Start with a walk through the Itaewon neighbourhood with its long history of LGBTQ+ friendly establishments. Homo Hill is Itaewon's hub of gay culture, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Grab a drink at Queen or Trunk. For dinner, try the spicy rice cakes at Baobab. End the night at the popular club Octagon.
Visit the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the changing of the guard ceremony. Walk through traditional Korean houses at Bukchon Hanok Village. End the day strolling along Gwangjang Market and trying some street food like the mung bean pancakes.
Take a tour of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a buffer zone between North and South Korea, that is also an important symbol of the Cold War. You can visit the Third Tunnel, the Dora Observatory, and Dorasan Station.
Take a day trip from Seoul to Jeonju Hanok Village, a living village that showcases the traditional Korean way of life. Wander through the narrow alleys lined with hanok (traditional Korean houses). Don't miss the bibimbap, a Korean rice dish with meat and vegetables, at Gogung Bibimbap.
Take the KTX train to Busan, South Korea's second-largest city. Explore the popular Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach. Walk along the Busan Cinema Center and the Nurimaru APEC House.
Visit the Taejongdae Resort Park for stunning views of the South Sea. Walk through the colourful Gamcheon Cultural Village, with its picturesque alleys and stairways. Try the cod fish cake soup at Miss Millet's.
Explore the Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest fish market in South Korea, and try some fresh seafood. Take a ride up Busan Tower and admire the panoramic view of the city. Finish the day with a drink at the Songdo Beach Cafe Street.
Visit the Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous Buddhist temples in South Korea. Explore the Seokguram Grotto, a nearby ancient temple built in the eighth century. Don't miss the soju-infused chicken at Chamsarang.
Take a flight to Jeju Island, a popular holiday destination for locals and foreigners alike. See the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, a volcanic crater with a spectacular sunrise view. Hike along the Jeju Olle Trail and finish off the day with some fresh seafood at the Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market.
Return to Seoul via Incheon International Airport, the largest airport in South Korea. If time permits, wander around the Incheon Chinatown or the famous Baedari Liquor Store.
You can travel by subway, bus or taxi within Seoul. For longer distances, consider taking the KTX or a long-distance bus. Flights to Jeju Island are available from both Seoul and Busan. Total transportation costs are estimated at 300,000 KRW.
For those with more time, consider adding a day trip to the Nami Island or the Korean Folk Village. For those with less time, consider cutting the DMZ tour or Jeju Island to save time and costs.
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is located in Incheon, approximately 30 km west of Seoul. Gimhae International Airport (PUS) serves Busan and is located in nearby city of Gimhae, approximately 25 km west of Busan. Jeju International Airport (CJU) serves Jeju Island and is located in Jeju City, approximately 5 km north of the city centre.