Busan: Hiking and Tasting Rice Wine in the Hidden Village

Exploring the hidden gems of Busan, this hiking and rice wine tasting tour promises an unforgettable adventure. Traversing scenic trails, travelers will ascend to Geumjeongsan’s peak, taking in stunning vistas before descending to a quaint village. There, they’ll savor a traditional lunch paired with the region’s renowned makgeolli, seeing the local culture. Whether a seasoned hiker or a newcomer, this personalized experience caters to all skill levels, offering a chance to discover Busan’s natural beauty and unique traditions.

Key Points

• Guided 4-hour hiking tour in Busan covering 8-9 km, including lunch and traditional Korean rice wine (makgeolli) tasting in a hidden village.
• Tour offers scenic views from the peak of Geumjeongsan mountain and a personalized experience tailored to hikers’ fitness levels.
• Well-maintained trails with varied difficulty levels, suitable for hikers of all skill sets from frequent to rare.
• Opportunity to explore secluded spots and discover hidden gems along the breathtaking hiking trails.
• Tour highly rated for excellent guidance, value for money, and delivering unforgettable experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This hiking and rice wine tasting tour in Busan offers a unique opportunity to explore a hidden village while savoring local Korean culture.

The 4-hour activity includes guided hiking covering 8-9 km, lunch, and a tasting of the traditional Korean rice wine, makgeolli.

Priced from $49 per person, the tour is limited to 10 participants and available in English and Korean.

With a 5/5 overall rating, the tour provides a personalized experience catered to hikers of all skill levels.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and reservations can be made with a pay-later option.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a brief 15-minute bus or coach ride from Oncheonjang Station to Geumjeongsan, where the guided hiking portion commences.

The tour begins with a brief 15-minute bus or coach ride from Oncheonjang Station to Geumjeongsan, where the guided hiking portion commences.

Over the next 2.5 hours, you will cover 8-9 km, with a 1.5-hour ascent to the peak.

After enjoying the scenic views, the group will descend for 30 minutes to a hidden village.

There, they’ll indulge in a lunch and the highlight of the tour – a tasting of traditional Korean rice wine, or makgeolli.

Finally, the group will board the bus or coach for the return journey to the starting point at Oncheonjang Station.

Hiking Difficulty

Depending on one’s hiking experience, the trail on this tour can be categorized as relatively easy for frequent hikers, moderately challenging for occasional hikers, and considered difficult for those who rarely engage in such activities. The difficulty levels are outlined in the table below:

| Hiking Experience | Difficulty Level |

|——————-|——————|

| Frequent Hikers | Relatively Easy |

| Occasional Hikers | Moderately Challenging |

| Rare Hikers | Considered Difficult |

Private tour options are available for those seeking a slower pace. The personalized experience allows participants to tailor the hike to their fitness levels and preferences.

Highlights and Recommendations

Secluded spots known only to locals await exploration on this tour, offering a less touristic and more personal experience.

Discover hidden gems as you hike the trails, taking in breathtaking views along the way.

Discover hidden gems as you hike the trails, taking in breathtaking views along the way.

After the trek, relish the opportunity to savor a traditional Korean rice wine, known as makgeolli, in the charming village.

For a well-rounded day, the tour team recommends visiting the nearby hot springs to unwind and rejuvenate after the hike.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and long pants or leggings to fully enjoy this unique hiking and tasting adventure in Busan.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have overwhelmingly praised this tour, with an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 47 reviews.

Travelers highlighted the excellent guidance, with a 5/5 rating for the tour guide. The value for money was also praised, earning a 4.9/5 rating.

As one reviewer from Australia stated, "If there were 10 stars, this tour would get it. Beautiful scenery and friendly guide."

Another guest from Germany noted, "Fantastic tour with enjoyable trails. Breathtaking views and perfect meal afterward."

The consensus is clear – this hidden gem in Busan delivers an unforgettable experience.

Getting to the Starting Point

The tour starts at Oncheonjang Station, which is easily accessible by public transportation.

From there, you’ll board a bus or coach for a 15-minute journey to Geumjeongsan, the starting point of the hike. The transportation is included in the tour price, so you don’t have to worry about getting there on your own.

Once you arrive at Geumjeongsan, your guide will lead you on an approximately 2.5-hour hike covering 8-9 km.

The ascent to the peak takes around 1.5 hours, followed by a 30-minute descent to the hidden village where you’ll enjoy lunch and a rice wine tasting.

What to Expect During the Hike

During the hike, participants can expect a guided tour through some of the most scenic parts of Geumjeongsan.

The ascent to the peak takes approximately 1.5 hours and covers a distance of 8-9 km. The trail is well-maintained, but can be moderately challenging for occasional hikers.

The guide will lead the group at a comfortable pace, pointing out the local flora and fauna along the way.

After reaching the peak, the group will descend for 30 minutes to a hidden village, where they can enjoy a traditional Korean lunch and rice wine tasting.

The Rice Wine Tasting Experience

After the invigorating hike, the group will get to experience the highlight of the tour – the traditional Korean rice wine tasting.

The guide will lead them to a hidden village, where they’ll visit a local winery. There, they’ll learn about the history and production process of makgeolli, a milky-white rice wine.

Participants will sample several varieties and discover the unique flavors, ranging from sweet to savory. The tasting is accompanied by a traditional Korean meal, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the local culture.

Participants will sample a range of makgeolli flavors, from sweet to savory, alongside a traditional Korean meal.

This experience provides a perfect balance between outdoor adventure and cultural exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Dog on the Hike?

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this tour. The tour operator has a strict no-pet policy to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. You’ll need to make other arrangements for your furry friend during the hike and wine tasting.

How Much Drinking Water Should I Bring?

It’s recommended to bring at least 1 liter of drinking water per person for the hike. The tour includes a lunch and rice wine tasting, but having extra water will help you stay hydrated during the 2.5-hour guided trail.

Are There Any Restrooms Along the Hiking Trail?

Yes, there are restrooms available at the starting point and at the village where the wine tasting takes place. The hiking trail itself does not have any restrooms, so it’s recommended to use the facilities before starting the hike.

Will the Rice Wine Tasting Include Traditional Korean Snacks?

Yes, the rice wine tasting typically includes traditional Korean snacks such as dried fish, pickled vegetables, and rice cakes. This helps enhance the overall cultural experience and complement the flavors of the makgeolli.

Is the Hike Suitable for Children?

The hike may not be suitable for young children, as it’s considered moderately challenging for occasional hikers. However, the tour offers private options for a slower pace, making it potentially manageable for families with older children.

The Sum Up

This guided hiking and rice wine tasting tour in Busan offers an unforgettable experience amidst breathtaking landscapes. Traversing scenic trails to a hidden village, you’ll reach Geumjeongsan’s peak and enjoy a delightful lunch paired with traditional makgeolli. Suitable for all skill levels, it’s a must-try for outdoor enthusiasts, with a perfect 5/5 rating that promises a personalized and memorable journey through Busan’s natural beauty and local culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: