One Month South Korea Cultural and Scenic Exploration

Day 1: Seoul Arrival & City Introduction

Seoul, South Korea on May 17, 2025

9:00am

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Start your journey at this iconic palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty, and witness the changing of the guard ceremony. Open 9am-6pm, closed Tuesdays.
KRW3000, 1h30m

10:45am

Bukchon Hanok Village

Walk through this traditional village to see hundreds of hanok houses, blending historical architecture with the modern city backdrop.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Enjoy the famous Ginseng Chicken Soup, a nourishing and traditional Korean dish located near Gyeongbokgung Palace. Open 10am-9pm.
KRW15000, 1h

1:30pm

Insadong Cultural Street

Explore the vibrant neighborhood filled with antique shops, art galleries, tea houses, and craft shops.
Free, 1h30m

3:15pm

N Seoul Tower

Visit the tower on Namsan Mountain for panoramic city views, perfect for late afternoon scenery. Open 10am-midnight.
KRW11000, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Myeongdong Kyoja

Savor handmade kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) in this popular Myeongdong restaurant. Open 10:30am-9:30pm.
KRW9000, 1h

Day 2: Nature and Art in Gapyeong

Gapyeong, South Korea on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Start early with a light Korean-style breakfast to prepare for a nature day.
KRW8000, 0h45m

9:00am

Travel to Gapyeong

Take the ITX train from Yongsan Station to Gapyeong (about 1 hour), for convenient access to nature spots.
KRW4500, 1h

10:15am

Nami Island

Famous for its beautiful tree-lined roads and as a filming spot for Korean dramas, ideal for a relaxing walk or bike ride. Open 7:30am-9pm.
KRW13000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nami Island restaurants

Try dak-galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), a local speciality on the island.
KRW15000, 1h

2:00pm

Garden of Morning Calm

Visit this stunning botanical garden showcasing native Korean plants and themed gardens, open 8:30am-7pm.
KRW10000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Seoul

Return by train to Seoul, allowing time to rest for the evening.
KRW4500, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner in Hongdae at Kyochon Chicken

Enjoy crispy Korean fried chicken in the vibrant Hongdae area, open till midnight.
KRW12000, 1h

Day 3: Historic Gyeongju Exploration

Gyeongju, South Korea on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty Korean breakfast before the day’s travel.
KRW8000, 0h30m

7:30am

Travel to Gyeongju

Take KTX train from Seoul Station to Singyeongju Station, approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
KRW54000, 2h15m

10:00am

Bulguksa Temple

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, a masterpiece of Buddhist art from the Silla period, open 7am-6pm.
KRW5000, 1h30m

11:45am

Seokguram Grotto

Explore the nearby grotto with an exquisite statue of Buddha carved from granite, also UNESCO listed.
KRW5000, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at local restaurant

Enjoy Hwangnam bread (traditional pastry) and bibimbap, a classic Korean mixed rice dish.
KRW10000, 1h

2:30pm

Gyeongju National Museum

Learn about the Silla Kingdom with plenty of artefacts and history, open 9am-6pm.
KRW3000, 1h30m

4:15pm

Cheomseongdae Observatory & Bomun Lake

Visit Korea’s oldest astronomical observatory followed by a relaxing stroll or bike ride around Bomun Lake.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gyeongju downtown

Sample fresh seafood or Korean barbecue in the local restaurants.
KRW15000, 1h

Day 4: Busan Coastal City

Busan, South Korea on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a day discovering the port city of Busan with a good breakfast.
KRW8000, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Busan

Take KTX from Singyeongju to Busan station (approx 40 minutes).
KRW17000, 0h40m

9:00am

Haeundae Beach

Enjoy one of Korea’s most famous beaches, perfect for morning strolls or just relaxing.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Visit this stunning seaside Buddhist temple built on the coast, offering dramatic views and spiritual ambience.
Free, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Jagalchi Fish Market

Taste fresh seafood with a variety of dishes like raw fish, grilled clams, open daily 5am-10pm.
KRW20000, 1h

2:00pm

Gamcheon Culture Village

Explore colorful and artistic village neighborhoods with murals, cafes, and shops.
Free, 1h30m

3:45pm

Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park

Check out panoramic city views from this 120m tower, open 10am-10pm.
KRW8000, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at local Korean BBQ

Dine at a popular Korean BBQ joint near Seomyeon, open until late.
KRW20000, 1h30m

Day 5: Jeju Island Nature

Jeju Island, South Korea on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Busan hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast before heading to the airport.
KRW8000, 0h30m

8:30am

Flight to Jeju Island

Take a morning flight from Busan to Jeju (about 1 hour).
KRW30000, 1h

10:00am

Manjanggul Lava Tube

Explore one of the world’s finest lava tunnels featuring fascinating rock formations, open 9am-6pm.
KRW4000, 1h

11:30am

Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)

Hike this volcanic crater for breathtaking ocean views, open all day.
KRW2000, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at local Jeju seafood restaurant

Try Jeju specialties such as abalone porridge or grilled mackerel.
KRW15000, 1h

2:30pm

Jeju Folk Village

Visit this historic village showcasing traditional Jeju culture and architecture. Open 9am-6pm.
KRW11000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax at Hamdeok Beach

Unwind at this picturesque beach known for turquoise waters and soft sand.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Black Pork BBQ

Enjoy Jeju’s famous black pork barbecue, a regional specialty served in various restaurants around Jeju City.
KRW20000, 1h