• Tour(s): Customized Tour (Seoul ~ Yanggu DMZ Tour ~ Mt. Seoraksan ~ Daegu ~ Gyeongju ~ Haeinsa Temple Stay ~ Seoul)
June 2010
1. How was your itinerary? Are those places worth visiting?
Our itinerary was great and detailed. What I liked the most was the flexibility and our tour guide, Mr. Jung. He made the sights interesting to my two 12 year old boys. There was one sight in Gyeongyu which I added after seeing the Great Queen Seondeok TV drama series which I would not return to (the Millenium Park) as it did not meet my expectations.
I liked the fact that we did some cultural activities such as going to the public bath spa and a temple stay so that Patrick and Matthew had more than a tourist perspective of their mother country.
2. How was food that your family had?
All but a couple of the meals were excellent. We especially liked the court lunch in Gyeongyu and the chicken dishes in Andong. We ate very well and enjoyed the food so much that we even looked forward to what and where we would be eating next. We learned to eat the foods in the traditional manner, rather than how we ate it in the US…and it was more delicious (i.e. wrapping grilled items like bulgogi in lettuce, rice, condiments).
3. How was your guide? (in regard to knowledge, passion, communication,…)
My twin sons, Patrick and Matthew, were adopted from Korea at 4 months of age. At age 12, this is their first trip back to see their country. Our goal was for Patrick and Matthew to learn and experience their mother country. We left Korea achieving this goal and more due to our guide, Mr. Jung. Mr. Jung made Korea come alive for Patrick and Matthew. He explained what we were seeing in an interesting manner and was very knowledgeable. He was passionate about making us understand the traditions of his country Korea. Besides being very professional, Mr. Jung is also a very generous and kind man. When I told him I was looking for a particular TV drama series, he went out of his way to find them. We always had a secure feeling that we were in good hands with a friend.
4. Could you make a general comments of our services in few sentences?
We received very good service from Happymize Travel, from the moment I put in our first inquiry to the last e-mail regarding the confirmation of our meeting with our guide. Client Care Desk always returned my e-mail inquiry within the next day and was very patient with the numerous changes I made to the itinerary. We would definitely use Happymize again and highly recommend their services.
Lorna sykes
USA
• Tour(s): Customized Tour for 10 days/9 nights (Seoul ~ Kumsan ~ Busan ~ Jeju Island ~ Gyeongju ~ Mt. Seoraksan ~ Seoul)
May 2010
Dear Happymize and JC
I don’t know where to begin this letter.
The most appropriate way to start is to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for a wonderful and memorable trip to Korea. Your preparation and company on the tour of Korea for my mother’s 75 th birthday was beyond all my expectations. You made this the best birthday present ever for her. I cannot thank you enough for making this family trip so special.
We couldn’t have had such a successful tour without your diligent help.
When I called and asked for your help on this trip, I was expecting a few interesting stops and some good food. You went above and beyond all expectations when you provided a true culinary experience of all the diverse facets of Korea. And showed us the beauty of the country. We still don’t know if our family liked the free range chicken more than the seafood from the fish market or the side of the road in jeu. It really doesn’t matter, all the meals we had were outstanding.
Beyond showing us the beauties of Korea (which incidentally my mother was never able to experience first hand until her 75th birthday), I thank you profusely for going above and beyond in helping us find part of our family and family history.
I called 3 other very high end luxury tour guides asking for their help in locating my mom’s birthplace. We were estatic that you took the challenge willingly and then went way beyond our wildest dreams and actually found our family history records and missing family members. It didn’t even cross our mind that this was a possibility.
We found long lost family while on your trip and we will always welcome our tour guide JC like family because of this incredible journey that we escorted us on. You will forever be a part of the family after this trip.
Thank you for taking your responsibility to a level beyond all expectation. Thank you for making our trip Korea fun, delicious and incredibly special.
And please feel free to have people email me at pearlorourke@mac.com if you would like me to provide personal references etc.
Kindest regards,
Pearl O’Rourke
USA
• Tour(s): Customized Tour for 5 days/4nights (Seoul ~ Cheorwon DMZ Tour ~ Mt. Seoraksan ~ Seoul)
April 2010
We had a wonderful trip, and we are now happy to be back home. After leaving Korea, we joined an Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) tour in Tokyo and did not return home until May 5. I will try to get a copy of my comments regarding Korea and your travel firm to them. It would make and excellent extension of their tour of Japan.
1. How was your itinerary? Are these worth visiting?
Itinerary – Excellent for time available and for what we wanted to see – Thank you for working with me to better understand the possibilities. As you may remember we had several iterations back and forth to develop the trip that you provided for us. It was excellent for the limited time we had and for what we wanted to focus on. Three days were all we had to travel in your country.
Day 1 was spent touring Seoul, Day 2 was to the DMZ for the Cheorwan DMZ tour, and then on to the ‘East Sea’ for the night. Day 3 was a visit to Seoraksan National Park, and then a country tour on the drive back to Seoul.
Also, being meet at the airport upon arrival, and taken back for departure by Jay Jung was very helpful.
Are these worth visiting – Yes – They were excellent choices for us – Thank You
2. How was the food?
Food – Excellent – Quite different than what we are used to, but all interesting and all good. The only non-Korean food was for breakfast at the hotels. At each restaurant, we took off shoes, sat on the floor and ate with chopsticks and a spoon. Several unique and very good experiences would include seafood at Daepo harbor at the East Sea, Tofu soup for lunch, Korean chicken for dinner, and always with several kinds of kimchee.
3. How was our guide?
Guide – Jay Jung served as our guide. He was truly outstanding in every way!
He knew the planned itinerary, and generally followed it. He also improved it with his own suggestions. An example – on our first day, we were to go to an evening show at 8:00 PM. He arranged a change to an afternoon show – a much more enjoyable time for us considering our travel fatigue. He kept us informed and on schedule through the trip. He knew the best restaurants and had suggestions on what to order. On our way back to the airport for departure, an early start was necessary to accommodate possible traffic problems. Since there were no problems, we were going to arrive very early. Jay stopped at an area just before the airport, and treated us to tea and some favorite items that he liked (I had no Korean money left).
Jay was excellent in explaining and teaching about Korea – both it’s history, and the current situation. His detailed knowledge of where we were, and where we were going next helped us. He is passionate for his country, and he shares this in a positive way.
4. Other things
Hotels – The accommodations were fine. Hill House Hotel was clean, comfortable, and convenient to all of Seoul. At the Maremons hotel, we watched the sun rise over the “East Sea”. Both were very good choices.
Ms. and Mr. Sherrick
USA
• Tour(s): Highlights of Seoul (1D) and Hwaseong Fortress and Korean Folk Village (1D)
March 2010
The personal touch of the Happymize Travel Co. Ltd., we experienced was exceptional.
From the start to finish our tour guide was pleasant, courteous, and very knowledgeable of every aspect of the tour. He not only was considerate of our needs, but went out of his way to accommodate us. We toured The Temple in Seoul, he showed us the Blue House, the Presidential residence, then off to the Palace, with the secret garden, the Han River boat Cruise, and then the Dinner, which was an excellent way to end our first day.
Our next day consisted of Koreas Folk Village. This was another very informative experience.
The farmers dance, the tight rope walker, and the horse riders, showing off their skills…great entertainment.
Our guide’s knowledge of the culture of the different regions of Korea was exceptional, and due to unfavourable weather conditions, he improvised our tour so we saw some of the museums in the area. Overall I’d say our first trip to Korea was very enjoyable and I’d recommend Happymize Travel Company to anyone that would like to visit Korea.
John and Margaret Hildebrandt
Ms. and Mr. Hildebrandt
Canada
• Tour(s): Highlights of Seoul (8H) and Hwaseong Fortress and Korean Folk Village (8H)
March 2010
I want to thank you for the best private shore excursion that we had during our entire 14 day Asian Cruise. From the start, email communication with Happymize Travel was prompt, professional, and always courtesy. As such, I never felt any hesitation in placing a deposit via Paypal. Even when we were an hour late from getting off the ship due to customs issues, our wonderful guide patiently waited for us. Thereafter we were on our way in the most comfortable. clean, and well maintained van I have ever experienced on a tour. Throughout the day, the guide passionately engaged and entertained our group with his vast knowledge of Korean history and cultural that make us feel like we were adopted Koreans. We all enjoyed the varied itinerary that turned out to be the perfect combination of historical/cultural/shopping sites topped off with a great traditional Korean lunch. I simply cannot say enough good things about our Happymize experience. I welcome anyone to contact me at sandraalameda@hotmail.com if they ever want a personal reference.
Ms. Sandra Martinez and her travelmates
USA
• Tour(s): Customized Tour (Seoul – Gyeongju – Busan - Japan)
March 2010
I’d like thank you and your staff for your courtesy and professional job.
Please report a special thank to our tour guide Mr. Jay Jung.
He was competent, patient and friendly.
He supported us to better understand your beautiful country.
The tour was fast, anyway it was interesting.
We appreciated your suggestions as:
- Hotel Shilla and hotel Paradise are very pleasant,
- A special surprise was to see Busan (unexpected sparkling city)
- Restaurants in Seoul and Gyeongju
- Very comfortable transportations by van
Thanks one more time for all!
Mr. Ing. Sergio Sparacciari
Italia
• Tour(s): Highlights of Mt. Seoraksan (1D), Highlights of Jeju (3D2N)
March 2010
Highlights of Mt. Seoraksan (1D)
We had the best experience of Korea thanks to Happymize travel, the reason we use private tour due we travel as family with young infant, hence we required flexible schedules and time-management. Happymize has shown it professionalism, very punctual.
Our first tour with Happymize was to mt seorak, it was such a wonderful experience where our guide was very informative and shows us many things which we believe that we wont be getting from a normal group guided tour.
He was very knowledgeable, commands good English, and a very careful driver too.
The food was also become the highlight of the tour. Our guide introduced us to a large variety of traditional Korean cuisine that are not available in Korean restaurants overseas. All the places were specialty restaurants that served food specific to that area. The food varied from vegetarian (tofu), very cultural style BBQ/grill.
They were all very delicious and definitely we would never tasted them if we went on our own or joined a group tour.
It just a very peace of mind for us knowing that everything has been taken care by Happymize to make sure we enjoy the whole trip. And WE DID ENJOY it VERY MUCH…. We didn’t need to worry about small thing, everything is included and schedule perfectly, most of all it’s flexible.
A very highly recommended private tour, all we need to do just sit, relax, and enjoy.
Highlights of Jeju (3D2N)
We were very thankful for our recent Jeju Island trip with Happymize. Travelling with whole family plus young infant couldn’t be better….
A very very thank you to our guide, JC, he prepared everything carefully to make sure everything is smooth and enjoyable experience for us adults and the baby.
(* JC was also our tour guide during our Mt Seorak trip- it’s good to know a familiar person again.)
The itinerary was carefully planned to accommodate our interests, and flexibility for us and the infant, we arrived in Jeju feeling relax, and able to enjoy every single moment. I heard its not that easy to explore if we are on our own, now I fully see that. It’s a such great place to visit, JC shows us so much, from the modern places to very nature/cultural places.
And again, we love our food experience which Happymize has plan for us, Happymize had consulted us to small details before we even arrived in Korea to make sure the whole needs will meet our standard. We love to travel, so we are an adventurous people, live seafood on the menu!! Great experience, thanks for that!! =) we experience Jeju famous chicken stew for one of our lunch, it was great, we would never found that place if we go on our own or even big group tour. It’s very local with great taste and atmosphere. Not to forget every meal is included, so nothing to worry during the whole trip, nothing to worry what to order, as we do need some local personalized experience as locals. Happymize has provided us not just a cultural experience, it’s become food culinary experience, from typical home local food to high fine dining experience still with local feeling, great combinations. Would not change a thing, they are perfect!
During our trip to Jeju, the weather was not all good, thankfully for taking such a great organized private tour, thanks to our guide JC, he offer some options due to weather conditions, and we were so happy that everything just went perfectly and at the end we actually see more than planned. Our itinerary was carefully arranged to meet our interests and when we requested one additional visit to a theme park in Jeju, he was very happy to accommodate our request.
The hotel which Happymize chose was also great location, the ocean view just splendid, JC always make sure that we are comfortable during our trip, during the journey, even during our resting time.
It just such a great treat we had from Happymize on our Korea holiday, we really see the different between big group tour to our personalized private tour, and we surely will choose Happymize as our main tour whenever we are in Korea again.
Ms. Christina Boentaran
Australia
• Tour(s): Winte Image Tour for 4 days/3 nights, Mt. Seoraksan ~ Yongpyong Ski Resort
Feb 2010
Thanks for the pictures. Overall, we are happy with the tour. Although weather disrupted some plans (this happens !), nonetheless, we did manage to take in the beautiful winter scenery of Korea, and we thoroughly enjoyed the cuisines that you planned for us. We will definitley return, probably some time in autumn.
Mr. Daryl Tan and his travelmates
Singapore
• Tour(s): Highlights of Seoul (2 days)
Feb 2010
I had so much fun during the 2 days in Seoul. Thanks for sending Heather as my tour guide.
1. How was your itinerary? Are those worth visiting?
My itinerary was great because it was custom-ed to my needs (so relaxing and flexible) and I really enjoyed the places I have visited so much (Seoul tower, Kimchi making, shopping and the show “Jump”).
2. How was food that you had?
I love everything I ate in Seoul (very traditional). I think I am falling in love with Korean food and wish that I can have them everyday.
3. How was your guide? (as for knowledge, passion, communication,…)
Heather did a fantastic job. I felt like I am going on a trip with a close friend of mine. Very caring, passionate, knowledgeable, cheerful and hard working. Heather did a lot of research in order to take me to the best cooking school in town for making Kimchi and I really appreciate her effort. Without her, my trip in Seoul will not be the same.
4. Could you made an appraisal of our services as a whole.
I highly recommend your company to my friends and family. Heather made my visit in Seoul one of the best memories in my life. Thanks again for such a pleasant trip and I am loving it so much. I wish I had stayed there for a longer time, you’ve made it feel like home to me.
Once again, thanks for everything.
Teresa
Ms. Teresa Mek
Canada
• Tour(s): Boys over Flowers – Filming Locations Tour (2 days)
February 2010
Korea has prepared for my coming! And this was because of HAPPYMIZE! Indeed, maximizing happiness! =)
It has been my longing to visit Korea especially when I became a fan of Boys Over Flowers. And with luck and maybe fate, I finally got to fly to Korea! =) I came across various travel agencies but there was Happymize who provided me the most impressive quotation for a private customized tour. At first, i was hesitant in getting their services. I thought that their quote was too high and I was also afraid to trust since they are local korean travel agent. I was so thorough in asking questions about the itinerary that we exchanged long thread of e-mails. So good that they did not give up on me! =)
Then came the day… our tour guide, picked me and my friend from our guesthouse on time. We rode a service van that was really tidy and very comfortable. It was impressive though… Before hitting the road, he first made an overview on how our tour will go and reviewed with us our agreed itineraries. He was also honest to tell us what places we can’t visit due to understandable reasons and he pleasantly suggested places for a fair exchange.
He was very well-versed with every places we passed by that made our interests went to the highest level! =) We never had dull moments during travel time because he has always have something to share about Korea. He was always aware that we are not used to the very cold weather that he made some arrangements that we won’t feel chilled. He was also very much aware of our budget for food that he sent us to fine restaurants where we can satisfy our pocket and crave for authentic korean food. He was a caring tour guide and its like he knew us very well to be sensitive to all our needs.
We always arrived and left the places in the itinerary on time that we were able to visit all places we want. He really studied well the itinerary and knows what would make me happy. He was also accommodating and flexible for every requests we had. He was also generous to take pictures using his own DLSR camera. He was very patient in helping us stand in the ski resort everytime we fall inspite our heavy weights! Hahaha! =)
What really struck me was when we visited the Yangpyeong Camp (a.k.a. Shinhwa School in BOF). At first, I did not know why he was hurrying to get the key of one of the rooms. Then I was touched when he said that he wanted to be the first to go in before other tourists come. To my surprise, we came in to the F4 classroom exclusively! I was really excited when I saw it. He really knows my intention of coming to Korea! So when the other tourist came in, I was already able to savor every corner of the room. =) Another thing which amazed me was his research about the Laundry Shop and Porridge House where Guem Jan Di lives and works, respectively. It was not in the original itinerary but he surprised me that he was able to locate them and gave me the freedom to choose where I would opt to go to since the two places were not in the same area.
The entire tour was absolutely astounding! Everything went smoothly as planned with flexibility in the itinerary. Every places and activities left so much gladness and joy in my mind and heart. I never thought of any wasted centavo and time for the tour we had. All i know is that everything was very memorable and worthwhile that no price can pay the happiness I had. The personal touch which Happymize had brought in my tour will forever leave a very significant mark in my life, making Korea as my best experience ever!!!
Ms. Joy Sindayen
Manila, Philippines
• Tour(s): Customized tour (Seoul -Gyeongju)
January 2010
“When we went for a holiday in Seoul we chose Happymize Travel to take us in different places. We were very thankful that we made right decision to choose them. The good thing about Happymize Travel was that they will take you to the places according to your interest.
The guide from Happymize Travel really did care about his client. When he found out that we didn’t bring thermal garments, he bought one for my family. Every time we travel he made sure we each had water bottle in the van. And right to the very end, he didn’t left us, he accompanied us in the check in counter and made sure everything went smoothly in regards to our flight.
Thank you very much for the wonderful time we had in Korea.”
Ms. Arra Gerodias
Sydney, Australia
• Tour(s): Customized tour (Seoul – Everland Theme Park – Vivaldi Park – Namiseom Island)
December 2009
“I had the opportunity to use the tour services provided by Happymize Travel for my recent Winter vacation to Seoul. I’ve very much wanted to visit Seoul for some time but have reservations about booking a tour from Singapore, after learning about the negative reviews from my family members and friends. Besides, a group tour provides a fixed itinerary which could not fulfill what we were looking for in Seoul. On the other hand, we’ve heard many negative reviews about Korean food during group tour.
After much research on the internet, I decided on a partial free and easy, meaning, 4 days on our own while another 4 days spent via a customised tour service (Vivaldi Park, Everland Theme Park and Namiseom Island) provided by Happymize Travel.
There was definitely a regret. Why? Well, I should have planned my itinerary to visit Seoul with Happymize before going free and easy on my own (instead of spending 4 days on our own before going for the customised tour)!! Jay, was extremely supportive and helpful in the planning of the trip that comprised of a visit to the ski resort and Everland Theme Park. What impressed us most were his honest advice and his willingness to extend a helping hand (not only once, but many times!!) in ensuring we enjoyed our stay in Seoul completely. Costs of the whole trip was very reasonable, given that this was a customised trip, with an English speaking tour guide and it was a private tour. I would say that though the tour services may sound expensive from the start, we’ve made substantial savings from the great food he has brought us to and accommodation he has arranged on our behalf. We would have saved a lot more time travelling on our own after hearing Jay’s advice during the trip.
I’ll definitely use the tour services provided by Happymize for my next trip to Seoul and Jeju Island. Thanks to Happymize for the beautiful Winter vacation!”
Ms. Audrey Aw
Singapore
• Tour(s): Boys over Flowers – filming locations tour
December 2009
“Do you know that feeling of coming out of the arrival hall in an airport, knowing you’re going to have a friend picking you up, a friendly expectant face in the crowd? Well, I have no friends in Korea; it was a holiday destination, one that my family and I have considered going many times, but due to the language barrier and a lack of contacts, we have decided against traveling there many times. Having come across Happymize’s website in October last year, we finally decided to go out on a limb and plan a trip for the winter season.
It was a very pleasant experience.
From the start of the planning, up to the end of the trip, Happymize’s travel consultants were friendly, cheerful, and filled with a can-do attitude that matched my own. It was my first time to Korea and I was eager to see everything. I wanted to experience every part of the culture- the shopping, the food, the classical theatre, the museums and most of all, the filming locations! With Korean dramas being so popular, how could we go to Korea and not see the place where it all happened.
We arrived at the airport on a cold December morning and were greeted by our guide. Very efficiently, he ushered us to our private car and told us, in fluent English (no more language barrier) that we would begin our tour immediately. Unlike big group tours, where you would have to wait around for every member of the tour group, our Happymize tour started that very morning. We had a jammed packed itinerary, filled not only with sightseeing, but also a great learning experience. Our guide took the time to explain the different dynasties of the Feudal Korean era, pointing out the different buildings and the key points of Korean history. For a history major like myself, it was an eye-opener to actually stand on the same steps where monarchs once stood!
Our guide also interspersed bits of historical and cultural sights with the Korea’s pop-culture industry. He was very knowledgeable, worldly, and could answer all of the queries we had, and very willing to teach us. Most guides I have met merely point out buildings and sights, bring us to restaurants but our Happymize guide was sincere in showing us Korea. On the first day, for breakfast, he drove us (with awesome skills, weaving through the traffic) through the meandering city of Seoul, only to park outside a nondescript store. We learnt later that this store sold the best fish stock soup in the city. Not quite understanding the terms ‘best soup’ my sister and I were not impressed. However, the quality of the food spoke for itself. This was where the locals ate, the home-cooked style. After finishing our meal, my family left the restaurant, only to find the a queue of people snaking all the way around the block! Now this is what I call an authentic experience!
I want to say a big thank you to everyone at Happymize who has helped me to plan a brilliant winter holiday for my family. Never in our wildest expectations did we expect to see so much of Korea in the short time that we were there. It was the first time I took responsibility of planning a family holiday for my parents and my sister, and safe to say, it was a huge success. We look forward to returning to Korea in the future and if we do, we will most definitely be approaching Happymize once again!”
Ms. Kristie Michelle
Singapore
• Tour(s): Highlights of Seoul, DMZ tour, Hwaseong Fortress and Korean Folk Village, Highlights of Mt. Seoraksan, and Highlights of Gyeongju
November 2009
“Your careful planning of the seven days spent in your company allowed us not only to visit the most important hallmarks of your country, but – more importantly for us as experienced individual travelers – to see places which only an insider like you could lead us to, based on your historical, geographical, lifestyle and culinary knowledge and expertise.
We greatly appreciated your company, discreet guidance, flexibility in changing the program – be it due to our preferences and interests, be it due to changing weather conditions – and careful driving and reliable communication by email and SMS. We returned home with many pictures and fond memories and will not hesitate to recommend you and your company whenever an opportunity arises.
With best wishes for success and well-being, and the hope that we’ll meet again”
Prapasri and Reto Callegari
Singapore
• Tour(s): Customized tour (Seoul ~ Cheorwon DMZ tour ~ Korean Folk Village)
October 2009
“Happymize Travel is simply the best travel company out there if your looking for a Travel Guide in South Korea.
My Mother, girlfriend and I had the guide, who spoke English that it was very easy to follow and he was very nice and easy to talk to as he led us through Seoul, DMZ, and Hanok Village.
He said that Happymize travel is short for Maximizing Happiness, and he surely did not disappoint. The company is very easy to deal with and very flexible as well, for 3 days we had a private tour and every day we changed something on the agenda including the last day where I met my birth family and he was able to take pictures, translate and record the meeting. Since I created a custom tour we were able to makes changes ask the days progressed, I had already seen some of the things on our agenda and he was quick to subsitute with something and NEVER made us feel bad or guilty for switching out schedule.
One thing that I thought was key to our trip was he had us try a variety of authentic foods. The guide was aware of our likes and dislikes when it came to eating so we never went hungry. We were able to experience delicious Korean cuisine including street food and various candies and snacks along the way.
He was incredibly knowledgeable about Korea in general, with a lot of history and culture he was a real treat to have with us when visiting site. He was even able to give us some more information that we did not get on the tour of the Palaces. I think that we really enjoyed Hanok Village and we spent a lot of time there which was great as it was beautiful there.
The other thing that I think that he did a great job was his driving, he was always very careful and planned our routes as to make sure that we would arrive on time and without feeling rushed. His time management and his ability to understand what the customer wants in a tour is simply outstanding. I could have not asked for a better person to show us around Korea, for three days he was very very polite, answered all of our questions and showed us the very best time that we could have asked for in Korea. Having a private tour guide with such a nice vehicle, that was a safe and courteous driver along with his knowledge of Korea was all that we could ask for.
10 our of 10 stars”
Mr. Jason Narverud
Minnesota, USA
• Tour(s): Customized tour (Seoul ~ Cheorwon DMZ tour ~ Mt. Seoraksan ~ Gyeongju ~ Seoul)
October 2009
“From the time of the quote/tentative itinerary being sent, Happymize was very professional. Always very prompt and thorough responses to all my e-mails.
I have travelled the world a lot (by myself, on group and private tours) and this was the first time ever I got an itinerary itemized by the hour (not just a daily summary giving no clue how much time where, how much time driving, etc. as others do): something that I always wanted yet only Happymize delivered on (without me even having to ask for it). So, from the very start my expectations were high. Throughout the tour my already high expectations were not only met but even exceeded! The cars were new, very comfortable, and always clean. The hotels were well chosen: conveniently located quality hotels.
The itinerary was truly professionally put together just how I wanted it, and there was flexibility to always change it on the spot as desired.
Most of all, we always felt like VIPs: the words “that is not included” were not in the guide’s dictionary – the tour was truly all inclusive, including not only all meals and entrance tickets (for planned and unplanned places), but also all refreshments and snacks along the way. That is something that made a huge difference: truly feeling like a VIP and not being nickel and dimed.
But best of all, this was not just a sights tour. It was not just a cultural tour. It was not just a culinary (food) tour. Not a single minute was wasted and it was a combination of all three: a sight-seeing, cultural and culinary tour – all combined into one! When we were not out seeing places or enjoying cultural experiences (with the very helpful insight and information always shared with us by the guide), the included lunches and dinners were truly wonderful: each meal something different, from traditional Korean to fusion foods, trying various different types of food and local specialties. The meals were not picked on a set budget (some were pricey – including an exquisite lunch in Gyeongju, others not so), but rather based on the quality and letting us experience various different Korean foods: from the three types of kalbi, to chicken stew, to fresh sashimi, to royal foods, and a lot more. There was always more than enough food ordered, to let us experience all the best that each restaurant has to offer. That is something that we could never accomplish by ourselves, as many of the restaurants we went to (in fact, most of the best ones) only have menus in Korean and only cater to locals.
All in all, to accomplish what we did in just six days with Happymize would have taken us at least two weeks by ourselves, and still we’d have never known where to go and what to order for the full kaleidoscope experience of the various Korean foods.
Truly well done and very professionally operated. Highly recommended.”
Mr. Haralds Jass
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Superb Internet Corp, President & CEO
http://www.superbhosting.net/aboutus/management.php
• Tour(s): Customized tour (Mt. Seoraksan ~ Caribbean Bay water park ~ Everland ~ Seoul)
October 2009
“The experience with Happymize is great too. as we’re 2 moms with 4 energetic boys. Private tour enabled us to have very flexible schedule. Each day was carefully arranged according to our interests, time, energy level etc. So we had hot spring bath after hours of hiking and shopping for moms while our guide, Jay, taking care of boys in toys shop. Our tour guide is so important that we cann’t go without him. He’s our driver, guide, baby sitter (he had no choice but to take all 4 boys with him to men’s changing room in water park and in bath place) and photographer (ya, he took hundreds of great pictures for us using his own professional-like camera). boys just love him and were reluctant to leave in the airport.”
Ms. Ying Deng and Vivienne Wong
Hong Kong
• Tour(s): Essentials of Korea (5 days/4 nights)
September 2009
“The itinerary was good, I enjoyed the historical and cultural side of Gyeongju and the drive through the beautiful countryside was great. The locations in Seoul were great but maybe a few more could be added. I wasn’t a big shopper and could have done some different things instead of going to a lot of markets although the experience was good.
The food was the best part of the whole trip as I never liked to eat spicy food before. It also helped me with losing weight and I eat spicy Korean food all the time now. The range of food was amazing and I tried everything. The meal experience was also a good experience compared to Western meal time. Sitting on the ground was new to me, as was being able to choose a large variety of foods at one time and not be restricted to a set course (entre, main, desert). I thought only Australians were good at BBQ, but Korean BBQ is fantastic, particularly the marinated Galbi.
The guide had a good grasp of english and was very knowledgable about the itinerary and about other general knowledge questions I had. He was very passionate about all topice and enjoyed talking about them. He was very flexible and allowed me to go at my own pace in most cases.
A very enjoyable and easy going holiday with plenty to see and offer whether you are travelling alone, in a group or with family. The guides are friendly and know what they are talking about. A great way to see Korea”
Mr. Andrew Philips
Sydney, Australia
Last upadated: April 30th 2010
