Wing your way east, oh Sirens, to touch down in this land of contrasts, with its palaces and verdant pine trees and dynamic, youthful energy.

We’ll take some time for an afternoon respite and then we’ll gather for a convivial dinner to anticipate all of the exquisite experiences that lie ahead.

Lodging: Seoul
Meals: Dinner

Rise to a replenishing breakfast together as we prepare for a day of immersion in Seoul’s history, food and literature.  

The sound of wind chimes will herald our entry to the winding alleys of Seoul’s oldest neighborhoods. We’ll admire the architecture of century-old residences, peek through the gates into tranquil courtyards and discover nearly-hidden shrines. 

And one of the highlights of our morning will be a visit to Daeo Bookstore, housed in its original hanok building, complete with soaring shelves and old signs.

The catch is that Daeo Bookstore no longer sells books! But we’ll soak up the nostalgic atmosphere with a refreshing libation.

After a savory lunch, it is off to a traditional Korean market and some time for shopping.

In the early evening, let’s gather for a cool drink on a rooftop overlooking the lights of Seoul and a paperback book exchange. (Please bring a favorite paperback to share with another traveler.)

Dinner is delightfully yours to decide.

Lodging: Seoul
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Today, my Sirens, we leave the city lights behind and strike out for the tranquility and beauty of Wonsando Island, where richly-scented pine forests edge the beach and the pace is relaxed and casual.

Once used as a medieval destination for political exiles, the island has experienced transformations through its agricultural history, as a center of Protestant missionary work and trade and now as an intriguing place to explore for travelers. 

We’ll walk the coast and learn about the cultural traditions from our guide. And there will be time for reading, a book discussion or quiet contemplation on the beach. 

Our evening will be spent at a coastal hotel as we gather for a dinner of the freshest fish and a conversation about books and travel.

Lodging: Coastal town
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise at your own pace and let’s share a leisurely breakfast before we depart for Mokpo, a port city from which we’ll ferry to Jeju Island.

But first, we are going to learn about Mokpo’s place in Korean history, its architecture and culture. And you are welcome to accompany Kerri on a trail hike on Yudalsan Mountain, a low peak in the center of the city where, as you climb, you’ll see the panorama of the sea and the islands around you.

In the evening, let’s gather for a book conversation over a cocktail or cool drink. And then you are encouraged to choose among Mokpo’s delightfully varied cafes for dinner.

Lodging: Mokpo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Today, my Sojourners, we embark on the spiritual heart of our expedition as we board a ferry to sail to Jeju. Let the wild sea breezes waken you to the experiences and pleasures that lie ahead!  

As our craft makes the four to five hour crossing, there’s time to read, reflect on what we’ve seen so far or even catch a cat nap in the sun. There will pastries and savories for purchase on board and cafeterias for a larger lunch if you prefer.

When we’ve disembarked on Jeju, we’ll check into our hotel and then let’s share an evening meal together as we prepare to spend time with the local haenyeo community.

Lodging: Jeju
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner. 

Rise with anticipation, my friends, and let’s gather for a nourishing repast before we head out for a morning hike along the coast.

Waterfalls and volcanic craters contrast with pale sand beaches and mandarin orange orchards. As we explore, look for the Dol Hareubang, smiling statues that stand guard over homes and sacred places on the island.

Our afternoon will be spent in the company of the community of matriarchal free-divers. As you know from Lisa See’s novel, these women learn how to plunge into the ocean without the aid of oxygen to harvest seafood. 

They’ll tell us about how they train for years in breath control, how deep friendships are formed among the women, and why this work remains so essential to the culture of Jeju. 

Your evening is yours to decide, whether that includes a stroll on the beach or a quiet drink in a seaside cafe or some shopping in the local market.

Dinner recommendations upon request.

Lodging: Jeju
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

We’ll wake with a sense of serenity, Sirens, to gentle sunshine and the sounds of the sea as we spend our day absorbing the natural gifts that Jeju has to offer.

Let’s explore the trails in Jeju’s aromatic pine forests and linger to take in the stunning glimpses of the sea. (Please bring a short poem to declaim for our hike.) We have a special experience (it’s a surprise!) planned for our midday meal and last afternoon on Jeju, and then you’ll have time for further hiking, exploring or relaxing. You may want to partake of a massage or a traditional bath. Recommendations upon request.

I hope your mind will be calm and clear as you prepare for sleep, lullabied by the sound of the sea.

Let’s gather for our final morning together as we prepare for our flight back to Seoul and then on to the United States…. 

Or: Accompany Kerri to the next chapter of our Siren Spirit experience as we travel to Japan for a pilgrimage through the cypress and cedar forests and into the timeless wilderness of the Kumano-Kodo trail.