NEOUL: Intertwining time, space, and culture.
Beyond Seoul, immersive humanities experiences led by local experts reveal the true essence of hidden treasures. Welcome to a local resident's home.
Talksong LEE
Talksong leverages extensive cross-continental experience spanning Europe, the United States, and Asia. A specialist in international cultural exchange, she curates and directs numerous festivals while collaborating with multidisciplinary artists to produce appealing media content.
Aiden WOO
Aiden has been active in the film marketing sector for over 10 years, having successfully completed around 200 film projects. He is currently designing the structure of content-based brands and businesses, and establishing the systems required to operate them. At NEOUL, he maps out how each journey will unfold, from the initial enquiry right through to the very end.
Chase SHIM
Chase utilises a human-centred business model to get to the heart of complex challenges through continuous exploration and meaningful experiences. He has planned and managed unique spaces that blend lifestyle, wellness, and business—creating dynamic venues and communities.
Hongsik KIM
Hongsik is an artist researching the in-depth analysis and practical application of traditional Korean iconography. He has authored books on art history and media theory, and applies these theoretical frameworks to creative direction through the development of visual systems.
Jukseoru, Samcheok · Photo: Gangwon Province
Chapter One
Samcheok
On Korea’s east coast, where the mountains come down almost to the sea. Most travellers stop further north. The people who live here are the reason we start here.
One day in Samcheok
Not an itinerary: a feel for how a day here can go. Your own days, dates and price come after you enquire.
- Dawn
The dawn auction
The boats come in before light. Tonight’s octopus is chosen here, straight off the deck.
- Morning
Tea with the head monk
A private tea with the head monk of Cheoneunsa, a mountain temple, before the day’s visitors arrive. This temple once made the dubu (Korean tofu) offered at the royal ancestral rites.
- Mid-morning
Dubu from the field outside
The beans come from the field next to the kitchen, the same village beans once sent for those royal rites. Soaked, ground in a stone mill and set in an iron cauldron, with a local dubu maker.
- Noon
Lunch at the market
A counter in the fish market, and whatever the stall owner puts in front of you.
- Afternoon
River to sea
By kayak down the river, to where it opens into the East Sea.
- Late afternoon
Bunam Beach
Rocks, pines and a small cove of sand on a coast that was once a military area. Nobody needs to be anywhere.
- Evening
Dinner at home
The octopus from the morning, cooked the Galician way, at a long table in a local home.
The people you meet
Places can be found online. These people can only be met in person.
The dubu maker
Shows you every step, from the soaked beans to the press.
The head monk of Cheoneunsa
A private tea with the head monk, arranged for NEOUL guests. Not something the temple offers to every visitor.
The keepers of the mountain rite
Three shamans and performers from Samcheok, carrying on a rite that is disappearing.
The fishermen at dawn
The first boats in, and the day’s catch.
Your hosts
Talksong, Chase, Aiden and Hongsik.
Beyond one day
Some things happen only at certain times of year.
The mountain rite
When the rite is held
Drums, dance and prayers under the trees.
The valley
Summer
A forest walk, then into water clear to the bottom.
The soybean harvest
Autumn
The field the dubu comes from, turning gold. Its beans were once grown for the royal rites.
Those who came before
An earlier food journey in Samcheok, led by Talksong.
The last evening
Every journey ends at one table. You saw the same coast and met the same people, yet each of you noticed something different. This is where you talk about it, with us and with each other.
How an enquiry works
- RequestTen questions, about three minutes
- Personal replyWithin 48 hours, from one of us
- Confirm & payYour days, dates and price
- Your journeyDesigned with you in a longer conversation
We reply personally.