, Korean Women’s Peasant Association, and law-makers supporting Food Sovereignty in Korea.
• Learn about the historical struggles of Korean peasants since the Donghak Peasant Revolution of 1894 that shaped the modern history of the Korean peninsula.
• Learn about the devastating impacts of neoliberal trade liberalization and Free Trade Agreements and how small farmers resist.
• Meet the inspiring women of a CSA cooperative in Sangju run by the Korean Women’s Peasant Association
• Visit the Native Seeds program, a farmer initiative to protect and preserve native seeds and break free from corporate seed companies. The project seeks to protect native biodiversity as well as offering farmers access to non-GMO seed varieties from the US corporations dominating the Korean seed market.
• Meet the people behind one of the greatest Korean food s0veriengty success stories: The producer-consumer cooperatives.

Click here to download trip details and a sample itinerary (PDF). 

Tour Cost: $2650

Price includes:

•  All in-country transportation during the tour including airport transfer to and from Incheon International Airport
• Three-star hotel accommodations for 8 nights; single accommodations are available for an additional fee of $300.
• 2-3 meals per day
• Food First trip leader (country expert/policy analyst), local guides, guest speaker honoraria, translators and drivers (we are committed to fairly compensating everyone who contributes their labor, time and passion to enriching our delegations and making them run smoothly)
• Preparatory reading materials (“Reader”) and Orientation Packet
• All scheduled program activities, including, presentations and workshops
• Food First membership

NOT INCLUDED: International airfare, most beverages, tips, insurance, personal expenses.

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Special Note for Traveling in South Korea:

• Vegetarian/Vegan limitations: Traditional Korean food is not meat heavy, but animal products such as fish sauce do feature prominently especially in fermented foods that are served at almost every meal. Purely vegetarian and vegan options may be limited especially in the rural areas. Please be as flexible as you can, and polite in explaining your dietary restrictions.

For more background on food sovereignty in South Korea, see:

• South Korea, Part I: Food is key to national identity but farmers are left out
• South Korea, Part II: Modernization and Global Ambitions
• One Island’s Struggle for Land, Life and Peace
• Liberalizing the Economy May Crush the Culture of One Small Island

For more information, contact Katie at kbrimm@foodfirst.org

or call (510) 654-4400 ext. 223

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Seoul is beautiful at night and now that Buddha’s Birthday is approaching the river is lit with many lanterns. It is a great place for a night walk. Also if you need some chocolate, I recommend you take a stop at cacao boom.

I took a tour with Mind the Gap tours yesterday and it was great. I checked out some great markets and tasted a lot of excellent foods. I would recommend it to all.

Dan

My company was given a seemingly impossible task. Introduce all that Korea has to offer in 5 days to a group of 14 food professionals from Holland. Three of the members were Michelin-starred chefs: Moshik Rot, Akira Oshima and Gerrit Gerveling. I have had the opportunity to tour other star chefs in the past and I know they can be quite particular. The group was looking for a tour that would show them all the Korean food secrets the country had to offer. They wanted to meet with top chefs, they wanted to explore the farms and the food production areas and they wanted to have fun. A lot of fun. Luckily our company was up to the task.

On the first few days, we explored Seoul. We went to the traditional markets and the new modern markets (SSG). They also took cooking classes at our cooking school and at the North Korean Institute for Korean food. We also had a high-end dinner at Korea’s contemporary Korean restaurant: Jungsikdang where the chef prepared a special meal for the group.

You would think after full days of eating, the group would have been tired but at night they went partying at some of Seoul’s hottest clubs where we might have all gotten a little…excited.

It was a good start to the beginning of 5 days of Korea. After Seoul we went to Jeonju, Busan, Andong and Chuncheon. We did this all without causing an international incident. More pictures to follow.

Dan

Ivan

Incheon port is one of the most important areas for Korea because it was how Korea first interacted with the western world. Later when it was under attack from North Korea during the Korean War (1950-1953), it was a start of the standoff for liberation. 60-some years later, Korea has developed into an industrial power while North Korea flounders.  Our Incheon Port to Seoul City Tour is a tour that will show you a mix of the old and the new. Our English-speaking, friendly guides will pick you up at Incheon port in our comfortable vans (4-person van or 7-person van: Kia Caravan) and then take you on a journey through Korea. We’ll drive you into one of the largest and densest cities in the world, Seoul. Our tours are customizable and focus on great sights and tastes of Korea. In one day, you’ll get a taste of the local culture. We’ll take you from port to the city and back in 1-day while you get to learn about the history and the culture.

Incheon Port To Seoul City Tour Schedule:
9am pickup at port
1045am arrive in Seoul go to Kwangjang Market to have famous street food.
11:30pm Go to Gyeongbukgung Palace and Folk Art Museum
12:30 eat Korean barbecue for lunch
1:30pm Visit Bukchon Hanok Village (Korean Traditional Village
2:30pm Visit Ewha Woman’s University (Famous architecture)
3:00pm Visit Hongdae Art University Area
3:30pm Start drive back to Incheon Dock (traffic is heavier in the midday)

Cost per group of 5 people or 7 people is 550 USD. English Guide, Admissions to palaces are included. Transport to and from the dock, city, tolls, gas, parking are all included.

Lunch and snacks would be around 15 USD extra a person.

Come Explore Korea with us!

O’ngo Food Communications

Chef Hyejin initially demonstrated the preparation of the ingredients, then the cooking process. The complex flavours are surprisingly easy to recreate, so you will find inspiration and confidence in your cooking back at home by attending one of O’ngo’s courses. It was also interesting to learn about how and when certain dishes are prepared from a cultural perspective.

The workspaces and utensils are kept spotlessly clean, instruction is clear, the chef is patient and observant, and all staff are welcoming and encouraging.

The beginner course gives you two recipes which takes 2-3 hours to prepare, cook and eat afterwards. On my next visit to Seoul, I will be returning for one of the intermediate courses!