5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Korea

  1. Day 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village
    10 minutes (3.6 km) from Incheon International Airport

    Begin your Korean adventure by exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces in Seoul. Watch the grand changing of the guards ceremony before making your way to the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village. Take a walk through the picturesque streets lined with traditional Korean houses.

  2. Day 2: Namsan Tower and Myeong-dong Shopping Street
    20 minutes (5.7 km) from Bukchon Hanok Village

    Start your day by visiting the iconic Namsan Tower, for stunning views of Seoul. Then, head down to the lively and bustling Myeong-dong Shopping Street for some bargain shopping. Sample some popular Korean street food while you enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

  3. Day 3: Korean DMZ Tour and Insadong Shopping Street
    1 hour 15 minutes (50 km) from Myeong-dong Shopping Street

    Explore the highly guarded Korean DMZ, the most heavily fortified border in the world. Finish the day by walking the charming streets of Insadong Shopping Street. Browse small shops filled with traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

  4. Day 4: Jeju Island and Hallasan National Park
    1 hour 30 minutes (314 km) from Korean DMZ

    Take an early morning flight to the scenic Jeju Island, known for its natural beauty and stunning beaches. Visit Hallasan National Park to hike up Korea's highest peak. Take in breathtaking landscapes on the trails and relax by one of the many waterfalls in the park.

  5. Day 5: Manjanggul Cave and Jeju Folk Village Museum
    30 minutes (17 km) from Hallasan National Park

    End your trip by exploring the unique Manjanggul Cave, one of the largest lava tubes in the world. Afterwards, visit the reconstructed traditional houses and cultural exhibits at the Jeju Folk Village Museum. Wrap up your stay with a last-minute souvenir shopping spree.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (2 hours, free)
  • Bukchon Hanok Village (1 hour, free)
  • Namsan Tower (2 hours, ₩10,000)
  • Myeong-dong Shopping Street (3 hours, ₩20,000)
  • Korean DMZ Tour (8 hours, ₩120,000)
  • Insadong Shopping Street (2 hours, ₩20,000)
  • Jeju Island (8 hours, ₩100,000)
  • Hallasan National Park (4 hours, free)
  • Manjanggul Cave (2 hours, ₩2,000)
  • Jeju Folk Village Museum (1 hour, ₩10,000)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₩302,000

Useful Tips

If you have more time, add a day trip to Busan, Korea's second-largest city. Visit Beomeosa Temple, stroll through Jagalchi Fish Market, and relax on Haeundae Beach. If you have less time, skip Jeju Island and spend an extra day in Seoul, strolling through the trendy districts of Gangnam and Hongdae.

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