Epic 13-Day South Korea Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

8:00AM

Explore N Seoul Tower

Start your day with a trip to N Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city.
Take the cable car from the base of Namsan Mountain.
KRW 11,000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Shopping at Myeongdong

Head to Myeongdong for some retail therapy, famous for its cosmetics and fashion brands.
Take the subway from Namsan Station to Myeongdong Station.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Myeongdong Kyoja

Try handmade noodle soup (guyningyeon) at Myeongdong Kyoja, a popular local eatery.
Located directly in Myeongdong.
KRW 10,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Marvel at the futuristic architecture of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and check out exhibitions.
Short subway ride from Myeongdong Station.
Varies (based on exhibition), 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gwangjang Market

Relish authentic Korean street food at Gwangjang Market, famous for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes).
Take a bus or taxi from Dongdaemun.
KRW 8,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

K-Pop Performance

End your day with a fun K-Pop performance at a local venue.
Check listings as venues vary.
KRW 20,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Historical Highlights

Seoul, South Korea

9:00AM

Changdeokgung Palace

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Changdeokgung Palace and its renowned secret garden.
Take Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station.
KRW 3,000, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Seoul Museum of History

Learn about Seoul's transformation over the centuries at the Seoul Museum of History.
Take the subway from Anguk Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Namdaemun Market

Indulge in delicious pork cutlet (tonkatsu) at one of the many stalls in Namdaemun Market.
Walk to Namdaemun Market from the museum.
KRW 8,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Jongmyo Shrine

Explore the serene Jongmyo Shrine, dedicated to the royal ancestors of the Joseon dynasty.
A 15-minute walk from Namdaemun Market.
KRW 1,000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at Gangnam

Hot foot it to Gangnam for some upscale shopping and celebrity spotting.
Take the subway to Gangnam Station.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Samgyeopsal Restaurant

Dine on grilled pork belly (samgyeopsal) while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
In the Gangnam area; plenty of BBQ options.
KRW 20,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Busan

Busan, South Korea

8:00AM

KTX to Busan

Catch the KTX train from Seoul to Busan for a swift journey across the country.
Walk to Seoul Station for the KTX.
KRW 50,000, 3 hours

11:00AM

Haeundae Beach

Relax at the picturesque Haeundae Beach and enjoy the view.
Take a taxi from Busan Station to Haeundae.
KRW 10,000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Bay 101

Savour fresh seafood with stunning ocean views at The Bay 101.
A short walk from Haeundae Beach.
KRW 20,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Busan Aquarium

Visit the Busan Aquarium to see diverse marine life and intriguing exhibits.
Walk from The Bay 101.
KRW 26,000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Gwangalli Beach

Head to Gwangalli Beach to enjoy the views of the Gwangan Bridge.
Take a taxi from the aquarium.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Octopus Restaurant

Experience a delicious seafood feast at a local octopus restaurant by Gwangalli Beach.
Locate in the Gwangalli area.
KRW 25,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Discovering Busan

Busan, South Korea

9:00AM

Beomeosa Temple

Visit the serene Beomeosa Temple, set against the backdrop of lush mountains.
Take the subway to Beomeosa Station.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Gamcheon Culture Village

Wander through the colourful streets of Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its artistic vibe.
Take a taxi from Beomeosa Temple.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe de One Piece

Relax at this unique cafe inspired by the anime 'One Piece' and enjoy a themed meal.
Within Gamcheon Culture Village.
KRW 15,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Jagalchi Fish Market

Experience the local culture at Jagalchi Fish Market, where vendors sell fresh seafood.
Take a taxi to the market.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Jagalchi Market

Indulge in freshly grilled seafood at a market stall in Jagalchi.
Located within the market area.
KRW 20,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Busan Tower

End your day with a visit to Busan Tower for a panoramic skyline view.
Take a taxi to Busan Tower.
KRW 10,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Heritage in Gyeongju

Gyeongju, South Korea

8:00AM

Travel to Gyeongju

Take the KTX to Gyeongju and set off to explore ancient sites.
Board the KTX at Busan Station.
KRW 25,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Bulguksa Temple

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bulguksa Temple, known for its stunning architecture.
Take a taxi from Gyeongju Station.
KRW 5,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a local restaurant

Enjoy local dishes like dosirak (Korean lunchbox) at a nearby eatery.
Close to Bulguksa Temple.
KRW 10,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Seokguram Grotto

Marvel at the exquisite Seokguram Grotto, another UNESCO site housing a beautiful Buddha statue.
Take a taxi from Bulguksa Temple.
KRW 5,000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Gyeongju National Museum

Delve into Gyeongju's history at the Gyeongju National Museum, showcasing Silla artifacts.
Return to Gyeongju and visit the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a local Korean barbecue

Enjoy an authentic Korean BBQ experience after a day of cultural exploration.
There are various options around Gyeongju.
KRW 25,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Nature and History

Gyeongju, South Korea

9:00AM

Visit Anapji Pond

Start with a peaceful stroll around Anapji Pond, beautifully lit at night as well.
Taxi from your hotel.
KRW 1,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Tumuli Park

Venture into the ancient royal burial mounds at Tumuli Park.
A short walk from Anapji Pond.
KRW 2,000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at a local cafe

Enjoy a light lunch at one of the quaint cafes nearby.
Five-minute walk.
KRW 8,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Baekje Cultural Land

Explore the Baekje Cultural Land, an immersive experience showcasing Korean history.
Take a taxi from your lunch spot.
KRW 12,000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Gyeongju

Enjoy another dinner at a traditional Korean restaurant in Gyeongju.
Within the city.
KRW 20,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Journey to Jeonju

Jeonju, South Korea

8:00AM

Travel to Jeonju

Head to Jeonju via train for a taste of Korea’s culinary culture.
Take a KTX from Gyeongju to Jeonju.
KRW 25,000, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Jeonju Hanok Village

Explore Jeonju Hanok Village with traditional houses and charming tea shops.
Walk to the village from Jeonju Station.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Jeonju Bibimbap

Savour the authentic Jeonju bibimbap at a renowned bibimbap restaurant.
Within Jeonju Hanok Village.
KRW 15,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore local crafts

Discover local crafts and artisan shops throughout Hanok Village.
Explore on foot.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at a local restaurant

Enjoy hearty Korean fare at a local restaurant in Jeonju.
Near the Hanok Village.
KRW 20,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Explore Incheon

Incheon, South Korea

9:00AM

Travel to Incheon

Take the train to Incheon to visit the vibrant Chinatown.
Take the subway from Jeonju to Incheon.
KRW 15,000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Incheon Chinatown

Discover the history and cuisine of Incheon's famous Chinatown.
Walk around the area.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a local dumpling restaurant

Savour authentic Chinese dumplings from a highly rated spot in Chinatown.
Within Chinatown.
KRW 12,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Songdo International Business District

Wander around the modern Songdo district and visit Central Park.
Take a taxi from Chinatown.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a restaurant with a view

Dine at a restaurant overlooking the Songdo skyline.
Nearby Central Park.
KRW 30,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Island Getaway in Jeju

Jeju Island, South Korea

8:00AM

Fly to Jeju Island

Board a flight from Incheon to Jeju Island for stunning landscapes.
Check at Incheon Airport.
KRW 60,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hallasan National Park

Start your adventure at Hallasan National Park, home to Korea's highest peak.
Rent a car at Jeju Airport.
Free, 1 day

7:00PM

Dinner at a local restaurant

Enjoy grilled black pork, a Jeju specialty, at a highly recommended eatery.
Various options near Hallasan.
KRW 25,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Relax and Explore Jeju

Jeju Island, South Korea

8:00AM

Visit Seongsan Ilchulbong

Watch the sunrise atop Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Drive from your accommodation.
KRW 2,000, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Manjanggul Cave

Explore one of the world's longest lava tubes, a stunning geological wonder.
A short drive from Seongsan.
KRW 5,000, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a local seafood restaurant

Try fresh seafood dishes at a nearby seafood joint.
Close to Manjanggul Cave.
KRW 20,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Jeju Folk Village

Discover the traditional culture of Jeju Island at the Folk Village.
Take a short drive from lunch.
KRW 10,000, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at a local barbecue place

Indulge in more Jeju black pork BBQ for dinner.
Within Jeju City.
KRW 30,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Scenic Sokcho

Sokcho, South Korea

8:00AM

Travel to Sokcho

Take a bus or taxi to Sokcho for amazing sea views and mountains.
Take a domestic flight from Jeju City back to Seoul, then a bus to Sokcho.
KRW 50,000, 3 hours

11:30AM

Seoraksan National Park

Hike through the picturesque Seoraksan National Park, known for its breathtaking landscapes.
Take a taxi from Sokcho bus terminal.
Free, 3-4 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a local seafood restaurant

Savour the fresh seafood dishes available at many local restaurants in Sokcho.
Walk from your hotel.
KRW 25,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Return to Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

10:00AM

Travel back to Seoul

Head back to Seoul by bus, soaking in the last views of the countryside.
Take the city bus to Sokcho Terminal.
KRW 30,000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dongdaemun

Grab a quick lunch at Dongdaemun's famous street food stalls.
Take the subway from the bus terminal.
KRW 10,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping at Dongdaemun

Explore Dongdaemun Design Plaza and amazing shopping opportunities.
Walking distance from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a fusion restaurant

Experience Korean fusion cuisine in one of Seoul's trendy restaurants.
Investigate locations in the Dongdaemun area.
KRW 30,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Departure

Seoul, South Korea

10:00AM

Final Breakfast at Isaac Toast

Enjoy a hearty breakfast of toast sandwiches at Isaac Toast, perfect for your last meal.
Close to your accommodation.
KRW 6,000, 1 hour

11:30AM

Check out and depart

Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your flight home.
Take a convenient airport transport.
KRW 10,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability