8-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through South Korea

Day 1: Explore Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bukchon Son Mandu

Start your day with authentic Korean dumplings at this local favourite, known for fresh and handmade mandu that warm you up for a day of walking around Bukchon Hanok Village.
KRW8000, 1h

9:30am

Bukchon Hanok Village Walk

Explore traditional Korean houses and narrow alleys in this beautifully preserved village offering great photo opportunities and insights into Joseon-era architecture. Open all day.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Enjoy a nutritious bowl of ginseng chicken soup, a Korean delicacy and a beloved summer dish to boost energy, located near Gyeongbokgung Palace.
KRW15000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and National Folk Museum

Tour the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces, and explore the Folk Museum onsite to learn about Korean traditions. Open 9am-6pm, last admission at 5pm.
KRW3000, 2.5h

4:00pm

Insadong Cultural Street

Stroll through Insadong’s alleyways known for art galleries, tea houses, and traditional crafts, perfect for souvenir shopping and cultural immersion.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gogung Jeonju Bibimbap

Try the famous Jeonju-style bibimbap here, a vibrant mixed rice dish with multiple vegetables, meat, and an egg on top, highlighting Korean flavours.
KRW12000, 1h
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Day 2: Modern & Traditional Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Beans & Berries

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a light breakfast with international flair in this popular cafe located in Itaewon.
KRW10000, 1h

9:30am

Visit N Seoul Tower

Take a cable car and hike to the iconic N Seoul Tower for panoramic views across the city, open 10am-11pm.
KRW11000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Myeongdong Kyoja

Famous for its kalguksu (handmade noodle soup), this casual eatery in Myeongdong offers a delicious and filling lunch option.
KRW9000, 1h

1:30pm

Shopping and Exploring Myeongdong

Experience Seoul’s bustling shopping district filled with street food vendors, fashion shops, and cosmetics stores. Open all day.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Explore the futuristic design complex noted for its architecture, exhibitions, and evening LED rose garden. Open 10am-7pm.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Enjoy traditional Korean chicken soup to replenish energy after a full day walking.
KRW15000, 1h
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Day 3: DMZ Day Tour

Seoul & DMZ, South Korea on July 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Have an early breakfast to prepare for the full-day DMZ tour departure.
Included with accommodation, 1h

8:00am

Depart for DMZ & JSA Tour

Join a guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone, including the Third Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and Dorasan Station. Tours typically last around 6-7 hours, booking in advance is essential.
KRW60000, 7h

3:30pm

Return to Seoul and rest

After returning from the DMZ, rest or explore the hotel vicinity.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Maple Tree House

Enjoy Korean BBQ featuring premium meats in a contemporary setting, ideal to celebrate your adventurous day.
KRW35000, 1.5h
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Day 4: Travel to Gyeongju

Gyeongju, South Korea on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and check-out

Fuel up with a quick breakfast and get ready to travel to Gyeongju by KTX train, which takes around 2 hours.
KRW10000, 1h

8:30am

KTX train from Seoul to Gyeongju

Take the high-speed KTX train from Seoul Station to Singyeongju Station for fast and comfortable travel.
KRW45000, 2h

11:00am

Check-in and lunch at Gyeongju Ssambap

Check-in to your accommodation, then enjoy a traditional Korean wrap meal (ssambap), featuring fresh vegetables and rice.
KRW13000, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Bulguksa Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing exquisite Buddhist architecture and serene surroundings. Open 7am-6pm.
KRW5000, 2h

3:30pm

Seokguram Grotto

Visit the nearby Seokguram Grotto to see the exquisite stone Buddha and enjoy panoramic views of the east sea. Open 7am-6pm.
KRW5000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hwangnam Bread Cafe

Try Gyeongju's signature Hwangnam bread, a sweet red bean pastry, alongside a light dinner of local Korean dishes.
KRW10000, 1h
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Day 5: Historical Gyeongju

Gyeongju, South Korea on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a simple Korean breakfast at your accommodation before a day of historical exploration.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Gyeongju National Museum

Discover the history and artefacts of the Silla Kingdom in this well-curated museum. Open 9am-6pm.
KRW3000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Dosol Maeul Restaurant

Sample traditional dishes such as haemul pajeon (seafood pancake) and bibimbap in a quaint local setting.
KRW12000, 1h

1:30pm

Anapji Pond and Donggung Palace grounds

Enjoy the scenic beauty of this historic garden and palace ruins, perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll.
KRW3000, 1.5h

3:30pm

Cheomseongdae Observatory

Visit Asia’s oldest astronomical observatory, a symbol of Gyeongju’s scientific heritage.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ssambap Restaurant

Have a wholesome Korean meal with an assortment of vegetable wraps and side dishes to close your day.
KRW13000, 1h
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Day 6: Travel to Busan

Busan, South Korea on July 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Start your day with breakfast and prepare for travel to Busan by train.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train from Gyeongju to Busan

Travel along the coast to the vibrant city of Busan, taking approximately 1 hour by train.
KRW8000, 1h

10:00am

Check-in and brunch at Jagalchi Market

Sample fresh seafood specialties at the famous Jagalchi Fish Market, a must-visit in Busan, open from early morning.
KRW15000, 1h

11:30am

Visit Gamcheon Culture Village

Walk through this colourful hillside village filled with murals, galleries and quaint cafes, open all day.
Free, 2h

2:00pm

Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Island Walk

Relax or stroll along Busan’s most famous beach and explore the nearby Dongbaek Island with scenic walking trails.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Bay 101

Dine by the marina with a choice of western and Korean dishes, ideal for a relaxing evening in Busan.
KRW25000, 1.5h
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Day 7: Busan Highlights

Busan, South Korea on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at a local café near Haeundae

Enjoy coffee and Korean-style toast to start your day Energised.
KRW8000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Explore this stunning seaside Buddhist temple known for its unique coastal location. Open daily from 5am to 7pm.
Free, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Gukje Market

Savour a variety of street foods and traditional dishes at Busan’s largest traditional market.
KRW10000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Yongdusan Park and Busan Tower

Enjoy panoramic views of the city from Busan Tower located in this central park. Open 10am-10pm.
KRW8000, 1.5h

3:30pm

Shopping and cafe time at Seomyeon

Explore Busan’s shopping district with various shops, cafes and entertainment options.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Millak Raw Fish Town

Try fresh sashimi platters and other seafood dishes at this popular local dining district by the sea.
KRW30000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Return to Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on July 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a hearty breakfast in Busan before catching your morning train back to Seoul.
Included, 1h

8:30am

KTX Train from Busan to Seoul

Return to Seoul via high-speed train for around 2.5 hours of comfortable travel.
KRW60000, 2.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang or alternative

Enjoy a comforting bowl of ginseng chicken soup back in Seoul to recharge before your afternoon activities.
KRW15000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit COEX Mall and Starfield Library

Spend your afternoon at Asia’s largest underground shopping mall with the stunning Starfield Library, open daily until 10pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Cheonggyecheon Stream

Take a leisurely walk along this restored urban stream running through downtown Seoul.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Jungsik Seoul

Experience modern Korean fine dining at this Michelin-starred restaurant to end your trip memorably. Advance reservation recommended.
KRW120000, 2h
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