City Experiences in South Korea: 5-day Itinerary for October 2024

  1. Day 1: Seoul
    40 minutes (28.6 km) from Incheon International Airport

    Begin your city experience in Seoul at Gyeongbokgung Palace, a magnificent palace built in the 14th century that showcases traditional Korean architecture and culture. Then, take a stroll down Bukchon Hanok Village to see the preserved traditional Korean houses and learn about their design. End the day with a delicious Korean BBQ meal at Goguryeo BBQ.

  2. Day 2: Busan
    2 hours and 40 minutes (325 km) from Seoul by KTX train

    Take a high-speed KTX train to Busan and start the day by visiting Jagalchi Market, the largest fish market in Korea where you can taste fresh seafood. Then, visit the Busan Tower to catch a panoramic view of the city skyline. End the day with a visit to Bupyeong Market, a bustling traditional market in the heart of Busan.

  3. Day 3: Daegu
    1 hour and 40 minutes (302 km) from Busan by KTX train

    Take a scenic ride on the KTX train to Daegu and start the day with a visit to the Seomun Market, one of the oldest traditional markets in Korea. Then, visit the Donghwasa Temple, a serene Buddhist temple that dates back to the 10th century. End the day with a night view of the city at Apsan Observatory.

  4. Day 4: Jeonju
    1 hour and 50 minutes (179 km) from Daegu by express bus

    Take an express bus to Jeonju, the birthplace of the Korean dish Bibimbap. Start the day at the Jeonju Hanok Village, a traditional village filled with Korean houses and narrow alleys. Then, visit the Jeonju National Museum to learn about the city's history and culture. End the day with a delicious bibimbap meal at Gajok Hwegwan.

  5. Day 5: Gyeongju
    3 hours (306 km) from Jeonju by express bus

    Take an express bus to Gyeongju and start the day by visiting the Bulguksa Temple, one of the most famous temples in Korea with over 1,500 years of history. Then, visit the Gyeongju National Museum to learn about the city's rich cultural heritage. End the day with a visit to the Anapji Pond, a stunning artificial pond that was built in the 7th century.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (2 hours, ₩3,000)
  • Bukchon Hanok Village (1 hour, free)
  • Goguryeo BBQ (1-2 hours, ₩15,000-30,000)
  • Jagalchi Market (1-2 hours, free admission)
  • Busan Tower (1 hour, ₩9,000)
  • Bupyeong Market (1-2 hours, free admission)
  • Seomun Market (1-2 hours, free admission)
  • Donghwasa Temple (1-2 hours, ₩3,000)
  • Apsan Observatory (30 minutes, free)
  • Jeonju Hanok Village (1-2 hours, free admission)
  • Jeonju National Museum (1-2 hours, free admission)
  • Gajok Hwegwan (1-2 hours, ₩10,000-15,000)
  • Bulguksa Temple (2-3 hours, ₩5,000)
  • Gyeongju National Museum (1-2 hours, free admission)
  • Anapji Pond (1 hour, ₩2,000)

  • Total Estimated Costs: ₩47,000-67,000

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) between North and South Korea. If you have less time, consider skipping one or two cities and spending more time in the remaining cities. Don't forget to try street food in each city as they have their own delicacies.

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