Walking Through Cherry Blossoms

Walking Through Cherry Blossoms

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7 Days From

$4702

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Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through South Korea with the "Walking Through Cherry Blossoms" tour. This adventure takes you through breathtaking landscapes adorned with cherry blossoms, starting in the vibrant city of Busan. Explore the famous Jinhae Cherry Blossom Tunnel and the picturesque Yeojwacheon Stream. Walk the Dream Road, where cherry blossoms and forest views create a serene atmosphere. Experience a unique temple stay at Beopjusa in Mt. Songnisan National Park, where you can participate in a Buddhist ceremony and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony with monks and nuns. Travel comfortably with return airport transfers, a KTX bullet train ride, and private minibus transportation. Enjoy accommodations ranging from a hotel in Busan to a local guesthouse and a temple stay, offering a blend of comfort and cultural immersion. This tour promises a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and spirituality, perfect for those seeking an enriching travel experience. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Hike through tunnels of cherry blossom trees in bloom over multiple days.

  • Visit Anmingogae Hill and the famous Jinhae Cherry Blossom Tunnel.

  • Explore the area around Yeojwacheon Stream, known for its spectacular cherry blossoms.

  • Walk through the tracks at Gyeonghwa Station surrounded by cherry blossom trees.

  • Experience the Dream Road, a scenic walk with cherry blossoms and forest views.

  • Hike in Mt. Songnisan National Park and join a unique temple stay program.

  • Participate in a Buddhist ceremony and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony with monks and nuns.

Itinerary

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Day 1 - Arrival Busan

Location: Busan

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Noah or similar

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 – Hotel Noah or similar ...more ...less

Day 2 - Changwon

Location: Changwon

Accommodation: Homestay

Accommodation Name: local guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 – Local guesthouse

Day 3 - Dream Road

Location: Changwon-si

Accommodation: Homestay

Accommodation Name: local guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 – Local guesthouse

Day 4 - Dream Road

Location: Changwon-si

Accommodation: Homestay

Accommodation Name: local guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 – Local guest house

Day 5 - Mt. Songnisan National Park - Buddhist Temple Stay

Location: Mt. Songnisan National Park

Accommodation Name: temple stay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 – Buddhist Temple Stay 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.

Day 6 - Departure

Location: Songnisan National Park, Incheon International Airport

Meals Included: Breakfast

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)

Day 7 : Accommodation Guide

Location: Busan, Mt. Songnisan National Park


  • 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Busan

  • 3 nights at guesthouses (3*) on the Dream Road

  • 1 night in a Temple Stay in Mt. Songnisan National Park (multi-share)


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.


What's Included

  • Return airport transfers

    Enjoy the convenience of return airport transfers for a seamless travel experience.

  • KTX ticket to/from Busan

    Travel comfortably with a KTX bullet train ticket to and from Busan.

  • Services of an English speaking guide

    Benefit from the services of an English-speaking guide throughout your journey.

  • Private minibus transportation with driver

    Experience private minibus transportation with a driver for a comfortable journey.

  • Entrance fees as per the itinerary

    All entrance fees as per the itinerary are included in the tour package.

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights

    International and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.

  • Visas

    Visa fees and arrangements are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.

  • Travel and medical insurance

    Travel and medical insurance are not included and are recommended for all travelers.

  • All services, meals other than those indicated

    Any services and meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Any changes to the proposed and confirmed program

    Any changes to the proposed and confirmed program may incur additional costs.

  • All items of a personal nature

    Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, and tips are not included.

  • Early check-in/Late check-out

    Early check-in and late check-out at accommodations are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with return airport transfers, a KTX bullet train ride to and from Busan, and private minibus transportation with a driver, ensuring a seamless journey through South Korea's stunning landscapes.

Accommodation

Experience a unique blend of comfort and tradition with stays at Hotel Noah or similar in Busan, a local guesthouse in Changwon, and an immersive temple stay at Beopjusa in Mt. Songnisan National Park.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes return airport transfers, a KTX bullet train ride to and from Busan, and private minibus transportation with a driver.

  • What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    You will stay at Hotel Noah or similar in Busan, a local guesthouse in Changwon, and experience a temple stay at Beopjusa in Mt. Songnisan National Park.

  • What activities are included in the temple stay at Mt. Songnisan National Park?

    During the temple stay, you will participate in a traditional vegetarian temple meal, an evening Yebul ceremony, Zen meditation, a meditation session in the mountains, and a tea ceremony with monks and nuns.

  • Are there any specific clothing requirements for the temple stay?

    Yes, sleeveless t-shirts and flip-flops are not permitted during the temple stay.

  • Will I have the opportunity to participate in any cultural or spiritual activities?

    Yes, you will participate in a Buddhist ceremony, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony with monks and nuns, and engage in a temple stay program at Beopjusa Temple.

  • What is the Dream Road and what can I expect during the walk?

    The Dream Road is a scenic walk with cherry blossoms and forest views. You will walk two sections totaling 14 kilometers on the first day and two more sections covering 13.4 kilometers on the second day, enjoying the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.

  • What sort of transportation is used for your tours?

    Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels

  • Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?

    Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.

  • What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?

    Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.

  • Who do your tours cater for?

    Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.

  • I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?

    Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au

Reviews of this operator

Jeff Rehn  

A wonderful trip to Saudi Arabia organised by Crooked Compass

07-Apr-2022

A wonderful trip to Saudi Arabia organised by Crooked Compass. Considering the country is just opening up to tourism everything went very well - flights, trips, transfers, guides and accommodation - thank you CC - highly recommended

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Pauline Mavis Rusby  

We were kept safe at all times.

09-May-2022

We were kept safe at all times. When unexpected hurdles appeared they were handled without fuss. Our tour was informative, picturesque and comfortable.

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Tina Watts-Seale  

Family holiday to Vietnam

01-Aug-2022

We booked a family holiday to Vietnam with Crooked Compass and it was perfect. The booking process was easy and Lisa took all of our requests on board so that the trip was exactly what we wanted. All flights, transfers, accommodations, guides and activities were fantastic, with great communication throughout the whole trip. Would highly recommend, we will be booking again soon! ...more ...less

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1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Monday

Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025
$4702 (USD)

Wednesday - Tuesday

Apr 01, 2026 - Apr 07, 2026
$4993 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Walking Through Cherry Blossoms

7 Days Starting in Busan, South Korea and ending in 84 Beopjusa-ro, Boeun-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea

Visiting: Busan, Changwon, Changwon-si, Mt. Songnisan National Park, Songnisan National Park

Tour operator:

Crooked Compass

Tour code:

7625

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $4702 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 28-Feb-2025 but subject to change.