Itinerary #1: South Korea Highlights: Nature & History From Seoul to Busan to Sokcho
Discover the best of South Korea on this highlights itinerary from Seoul to Busan, with stops in Jeonju, Gwangju, Yeosu, and Sokcho. This itinerary is perfect for history and nature enthusiasts, as you'll explore ancient palaces, temples, and tombs while also visiting the sobering Korean Demilitarized Zone, Seoraksan National Park, and the Boseong Tea Plantation.
![Discover South Korea's history on an epic tour of the country and see sights like the big Buddha monument of Sinheungsa Temple in Sokcho](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/ffa1a1b6-5dec-4eef-96dc-a829ae326d21/original-986e5a5522f3265cd31f1025ae5c618a.jpg)
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Seoul, Optional Insadong & Alive Museum Experience | Seoul |
Day 2 | Guided Gyeongbokgung Palace & Gwangjang Market Tour | Seoul |
Day 3 | Day Trip to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, Hongdae Shopping | Seoul |
Day 4 | Transfer to Jeonju, Hwaseong Fortress & Hanok Village | Jeonju |
Day 5 | Nambu Market, Transfer to Gwangju via Bamboo Forest, National Park & Temple | Gwangju |
Day 6 | Transfer to Yeosu via Boseong Tea Plantation & Suncheon Bay Nature Reserve | Yeosu |
Day 7 | Transfer to Busan, Gamcheon Culture Village | Busan |
Day 8 | Haedong Yonggungsa, Songdo Beach & Skywalk | Busan |
Day 9 | Transfer to Gyeongju, Tumuli Park & Bulguksa Temple | Gyeongju |
Day 10 | Transfer to Gangneung, Hwaseonggul Cave & Jungang Market | Gangneung |
Day 11 | Transfer to Sokcho, Explore Seoraksan National Park & Visit Sinheungsa Temple | Sokcho |
Day 12 | Transfer to Seoul via Cheongpyeongsa Temple & Nami Island | Seoul |
Day 13 | Full Day at Lotte World Theme Park | Seoul |
Day 14 | Depart Seoul |
Begin your journey in Seoul, where you'll explore the impressive Gyeongbokgung palace complex and visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Next, travel to Jeonju to discover the historic Hwaseong Fortress and Hanok Village before heading to Gwangju to experience the Juknokwon (Bamboo Forest) and Mudeungsan National Park. Continue to Yeosu and visit the Boseong Tea Plantation and Suncheon Bay Nature Reserve. In Busan, take in the colorful sights of Gamcheon Culture Village and the sprawling coastal Haedong Yonggungsa Temple before checking out Gyeongju's ancient Silla Dynasty architecture.
The adventure continues to Gangneung, where you'll explore Hwaseongul cave and sample eats like dakgangjeong (sweet-and-spicy fried chicken) at Jungang Market. You'll reach Sokcho on Day 11 to ride a cable car for Dolsan mountain views in Seoraksan National Park and the historical Sinheungsa Temple. Returning to Seoul, you'll stop at Cheongpyeongsa temple for Buddhist architecture and landscaped gardens and Nami Island along the way. Finally, thrill to amusement rides and bright lights at Lotte World Theme Park before readying for your departure from Seoul the next day. Learn more
Itinerary #2: Outdoor Adventure & Cultural Exploration in South Korea
This itinerary through South Korea combines outdoor adventures and cultural exploration, which is ideal for active travelers. You'll hike Hallasan, spend a night in a Buddhist temple, bike and kayak in coastal Busan, and whitewater raft on the Donggang River. Along the way, visit Seoraksan National Park, explore the vibrant city of Seoul, and immerse yourself in South Korea's rich history and traditions.
![Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/7c009d77-8dfe-4d8c-a93e-2192a325a540/original-b4cda288516788b5a32e54bd024d7c74.jpg)
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Seoul, Fly to Jeju Island, Free Afternoon | Jeju Island |
Day 2 | See Seongsan Ilchulbong & Dongmun Traditional Market | Jeju Island |
Day 3 | Hike Hallasan, Optional Seogwang Tea Plantation, Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls | Jeju Island |
Day 4 | Fly to Busan, Horseback Ride & Kayak, Haedong Yonggungsa, Haeundae Beach | Busan |
Day 5 | Visit Gamcheon Culture Village, Songdo Skywalk & Jagalchi Market | Busan |
Day 6 | Explore Hallyeo Marine National Park & Oedo, Cycle Geoje Island | Busan |
Day 7 | Transfer to Gyeongju, Bulguksa & Seokguram Grotto Tour, Golgulsa Templestay | Gyeongju |
Day 8 | Meditate at Golgulsa Temple, Transfer to Pyeongchang | Pyeongchang |
Day 9 | Donggang River Rafting & Byeongbangchi Skywalk | Pyeongchang |
Day 10 | Transfer to Sokcho via Samyang Ranch, Sokcho Beach & Jungang Market | Sokcho |
Day 11 | Visit Seoraksan National Park & Shinheungsa Temple | Sokcho |
Day 12 | Zipline on Nami Island | Seoul |
Day 13 | Discover Seoul on a Guided City Tour | Seoul |
Day 14 | Depart Seoul |
Begin your adventure on Jeju Island, where you'll explore the ancient lava tube of Manjanggul Cave and Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Hike the scenic Hallasan mountain and visit the Seogwang Tea Plantation before discovering the beautiful Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls. Fly to Busan in the south for a horseback ride and kayak adventure along the shoreline, followed by a visit to Haedong Yonggungsa temple and Haeundae Beach. Explore Gamcheon Culture Village, Songdo Skywalk, and Jagalchi Market before heading to Hallyeo Marine National Park and cycling through nearby Geoje Island.
Transfer to Gyeongju to visit the historic Bulguksa temple and Seokguram Grotto, then enjoy a temple stay experience at Golgulsa. Explore the Donggang River by raft and take in the sights from the Byeongbangchi Skywalk. Continue north to Sokcho, visiting Samyang Ranch, Sokcho Beach, and Jungang Market. Discover the beauty of Seoraksan National Park and Sinheungsa Temple before ziplining on Nami Island en route to Seoul. Conclude your trip with a guided city tour of Seoul, visiting Gyeongbokgung palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Namsan Park before departure. Learn more
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Itinerary #3: South Korea Wellness Escape
Travelers wanting relaxation will enjoy this wellness escape, featuring luxury spa treatments, meditative temple visits, and rejuvenating forest experiences. Start in Seoul with a guided city tour and a ginseng oil spa before taking to the trails in Mount Bukhansan National Park and spending two days at the National Healing Center in Yeongju. Complete your journey with coastal adventures in Busan, a wellness tour in Suncheon, and a full-day tour of Jeju Island.
![Finish your South Korea wellness escape on Jeju Island with stunning volcanic views](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/36067a1a-6f04-41fe-be18-84b9174222c3/original-c15e219e802523e54a8748a94069cc21.jpg)
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Seoul, Explore | Seoul |
Day 2 | Spa Day in Seoul | Seoul |
Day 3 | Seoul Full-Day City Tour | Seoul |
Day 4 | Guided Hike in Mount Bukhansan National Park, Visit Jingwansa Temple | Seoul |
Day 5 | Transfer to Yeongju, Experience the National Healing Center (Day 1) | Yeongju |
Day 6 | Experience the National Healing Center (Day 2) | Yeongju |
Day 7 | Transfer to Busan, Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple & Haeundae Beach | Busan |
Day 8 | Busan Full-Day City Tour & Spa Experience | Busan |
Day 9 | Songdo Cloud Walk & Cable Car Experience, Transfer to Suncheon | Suncheon |
Day 10 | Wellness Tour at Suncheon Bay National Garden & Wetland Reserve | Suncheon |
Day 11 | Day Trip to the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest | Suncheon |
Day 12 | Fly to Jeju Island, Tea & Meditation at Chuidasun Resort | Jeju Island |
Day 13 | Jeju Island Full-Day Tour | Jeju Island |
Day 14 | Depart Jeju Island |
Begin your South Korean wellness getaway in Seoul, where you'll explore the city at your own pace, enjoy a luxury spa treatment with red ginseng oil, and embark on a full-day city tour. Next, hike to the Jingwansa temple in Mount Bukhansan National Park, participate in a tea and meditation ceremony, and savor a traditional vegetarian meal. Transfer to Yeongju and experience an overnight forest therapy program at the National Healing Center. After rejuvenating in Yeongju, head to Busan to visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and Haeundae Beach.
In the second half of your trip, take a guided tour of Busan, followed by a Songdo Cloud Walk and cable car experience as you transfer to Suncheon. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Suncheon Bay National Garden and its Wetland Zone, then explore the Juknokwon (Bamboo Forest) on a day trip. Fly to Jeju Island, where you'll participate in tea and meditation at Chuidasun Resort and take a full-day tour of the island, visiting Hyeopjae Beach, O'Sulloc Green Tea Plantation, and Seogwipo Healing Forest. Learn more
Itinerary #4: Best of South Korea & Japan: Seoul, Busan, Tokyo & Kyoto
Discover the best of South Korea and Japan on this itinerary featuring visits to Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island, Tokyo, and Kyoto. Suited to those who appreciate history, culture, and cuisine, you'll experience highlights such as the Korean Demilitarized Zone, Gamcheon Culture Village, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and guided tours of iconic temples and castles.
![Discover South Korea history and culture on a cross-country tour, stopping for views at Busan's Songdo Skywalk](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/6c6731e8-ecb1-4ad5-a548-6666dce16d42/original-57918c4ea0ff73083f9237dd748e07f6.jpg)
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Seoul (South Korea), Optional Insadong & Alive Museum Experience | Seoul |
Day 2 | Guided Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour & Cooking Class | Seoul |
Day 3 | Day Trip to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, Hongdae Shopping | Seoul |
Day 4 | Train to Busan, Haedong Yonggungsa & Gwangalli Food Tour | Busan |
Day 5 | Gamcheon Culture Village, Songdo Beach & Jagalchi Market | Busan |
Day 6 | Fly to Jeju Island, Visit Manjanggul Cave, Seongeup Village & Dongmun Market | Jeju Island |
Day 7 | Explore Mount Hallasan, Seogwang Tea Plantation & Spirited Garden Tour | Jeju Island |
Day 8 | Fly to Tokyo (Japan) & Ueno Food Tour | Tokyo |
Day 9 | Guided Senso-ji Temple Tour, Afternoon Akihabara Pop Culture District | Tokyo |
Day 10 | Day Trip to Arakurayama Sengen, Cruise Lake Kawaguchi & Whisky Tasting | Tokyo |
Day 11 | Train to Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji & Nijo Castle Tour | Kyoto |
Day 12 | Walk from Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine to Tofuku-ji Temple, Tea Ceremony | Kyoto |
Day 13 | Train to Osaka, Guided Tour & Umeda Sky Building & Dotonbori | Osaka |
Day 14 | Depart Osaka |
Your journey through South Korea and Japan begins in Seoul, where you'll explore Gyeongbokgung palace, learn to cook traditional Korean dishes, including classics like bibimbap and kimchi, and take a day trip to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, a 2.5-mile (4 km) wide buffer zone between North and South Korea. Next, fly southeast to Busan and visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and Gamcheon Culture Village, and lie out on Songdo Beach if the weather is favorable. Fly to Jeju Island to wander Seongeup Folk Village's 3,000 thatch roof and lava rock homes and sample green tea at Seogwang Tea Plantation.
Upon arrival in Tokyo on Day 8, immerse yourself in Japanese culture with a food tour in the Ueno district and visit the iconic Senso-ji temple. Venture on a day trip to Arakurayama Sengen, cruise Lake Kawaguchi, and enjoy a whiskey tasting. Continue to Kyoto to visit the Kinkaku-ji temple, Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and participate in a traditional tea ceremony. Finally, explore Osaka's rich history with a tour of the Osaka Castle and the Umeda Sky Building before departing from Osaka. Learn more
More Great South Korea Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to South Korea? Check out these other South Korea itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.