12-Day Family Adventure in South Korea: Culture, Cities, and Scenic Rail Journeys

Day 1: Exploration in Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

9:00AM

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Start your adventure at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, where you can witness the changing of the guard ceremony.
Take Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station.
KRW 3,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tosokchon

Enjoy a traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup (Samgyetang) at Tosokchon, famous among locals.
Walk 15 minutes from the palace.
KRW 12,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Insadong District

Stroll through Insadong, known for its art galleries and traditional craft shops, providing an opportunity for cultural immersion.
Walk 10 minutes from Tosokchon.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

N Seoul Tower

Head to Namsan Park and take a cable car to N Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city.
Take the cable car from Namsan Park to the tower.
KRW 10,000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Myeongdong Street Food

Explore Myeongdong's lively street food scene and try local delicacies like tteokbokki and hotteok.
Take Subway Line 4 to Myeongdong Station.
KRW 8,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Seoul, South Korea

9:00AM

Bukchon Hanok Village

Visit this charming traditional village that offers a glimpse into the architecture and lifestyle of the past.
Take a 15-minute walk from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Traditional Hanok

Experience a meal in a hanok (traditional house) and savor bibimbap.
Find a local eatery in Bukchon.
KRW 10,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Korean Folk Village

Take an excursion to the Korean Folk Village to see traditional performances and explore the recreated historical village.
Take Bus 5001 from your location to the Village.
KRW 15,000, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gwangjang Market

Feast on Korean pancake (bindaetteok) and other street food at one of Seoul's oldest markets.
Take Subway Line 1 to Jongno 5-ga Station.
KRW 7,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Historical Journey

Gyeongju, South Korea

8:00AM

Travel to Gyeongju

Catch a KTX train from Seoul to Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in history.
Head to Seoul Station for KTX.
KRW 55,000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Bulguksa Temple

Explore the magnificent Bulguksa Temple, home to beautiful stone structures and serene gardens.
Take Bus 10 from Gyeongju Station.
KRW 5,000, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch near Bulguksa

Grab a quick lunch at a local restaurant serving noodles or rice dishes.
Walk to nearby eateries.
KRW 8,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Seokguram Grotto

Visit the iconic Seokguram Grotto, a stunning stone temple housing a magnificent Buddha statue.
Continue on bus from Bulguksa.
KRW 6,000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Indulge in an unforgettable meal of beef bulgogi or bibimbap in Gyeongju.
Take a taxi to the city center.
KRW 10,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Discoveries

Gyeongju, South Korea

9:00AM

Gyeongju National Museum

Begin your day with a visit to the Gyeongju National Museum to learn about the Silla kingdom's rich history.
Take Bus 10 or taxi from your location.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at a Local Café

Enjoy a light lunch with Korean-style sandwiches and coffee at a nearby café.
Walk to the café.
KRW 7,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Tumuli Park

Roam around the ancient burial mounds of kings and queens of the Silla dynasty in Tumuli Park.
Walk 20 minutes back to the park.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Cheomseongdae Observatory

Visit Cheomseongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia, surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens.
Take a taxi to the observatory.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel or nearby restaurant before departing to Busan.
Walk to the restaurant or hotel.
KRW 12,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Beach Vibes

Busan, South Korea

9:00AM

Travel to Busan

Take a KTX train from Gyeongju to Busan, just a short ride away.
Head to Gyeongju Station for KTX.
KRW 25,000, 40 minutes

10:00AM

Haeundae Beach

Relax and enjoy the sun at Haeundae Beach, one of Korea's most famous shorelines.
Take Subway Line 2 to Haeundae Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Haeundae Market

Savor fresh seafood at the bustling Haeundae Market, famous for its grilled fish and clams.
Walk to the market from the beach.
KRW 10,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Busan Aquarium

Visit the Busan Aquarium, perfect for families with interactive exhibits and a tunnel with sharks swimming overhead.
Walk back towards the beach for a short walk.
KRW 20,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy Korean fried chicken at a local eatery, a must-try when in Busan.
Take a short taxi ride.
KRW 12,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Culture by the Sea

Busan, South Korea

9:00AM

Gamcheon Culture Village

Start your day at Gamcheon Culture Village, a colorful hillside community with art boutiques and photo ops.
Take Bus 2 or 2-2 from Busan Station.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Local Café

Try a delicious bibimbap at a café near Gamcheon.
Walk 5 minutes to the café.
KRW 9,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Busan Tower

Head to Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park for scenic views of the harbor and surrounding city.
Take Bus 40 from the area.
KRW 10,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Jagalchi Fish Market

Experience the lively atmosphere of Jagalchi Fish Market and enjoy fresh sushi or sashimi from a vendor.
Take a bus to Jagalchi Market.
KRW 15,000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner by the Sea

Dine at a seaside restaurant specializing in grilled eel, a local delicacy.
Take a taxi to the seaside area.
KRW 14,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Culinary Delights

Jeonju, South Korea

8:00AM

Travel to Jeonju

Board a KTX train from Busan to Jeonju, celebrated for its food and traditional culture.
Travel to Busan Station for KTX.
KRW 30,000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Jeonju Hanok Village

Explore the Jeonju Hanok Village, showcasing hundreds of traditional houses, shops, and teahouses.
Take a taxi to the village.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Jeonju Bibimbap House

Indulge in the city's famous bibimbap at a renowned local bibimbap house.
Walk 10 minutes to the restaurant.
KRW 10,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Jeonju Traditional Culture Center

Learn about traditional Korean culture through exhibits and activities at this local center.
Walk to the center from the village.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Korean barbecue meal at a local eatery in Jeonju.
Walk around the village to find a suitable restaurant.
KRW 12,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Heritage and Crafts

Jeonju, South Korea

9:00AM

Hanji Museum

Visit the Hanji Museum to learn about the traditional Korean paper-making process.
Take a taxi to the museum.
KRW 5,000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Local Café

Recharge with a light lunch at a café serving Korean-style sandwiches.
Walk to a nearby café.
KRW 8,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Jeonju Craft Village

Stroll through Jeonju Craft Village, featuring craft stores and art studios for some unique keepsakes.
Walk from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Traditional Markets

Visit the traditional markets for an immersive shopping experience and taste local snacks.
Walk to the market area.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Jeonju Hanok

End the day with dinner in a traditional hanok restaurant.
Just select a local hanok restaurant within the village.
KRW 15,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: City and Culture

Incheon, South Korea

9:00AM

Travel to Incheon

Take a KTX train from Jeonju to Incheon, known for its port and modern attractions.
Head to Jeonju Station for KTX.
KRW 25,000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Songdo Central Park

Visit Songdo Central Park, an urban park perfect for families with a relaxing atmosphere.
Take Subway Line 1 to Central Park Station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Bistro

Enjoy a vibrant menu featuring local and international dishes at a nearby eatery in Songdo.
Walk to a local bistro.
KRW 12,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Incheon Open Port Museum

Discover the rich history of Incheon’s open port days at this insightful museum.
Take the subway to the museum.
KRW 3,000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

End the day with a seafood dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Take a taxi to the restaurant.
KRW 15,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Harbor Excursion

Incheon, South Korea

9:00AM

Incheon Chinatown

Explore Incheon Chinatown, vibrant with colorful streets, shops, and authentic Chinese cuisine.
Take a taxi to Chinatown.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at a Chinese Restaurant

Savor Chinese dumplings and noodle dishes at a local restaurant in Chinatown.
Select from numerous bistros.
KRW 10,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Incheon Dried Fish Museum

Visit the Dried Fish Museum to learn about the local fishing industry and its history.
Walk to the museum.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Wolmido Island

Take a ferry to Wolmido Island for stunning views and amusement park attractions.
Take the ferry from Incheon Port.
KRW 8,000, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Wolmido

Dine at a restaurant on Wolmido with seafood specialties and beautiful ocean views.
Find a restaurant as you explore the island.
KRW 15,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Historic Insights

DMZ, South Korea

7:00AM

DMZ Tour

Join a day tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to get a glimpse into North Korean territory.
Join a tour from your hotel; tours typically provide transportation.
KRW 50,000, 6 hours

1:00PM

Lunch on the Tour

Have lunch included in your tour at a designated location.
Provided by the tour operator.
Included in tour, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Seoul

Return to Seoul after the tour concludes for a free evening to explore.
Tour will arrange return transport.
Included in tour, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Wrap up the day with dinner at a local eatery, sampling Korean fried rice or curry.
Choose a restaurant near your accommodation.
KRW 10,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Final Day in Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

9:00AM

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Enjoy a leisurely walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, an urban renewal area with beautiful pathways.
Take a short walk from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Apgujeong Rodeo Street

Visit Apgujeong Rodeo Street, known for trendy shops and fashion boutiques.
Take Subway Line 3 to Apgujeong Station.
Free for strolling, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Savor lunch at a trendy café in Apgujeong with fusion dishes.
Choose from various local eateries.
KRW 15,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Namdaemun Market

Explore Namdaemun Market, Korea's largest traditional market, for last-minute souvenirs and snacks.
Take Subway Line 4 to Namdaemun Station.
Free for browsing, snacks extra, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Korean BBQ

End your incredible adventure in Korea with a final dinner at a Korean BBQ restaurant.
Choose a local spot near your hotel.
KRW 20,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability