7-Day South Korea Adventure: Seoul to Busan Cultural and Culinary Journey

Day 1: Seoul Exploration

Seoul, South Korea on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Start your day with traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup, a nourishing dish renowned for its health benefits, in a popular restaurant near Gyeongbokgung Palace.
KRW15000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore Seoul’s largest royal palace, rebuilt to showcase Joseon Dynasty architecture and culture. Don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony at 10am.
KRW3000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bukchon Son Mandu

Try delicious handmade Korean dumplings located in the Bukchon Hanok Village area, perfect for a light, authentic Korean meal.
KRW8000, 1h

1:30pm

Stroll Bukchon Hanok Village

Walk through this charming neighborhood of traditional Korean houses, and enjoy artisan shops and galleries.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Insadong Street

Browse traditional Korean crafts, tea shops, and street food in Insadong, a hub for cultural souvenirs and art.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Myeongdong Kyoja

Enjoy kalguksu (hand-cut noodle soup) and mandu dumplings at this famous Myeongdong restaurant, open until 9:30pm.
KRW12000, 1h
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Day 2: Modern Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on May 30, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Isaac Toast

Try a popular Korean toasted sandwich filled with egg, ham, and cheese, perfect for a quick and tasty start.
KRW4000, 30m

9:00am

Visit N Seoul Tower

Take a cable car or hike to N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain for panoramic views of Seoul’s skyline.
KRW10000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Gwangjang Market

Enjoy street food specialties such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak kimbap in one of Korea’s oldest traditional markets.
KRW8000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Tour this futuristic cultural hub with exhibitions, shopping, and architectural marvels, open until 10pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Shopping in Dongdaemun

Shop for fashion and accessories at the vast Dongdaemun night market and malls.
Varies, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari

Savor dakhanmari, a whole chicken hot pot with dipping sauces, a unique Seoul favorite, open until 10pm.
KRW20000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Cultural Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast Café Onion Anguk

Enjoy excellent pastries and coffee in a trendy café set in a renovated hanok, perfect for a relaxing morning.
KRW7000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden

Discover one of Seoul’s most beautiful palaces and its serene Secret Garden with guided tours available until late afternoon.
KRW8000, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Revisit this top spot to taste the nourishing Samgyetang once again or try other traditional dishes.
KRW15000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit National Museum of Korea

Explore Korea’s largest museum, showcasing over 310,000 artifacts that tell the country's history.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Evening Walk at Cheonggyecheon Stream

Stroll along this restored urban stream in downtown Seoul, beautifully lit at night.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Try other seasonal Korean dishes or enjoy another serving of samgyetang if you wish; the place is open till 9pm.
KRW15000, 1h
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Day 4: Historic Gyeongju

Gyeongju, South Korea on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Gyeongju by KTX train

Depart early from Seoul via the KTX high-speed train to Gyeongju; journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
KRW54000, 2h15m

10:00am

Breakfast at Café near Gyeongju train station

Grab a light breakfast and coffee at a local café near your arrival point.
KRW7000, 30m

10:30am

Visit Bulguksa Temple

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bulguksa Temple, famed for its ornate architecture and serene atmosphere. Open 7:00am-6:00pm.
KRW5000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gyeongju Ssambap

Enjoy traditional Korean wraps (ssambap) with an assortment of side dishes in a local restaurant.
KRW10000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Seokguram Grotto

Visit the nearby UNESCO-listed stone grotto housing a beautiful Buddha sculpture, offering stunning views of the East Sea. Open 7:00am-6:00pm.
KRW5000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk around Bomun Lake Resort

Relax with lakeside scenery and perhaps visit a café or ride a bike around this recreational area.
Free (bike rentals extra), 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hwangnam Bread & Local cuisine

Try Gyeongju’s specialty, Hwangnam bread, and local delicacies at a popular restaurant before heading to hotel.
KRW15000, 1h
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Day 5: Busan Arrival

Busan, South Korea on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty hotel breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Busan by train

Take a direct train to Busan from Gyeongju; journey is approximately 1 hour.
KRW15000, 1h

10:30am

Visit Haeundae Beach

Relax on one of South Korea’s most famous beaches and explore the surrounding area, including shops and cafes.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Millak Raw Fish Center

Feast on fresh, affordable seafood at this popular market-style food complex near Haeundae.
KRW20000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Gamcheon Culture Village

Wander the colorful alleys decorated with murals and art installations in this vibrant hillside neighborhood.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Jagalchi Fish Market

Experience Korea’s largest seafood market, sample street food, and see daily fish auctions. Open till 8pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Jagalchi Market stalls

Choose fresh seafood to be cooked on the spot in the market’s eateries, a local must-do experience.
KRW25000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Busan Sights

Busan, South Korea on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de 220 Volt

Enjoy specialty coffee and light pastries in this cozy café near Seomyeon area.
KRW8000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Beomeosa Temple

Spend a morning at this tranquil Buddhist temple on the slopes of Geumjeongsan mountain, open from 5:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Gukje Market

Savor an array of affordable Korean street foods at this bustling traditional market.
KRW10000, 1h

2:00pm

Tour Busan Cinema Center

Visit the impressive architectural home of the Busan International Film Festival with guided tours available.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Yongdusan Park & Busan Tower

Climb up or take the elevator for views of Busan’s port and cityscape, open 10:00am-10:00pm.
KRW8000, 1h

5:00pm

Evening at Gwangalli Beach

Enjoy views of the illuminated Gwangan Bridge and a lively beach atmosphere in the evening.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Bay 101

Dine at this trendy marina complex offering seafood and Korean fusion dishes with beautiful night views of the bay.
KRW25000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Busan Departure

Busan, South Korea on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Have a leisurely breakfast before your departure.
Included or approx KRW7000, 1h

9:00am

Last minute shopping at Nampo-dong

Pick souvenirs and street snacks from shops and stalls in this central shopping district.
Varies, 2h

11:30am

Travel to Busan Station or Airport

Prepare for departure either via train or flight, depending on onward plans.
Varies, Varies
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