South Korea Itinerary: 7, 10 and 14 days

Planning a trip to South Korea but not sure how much time you’ll need? We’ve got you covered with three smartly planned itineraries for 7, 10, and 14 days — each packed with contrasts, from neon-lit city streets to misty mountain temples.

These routes aren’t just thrown together — they’re crafted by local experts who know where to find the real deal. So whether you’re here for the food, the history, the hikes or the K-pop vibes, you’ll find a route that makes the most of your time.

Let’s get into it — your South Korea adventure starts right here.

Recommended South Korea itineraries

South Korea is a country of sharp contrasts — hyper-modern cities one day, misty mountains and quiet temples the next. These 7-, 10-, and 14-day itineraries give you a clear path through the highlights, plus a few surprises locals love. If your trip’s coming up soon, check out our no-nonsense South Korea travel tips to hit the ground running.

Before we dive into the daily details, here’s a quick hit of what you can expect from each option:

• 7 days in South Korea: Zip from the buzzing energy of Seoul to Busan’s laid-back beaches and fresh seafood markets. A week is just enough time to sample the essentials.
• 10 days in South Korea: Add in the ancient capital of Gyeongju and the volcanic island of Jeju for a deeper dive into Korea’s culture, history, and raw natural beauty.
• 2 weeks in South Korea: With 14 days to spare, you can slow things down, discover mountain trails in Seoraksan, soak in hot springs, and explore buzzing districts and sleepy villages most tourists miss.

South Korea itinerary: 7 days

One week in South Korea might sound short, but this itinerary crams in a serious variety of sights and experiences — palaces, markets, mountain trails, and beach walks. You'll jump between centuries in a single day and eat like a local the whole way through.

Here’s how to make the most of 7 days in South Korea.

Day 1: Arrival in Seoul

Touch down in Seoul and check into your hotel — if you haven’t picked a neighborhood yet, our guide on where to stay in Seoul can help you land the right spot, whether you’re into nightlife, palaces or peaceful parks.

Once you’re settled, head out to explore Insadong or Ikseon-dong — neighborhoods where traditional hanok houses rub shoulders with indie cafés and calligraphy shops. Street snacks here are a must: think hotteok (sweet pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and skewered meats straight off the grill.

Later, stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream, lit up with glowing lanterns and art installations. Or ride the cable car to the N Seoul Tower for a panoramic view that stretches all the way to the mountains.

Day 2: Explore Seoul’s royal and modern sides

Time to dive into Seoul’s cultural core. Start at Gyeongbokgung Palace, complete with guard-changing ceremonies and views of Bukhansan’s peaks in the distance. From there, head over to the National Folk Museum, then explore nearby Bukchon Hanok Village — one of the best spots to see traditional Korean homes.

After lunch, get a change of pace with a visit to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza or the teamLab Borderless museum if it's open during your visit — digital art meets mind-bending tech.

In the evening, go for Korean BBQ in Hongdae or Mapo, followed by drinks in a pojangmacha (tent bar) for soju and street eats under neon lights.

Day 3: Day trip to DMZ or hike in Bukhansan National Park

On your third day, choose your adventure:

• History and geopolitics? Book a guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to see one of the most unique borders on earth. Tours often include the Third Infiltration Tunnel and Dora Observatory.
• Nature more your thing? Hike Bukhansan National Park — just an hour from downtown, but worlds away. Trails here take you past granite peaks and Buddhist temples, with sweeping views over the city.

Back in Seoul, unwind in a jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse) — Siloam and Dragon Hill Spa are good picks.

Day 4: Seoul to Gyeongju

Catch a morning KTX bullet train to Gyeongju — the “museum without walls” and ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom (about 2 hours).

Start with a visit to Tumuli Park, where royal tombs rise like grassy hills in the middle of town. Then move on to Cheomseongdae, East Asia’s oldest surviving observatory.

As the sun sets, walk or bike around Anapji Pond, lit up beautifully at night. Gyeongju is slower-paced, but full of depth.

Day 5: Bulguksa and Seokguram

Use the full day to explore Gyeongju’s UNESCO sites. Start with Bulguksa Temple, perched in forested hills and alive with centuries of history. Then take the mountain road up to Seokguram Grotto, home to a serene stone Buddha gazing out to sea.

Back in town, don’t skip dinner — ssambap (a meal of rice, grilled meats and dozens of veggie wraps) is Gyeongju’s signature.

Day 6: Gyeongju to Busan

Take a morning train to Busan (just over an hour), South Korea’s second city and its laid-back coastal soul.

Start your visit with a walk through Gamcheon Culture Village — a once-neglected hillside area turned technicolor maze of murals, cafés, and local crafts. Then head to Jagalchi Fish Market, where you can pick your seafood and have it prepared on the spot.

Evening? Grab drinks on the beach in Haeundae, or head to a beachfront spa like Spaland at Shinsegae, one of the biggest saunas in Asia.

Day 7: Explore Busan and fly out

Wrap up your trip with a slow morning. Stroll along the Dongbaekseom coastal trail or visit the clifftop Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of Korea’s most photogenic religious sites.

If you’ve got time before your flight, hit the Gwangalli beachfront cafés for one last coffee with a sea view.

Flying out of Busan? Gimhae International Airport is an easy ride from most parts of the city. Otherwise, hop a KTX back to Seoul (2.5–3 hours) if that’s where you’re departing.

South Korea itinerary: 10 days

With 10 days in South Korea, you’ve got enough time to go deeper. Explore the bright lights of Seoul, the temple-studded calm of Gyeongju, the volcanic trails of Jeju, and the coastal cool of Busan — all in one smartly paced trip.

Expect a mix of modern buzz, ancient wonders, scenic hikes, and food that’ll ruin you for life.

Day 1: Arrive in Seoul

Land in Seoul, South Korea’s pulsating capital. Once you’ve dropped your bags, it’s time to dive into the streets and get a feel for the city’s energy.

Ease into the trip with a walk around Bukchon Hanok Village or Insadong, two areas steeped in history and still alive with shops and tea houses. Grab your first bite of kimchi jjigae (spicy stew) or a sizzling plate of bulgogi — and you’re off to a strong start.

Day 2: Seoul’s royal core and modern edges

Start at Gyeongbokgung Palace, still standing proud with its courtyards, tiled roofs, and guards in bright robes. Nearby, visit the National Palace Museum or the Blue House (South Korea’s former presidential residence).

Break for lunch in Samcheong-dong, then swing south of the river for Seoul’s more futuristic side: COEX Mall, Starfield Library, or even a K-pop studio tour if that’s your jam.

Wrap up with Korean BBQ in Mapo and a nightcap in a speakeasy bar tucked down a Gangnam alley.

Day 3: Day trip to Suwon or DMZ

Got an itch for something different? You’ve got two solid options:

• History fix? Head to Suwon, home to the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress and a charming old town with traditional archery and local eats.
• Politics junkie? Go for a guided day trip to the DMZ — the heavily guarded border with North Korea. The Third Infiltration Tunnel and Dora Observatory are eye-opening.

Return to Seoul for one last late-night stroll or a soak in a jjimjilbang.

Day 4: Train to Gyeongju

Catch a morning KTX train to Gyeongju, the former capital of the Silla Kingdom and a history-lover’s dream.

Wander through Tumuli Park, where ancient royal tombs dot the landscape. Visit Cheomseongdae, Asia’s oldest observatory, and grab dinner near Anapji Pond, beautifully lit at night.

Gyeongju is calm, walkable, and refreshingly low on crowds — make the most of the slower pace.

Day 5: Bulguksa and Seokguram

Start early and visit Bulguksa Temple, one of Korea’s most revered Buddhist sites. Then head up to Seokguram Grotto, where a massive stone Buddha sits inside a mountain, staring serenely out to sea.

After lunch, rent a bike to explore Gyerim Forest or the scenic roads around Woljeonggyo Bridge. End the day with ssambap — rice and grilled meats wrapped in lettuce, paired with local side dishes.

Day 6: Fly to Jeju Island

Time to switch up the landscape. Fly from nearby Pohang Airport or backtrack to Busan, then hop on a short flight to Jeju Island — Korea’s island escape, known for lava tubes, beaches, and Hallasan, the country’s tallest peak.

Once you land, head to Jeju City or stay further south near Seogwipo. Try black pork BBQ and Jeju mandarin soju for dinner — it hits differently here.

Day 7: Explore Jeju’s east coast

Spend the day exploring the island’s eastern side:

• Hike Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), a tuff cone that offers epic views.
• Visit the underground Manjanggul Lava Tube.
• Stop by a Haenyeo Museum to learn about Jeju’s iconic free-diving women.
• Take a break at Woljeongri Beach, known for its turquoise shallows and chilled cafés.

Jeju’s vibe is slower, saltier, and way more relaxed than the mainland — lean into it.

Day 8: Hike Hallasan or head to waterfalls

Pick your pace:

• Adventurous? Climb part of Hallasan, Korea’s tallest volcano. Even the mid-level trails reward you with surreal views.
• Laid-back? Visit Jeongbang Waterfall, one of the few in Asia that drops straight into the sea. Nearby Cheonjiyeon Falls is also worth a look.

Before flying out, enjoy one last seafood feast in Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market — look out for grilled mackerel and abalone porridge.

Day 9: Fly to Busan

Catch a morning flight to Busan. Once you land, head straight to Gamcheon Culture Village, where pastel houses line steep streets filled with art installations and street food stalls.

Then swing by Jagalchi Fish Market to pick out fresh catch for lunch. In the afternoon, relax on Gwangalli Beach or grab coffee with a view of Gwangan Bridge.

Evening? Hit a karaoke room or finish with a rooftop bar session in Seomyeon.

Day 10: Beach time and departure

Ease into your final day with a stroll along Haeundae Beach or a walk on the Sky Capsule railway overlooking the coast.

If time allows, swing by Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, dramatically perched on seaside cliffs. It’s a fitting last stop — part spiritual, part scenic, all unforgettable.

Fly out from Gimhae International Airport or take the KTX back to Seoul if your flight’s there.

South Korea itinerary: 14 days

Two weeks in South Korea means you can do more than just scratch the surface. This 14-day itinerary gives you time to explore Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju Island, the mountain trails of Seoraksan, and the rice paddies of Jeonju — without rushing.

Expect a rich mix of city energy, coastal calm, historic depth and natural drama. Let’s get into it.

Day 1: Arrive in Seoul

Kick off your trip in Seoul by heading straight into its lively core. Wander through Insadong or Ikseon-dong, where old-school hanoks meet coffee shops, boutiques, and street food carts.

If there’s time, stop by the Hoam Museum of Art or stroll through the tranquil gardens of Changdeokgung Palace. For dinner? Grab a sizzling hot plate of samgyeopsal (pork belly BBQ) in Mapo or Hongdae.

Day 2: Dive into Seoul’s history

Start with Gyeongbokgung Palace and its grand gates and changing-of-the-guard ceremony. Then check out the National Folk Museum for insights into traditional Korean life.

Later, walk over to Bukchon Hanok Village for a look at Seoul’s best-preserved traditional homes. In the afternoon, explore Seoul’s French Quarter in Seorae Village, or check out the shops and cafés in Garosu-gil.

Finish your day with night views from Namsan Seoul Tower, or unwind at a jjimjilbang like Dragon Hill Spa.

Day 3: Day trip to DMZ or Suwon

Pick one of two routes today:

• DMZ tour: Visit the Demilitarized Zone, just north of Seoul. A full-day tour includes the Third Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and Imjingak Park.
• Suwon Fortress: Head south to Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO-listed wall with stunning views and traditional archery experiences.

Back in Seoul, grab street food in Gwangjang Market — try mayak kimbap (addictive mini seaweed rice rolls) and bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes).

Day 4: Seoul to Gyeongju

Take a morning KTX train (about 2 hours) to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom.

Start at Tumuli Park, dotted with grassy burial mounds, and visit Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. Spend sunset at Anapji Pond, beautifully lit and romantic at night.

Day 5: Explore UNESCO treasures

Begin with a visit to Bulguksa Temple, then take the winding mountain road up to Seokguram Grotto, home to a stone Buddha gazing over the sea.

In the afternoon, visit Wolji Pond, then rent a bike to explore rural lanes and local eateries. Dinner? Go for a full ssambap set — rice, grilled pork, and dozens of banchan (side dishes).

Day 6: Gyeongju to Busan

Jump on a train to Busan (around 1.5 hours). Start your coastal escape with a walk through Gamcheon Culture Village, a colorful hillside maze of art installations and quirky cafés.

Then head to Jagalchi Fish Market to pick fresh seafood and have it grilled on the spot. Catch sunset from Songdo Skywalk, a snaking path above the sea.

Day 7: Chill in Busan

Slow it down today. Walk along Haeundae Beach, or take the Sky Capsule mini train to Cheongsapo, with ocean views the whole way. Visit the clifftop Haedong Yonggungsa Temple — easily one of Korea’s most photogenic spots.

In the evening, explore Gwangalli Beach for live music, cafés, and cocktails by the water.

Day 8: Fly to Jeju Island

Take a morning flight to Jeju Island — just over an hour from Busan. Once there, head to Seogwipo on the island’s south coast.

In the afternoon, hike up Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), then relax with a coffee at Woljeongri Beach. Try Jeju black pork BBQ or abalone hotpot for dinner.

Day 9: Explore Jeju’s wild side

Spend the day outdoors:

• Visit Manjanggul Lava Tube, a massive volcanic tunnel.
• Swim or snorkel at Hamdeok Beach.
• Explore the Jeju Haenyeo Museum to learn about the island’s legendary women divers.

Wrap it up with a local beer from Jeju Beer Company, or go night hiking on Hallasan’s Eorimok Trail if you’re feeling bold.

Day 10: Return to mainland – Jeonju

Fly back to the mainland and take a train or bus to Jeonju — the beating heart of Korean food and tradition (roughly 3–4 hours total).

Spend your afternoon exploring Jeonju Hanok Village, where over 700 hanoks line charming alleyways. Snack your way through street food stalls, and don’t miss the original bibimbap, invented here.

Day 11: Discover Jeonju’s local life

Take a traditional hanji (paper) craft workshop or join a makgeolli tasting (Korean rice wine). Visit Gyeonggijeon Shrine, where portraits of the Joseon kings are stored.

Late afternoon, chill in Jaman Mural Village — graffiti, coffee, views. Jeonju is slower-paced, and that’s the point.

Day 12: Head to Sokcho – gateway to Seoraksan

Transfer to Sokcho on Korea’s east coast (train + bus or private car, around 4–5 hours). This is your base for exploring Seoraksan National Park.

In the evening, grab fresh sashimi at Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market or explore the old North Korean refugee village at Abai Village.

Day 13: Hike Seoraksan National Park

Wake early and hike Seoraksan. The Ulsanbawi Trail is a challenge — with steep stairs near the summit — but the jagged granite peaks and sweeping valley views are worth it.

Not into full-day hikes? Ride the Seorak Cable Car up to Gwongeumseong Fortress for views without the effort. End the day soaking in a local spa or slurping spicy dak-galbi (stir-fried chicken) back in town.

Day 14: Return to Seoul and depart

Take a morning bus or car back to Seoul for your flight out. If there’s time to spare, grab a final bowl of naengmyeon (cold noodles) or stock up on snacks and skincare before heading to the airport.

How to plan your South Korea itinerary

Planning a trip to South Korea might feel a bit daunting at first — especially with so much packed into such a compact country. But with a little prep (or a good local expert), you’ll find it surprisingly easy to build an itinerary that runs smoothly. Prefer someone else to handle the details? Our South Korea travel experts can do the heavy lifting.

For now, here’s what to keep in mind when mapping out your trip.

Getting around South Korea

South Korea’s transport system is efficient, fast and easy to use — even if you don’t speak a word of Korean. The high-speed KTX bullet trains make cross-country travel a breeze. For example, the ride from Seoul to Busan takes just over two hours, with clean, comfortable carriages and frequent departures.

For shorter hops, intercity buses and local trains cover most destinations at low cost. In cities, public transport is king — Seoul’s subway system is extensive, on time, and simple to navigate with a T-money card, which also works on buses and even some taxis.

If you're flying to Jeju Island, domestic flights are quick and cheap, especially from Seoul or Busan. And if you’re staying in one place for a while, bike rentals and taxi apps like Kakao T make getting around South Korea even easier.

Seoul to Busan, or Busan to Seoul?

The classic route runs from Seoul to Busan, ticking off key stops like Gyeongju, Jeonju, and perhaps a detour into the mountains at Seoraksan. Starting in the capital throws you right into South Korea’s modern-day energy, before gradually giving way to coastal calm, temple stays and slower days.

There’s nothing wrong with flipping it either — starting in Busan and winding your way north offers the same mix of city buzz, heritage sites and natural beauty, just in reverse. The real question is what you want to end your trip with: neon lights and nonstop shopping, or a slower pace by the sea.

Is South Korea expensive?

Compared to some of its neighbors, South Korea isn’t ultra-cheap — but it’s far from overpriced. On a modest budget, you can get by on around 40–80 US dollars a day. This covers comfortable guesthouses, public transport, and meals at local restaurants or markets.

Food especially delivers great value. A hearty bowl of noodles or a full BBQ set doesn’t have to break the bank, and convenience store snacks can keep you going between bigger meals.

That said, South Korea also caters well to travelers who want comfort without going full luxury. Boutique hotels, craft cocktails and fine dining in Seoul or Busan will push your budget closer to the 150–250 dollar mark per day — but the quality is worth it.

How many days do you need in South Korea?

Most travelers spend between one and two weeks in South Korea, often focusing on major cities like Seoul and Busan with a quick detour to Jeju Island. But if you want to move beyond the surface — to really dig into temple culture, remote hiking trails, and lesser-visited towns — we’d suggest giving it closer to three weeks, if you can.

Can South Korea keep you engaged even longer? No doubt. With a long enough visa and an open calendar, you could easily fill a month. There’s always another festival, another forest trail, another market to explore.

Best places to add to your South Korea trip

Northern and Central South Korea

Start with Seoul — a city of extremes, where royal palaces sit beside mega malls and traditional teahouses share blocks with pop-up streetwear stores. It’s big, fast, and endlessly layered.

Not far away, Suwon offers fortress walls and historic vibes, while Incheon is more than just an airport hub — it’s home to Korea’s biggest Chinatown and quirky cultural spaces.

Further east, head into the mountains of Gangwon-do. Seoraksan National Park is famous for its dramatic granite peaks and well-marked hiking trails. For a quieter mountain escape, try Odaesan or Chiaksan.

Then there’s Andong, a conservative town known for Confucian traditions and the living folk village of Hahoe, where performances and mask dances bring history to life.

Southeast South Korea

Gyeongju is a no-brainer if you're into temples, tombs, and ancient ruins. Dubbed “the museum without walls,” it’s one of Korea’s richest historic cities, and a peaceful contrast to the buzz of Seoul.

From there, it’s a quick hop to Busan, a laid-back coastal city with a mix of mountains, beaches, seafood markets, and art villages. The atmosphere here is more relaxed, but still very much alive — especially around Haeundae and Gwangalli Beach.

Jeju Island and beyond

For a complete change of pace, fly to Jeju Island. With its volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, lava tubes and iconic Haenyeo (female divers), Jeju feels like a different world. Hike up Hallasan, drive the coastal roads, or simply slow down and explore beaches and fishing villages on foot or by bike.

Want to really go deep? Add Ulleungdo, a remote island east of the mainland, or visit Mokpo and the islands of the South Jeolla region for seafood, ferries and long, quiet walks along the sea.

When's the best time to visit South Korea?

Trying to figure out what is the best time to visit South Korea? The country sees all four seasons, and they each bring something different — fiery foliage, spring blossoms, snow-dusted temples, and summer beach trips.

The most popular time to visit is during the spring (April to early June) and autumn (late September to November). These shoulder seasons deliver mild weather, clear skies, and vibrant landscapes — without the extremes.

That said, every region has its own rhythm. Here's a breakdown to help you plan.

Seoul and the northern region

Spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November) are prime months in Seoul and the surrounding areas. Expect cool temperatures, cherry blossoms or fall colors, and good walking weather for palace-hopping and market exploring.

Summers (June–August) are hot, humid, and often rainy — though they also bring outdoor festivals and buzzing nightlife. Winters can be icy, but also great if you’re into ski trips and steaming jjimjilbangs (spas).

Eastern mountains and Seoraksan

Planning to hike? Head to Seoraksan and the Gangwon-do mountains in October when autumn foliage hits its peak. Spring is another excellent time to visit, with wildflowers, lighter crowds, and cool breezes on the trails.

Avoid July and August if you’re not a fan of heat and humidity — it gets sticky fast, and mountain mist can limit views.

Southern coast and Busan

Busan, Gyeongju, and other southern cities are best enjoyed from late spring to early autumn. Beach weather kicks off in June and peaks in August, though it’s also the most crowded and expensive time.

Typhoon season (August–September) can occasionally impact travel, but storms are usually short-lived. Autumn is especially good for temple stays, coastal walks, and seafood festivals.

Jeju Island

Jeju is a year-round destination, but May to June and September to October hit the sweet spot — pleasant temps, green landscapes, and fewer tourists.

July and August are busy, hot, and humid. Winter is quieter and cooler, with a chance of snow dusting Hallasan and fewer crowds at the major sites.

Do you need a visa to enter South Korea?

Visa rules for South Korea vary depending on your passport.

Most travelers from Europe, North America, and parts of Asia can enter visa-free for 30 to 90 days, depending on your nationality. For example, citizens of the UK, US, Canada, and most EU countries get up to 90 days without needing a visa.

However, you still need to apply online for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before your trip. It’s a simple form, takes just a few minutes, and costs about $8. Don’t skip it — airlines may not let you board without it.