7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for South Korea

1. Day 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace
   20 minutes (8.5 km) from Incheon International Airport

   Explore the stunning architecture and learn about Korean history at this ancient royal palace. Closed on Tuesdays.

2. Day 2: Namsan Tower
   30 minutes (7.5 km) from Gyeongbokgung Palace

   Take a cable car up to the top of Namsan Mountain for stunning views of Seoul and check out the teddy bear museum. Admission fee.

3. Day 3: Gwangjang Market
   20 minutes (6.8 km) from Namsan Tower

   Sample traditional Korean street foods and do some souvenir shopping at this bustling market. Closed on Sundays.

4. Day 4: Jeju Island
   1 hour flight from Gimpo International Airport

   Relax on the beaches, hike the scenic trails, and visit the famous Lava Tube caves on this stunning island paradise.

5. Day 5: Yongin Folk Village
   40 minutes (37 km) from Incheon International Airport

   Experience traditional Korean village life with preserved houses and workshops. Admission fee.

6. Day 6: Seoraksan National Park
   3 hours (215 km) from Yongin Folk Village or 4 hours (287 km) from Incheon International Airport

   Hike the breathtaking trails and see the stunning waterfalls and peaks of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Admission fee and cable car fee.

7. Day 7: Lotte World
   30 minutes (17 km) from Seoraksan National Park

   Enjoy an amusement park and shopping malls, as Seoul's most famous entertainment place Lotte World. Admission fee.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Gyeongbokgung Palace (2 hours, free)
• Namsan Tower (2-4 hours, 12000 KRW)
• Gwangjang Market (2-3 hours, cost of goods)
• Jeju Island (2-3 days, varies depending on flights and accommodations)
• Yongin Folk Village (2-3 hours, 3000 KRW)
• Seoraksan National Park (4-6 hours, 3500 KRW + cable car fee)
• Lotte World (4-6 hours, 39000 KRW)
Total Estimated Costs: 77800 KRW

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider exploring other areas of Seoul such as Myeongdong or Hongdae for shopping, street food and nightlife. For a shorter trip, skip Jeju Island and add another day trip to Nami Island or go to Busan instead. Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes for hiking and a jacket for chilly weather in Seoraksan National Park.