10-Day South Korea Adventure: Culture, Cuisine, and Scenic Beauty

Day 1: Arrive in Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

10:00AM

Incheon International Airport to Hotel

Upon arrival, navigate through customs and take the Airport Railroad Express to your hotel in downtown Seoul.
ARX Line to Seoul Station, then transfer to subway or taxi to your hotel.
KRW 10,000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Gwangjang Market

Savor delicious local street food like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and bibimbap while exploring this bustling market.
Take subway line 1 to Jongno 5-ga.
KRW 15,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore the grandest of Seoul's five palaces, complete with beautiful architecture and changing of the guard ceremony.
Walk 15 minutes from Gwangjang Market.
KRW 3,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Experience a warming bowl of ginseng chicken soup in a historic setting renowned for its flavors.
Taxi or subway (Gyeongbokgung Station) for a short ride.
KRW 20,000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

N Seoul Tower

Conclude your day with panoramic views of Seoul from the observation deck of this iconic tower.
Take a taxi or the cable car to the tower.
KRW 10,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Cultural Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Enjoy a classic Korean breakfast set with rice, eggs, and pickled vegetables.
Walking distance from your hotel.
KRW 12,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Bukchon Hanok Village

Stroll through this traditional neighborhood with well-preserved hanok homes, perfect for immersive cultural experiences.
15-minute walk from the café.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Insadong Sijang

Taste traditional dishes such as galbitang (beef short rib soup) in this artsy district.
Short walk from Bukchon.
KRW 15,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Changdeokgung Palace

Walk around the Secret Garden and marvel at the unique architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10-minute walk from Insadong.
KRW 8,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Myeongdong

Indulge in food stalls offering everything from tteokbokki to hotteok.
Take the subway to Myeongdong Station.
KRW 10,000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Marvel at this stunning architectural masterpiece that hosts various exhibitions and a vibrant night market.
Quick subway ride to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station.
Free, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Heritage in Gyeongju

Gyeongju, South Korea

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a Korean-style breakfast buffet at your hotel before departing.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Take KTX to Gyeongju

Travel to the ancient city of Gyeongju, former capital of the Silla Kingdom.
Board at Seoul Station.
KRW 50,000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Bulguksa Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site and its stunning Buddha statues.
Take bus 10 from Gyeongju Station.
KRW 5,000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Hanok Restaurant

Sample traditional Silla cuisine while dining in a beautiful hanok.
Walking distance from Bulguksa.
KRW 20,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Seokguram Grotto

Marvel at the stone Buddha statue surrounded by serene natural beauty.
Take bus 12 from Bulguksa.
KRW 3,000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hwangnam Bread Cafe

Try the local specialty, Hwangnam bread – a sweet red bean-filled pastry.
Bus back to Gyeongju city center.
KRW 10,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Evening Stroll at Anapji Pond

Enjoy the picturesque views of this historic site lit up at night.
Walk 15 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Beach Vibe in Busan

Busan, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Begin your day with a hearty buffet breakfast before checking out.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

KTX to Busan

Head towards Korea's southern coast for beautiful beaches and vibrant markets.
Depart from Gyeongju Station.
KRW 40,000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Haeundae Beach

Relax or stroll along the famous Haeundae Beach, known for its soft sand and palm trees.
Take a local bus from Busan Station to Haeundae.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Bay 101

Enjoy views of the marina with fresh seafood dishes.
Short walk from the beach.
KRW 25,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Busan Aquarium

Explore the interesting marine life exhibits within the Busan Aquarium located by Haeundae.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
KRW 30,000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Jagalchi Fish Market

Savor fresh sashimi and seafood at Korea's largest fish market.
Taxi or subway to Jagalchi Station.
KRW 35,000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Visit Gamcheon Culture Village

Explore the colorful streets and artistic murals of this picturesque village.
Take a local bus from Jagalchi.
Free, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: More of Busan

Busan, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Refuel with a diverse buffet breakfast that offers Korean and Western options.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Beomeosa Temple

Experience the serenity and beauty of this ancient temple nestled in the mountains.
Take subway to Beomeosa Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sinseon Seolleongtang

Sample seolleongtang, a rich beef bone soup popular in Korea.
Return to town via subway.
KRW 12,000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Yongdusan Park and Busan Tower

Take in panoramic views of the city from the top of Busan Tower.
Short taxi ride from the restaurant.
KRW 8,000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Gukje Market

Wander through the busy market that showcases a variety of products and food stalls.
Walking distance from Yongdusan Park.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Bajirak Kalguksu

Savor handmade kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) in a local favorite!
Walk to the restaurant from the market.
KRW 15,000, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Enjoy Busan's nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Haeundae, with beachside bars and clubs.
Local bus or taxi to Haeundae.
Free to enter clubs/bar expenses vary., 3 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Jeju Island Escape

Jeju Island, South Korea

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have a hearty breakfast before heading to the airport.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Flight to Jeju Island

Take a one-hour flight to the breathtaking Jeju Island.
Bus to Gimhae Airport.
KRW 60,000, 1.5 hours including check-in

10:00AM

Visit Hallasan National Park

Start your adventure with a hike through Hallasan, Korea's highest mountain.
Rent a car or join a tour for ease of transport.
Free, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at a Local BBQ Restaurant

Grill fresh Jeju beef at a local barbeque place.
Short drive from the park entrance.
KRW 25,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Seongsan Ilchulbong

Climb this volcanic crater for views of the scenic coastline.
Drive to Seongsan, about 1 hour away.
KRW 2,000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dongmum Seafood Restaurant

Indulge in fresh seafood dishes typical to Jeju's coastal cuisine.
Short drive back to your lodging.
KRW 30,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Jeju Island Wonders

Jeju Island, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a buffet breakfast before a day of exploration.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Manjanggul Lava Tube

Explore one of the finest lava tubes in the world, featuring stunning formations.
Drive to the site in under 30 minutes.
KRW 2,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Haenyeo Gukbap

Taste local Jeju-style pork soup at a restaurant famed for this hearty dish.
Drive to downtown Jeju City.
KRW 15,000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Cheonjiyeon Waterfall

Relax by the beautiful waterfall, surrounded by lush vegetation.
A short 30-minute drive or local bus from the restaurant.
KRW 3,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Jeju Folk Village

Learn about Jeju's culture and history through this extensive museum.
Drive about 20 minutes after the waterfall.
KRW 8,000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Jeju Black Pork Barbecue

Taste Jeju's famous black pork in a barbecue setting at a popular local spot.
Short drive back to city center.
KRW 30,000, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Night at Dongmun Traditional Market

Wander through the market to shop for local goods and try more street food!
Walk or drive to the market.
Free, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Cultural Immersion in Incheon

Incheon, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Indulge in a diverse buffet spread before checking out.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Flight to Incheon

Fly back to the mainland via a short flight to Incheon.
Bus to Jeju airport.
KRW 60,000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Incheon Chinatown

Explore Korea's only Chinatown, rich in history and colorful architecture.
Short taxi ride from the airport.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dongbang Gukbap

Try Incheon's signature rice soup and live the local experience.
Walking distance from Chinatown.
KRW 12,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Songdo Central Park

Enjoy the serenity and picturesque views in this urban park complete with a canal.
Walk from the restaurant to the park.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Roof-Top Restaurant

Enjoy stunning views of the Incheon skyline while dining at a rooftop restaurant.
Short taxi or walk to the restaurant.
KRW 40,000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Explore Incheon Free Economic Zone

Stroll through this area showcasing modern architecture and developments.
Walk around the area.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Visit the DMZ

DMZ, South Korea

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up before the day trip to DMZ.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

DMZ Tour

Join a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of this unique border.
Pick-up at your hotel from the tour company.
KRW 70,000, 5 hours including travel

1:00PM

Lunch at the Edge of Freedom Cafe

Enjoy lunch with a view at a nearby café with interesting artifacts.
Part of the DMZ tour itinerary.
KRW 15,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Return to Seoul

Travel back to Seoul post tour.
DMZ tour return to your hotel.
Included in tour price, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Insadong

Take a leisurely walk through this cultural district known for traditional crafts and artists.
Short walk from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sanchon

Dine on a full-course Buddhist meal in a traditional setting.
Short walk from Insadong.
KRW 30,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Last Day in Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have a final breakfast at your hotel before check-out.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shop at Dongdaemun Market

Hunt for souvenirs, trendy fashion, and textiles at this popular market.
Take subway to Dongdaemun Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Gwangjang Market

Enjoy your favorite local dishes one last time at this famous market.
10-minute walk from Dongdaemun.
KRW 15,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax in Hangang Park

Spend your afternoon unwinding by the Han River, perfect for a serene escape.
Take subway to Yeouinaru Station.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Last-minute shopping in Myeongdong

Grab some final souvenirs and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere one last time.
Short subway ride back to Myeongdong Station.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Departure from Incheon Airport

Head to the airport to catch your flight home, bringing back memories of a wonderful trip.
Take the Airport Railroad Express from Myeongdong to Incheon.
KRW 10,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability