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4-Day South Korea Highlights: Seoul to Busan Coastal Loop

Day 1: Seoul Classics

Seoul, South Korea on April 21, 2026

8:30am

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Historic Joseon dynasty palace with guard-changing ceremony and restored buildings; excellent introduction to Korean history and photo opportunities. Check opening hours; typically 9:00am–5:00pm (seasonal).
KRW3000, 1h30m

10:30am

Bukchon Hanok Village

Traditional hanok neighborhood near the palace where you can stroll narrow lanes and see preserved architecture; respectful quiet visiting recommended.
KRW0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch: Tosokchon Samgyetang

Famous for ginseng chicken soup (samgyetang), a nourishing traditional meal beloved by locals and tourists; usually open 10:00–22:00.
KRW16000, 1h

13:30pm

Insadong & Jogyesa Temple

Insadong offers galleries, tea houses, and crafts; Jogyesa is a tranquil Buddhist temple nearby—good for a cultural break and souvenir shopping.
KRW0, 1h

15:00pm

Myeongdong Shopping

Bustling shopping district for cosmetics, street food, and fashion—sample tteokbokki or hotteok from street stalls; stores usually open 10:30–22:00.
KRW0, 1h30m

17:00pm

N Seoul Tower (Namsan)

Panoramic city views from the tower; visit around sunset for skyline photos. Cable car runs ~10:00–23:00; tower hours vary by season.
KRW12000, 1h30m

19:30pm

Dinner: Gogung for Bibimbap

Specializes in Jeonju-style bibimbap—hearty, flavorful rice bowl; open for dinner generally until 21:30.
KRW12000, 1h

Day 2: DMZ & Transfer

Seoul → DMZ → Seoul, South Korea on April 22, 2026

7:00am

DMZ Day Tour (Panmunjom/JSA option)

Guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone to learn about Korean War history and see the Joint Security Area; book in advance and bring passport—tours typically depart early and run 6–7 hours, check availability and restrictions.
KRW60000, 7h0m

14:30pm

Return to Seoul — Relax in Hongdae

Hongdae neighborhood offers lively streets, cafes, and street performances—ideal for a relaxed afternoon after the DMZ; open all day, cafes 10:00–23:00+.
KRW0, 2h

17:00pm

Lunch/Dinner: Korean Fried Chicken & Beer (Chimaek)

Try a popular chimaek spot in Hongdae for crispy fried chicken and beer—many places open from late afternoon to midnight.
KRW20000, 1h30m

19:30pm

Evening: Han River Park Stroll

Walk or rent a bike along the Han River; pleasant evening views and local nightlife; parks open 24/7, bike rental hours variable (daylight-evening).
KRW5000, 1h30m

Day 3: Gyeongju Heritage

Gyeongju, South Korea on April 23, 2026

8:00am

KTX to Gyeongju (from Seoul Station to Singyeongju)

High-speed train reduces travel time to the southeast; book tickets in advance—journey ~2h to Singyeongju then local transfer to Gyeongju city center.
KRW50000, 2h30m

11:00am

Bulguksa Temple

UNESCO World Heritage site and masterpiece of Silla architecture set on a mountainside—open typically 7:00–18:00 depending on season.
KRW5000, 1h30m

13:00pm

Lunch: Local Ssambap Restaurant

Try Gyeongju-style ssambap (rice wrapped in vegetables) for regional flavors—many restaurants open 11:00–20:00.
KRW12000, 1h

14:30pm

Seokguram Grotto

Stone Buddhist shrine with an iconic Buddha statue and mountain views—access via shuttle/walk from Bulguksa; check shuttle hours (usually daytime).
KRW5000, 1h30m

17:00pm

Gyeongju Tumuli Park (Daereungwon)

Large grassy burial mounds from the Silla kingdom with museum nearby—good for sunset walk; park open daily.
KRW0, 1h

19:00pm

Dinner: Hwangnam Bread & Local Cuisine

Sample Hwangnam bread (local sweet pastry) and dine at a nearby Korean barbecue or seafood restaurant—many open until 21:00.
KRW20000, 1h

Day 4: Busan Coast

Busan, South Korea on April 24, 2026

8:30am

Train to Busan

Short KTX or ITX ride from Singyeongju to Busan (~30–50 minutes); arrive and head to Haeundae Beach.
KRW8000, 1h

10:00am

Haeundae Beach & Dongbaek Island

Popular sandy beach with coastal walks and the scenic Dongbaek promontory; beach area open all day, Dongbaek trails open daylight hours.
KRW0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch: Jagalchi Fish Market

Largest seafood market in Korea—choose fresh seafood and have it prepared at a market restaurant; market generally open 5:00–22:00 for vendors.
KRW20000, 1h

14:00pm

Gamcheon Culture Village

Colorful hillside village of murals, cafes, and art shops—great for photography and souvenir hunting; open daily, many shops 10:00–18:00.
KRW0, 1h30m

16:30pm

Yongdusan Park & Busan Tower

Park with views over the port and a tower offering city panoramas—tower hours typically 10:00–21:00.
KRW8000, 1h

19:00pm

Dinner: Milmyeon or Busan-style Grilled Eel

Try Busan specialties like milmyeon (wheat noodles) or grilled eel at local restaurants—many open until late evening.
KRW25000, 1h
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