[Korean Guide] Author Son Hee-wook's Highlight Melbourne Check-in Tour

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The most perfect first step into Melbourne: a humanities stroll through alleyways, holding a secret map filled with the perspective of author Son Hee-wook.

Are you tired of predictable city tours that just follow flashy landmarks?

Walk alongside artist Son Hee-wook, who best understands Melbourne's art and culture, and explore the secret alleys and cultural spaces where the city's true soul is hidden.

It offers a magical moment where your first encounter with Melbourne feels as comfortable and special as a friendly neighbor you have known for a long time. 👣🎨

1. Why does Travel Forest recommend this tour?

Essential 'Check-in Guide' You Must Hear on the First Day of Your Melbourne Trip

This is a premium walking tour that perfectly combines essential information forming the backbone of your trip—ranging from the city's geographical structure and local public transportation tips to restaurant recommendations—with the author's humanistic commentary.

A hidden alley tour completed with the author's secret map

We take a deep look into Melbourne's unique arcades, hidden art galleries, independent bookstores, and artists' hideouts—places that large package tourists would never know about—through a route personally curated by artist Son Hee-wook.

Small-group interaction tour that immerses you in the real daily life of Melbourne

This is not a tour where you blindly follow a flag. Conducted with a select small group, it allows for free conversation and questions with the artist, taking place in a relaxed atmosphere as if you were taking a light stroll through the city with a close artist friend.

A harmony of city views and artistic inspiration that adds to the romance of your trip

From Melbourne's antique architecture reminiscent of Europe to modern street art, you can experience a thrilling visual sensation as the entire city feels like one giant art museum.

Through this walking tour

How to Master the Complex Alleyways of Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD) with Your Own Map

The fascinating behind-the-scenes stories of graffiti and public art hidden throughout the city

You will learn about and experience the lifestyle of local hipsters and gain an understanding of Melbourne's unique cultural background.

2. Melbourne Check-in Tour Preview

Operating Hours: Daily morning and afternoon sessions (flexible by season)

Meeting Point: In front of a designated landmark in Melbourne city center (Detailed location indicated on voucher)

Inclusions: Professional guide fee (dedicated tour led by artist Son Hee-wook), artist-created secret map (digital or leaflet)

1) Meeting Time and Location

- Meeting time: 10:00 AM

- Meeting point: In front of Pidapipó CBD, a gelato shop on Degrave Street

2) Key Tour Points

The order of the tour points may change or vary depending on the situation on the day.

The time required at most points is approximately 10 minutes.

I am taking a little more time to explain points that require further clarification.

Degraves Street - Takes about 10 minutes

Burn's iconic cafe and restaurant alley. Join me, a barista who has worked in Melbourne for over 10 years, as I explore Australia's coffee culture.

Block Arcade, Royal Arcade - Duration: Approx. 10 minutes

As Melbourne's representative indoor shopping street, you can find a variety of pretty and charming shops.

In front of Myer Department Store (Bourke Street) - Approx. 10 minutes

What kind of person was Sidney Myer, the founder of Myer, Australia's representative department store? Through the stories surrounding him, we learn about Australia, a nation of immigrants building a truly multicultural society.

Take the Melbourne City Circle Tram - Travel time: approximately 10 minutes

The tram has become a symbol of downtown Melbourne. Why did Melbourne come to have trams? Inside the tram, we will tell you Melbourne's unique historical stories intertwined with the tram.

Parliament of Victoria - Approx. 10 minutes

On January 1, 1901, Australia was born as a federal nation from a British colony. So, is Australia currently a truly independent country? I will explain Australia's political system.

Misa-geori (Hosier Lane) and AC/DC Lane - Travel time approx. 10 minutes

A place famous for its vibrant graffiti. Also known as 'Misa Street,' famous as a filming location for the past TV drama "Sorry, I Love You." An alley created to commemorate AC/DC, Australia's iconic rock group. How was Melbourne's unique Lane culture formed? Experience the hip vibe amidst the historical truths hidden within every alley!

Federation Square - Approx. 10 minutes

A space for relaxation and culture for the citizens of Melbourne. By whom and how was Melbourne, this beautiful city born in 1835, planned?

St. Paul's Cathedral - Takes about 10 minutes

This is an Anglican cathedral located in the center of Melbourne. We examine racial discrimination in Australia prior to the full-scale influx of Chinese Asians, through the conflict between the British and Irish communities, represented by Anglicanism and Catholicism respectively, in the mid-19th century.

Flinders Street Station - Travel time approximately 10 minutes

Completed in 1909, this building is an iconic symbol of Melbourne. What does this building mean to the citizens of Melbourne? Also, what is the public transportation like in Melbourne, the world's most livable city?

(3) Tour Guide and Preparations

It is not a rigid receiver tour where you listen with earphones, but a warm tour where you breathe and hear the author's vivid voice right beside you.

All you need to do is keep your eyes and ears open and be ready to casually enjoy the city center.

Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen to block the sun, and a camera or smartphone.

Optional items: Some cash or a credit card for purchasing drinks or simple souvenirs individually along the way.

4) Other useful city tour tips

Melbourne is a city famous for coffee, to the extent that it is called one of the world's top three coffee cities.

That is why hip cafes and restaurants are hidden in every small alleyway of Melbourne City.

Author Son Hee-wook has worked as a barista in Melbourne for over 10 years, so he possesses extensive knowledge about Melbourne coffee.

We plan to guide you to restaurants and coffee spots frequented by locals throughout the tour.

3. A Word from the Forest Keeper

The 'Melbourne Check-in' tour with artist Son Hee-wook is a time to set your own friendly signpost in an unfamiliar city.

As you follow the author's secret map and fill the alleys step by step, before you know it, the labyrinthine streets of Melbourne will be filled with your own special stories.

If you want to embrace Melbourne in the smartest and most romantic way at the starting point of your journey, the Forest Keeper highly recommends this special walking tour. 🗺️❤️