Ultimate 9-Day Itinerary to Explore South Korea

Day 1: Explore Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tongin Market

Start your journey with a traditional Korean breakfast at Tongin Market, where you can enjoy various local dishes.
Take the subway to Anguk Station and walk to Tongin Market.
KRW10000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Visit the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you can witness the changing of the guard ceremony and explore the beautiful grounds.
Walk 15 minutes from the market to the palace.
KRW3000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Savor the famous ginseng chicken soup at Tosokchon, a must-try dish for an authentic experience.
Take a short taxi ride (10 minutes) from the palace.
KRW15000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Bukchon Hanok Village

Stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village to appreciate traditional Korean architecture and culture.
Walk for about 10 minutes to Bukchon from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Insadong Shopping Street

Explore the vibrant Insadong area full of shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs.
A 15-minute walk from Bukchon.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gwangjang Market

Indulge in various street foods such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) at Gwangjang Market.
Take the subway from Anguk to Jongno 5-ga Station.
KRW15000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

N Seoul Tower

End your day with spectacular nighttime views of the city at N Seoul Tower.
Take a taxi to the base of the tower (15 minutes).
KRW10000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: More of Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe D'ish

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a popular local café known for its pancakes and coffee.
Take the subway to Hongdae.
KRW12000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Changdeokgung Palace

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Changdeokgung Palace, and stroll through its Secret Garden.
A short bus ride from Hongdae to the palace.
KRW5000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Samcheonggak

Taste traditional Korean cuisine while enjoying scenic views at Samcheonggak.
Take a taxi to the restaurant.
KRW20000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

National Museum of Korea

Discover Korea’s rich history and culture at the National Museum of Korea.
Take the subway from the restaurant.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping in Myeongdong

Enjoy shopping at the bustling Myeongdong district filled with trendy shops and cosmetics.
Take the subway to Myeongdong Station.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Guchang Restaurant

Feast on delicious Korean BBQ at a highly-recommended local restaurant.
Walk from Myeongdong to the restaurant.
KRW25000, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

End your evening at the stunning Dongdaemun Design Plaza, known for its futuristic architecture.
Take a taxi from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 3: Travel to Busan

Busan, South Korea

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel prior to your journey.
Have a quick meal before leaving for the station.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

KTX to Busan

Catch the KTX train to Busan, experiencing the speed and efficiency of Korean rail.
Travel to Seoul Station and board your KTX train.
KRW60000, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Check-in at Busan Hotel

Drop off your bags at your hotel and get ready to explore.
Walk to your hotel from the station.
Included, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Gamcheon Culture Village

Wander through the colorful streets of Gamcheon Culture Village, famous for its artistic vibe and mural alleys.
Take a taxi to the village.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Jagalchi Fish Market

Indulge in fresh seafood at Jagalchi Fish Market, sampling various delicacies.
Take a taxi from Gamcheon.
KRW20000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Busan Tower

Enjoy panoramic views of Busan from the top of Busan Tower.
Short walk from the market.
KRW8000, 1 hour

4:00PM

BIFF Square

Stroll through BIFF Square and enjoy the lively atmosphere filled with shops and street food.
Walk from Busan Tower.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Bay 101

Dine with a view at The Bay 101, where you can enjoy high-end dining overlooking the marina.
Take a taxi from BIFF Square.
KRW30000, 2 hours

8:30PM

Night view of Haeundae Beach

End the day with a leisurely walk along the beautiful Haeundae Beach, soaking in the night views.
Take a taxi to Haeundae.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Discover Busan

Busan, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before exploring more of Busan.
Included in hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Visit the stunning seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple situated on the cliffs.
Take a taxi to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Gwangalli Beach

Relax at Gwangalli Beach, known for its stunning views of the Gwangan Bridge.
Take a bus or taxi from the temple.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe de One

Savor a light lunch at the popular café near the beach.
A short walk from Gwangalli Beach.
KRW15000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Busan Museum of Art

Explore contemporary art at the Busan Museum of Art in the Centum City area.
Take a bus or taxi from the café.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shinsegae Centum City

Shop at the largest department store in the world, Shinsegae Centum City.
Short bus ride from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Busan Bunsik

Enjoy local street food delicacies at Busan Bunsik, including tteokbokki and odeng.
Take a taxi to the restaurant.
KRW15000, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Return to Haeundae Beach

Spend your evening enjoying the vibrant nightlife at Haeundae Beach.
Take a taxi back to Haeundae.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Gyeongju Exploration

Gyeongju, South Korea

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading to Gyeongju.
Included in hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Bus to Gyeongju

Take a bus to Gyeongju, rich in history and ancient sites.
Board a bus at Busan Station.
KRW15000, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Bulguksa Temple

Visit the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple, a masterpiece of Korean Buddhist architecture.
Take a taxi from the bus station.
KRW5000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Gyeongju Traditional Market

Explore local dishes such as ssambap at the Gyeongju Traditional Market.
Taxi to the local market.
KRW12000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Seokguram Grotto

Explore the beautiful Seokguram Grotto, also a UNESCO site.
Take a taxi from the market.
KRW6000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Gyeongju National Museum

Learn about Gyeongju’s rich history at the Gyeongju National Museum.
Take a taxi from Seokguram Grotto.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Gyeongju dishes at a local restaurant.
Walk to a nearby restaurant.
KRW15000, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Evening Stroll at Anapji Pond

End your day with a serene stroll around Anapji Pond, beautifully lit at night.
Walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 6: Culinary Delights in Jeonju

Jeonju, South Korea

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel before heading to Jeonju, the birthplace of bibimbap.
Included in hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Bus to Jeonju

Take a bus to Jeonju, renowned for its gastronomy.
Board a bus from Gyeongju.
KRW15000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Jeonju Hanok Village

Explore Jeonju Hanok Village's traditional houses and culture.
A short walk from the bus station.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Jeonju Bibimbap House

Savor the world-famous Jeonju Bibimbap, made with various local ingredients.
Walk to the restaurant in the village.
KRW10000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Korean Traditional Music Performance

Enjoy traditional music performances in the village, giving you insight into Korean culture.
Stay in the village.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Traditional Craft Workshop

Participate in a craft workshop to create your own souvenir.
Continue in the village.
KRW20000, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at a Local Grill

Delight in grilled meats and other specialties at a local grill in the village.
Short walk from the workshop.
KRW18000, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Night Walk in Jeonju Hanok Village

Stroll through the beautifully lit streets of Jeonju Hanok Village.
Explore on foot.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 7: Incheon and Surroundings

Incheon, South Korea

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for your journey with a good breakfast at the hotel.
Included in hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Bus to Incheon

Travel to Incheon, a city known for its port and vibrant surroundings.
Take a bus from Jeonju.
KRW15000, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Incheon Chinatown

Explore Incheon Chinatown, featuring colorful buildings and delicious dumplings.
Take a taxi from the bus terminal.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Haeundae Jjambbong

Taste spicy seafood noodles at Haeundae Jjambbong for lunch.
Walk in Chinatown.
KRW12000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Songdo International Business District

Visit the modern Songdo International Business District, famous for its impressive architecture.
Taxi to Songdo.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Incheon Bridge

Enjoy the views around the beautiful Incheon Bridge, a symbol of the city.
Walk from Songdo.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Incheon Fish Market

Feast on fresh seafood at the Incheon Fish Market.
Take a taxi back to the area.
KRW25000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Evening at Songdo Central Park

Relax and take a stroll at Songdo Central Park, surrounded by nature and modernity.
Take a taxi to the park.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Nature at Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan National Park, South Korea

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to get ready for nature exploration at Seoraksan.
Included in the hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

7:00AM

Bus to Seoraksan National Park

Travel to Seoraksan National Park, known for its stunning landscapes and hiking trails.
Catch a bus from Incheon.
KRW20000, 2.5 hours

9:30AM

Seoraksan National Park Entrance

Begin your adventure by entering Seoraksan National Park, full of breathtaking views.
Purchase tickets at the entrance.
KRW3000, 9 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Local Eatery

Enjoy dinner at a local eatery near the park after a long day of hiking.
Walk to a nearby restaurant.
KRW18000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Hotel

Travel back to your hotel to rest after an adventurous day.
Take a bus back to Incheon.
KRW20000, 2.5 hours
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Day 9: Final Day in Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in South Korea at your hotel.
Included in the hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Shopping for Souvenirs

Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs at local markets and shops.
Take the KTX back to Seoul.
KRW10000, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Diner

Relax and enjoy your last meal at a local diner, reflecting on your travels.
Walk to a nearby diner.
KRW15000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit a Spa

Unwind at a local spa for a traditional Korean bath and relaxation.
Take a taxi to a nearby spa.
KRW30000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Final Stroll through a Park

Take a leisurely afternoon stroll through one of Seoul's beautiful parks as a last taste of nature.
Walk to a nearby park.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Departure

Prepare for departure as you reflect on an incredible journey through South Korea.
Head to the airport.
Varies, 1 hour
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