South Korea Itinerary: Seoul – Busan – Seoul (Nov 15‑26, 2025)

Day 1 (Nov 15) – Arrival in Seoul

Evening: Land at Incheon International Airport at 9:45 pm, clear customs and take the AREX Express Train to Seoul Station (≈ 1 hour). Check‑in at your hotel in Myeongdong and enjoy a light midnight snack at a nearby street vendor.

Day 2 (Nov 16) – Historic Seoul

Morning: Visit the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace for the changing‑of‑the‑guard ceremony and explore its museum (≈ 2 hours).

Afternoon: Wander through the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village, then stroll to the cultural street of Insadong for tea houses and art galleries (≈ 3 hours total).

Evening: Dine in Insadong’s alleys and enjoy a relaxed walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream illuminated at night (≈ 2 hours).

Day 3 (Nov 17) – Modern Seoul

Morning: Take the cable car up to N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain for panoramic city views (≈ 2 hours).

Afternoon: Shop the bustling streets of Myeongdong, trying Korean street food and cosmetics (≈ 3 hours).

Evening: Explore the vibrant Dongdaemun Night Market, where late‑night stalls sell fabrics, snacks, and souvenirs (≈ 2 hours).

Day 4 (Nov 18) – Travel to Busan & Beachside

Morning: Board the KTX high‑speed train from Seoul Station to Busan (≈ 2.5 hours, 60,000 KRW). Check‑in at a hotel in Haeundae.

Afternoon: Relax on the golden sands of Haeundae Beach and walk to the scenic Dongbaekseom Island trail (≈ 3 hours).

Evening: Enjoy dinner by the sea and a night view of the illuminated Gwangalli Beach with the Gwangan Bridge lights (≈ 2 hours).

Day 5 (Nov 19) – Busan Culture

Morning: Explore the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market, tasting fresh sashimi and seafood (≈ 1.5 hours).

Afternoon: Wander the colorful alleys of Gamcheon Culture Village, famous for its murals and art installations (≈ 2 hours).

Evening: Visit the coastal park Taejongdae for cliff‑side views and a sunset walk (≈ 2 hours).

Day 6 (Nov 20) – Temples & Shopping

Morning: Take a bus to the seaside shrine of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, admiring its ocean‑front architecture (≈ 1.5 hours).

Afternoon: Shop at Shinsegae Centum City, the world’s largest department store, and enjoy a coffee break (≈ 3 hours).

Evening: Return to Seoul on the KTX (≈ 2.5 hours, 60,000 KRW) and settle back into your hotel.

Day 7 (Nov 21) – Leisure in Seoul

Morning: Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely brunch in Hongdae, followed by a stroll through its indie art streets (≈ 2 hours).

Afternoon: Visit the stylish campus area of Ewha Womans University, browsing boutique shops and cafes (≈ 2 hours).

Evening: Experience a Korean jjimjilbang (spa) such as Dragon Hill Spa for relaxation and a light dinner (≈ 2 hours).

Day 8 (Nov 22) – DMZ Day Trip

Morning: Join a guided tour to the DMZ (Imjingak Park, Dora Observatory, Third Tunnel) (≈ 5 hours total, includes transport).

Afternoon: Return to Seoul, unwind at your hotel, and reflect on the experience.

Evening: Dinner in Itaewon, sampling international cuisine and vibrant nightlife (≈ 2 hours).

Day 9 (Nov 23) – Shopping & Nightlife

Morning: Explore the upscale boutiques of Cheongdam-dong and the flagship stores of luxury brands (≈ 2 hours).

Afternoon: Head to Lotte World Tower for the observation deck and a quick lunch at the mall (≈ 2 hours).

Evening: Visit the lively streets of Gangnam, enjoying street performances and a nightcap at a rooftop bar (≈ 2 hours).

Day 10 (Nov 24) – History & Parks

Morning: Tour the historic National Museum of Korea, focusing on Korean heritage (≈ 2 hours).

Afternoon: Stroll through the expansive Olympic Park, visiting the SOMA Museum of Art and the peaceful lake (≈ 2 hours).

Evening: Enjoy a Han River cruise, watching the city lights from the water (≈ 1.5 hours).

Day 11 (Nov 25) – Free Day

Morning: Choose a personal interest: revisit favorite neighborhoods, take a cooking class, or shop for last‑minute souvenirs (≈ 3 hours).

Afternoon: Relax at a café in Seochon, wander the quiet alleys, and sip traditional tea.

Evening: Farewell dinner at a hanjeongsik (traditional Korean set menu) restaurant in Insadong (≈ 2 hours).

Day 12 (Nov 26) – Departure

Morning: Pack belongings and enjoy a final walk around your hotel area, perhaps grabbing a quick bite of hotteok.

Afternoon: Take the AREX Express Train to Incheon Airport for your 4:10 pm flight back to Brunei (≈ 1 hour).

Evening: Depart Seoul with wonderful memories of your Korean adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Gyeongbokgung Palace – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: 3,000 KRW
• Bukchon Hanok Village – Estimated time: 1.5 hrs – Estimated cost: 0 KRW
• Insadong – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: 0 KRW
• N Seoul Tower (cable car) – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: 10,000 KRW
• Myeongdong Shopping – Estimated time: 3 hrs – Estimated cost: 0 KRW
• Dongdaemun Night Market – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: 0 KRW
• KTX Seoul‑Busan (one‑way) – Estimated time: 2.5 hrs – Estimated cost: 60,000 KRW
• KTX Busan‑Seoul (one‑way) – Estimated time: 2.5 hrs – Estimated cost: 60,000 KRW
• Haeundae Beach – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: 0 KRW
• Dongbaekseom Island – Estimated time: 1 hr – Estimated cost: 0 KRW
• Gwangalli Beach – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: 0 KRW
• Jagalchi Fish Market – Estimated time: 1.5 hrs – Estimated cost: 0 KRW
• Gamcheon Culture Village – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: 0 KRW
• Taejongdae Park – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: 2,000 KRW
• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple – Estimated time: 1.5 hrs – Estimated cost: 0 KRW
• Shinsegae Centum City – Estimated time: 3 hrs – Estimated cost: 0 KRW
• DMZ Tour (Imjingak, Dora, 3rd Tunnel) – Estimated time: 5 hrs – Estimated cost: 55,000 KRW
• Hongdae Area – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: 0 KRW
• Ewha Womans University Area – Estimated time: 1.5 hrs – Estimated cost: 0 KRW
• Lotte World Tower Observation Deck – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: 27,000 KRW
• Olympic Park – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: 0 KRW
• Korean Jjimjilbang (Dragon Hill Spa) – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: 12,000 KRW
• Seoul Subway Day Pass (per day) – Estimated time: throughout day – Estimated cost: 5,000 KRW (×11 days = 55,000 KRW)
• Total Estimated Cost: 284,000 KRW

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, you can omit the DMZ tour and one of the Busan days, focusing on Seoul’s highlights. To extend the experience, add a day in Gyeongju for historic tombs or a night in Jeju Island for volcanic landscapes. Using a T‑money card for subway and bus rides offers convenience and slight discounts, and booking KTX tickets in advance secures the best fares.