New to Korea? Here's the Dream Itinerary Every First-Time Traveler to South Korea Needs.
- Tina Vestal from Vibrant Travel
- Apr 14
- 6 min read
Location: South Korea
Great for: Foodies, History Buffs, Singles, Couples, Families, Groups, and Honeymoons
See our group trips here and scroll to the trip you like.
South Korea is a beautiful and culturally rich country that seamlessly blends traditional with modern and offers a whole world of adventure, culture, and culinary delights. You're in for an absolute treat because South Korea is one of those magical places that has a little something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, a nature lover, or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, South Korea will not disappoint you!
Here is a ten-day itinerary to touch on a variety of important places for your first trip in South Korea but there is so much more to see you will surely want to return.
Day 1-3: Seoul Seoul, the capital city, is a vibrant mix of ancient traditions and modernity. And oh, so much food, shopping, things to see.
Day 1:
Gyeongbokgung Palace: Explore this iconic palace, which was the main royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty. Made sure to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Bukchon Hanok Village: Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace in central Seoul. It’s home to hundreds of hanoks, or traditional wooden homes, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty.
Insadong: Soak up the atmosphere here in this cultural and artsy district with galleries, teahouses, coffee shops, and souvenir shops. Enjoy a uniquely Korean experience in this area of the city.
Day 2:
DMZ Tour: Take a day tour to the Demilitarized Zone, a historic and politically significant area between North and South Korea. If available, explore the tunnel to North Korea but it is a small space. Also, check out Dora Observatory to catch a glimpse into a N. Korean village.
War Memorial of Korea: Here you will learn about the Korean War and Korean history.
Day 3:
Gangnam District: Explore the modern and trendy district famous for its shopping, dining, and nightlife. This is the Hollywood of S. Korea. And don't forget to dance by the Gangnam Style sculpture just like Psy!
COEX Mall: Visit the largest underground shopping mall in Asia. It is lined with shops, dining options, entertainment venues, and attractions like a large aquarium and movie theater.
Namsan Seoul Tower: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from this iconic tower. Walk or take the cable car to the top.
Busan
Day 4-5: Busan Head to Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, known for its beaches and cultural attractions.
Day 4:
Haeundae Beach: Relax on one of Busan's most popular beaches.
Jagalchi Fish Market: Experience Korea's largest seafood market. If it is seafood and you want it, they probably have it. It is an experience that can't be missed.
Gamcheon Culture Village: Known as the "Machu Picchu of Busan" for its colorful houses and art installations this town also has historical signifigance. This village was a former refuge for refugees from the Korean War in the 1950s.The village evolved into a vibrant cultural hub through a public art-themed renovation effort in 2009.
Day 5:
Beomeosa Temple: Explore this beautiful Buddhist temple nestled in the mountains. It is considered one of the five major temples of South Korea's Jogye Order of Buddhism.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: Visit a coastal temple known for its location offering stunning views of the ocean and a peaceful atmosphere. It's also a popular spot for watching the sunrise and is known for its unique architectural details, including the 108 stairs and the Seawater Great Goddess Buddha.
Gwangalli Beach: Enjoy the beach and evening views of the Gwangan Bridge. It's also know to have fine sand and variety of restaurants and cafes with ocean views.
Day 6-7: Gyeongju Gyeongju is a city with a rich history and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Day 6:
Bulguksa Temple: Discover the beauty of this UNESCO-listed temple.which serves as a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and is renowned for its intricate stonework and stunning pagodas.
Seokguram Grotto: Part of the overall complex of Bulguksa Temple, the Seokguram grotto, constructed during the Unified Silla Kingdom displays works that are considered one of the best examples of Buddhist art in the Far East. The site features an immense Buddha statue, along with surrounding sculptures of gods, Bodhisattvas, and disciples, all carved in granite. It represents the Silla Kingdom's commitment to Buddhism and its role in shaping Korean culture and identity.
Tumuli Park: Explore the royal burial mounds and historical relics.Tumuli Park contains 23 of the over 200 royal tombs found in Gyeongju.
Day 7:
Gyeongju National Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the Silla Dynasty.
Cheomseongdae Observatory: Visit Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, and possibly even the world. It was constructed during the Silla period, during the reign of Queen Seondeok.
Anapji Pond: Enjoy a stroll around this historic pond with beautiful lighting in the evening.
Day 8-10: Jeju Island Fly to Jeju Island for natural beauty and relaxation.
Day 8:
Seongsan Ilchulbong: Hike up the volcanic crater known as "Sunrise Peak." A must see for incredible views of the sunrise.
Manjanggul Cave: Explore the lava tubes and see various lava tube formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, lava flowlines, and rock falls. The cave features the largest known lava column in the world, a 7.6-meter-tall structure formed by solidified lava flowing through the cave ceiling. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Seopjikoji: Enjoy its stunning coastal scenery, unique rock formations, and the iconic Seopjikoji lighthouse. It offers panoramic views of the ocean and the nearby Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (Sunrise Peak), making it a great spot for photographers and nature lovers. K-drama fans, here is another site for you!
Day 9:
Jeju Folk Village Museum: Learn about Jeju's traditional culture. This recreation of 19th centruy Jeju has more than 100 traditional Jeju houses and seeks to help visitors understand the folk culture.
Cheonjeyeon Waterfall is a three-tier waterfall. The falls are a popular tourist attraction and one of the three famous waterfalls of Jeju, alongside Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and Jeongbang Waterfall.
Hallasan National Park: The park is home to South Korea's highest mountain, a dormant volcano, and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Hike up Mount Hallasan, South Korea's highest peak and with both spiritual and cultural significance.
Day 10:
Relax on Jeju's Beaches: Spend your last day relaxing on one of Jeju's beautiful beaches like Jungmun or Hyeopjae.
Fly back to Seoul: Return to Seoul for your departure.
This itinerary offers a diverse experience of South Korea, from its bustling cities to its serene temples and natural wonders. There is so much more to see and experience in South Korea. For your next trip stay longer and immerse in the culture by visiting smaller restaurants, cafes, and museums. Remember to try Korean cuisine throughout your journey, including bulgogi, bibimbap, kimchi, and street food like tteokbokki and odeng.
At Vibrant Travel, we research, plan, and book vacations for busy travelers, couples, and groups looking for authentic experiences in Europe and beyond. We take the confusion of travel planning, the overwhelm of group organization, and hours of searching online off your plate and use our knowledge of the locations, vendors, and experiences to create a vacation you will love without the hassles, time, and stress of planning it yourself. Best of all we only work with vetted vendors who provide the highest quality services.
We specialize in select destinations that you might find on your bucket list: Ireland, Iceland, and Italy. But each year, we create a group trip to bucket list destinations like Japan, South Korea, Australia, Kenya, and South Africa, to name a few.
The vacations we plan are the vacations we love to take ourselves, so we can offer you experiences and places you may not have even considered but ones that will create memories that last forever.
Call today at 407-517-4744 to end the frustration of doing it all yourself. Ask about our group trips to Japan and South Korea.
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