10 Days in South Korea Itinerary: Popular & Lesser-Known Gems

If you’re planning to spend 10 days in South Korea, where else should you go besides Seoul and Busan?

From northern capitals to southern coastal gems and overlooked places in between, my efficient South Korea itinerary covers the different facets of this inspiring country.

My tried-and-tested itinerary for South Korea will help you uncover the turbulent events over the past millennia that ultimately formed the Two Koreas (North and South) we know today.

From the ancient the Silla Kingdom (57 BC – 935 AD) through the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910) to the Korean War (1950 – 1953) until now, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for Koreans that you didn’t before!

As many of my readers have visited Japan, there are some striking similarities in terms of traditional architecture, as well as beautiful differences in culture and cuisine to enjoy. To my delight, I realised South Korea is an equal Land of Contrasts and its people equally resilient.

If you’re looking for incredible viewpoints, how to find local foodie spots, alternatives to popular places, day trip ideas, where to stay in South Korea with a focus on the historical and cultural sides of this incredible country, read on for more!

10 Day South Korea Itinerary: Complete Guide for First Timers

What this South Korea itinerary means for you

For first-timers, planning a South Korea 10 day itinerary is a great introduction to this amazing country. I suggest staying in three bases which saves having to move hotels and luggage too often, and allows flexibility for day trip options that interest you.

My efficient, practical loop itinerary covers 4 nights in Seoul, 3 nights in Busan, and 2 nights in lesser-known Jeonju (plus choices for day trips). You can end the trip in Jeonju or continue back to Seoul for your flight home.

While it can cover a lot of ground in a short time, I’ve included unique cultural experiences with locals based on my personal recommendations to enrich your trip.

As always, I’ve shared plenty of tried-and-tested accommodation options to suit you too. With that all said, let’s jump into my South Korea itinerary!

DAY 0: TRANSIT

Allow your arrival day to settle into the Korean time zone, perhaps stay overnight in an airport hotel if your flight arrives late in the evening. Otherwise, have a chill day navigating to your Seoul hotel and get your bearings. Tomorrow we begin!

NOTE: Google Maps navigation does not work in South Korea, so you’ll need to use NaverMap or Kakao Map to get around. More about this and other tips at the conclusion of this itinerary.

How to get to Seoul from the airports

The AREX Airport Express is the cheapest and easiest public transport. Serving both Gimpo and Incheon International Airports, it runs from to and from select subway stations in central Seoul, which is where we begin this South Korea itinerary.

Central Seoul from Incheon Airport

Getting there: AREX train, approx 1 hour to Seoul Station.
Cost: 11,000₩ each one way

TIP: Seating is allocated on your ticket. Make sure to check which car (carriage) your seat is in and arrive at least 3 mins before departure. Scan the QR code of your ticket to pass through the station gates.

Central Seoul from Gimpo Airport

While Incheon is Seoul’s main international airport, domestic and some flights from nearby countries such as Japan, Taiwan and China arrive at Gimpo. 

Getting there: AREX train, approx 30 mins to Seoul Station.
Cost: 1600₩ each one way

DAYS 1-3: SEOUL

Known for K-Pop, K-Dramas, K-Beauty and kimchi, the South Korean capital’s traditional buildings strike elegant silhouettes against modern skyscrapers. Adding four distinct seasons to enjoy, Seoul certainly encapsulates all the fantastic things to love about South Korea.

Things to do in Seoul

Choose your own adventure! Enjoy the traditional sides of Seoul at its five palaces, museums and cafes amongst old-world villages, take in incredible views from landmark towers, sample local cuisine during food tours of lesser-known night markets and much more.

TIP: For in-depth details about each point below and to extend your time here, be sure to read my 7 day Seoul itinerary for more info!

I was able to visit all these places during my visit to Seoul, but choose the options that most interest you:

• Bukchon Hanok Village area – The stunning location of traditional Korean houses once favoured by nobility. Have tea with garden or rooftop views at Bukchon Cultural Art Museum, learn how to make the national dish at Kimchi Academy, discover beautiful folk paintings at the Gahoe Museum, try the many cafes including the popular Onion (usually queues), receive your fortune from a vending machine.
• NOTE: To limit overtourism, from 1 March 2025 tourists will be prohibited from entering the village from 17:00 – 10:00 (unless staying in accommodation there). Fines apply and there will be a transitional period from 1 November 2024 – 28 February 2025.
• Insadong & Ikseong dong areas – Don’t miss colourful Jogyesa Temple (my favourite!) before heading to the main royal palace of Gyeongbokgung Palace and maybe the popular Nuldam Space Cafe or Onion bakery. Enjoy the converted cafes and boutiques of Ikseongdong Hanok Village, or go antique, art and traditional crafts shopping in this lovely area.
• Namsan Park & N Seoul Tower area – After Insadong & Ikseongdong, head to N Seoul Tower for sunset. Take the Namsan Cable Car to N Seoul Tower and its Observation Deck, enjoy fine dining or snacks, see the Tunnel of Love, Proposal Staircase and leave a love lock (unlike love locks in Paris, it’s designed for this!)

• Myeongdong area – This is very popular with visitors to try Korean street foods, but its night market is quite touristy. Shop for Korean beauty in Olive Young, hit up the twelve storey Daiso and many more modern stores.
• TIP: Instead of Myeongdong night market I recommend doing night tours elsewhere, just more info on the tours I enjoyed down the page.
• Central Seoul area – Begin another day at Changdeokgung Palace and its private tour of the Secret Garden (purchase a ticket at least 30mins in advance for the tour when you get there), see the changing of the guards at Deoksugung Palace, and admire Cheonggyecheon Stream illuminated at night.
• Eastern Seoul area – Hunt down the creative street art of Ihwa Mural Village before heading south to stunning Bongeunsa Temple, take a photo by the giant hands of the Gangnam Style Statue, be amazed by the size of the Starfield Library COEX Mall and have dinner at one of the many eateries. 
• Southern Seoul area – Spend some time at the humbling War Memorial of Korea (a good one to do on your last day before a flight home), head over to Lotte Tower for more panoramic views of the city and shopping, or explore Hongdae walking street and neighbourhood, kind of like the Harajuku or Shimokitazawa areas of Tokyo.
• Take a cooking class in Seoul – I use airKitchen for these kinds of experiences (you can read my ramen cooking class in Kyoto review for what to expect). 

TIP: To promote cultural heritage, entry into Seoul’s palaces is free if you are wearing hanbok or jeogori, traditional Korean clothing. There are many stores to rent outfits for cheap, and plenty of visitors enjoy taking photos wearing them amongst the old palace buildings. Book a hanbok rental and hair appointment here, or rental with professional photography included here.

DAY 4: DAY TRIP FROM SEOUL

There are some great options for day trips from Seoul! I took two separate day trips out of the capital which I’ll share below. One was a day at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and the other was a day in the historical walled city of Suwon. Here’s a run-down of each to help you choose:

DMZ day trip from Seoul

If you want to include the DMZ on your South Korea itinerary, you will need to take an organised tour rather than going by yourself as it is an active military area. There is a daily quota of tour buses that are permitted to enter the DMZ, so I advise an early start to not miss out.

TIP: The bus does not wait for latecomers, so be sure to arrive at the meeting point at least 10mins before departure!

I took this organised DMZ day trip from Seoul. Our guide Kim was so fun and informative! As it snowed during my day trip which threatened closure of the DMZ to tours for the day, Kim worked some magic and shuffled our schedule to ensure we didn’t miss out – I was so grateful to her!

While the locations may change depending on the season (for instance the tour can include a boat tour in the warmer months), my tour covered:

• Gamaksan Suspension Bridge and waterfall
• Korean War bunkers, where military hid from the enemy
• Dora Observatory, where you can use binoculars to take a peek into North Korea
• Third Infiltration Tunnel, which was dug by North Korean soldiers (mandatory hardhats will save your head, even if you’re short like me!)
• Unification Bridge and Mangbaedan, a UNESCO Memory of the World
• Imjingak Peace Park, including the special Steam Locomotive
• and even a stop to buy some souvenirs to support locals bordering the DMZ area.

Historical Suwon day trip from Seoul

Want to learn how Koreans lived centuries ago? I took this organised day tour to Suwon, the old capital that never was about an hour south of Seoul. The UNESCO World Heritage site Hwaseong Fortress is its main attraction, as is Nannum Market and the new Starfield Library.

Built during the late Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1897) to protect residents from invaders, the walled city of Suwon was designed to be the South Korean capital. This never eventuated, however Suwon changed hands four times during the Korean War (1950 – 1953)!

The day tour also included a visit to the impressive Korean Folk Village, where 270 old homes throughout the country have been relocated and preserved to showcase life and traditions passed down in South Korea since the Joseon Dynasty. I really enjoyed this day in the snow expanding my understanding of Korean culture.

DAYS 5-6: BUSAN

Never did I imagine I’d feel like I was in Santorini in Busan… To think I almost didn’t include this seaside location on my South Korea itinerary because it was winter at the time… That would have been a devastating mistake!

I ended up adoring Busan’s cool vibe, exploring its fresher-than-fresh markets, stunning seaside scenery and its fun oceanside attractions, as well as day trips to beautiful UNESCO sights.

Seoul to Busan

2 hours 30 mins from Seoul Station to Busan Station on KTX express train. I advise booking tickets in advance on the official Korail.net for this popular leg as they can sell out during peak times. Cost: approx 59,800 ₩.

Things to do in Busan

As some of Busan’s most incredible attractions can be a bit impractical to reach on public transport, I recommend a self-guided adventure starting in the Nampo area on your first day, and an organised day trip to Busan’s outskirts for your second day.

Here are my recommendations for a self-guided walking tour around the Nampo area:

• Start with a scrumptious hotteok from the food stalls at BIFF Square. This piping hot pancake-like pocket is filled with crushed nuts, sunflower seeds, and cinnamon. Don’t be like me and queue up just for one then realise you want another because they are so good — get at least two from the start!
• Head to the Lotte Department Store to watch the world’s largest indoor music fountain show called Aquatique, over 18 metres high. Don’t miss the Yongsudan Rooftop Garden & Observatory on the 11th floor for free 360° views over Busan!
• Talk a detour along the waterfront to see the super-fresh seafood at Jalgachi Market (so fresh, the octopus was escaping) passing by Eurari Square to see Busan Bridge.
• Walk down Gwangbok-ro for trendy stores (equivalent to Tokyo’s Shibuya area).
• Have lunch at one of the many eateries along Nampo-gil street (this area reminded me of Hong Kong). If time permits, wander around the outdoor Gukje Market to hunt down bric-a-brac, fresh produce and seafood, skincare, souvenirs, accessories, street food and much more.

• After lunch, pass by the colourful Mita Seonwon Temple on the way to the Yongdusan Park Escalator (you won’t want to miss its neon tunnel of lights, and saves you walking up the stairs!)
• Admire more views over the city Yongdusan Park and head up to Busan Diamond Tower to catch the sunset. The tower has an evening show where colourful fireworks are projected onto the glass, so they appear to be outside.
• If you have the time to head further afield in the warmer months, look into Gwanggalli Beach and Haeundae Beach.
• Take a cooking class in Busan – I’ve used airKitchen for cooking classes in Japan, and highly recommend them for South Korea, too! 

Day trip including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Sky Capsules, Gamcheon Cultural Village & more

As mentioned earlier, some of Busan’s attractions are quite spread out, so it can be more efficient to take a day tour rather than public transport to see them. 

With an early start, I took this bus day tour to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Sky Capsules, Gamcheon Culture Village and more. I recommend it for covering a large area in a day so if you’re short on time, this tour gives you a taste of it all! The tour covers:

• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple – One of the places that inspired me to visit South Korea. With waves crashing at the foot of an arched stone bridge, this temple dates back to 1376 during the Goyeo Dynasty. It can get busy with visitors here, but the views are worth it. TIP: Buy a golden leaf to write a wish and leave it at the temple to come true. 
• Sky Capsules to Haeunde Blueline Park – These miniature train-like carriages that transport you along the shores are so fun on a clear day!
• Cheongsapo Daritol Observatory – Jutting 72 metres out over the ocean with a glass floor, it’s a surreal feeling walking over the water here. You have to wear special covers over your shoes so you don’t slip.
• Huinnyeoul Coastal Village – Its whitewashed stone walls against bright blue skies and ocean, I couldn’t help but feel like I was in Santorini, Greece here! Enjoy a coffee or sweets, or have fun spotting the vibrant murals to the sounds of waves lapping on the beach below. This hillside is made up of hakkobang, which were built to house refugees fleeing Seoul and northern cities during the Korean War. Today many been converted into cute cafes and boutiques.
• Gamcheon Culture Village – Known as the “Machu Picchu of Korea,” this colourful village creeping up the mountainside came to be during the Korean War. Refugees found shelter in these purpose-built residences at the time, but today have been painted in vibrant shades featuring street art dotted throughout. The shelters have since been converted into little stores, cafes and the like. the Little Museum is very informative. The tour concluded here at sunset, which made for beautiful photos and atmosphere! TIP: If you have more time, a nearby alternative to visit is Ami-dong Tombstone Culture Village.

DAY 7: GYEONGJU DAY TRIP

Known as the Ancient Capital during the Silla Kingdom era (57 BC – 935 AD) and reached in 1.5 hours from Busan, stunning Gyeongju could be likened to the “Kyoto of Korea” in terms of its UNESCO sites and rich history.

Gyeongju ended up being one of the highlights of my South Korea itinerary, so if you enjoy Kyoto I’m sure you’ll adore it too!

For ease of visiting the sites around this area, I took this Gyeongju Old Capital of Korea day tour from Busan and it was absolutely brilliant. 

I would love to have spent more time in Gyeongju, so I’ll have to revisit someday. The tour covers:

• Bulguksa Temple Museum – Dating back to the 8th century and a UNESCO World Heritage site, this picturesque temple houses seven National Treasures. It was destroyed during the Imjin War (Japanese invasion of 1592 – 1598), but has been rebuilt and restored throughout the centuries. Today its various grounds are filled with colourful lanterns carrying wishes made by worshippers. The tour also allows a stop at the old hanok of Bulguksa Market.
• Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village – An old clan residence and home to a Silla Kingdom princess at the time, in the village you’ll learn about and the role of Confucian schools and life during that era.
• Woljeonggyo Bridge – I was most impressed by this grand, covered wooden bridge, which is the largest in Korea. Originally built in 760 AD during the Unified Silla period (AD 676 – 935), the best view is from a line of stepping stones spanning Muncheon Stream in front.

• Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex – Featuring 20 excavated royal tombs from the Silla Dynasty, the heavy historical aura felt here is incredible. The tombs appear to be rolling hills, but are burial mounds housing members of the royal family and their treasures. Enjoy the scenery along the many walking paths, and go inside the King’s tomb to see thousands of relics and royal crowns.
• Cheomseongdae – Known as the The Oldest Observatory in the East, this cylindrical granite tower is made from 365 stones (one for each day of the year), and is twelve layers high (a layer for each month). It was used for astronomy purposes in the 7th century and its name translates to “star gazing tower.”
• Hwangnidan-gil – Historical street across from Daereungwon Ancient Tombs, with many old hanok converted into little cafes and shops. I tried the most delicious salt bread and tea here!
• Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond – At sunset, the tour’s last stop is this gorgeous ancient Silla palace complex within Gyeongju National Park. Featuring structures representing the unification of the Three Kingdoms at the time, in the 7th century it was where the prince once lived, and the King would host drinking parties in wooden boats on Wolji Pond. It is best viewed at dusk, with the soft light and moon reflecting on the mirror-like surface.

DAYS 8-9: JEONJU

On day 8 of this South Korea itinerary, we’ll need to take a breather after a few big days. Jeonju is the place to do just that! 

The compact old town of Jeonju is a UNESCO City of Gastonomy, and is a gorgeous spot to slow down and relax. With over 1,300 years of history and plenty of traditional activities to enjoy, the nice thing about Jeonju is it doesn’t feature often on other South Korea itineraries.

Busan to Jeonju

Depending on the connection, approx 3 hours from Busan Station to Jeonju Station on KTX express train, with a change at Osong Station. Cost: approx 58,800₩.

Once at Jeonju Station, the UNESCO town area is 6 kilometres away so you’ll need to take a taxi. They are readily available and waiting at the station entrance, and the drive takes around 15 mins. Cost: approx 7,500₩.

Things to do in Jeonju

You can spread these experiences out over the two days in Jeonju for a relaxed pace:

• Jeonju Hanok Village – Its narrow pedestrian laneways lined with old walls and hanok, it’s a joy to explore the little boutiques, workshops, museums, restaurants and more here. Dress up in hanbok to enrich the experience, book in advance here.
• Dong-gosa Temple – This offbeat, small temple has an incredible viewpoint over the old town and a small bamboo grove. There are also hikes from here and a large Christian cross balancing on a stone. I recommend asking your hotel to book a taxi to take you here first thing, then walk back down the hill into town afterwards.
• Gyeonggijeon Shrines and Storehouses – The current buildings standing since 1614 but dating back to 1410, this shrine houses a portrait of the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, King Taejo. It also holds Annals which document over 470 years of Joseon history. See if you can find a prince’s placenta chamber from the 15th century on the grounds – a tradition that was unique to Korean royalty!
• Jeonju Korean Liquor Museum – This great little museum shares the fascinating history of liquor creation in Korea over the centuries.
• Archery Experience Centre 양궁체험장 – I’ve tried my hand at archery a few times, but I had THE best young gentleman teacher here! I spent two hours honing in on this skill, and he taught me several important tips that helped me to hit within the red and yellow ranges on the target board fairly consistently each time. Koreans are masters of archery, just look at their Olympic medal history! Just walk in off the street. Cost: 10,000₩ for 15 arrows.
• Hanji Traditional Paper Factory & Cooperative Shop – Hanji is traditionally handcrafted paper in Korea, and I stumbled across this great little hanji factory. There are many paper items here I bought that made beautiful gifts including stationery, pouches, notebooks, fans, etc. Pop this address into Google Maps as it isn’t featured: 전북 전주시 완산구 한지길 112-5.

• Omokdae – traditional structure marking the spot where King Taejo celebrated a victory over a battle with Japan. The view over the old hanok rooftops below is lovely here, and there is a nice boardwalk and stairs down into the town.
• Jeonju Crafts Exhibition Hall – Perfect to make your own souvenir from South Korea! I made a wooden bow and arrow to remind me of the archery class I enjoyed here in Jeonju, but there are other options to choose from.
• Jaman Mural Village – Although a residential area, this revitalised village features dozens of colourful murals and paintings throughout its walled alleys. It’s filled with many little cafes. I recommend Cafe Dulmo, where I tried a tasty waffle bim bim bap wrap for lunch. 
• Hanbyeokdang Pavilion & Cheongyeollu – These picturesque covered bridges along the crystal-clear river make for a lovely stroll here.
• Pungnammun Gate – A designated treasure, this circular walled gate was built in 1734 and is the only remaining of the four original gates marking the old boundaries of Jeonju.
• Nambu Market – Filled with 800 stores selling everything you can think of and dating back to 1910, the night markets are becoming popular here.
• Wansan Flower Garden – If you’re visiting for the cherry blossom season in April, don’t miss this park as it’s filled with frilly King Blossoms.

DAY 10: RETURN TO SEOUL

In the likelihood that you’ll return to Seoul for your flight home, I recommend staying in a different area for the last night of your South Korea itinerary.

Located on the western side of Seoul, the trendy Hongdae area allows for direct access back to Incheon International Airport. I stayed at 9 Brick Hotel Hongdae for its close proximity to Hongik University Station, which terminates at the Incheon Airport terminals.

TIP: It will take just over an hour to reach Incheon Airport from Hongdae on the Airport Railroad line – and even longer from other locations in Seoul – so remember to factor in the travel time before your flight!

On your last day, you can explore this trendy area, which I liken to the hip Shimokitazwa area in Tokyo. Plenty of boutiques, accessory and independent clothing stores, plus buzzing street food stalls and one of the city’s popular night food markets.

If you missed it earlier on your trip, the War Memorial of Korea is a great way to spend your last day. I spent several hours there and still didn’t see it all!

 

And this concludes my detailed South Korea 10 day itinerary! But keep reading for essential tips to know before your trip.

Tips to know when planning a South Korea itinerary

• Navigation – Google Maps doesn’t navigate in South Korea. Use the local Naver Maps or Kakao Maps instead. Type in your destinations in English but don’t use spaces, then select from the drop-down menu of suggested locations and it will show you the way.
• Language – Google Translate doesn’t do very well in Korean. Try Papago for a more accurate translation. Most staff I encountered at stations and hotels greeted me in English, but I always used some basic Korean words to be polite. Young locals in Seoul spoke good English, however with older locals and locals elsewhere I used Papago to translate our conversations.
• Transport Passes – A rechargeable T Money Card is much like Japan’s Suica/IC cards and work on public transport. They can be bought from convenience stores who will initially load it for you. It can later be topped up at ticket machines at train stations. I bought mine at the Nice to CU convenience store located within my arrival terminal at Incheon Airport, or you can reserve your T Money Card in advance here. To save buying individual train tickets, see if the KTX Korea Rail Pass will suit you.
• Connectivity: I used this pocket wifi for South Korea that I reserved in advance to pick up from Incheon Airport, or you can use this popular unlimited data eSIM card.
• Discover Seoul Pass: A transport card that also allows free admission to select attractions over a few days. Find out if the Discover Seoul Pass is for you here.
• ATMs – Some don’t accept foreign cards. I spent 45 mins trying to find different ATMs to withdraw cash one day. In saying that, tap-and-go is very prevalent, for instance KFC in Hongdae only accepted cashless payments (which sucks when your card isn’t recognised). Google Pay, ApplePay etc are widely accepted.
• Convenience Stores: When comparing to Japan, the selection of food options isn’t as varied in South Korean convenience stores. But you can get by on things over than Korean fried chicken if you are adverse to spicy foods (like me!). Nice to CU, GS25, 7-Eleven are popular stores. My favourite was Paris Baguette for Western breakfast items, muffins, cakes, quality sandwiches and tasty Korean-style beverages.
• Toilet paper – Note that some older buildings can’t accept flushed toilet paper as it can clog the plumbing, in which case placing paper in a small bin is required. Remember to check the toilet signage for whether you’re able to flush the paper or not!
• Read more tips in my guide to how to not look like a tourist in South Korea.

Concluding this 10 day South Korea travel itinerary

By creating this itinerary, I hope to demonstrate there is so much more to South Korea than Seoul, Busan, and the few viral social media spots within them. There are dozens of possibilities to enjoy and learn without having to rush to check off a travel checklist – simply select the things that most interest you and enjoy at your own pace.

This itinerary shares how to cover the main attractions by blending in as well as lesser-known cities, underrated and overlooked spots, and traditional experiences for a culturally immersive trip you’ll remember fondly.

If you’re wanting to delve deep into this country’s checkered history, meet friendly locals, try unique foods and enjoy incredible scenery in any season, I hope my itinerary for South Korea has given you plenty of inspiration!

If your time and budget allow, why not extend each location by a few days to make this South Korea itinerary two weeks in length?

Do you have any questions about this South Korea travel guide? Are you planning to follow it during your trip? I’d love to hear in the comments below.

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Until next time,

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