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Seoul, South Korea was my home for three years and I still feel lucky every day that I got to see so much of what this beautiful country has to offer. One of my favorite parts about living in Korea was the ease of domestic travel, with nearby destinations offering any kind of getaway you could imagine, from the scenic beaches of Jeju to the small historical city of Gyeongju. Whether you’re chasing a modern city, rocky coastlines, national parks, or traditional villages, South Korea is the destination for you. But where should you go if you only have up to 14 days to explore? This 2-week South Korea itinerary, designed by a local who traveled in Korea for three years, will help you plan your perfect trip.
South Korea Itinerary: FAQs
How can I get around South Korea?
Seoul is extremely well-connected by public transportation, with an extensive subway and bus system that can get you anywhere. This South Korea itinerary can be done exclusively with public transport. You will need to head to a convenience store first, such as 7/11 or CU, to buy a T-Money card, which can be used to pay for both buses and the subway. You can refill these cards at a ticketing kiosk at any station. The ticketing kiosks have an English setting that makes it an easy process. Be sure to carry cash, as you can only fill up your transportation card using cash. When you ride on the bus or subway, you will swipe this card upon both entering and exiting.
Apple Maps and Google Maps do not work well in Korea. You will want to download Naver Maps and Kakao Maps for accurate directions. Taxis are also decently cheap, which you can call through the Kakao Taxi app.
Korea also has a great high-speed railway, the KTX, along with intercity buses. These are great options for getting between cities without having to rent a car. You can book KTX tickets here and intercity bus tickets here (English is available on both sites).
When should I visit South Korea?
The best time to visit Korea is in the spring or fall, from March to June and September to November. This South Korea itinerary works best during this period but can be used year-round. This is when weather patterns are most desirable; not too hot or too cold and low rainfall. April is often considered the best month to visit, with cherry blossoms blooming across the country. However, it can be hard to plan a trip based on blooming predictions. Some years it’s early, some it’s late, some it’s right on time. But even if you miss the perfect timing, April is still a great month to visit overall, with enjoyable weather and clear skies.
I’d recommend against visiting in July and August when the weather is hot and humid and monsoon season descends on the peninsula. I’d also recommend against the peak of winter, which can get unpleasantly cold.
Each season brings unique experiences, from seasonal sports and activities to changing landscapes and annual festivals. Check out my South Korea seasonal guides: spring in Korea, summer in Korea, fall in Korea, and winter in Korea.
How can I get phone service in South Korea?
Although wifi is widespread in Korea, you’re going to need a phone plan for this South Korea itinerary as it’s often unreliable or inaccessible to foreigners. My favorite option for accessing the Internet across the world is the Airalo eSIM. An eSIM doesn’t need to be physically put in and taken out; it’s simply installed onto your phone and connects to Internet anywhere in the world as soon as you land. Instead of wasting time looking for a local plastic SIM, you can activate the eSIM immediately after installation or upon arrival in Korea. This is the easiest and most convenient option, and it’s reliable. I’ve used Airalo all over the world and I’m always a happy customer.
Keep in mind that eSIMs only provide data service for connecting to the Internet, not calling and texting plans. If you need to make calls or send texts abroad, you can pick up a physical SIM card at the airport upon arrival by pre-ordering here.
What about money?
Korea’s currency is the Won (₩). Although card use is widespread throughout Korea, and sometimes cash is not accepted at all, it’s best to always have some cash on you. As I mentioned before, you will need cash to load your T-Money (transportation) card at kiosks in subway stations. You will also need cash to eat delicious street food at markets. If you travel outside of major urban areas, you might also come upon some establishments that only take cash. So head to an ATM labeled “Global” to withdraw shortly after arriving. You can find these ATMs in almost every subway station.
Make sure to bring a Visa and/or Mastercard to Korea, as they are widely accepted. American Express is rarely accepted.
Is South Korea good for solo travelers?
Yes, Korea is a great destination for solo travelers and this South Korea itinerary would work well for those traveling alone. Most people are polite and keep to themselves, and crime rates are low. As long as you practice standard safety measures, as you always should, Korea is an ideal destination for solo travelers, including solo female travelers. I traveled around Korea alone for three years, so this South Korea itinerary is curated with solo travelers in mind.
While there aren’t any outstanding safety concerns for a solo traveler in Korea, be mentally prepared that being alone isn’t the norm and there isn’t a big backpacking culture. Many Korean meals are meant to be shared, meaning they’ll come in portions for multiple people. And as you travel around the country, you will notice that most Koreans don’t hang out alone. There will be lots of couples, friend groups, and families everywhere you go, but few individuals. I’ve gotten used to this over the years so it doesn’t bother me much anymore, but it’s something to be aware of before you visit. Also, be aware that hostel and backpacker culture is lacking in Korea as opposed to many other Asian countries.
Don’t let these factors discourage you! After solo traveling around Korea for three years, I put together my South Korea Solo Travel Guide, including safety, tips, and what to expect, to set you up for success as a solo traveler in Korea.
South Korea Itinerary
Days 1-5: Seoul and optional day trips
Seoul is the perfect place to start your South Korea itinerary! This special city has a unique blend of history and modernity, with something to satisfy every type of traveler. You could easily spend five full days exploring the city, and I recommend designating at least one or two days for day trips to the surrounding areas. This list is an abbreviated version of my recommendations for the 20 best things to do in Seoul.
Things to do in Seoul
- Stroll the grounds of the grandest palace in all of Korea, Gyeongbukgung Palace
- Visit the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace
- Explore the cafes, restaurants, and handicraft shops housed in Ikseondong, a Hanok village
- Enjoy traditional teahouses and search for traditional souvenirs in Insadong
- Get the best view of the city and leave a love lock at N Seoul Tower
- Indulge in Korean street food at the best night market in Seoul, Myeongdong Night Market, and then stock up on K-beauty at Myeongdong’s many K-beauty shops
- Explore one of the largest and oldest markets in Seoul, Gwangjang Market, where you can find authentic street food
- Visit the small, underrated Tongin Market for a “build your own lunchbox” experience using traditional coins
- Bike or walk around Seoul Forest, which is especially vibrant in the spring and fall
- On a day with bad weather, explore the huge archives at the National Museum of Korea
- Hike Inwangsan Mountain, a short trail set against the Fortress Wall of Seoul, for a great view
- Take a Korean cooking class (vegetarian option available!) with a lovely local family in their home
- Hit the streets of Hongdae during the day for cafes and shopping galore or at night for the Korean going-out experience (don’t expect to be home any earlier than 4 a.m.!)
- Go cafe hopping in Yeonnam-dong, Seongsu, or Ikseondong, to name just a few of my favorite neighborhoods for cafes!
Check out my detailed 7-day Seoul itinerary for help planning your time in this lively city.
Where to stay in Seoul
Seoul is a huge city, so it’s best to prioritize staying in an area that is not only exciting but also well-connected to the rest of the city. For this reason, I recommend staying in Myeongdong, Hongdae, or Insadong. Each of these neighborhoods has something to offer every traveler, including entertainment, street food, shopping, cultural sites, and convenient locations.
Here’s a quick overview:
Seoul neighborhood | Why stay in this neighborhood? | Best affordable hotel |
Myeongdong | Shopping, street food, good location | Philstay Myeongdong Station |
Hongdae | Nightlife, shopping, budget | Nabi Hostel Hongdae |
Insadong | Culture, history | Grid Inn |
For more on why to choose one of these neighborhoods, check out my local’s guide to where to stay in Seoul.
Optional day trips from Seoul
I designed this South Korea itinerary so you have time to take some amazing day trips to Seoul’s surrounding areas. If you have five days in Seoul, I recommend using at least one of those days for a day trip. Seoul’s surrounding area is diverse, with a day trip to satisfy any type of desired getaway. And because Korea is so small, none of these day trips are further than 2.5 hours away.
For these day trip options and more, check out my top 15 day trips from Seoul.
Nami Island
For nature lovers, Nami Island is the perfect city escape only 1.5 hours away. Nami Island itself is a beautiful tree-covered island where you can stroll along the scenic paths, bike around the island, and explore the riverside. The nearby Garden of the Morning Calm is another must-see, featuring beautifully sculpted flowers, trees, and pathways. It’s especially worth a visit in the winter during the light festival. Other attractions in the area include Petite France, the Italian Village, Alpaca World, and Gangchon Rail Park. These destinations are hard to reach via public transportation, so I suggest you join an organized tour for convenience, ease, and efficiency.
For ultimate flexibility, choose which attractions sound best by building your perfect custom day trip to Nami Island and its surrounding sights here.
Jeonju
If you’re looking for more tradition and culture, the historic town of Jeonju is perfect for a day trip. Jeonju, home of its famous Hanok Village, is 2.5 hours away from Seoul. Spend all day wandering the streets of a huge hanok village full of traditional houses, craft shops, and food stalls.
Things to do in Jeonju
- First and foremost, head towards Jeonju Hanok Village and spend a few hours discovering the small museums, culture centers, and shops
- Stop for a refreshment at Jeonmang, a cafe with a stunning view of the Hanok village
- Get another perspective of the view at Omokdae
- Rent a Hanbok (traditional Korean wear) and stroll around Gyeonggijeon Shrine
- Admire Jeondong Catholic Cathedral and Pungnammun Gate before walking through Nambu Market
- Enjoy authentic bibimbap, a famous Korean rice dish that originated in Jeonju!
- Pick up Jeonju’s signature dessert, a “choco pie” from PNB
Read more about the best things to do in Jeonju and plan your trip with the help of my Jeonju Travel Guide.
If you want to relieve the stress of having to organize your own transportation and tour route, you can book a guided day tour here.
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
If you have any interest in Korean War history or North Korea-South Korea relations, the DMZ is a must-visit. You’ll learn about the tragic history of the two Koreas by stopping at significant sites, such as an infiltration tunnel and an observatory where you can look into a propaganda village in North Korea.
You must take a guided tour given the security of the area, and I recommend this one. It’s the exact tour I personally took and thoroughly enjoyed.
Sokcho
If national parks and beaches sound like your thing, Sokcho is the perfect day trip. Just a 2-hour bus ride east of Seoul, Sokcho is home to the stunning Seoraksan National Park. The famous Ulsanbawi Trail, a challenging 4.2-mile out-and-back trail, offers amazing views of the park and the East Sea. After 3-4 hours completing this hike, head to Sokcho Beach for white sand and beautiful scenery.
Days 6-7: Gyeongju
Your next destination on this South Korea itinerary is a culture-packed town, often referred to as the cultural capital of Korea. I visited Gyeongju on a whim and it quickly became my favorite place in Korea! Gyeongju was the capital city of the Silla Dynasty for 992 years. Today, it’s known as the “Museum without Walls” because of its remarkable concentration of pagodas, sculptures, reliefs, and the remains of temples and palaces from the 7th to 10th centuries. The Gyeongju Historic Areas are even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to get to Gyeongju
Take a KTX (Korea Train Express) from Seoul Station to Gyeongju Station. It takes about two hours. You can book KTX tickets here. They go on sale exactly a month in advance and often sell out, so be on top of it!
Things to do in Gyeongju:
- See the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia at Cheomseongdae Observatory (great for flying a kite and watching the sunset!)
- Walk around huge burial mounds housing over 11,000 artifacts at Daereungwon Tomb Complex
- Wander the shops, cafes, and restaurants of Hwangnidan-gil culture street
- Visit a traditional Silla Dynasty bridge, Woljeong Bridge, which is especially stunning at night
- Take in the ancient Silla palace complex by exploring Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond, another site that is especially beautiful at night
- Learn about relics of the Silla Kingdom at Gyeongju National Museum
- Walk or bike around Bomun Lake, stopping to admire the lake view at Cafe Aden
- See masterpieces of Buddhist art at Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto
Where to stay in Gyeongju
The best place to stay in Gyeongju is near the Gyeongju Historic Areas, where you’re within walking distance of the main attractions and Gyeongju Station. You can also easily catch buses from here to further attractions, such as Bomun Lake and Bulguksa Temple. For a budget traveler, I recommend Maison Mini Hotel & Guesthouse.
For more help planning your Gyeongju trip, check out my Gyeongju Travel Guide including a 2-day itinerary with stops at all the top sites.
Days 8-10: Busan
Next on your South Korea itinerary is Busan, a stunning metropolis set against the East Sea. Busan is the second largest city in Korea after Seoul, yet the vibes of the two cities are very different. Busan offers stunning beaches, temples, and mountains, while Seoul offers pop culture, palaces, street markets, and nightlife. This beachside metropolis is a perfect destination for diving further into Korean culture set against stunning ocean views.
How to get to Busan
Take a 30-minute KTX from Gyeongju Station to Busan Station or a 50-minute bus from Busan Central Bus Terminal to Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal.
Things to do in Busan
- Visit the stunning, tranquil seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (my favorite temple I’ve visited in Korea to date, and I’ve visited a lot!)
- Take in skyline views as you walk along the white sands of Haeundae Beach
- Enjoy the sunset and a drone show (every Saturday, October to February at 7:00 and 9:00 and March to September at 8:00 and 10:00) at Gwangalli Beach
- Enjoy a premier Korean spa experience in the 13 themed saunas and 22 natural spring water spas at SpaLand
- Explore the colorful houses, painted murals, shops, and cafes at the vibrant Gamcheon Culture Village
- Ride the cable car and chill at a beachfront cafe at Songdo Beach
- Visit “Korea’s Santorini”, Huinnyeoul Culture Town, which features colorful narrow alleys, street murals, stunning ocean view cafes, and a waterside walking path
- Hop on the “train” at Taejongdae Resort Park and head to Taejongdae Observatory, where you can take in ocean, island, and cliff views. You can even see Japan’s Tsushima Island on a clear day!
Check out my Busan itinerary and the top things to do in Busan for help planning your perfect getaway.
Where to stay in Busan
Where you’ll stay in Busan depends on what you want to prioritize. Seomyeon and Nampo are lively, centrally located neighborhoods that provide a great home base for exploring the best sites. If you want to stay on the beach, then Haeundae Beach is great for luxury and Gwangalli Beach is great for nightlife.
Here’s a quick overview:
Busan neighborhood | Why stay in this neighborhood? | Best mid-range hotel |
Seomyeon | Shopping, nightlife, central location | Urbanstay Seomyeon |
Nampo | Street food, culture, good location | Busan CONNECT Ocean Hotel |
Haeundae Beach | Beach, luxury options | Mipo Oceanside Hotel |
Gwangalli Beach | Beach, more affordable, nightlife | H Avenue Gwangalli Beach |
For a full breakdown of the best places to stay in Busan for every traveler, check out my guide to where to stay in Busan.
Days 11-14: Jeju Island
Not even a 1-hour flight from Korea is the magnificent Jeju Island, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature! When you step off of the plane, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical wonderland. Jeju is very different from mainland Korea, from its dialect and food to its topography and attractions. With all that it has to offer that is so different from anything you’ve seen so far, Jeju is the perfect place to end your South Korea itinerary.
*Jeju is an exception to Korea’s fantastic public transportation system. Although there are buses and taxis available around the island, it is much easier and faster to rent a car. These buses have limited routes and come infrequently. You won’t want to waste any of your precious time waiting around for them! So come with an International Driving Permit (IDP), easily obtained from your local AAA office for $20, and rent a car for full flexibility. You can’t rent a car in Korea as a US citizen if you don’t have an IDP. Find an affordable, reliable rental car here.
If you don’t want to drive, you can base yourself in Jeju City near the airport and take guided day trips from there. To see as much as possible of what the island has to offer, I highly recommend doing both an eastern Jeju day tour and a western Jeju day tour. If you have extra time, you shouldn’t miss out on a southern Jeju day tour as well. These tours allow you to cover as much ground as possible in as little time as possible if you don’t have a car, so I recommend them all.
How to get to Jeju
Take a one-hour flight from Busan (PUS) to Jeju-si (CJU).
Things to do in Jeju
- Take in white sand, turquoise water, and views of Biyangdo Island at Hyeopjae Beach
- Learn about the culture and history of green tea on Jeju Island at Osulloc Tea Museum, and don’t forget to sample some delicious green tea goodies!
- See unique cliff formations, rocky coastlines, and scenic ocean views at Yongmeori Beach
- See where a volcanic rock formation meets deep blue waters at Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff
- Visit Jeju’s top 3 waterfalls at Cheonjeyeon Falls, Cheonjiyeon Falls, and Jeongbang Falls. Cheonjeyeon is known for its 3 cascading sections, Cheonjiyeon is known for its peaceful river, and Jeongbang is known as the only waterfall in Korea where water falls directly into the sea
- Hike to the top (and bottom!) of Seongsan Ilchulbong, a volcanic peak with stunning 360 views
- Take a ferry to Udo Island for a day trip, where you can spend the day making your way around the scenic wonders of the island on a bike, shuttle bus, or scooter
- Watch surfers from a road filled with tea houses and coffee shops in Woljeongri Beach
- Relax at Hamdeok Beach, famous for its emerald waters, palm trees, volcanic stones, and white sands (this is my favorite beach in Korea!)
- Walk inside one of the many lava tubes that make up the island’s extensive system at Manjanggul Lava Tube
- Be in awe of nature as you hike a volcanic cone, such as Geomun Oreum
Check out my Jeju travel guide & 3-day itinerary to better help you plan your visit with detailed day-by-day itineraries and FAQs.
Where to stay in Jeju
If you rent a car, the best place to base yourself is Seogwipo, Jeju’s large city in the south. You’ll land in the north, but it’s worth making your way to Seogwipo right away, as it’s better located for the main attractions in Jeju. In my 3-day Jeju itinerary, I recommend you spend your first day driving around the west side of the island, making your way from the airport to Seogwipo. Then spend a few days based in Seogwipo and doing activities nearby before spending your last day driving around the east side of the island. I had a cheap, nice stay at Shin Shin Hotel Cheonjiyeon in downtown Seogwipo, which I recommend for fellow budget travelers.
If you don’t rent a car, it’s best to stay in Jeju City near the airport because that’s where most day tours depart from. It also relieves you of the stress of having to find transportation to your hotel, because it’s very easy to find a bus or taxi to take you from the airport to a Jeju City hotel.
And with that, 14 days in Korea are already over! Although it’ll be sad to say goodbye, you can rest assured that this 2 week South Korea itinerary took you to many of the diverse cities, nature, food, history, and culture that Korea has to offer.
Keep reading:
- Seoul itinerary: Local’s guide to 1 week or less
- 20 best things to do in Seoul, South Korea
- 15 unique things to do in Seoul: An unreplicable bucket list
- Where to stay in Seoul, South Korea: A local’s guide
- 15 BEST day trips from Seoul
- South Korea Solo Travel Guide: Safety, tips, & what to expect
- Top 9 things to do in Gyeongju, South Korea & 2-day itinerary
- Best things to do in Jeonju, South Korea
- Jeju Island itinerary & travel guide
- What to know before going to South Korea: 33 tips from a local
- Vegetarian in Korea: The ultimate survival guide
- South Korea packing list: A local’s guide to what to pack
- 31 unmissable things to do in spring in Korea
- 22 best things to do in summer in Korea
- Fall in Korea: The 26 best things to do
- 25 unmissable things to do in Korea in winter
max says
hello! what camera do you use ?
Hallie Pope Kielb says
Right now, I’m just using my tried and true iPhone 12 Pro 🙂