How about a trip to the original, unusual, vibrant South Korea? If you don’t know how to start planning your trip, it doesn’t matter – our travel expert has already taken care of everything and has put together an excellent route for you to you definitely fell in love with this country.
Seoul → Gapyeong → Sokcho → Andong → Gyeongju → Busan → Jeju → Seoul
Days 1–4. Seoul
A noisy metropolis of 10 million people lies on the banks of the Han River, surrounded by picturesque hills. Eastern traditions and the latest technologies coexist perfectly here: ancient royal palaces coexist with ultra-modern buildings.
To feel the atmosphere of Seoul, climb a skyscraper or mountain and look around the entire city. Explore several majestic palaces. Try Korean cuisine and tea. Take a walk through the parks and ride the most extreme ride. See life in the business district and traditional market.
Spend at least two days on sightseeing in Seoul. For one day, you can go to the nearby city of Gapyeong.
In Seoul, we have selected the best hotels for you for three nights:
- Hotel Icon
- Gloryinn
Palaces of Seoul
The modern state of the Republic of Korea from the XIV to the XIX centuries. was part of the state of Great Joseon. This royal dynasty left behind Five Grand Palaces in Seoul: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung Gyeonghuigung and Deoksugung.
Gyeongbokgung
The main palace is Gyeongbokgung (address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu). Start exploring the history of the royal dynasty here. The palace complex is huge: it will take you several hours to walk around the entire territory. The opening hours of the palace depend on the season: in summer it is open from 09:00 to 18:30, in September-October and March-May – from 09:00 to 18:00, from November to February – from 09:00 to 17:00 . The palace is closed on Tuesdays. Ticket costs 3,000 won.
Free tours of the palace are available in English. You can come to the information center and join the group. No pre-registration required. Tours start at 11:00, 13:30 and 15:30.
To the south of the palace, Gwanghwamun Square begins. This is a significant place for Seoul, and therefore crowded. In the square you will find monuments to Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong.
At the end of the square you will see the Cheonggyecheon stream. In 2005, a large recreational area with pedestrian embankments was equipped here. Since then the place has become very popular for walking. The embankments are located below the roadway and protected by alleys.
After walking along the embankment, go explore the next palace – Changdeokgung.
Changdeokgung
Changdeokgung (address: 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu) is called the Eastern Palace, as it is located east of the main one – Gyeongbokgung. You won’t be able to cover the entire area in an hour, especially if you want to stroll through the Secret Garden. In summer the palace is open from 09:00 to 18:30, in September-October and February-May – from 09:00 to 18:00, from November to January – from 09:00 to 17:30. Monday is a day off. A visit to the palace and garden will cost 8,000 won.
The Secret Garden can only be accessed as part of a group. Free tours of the garden in English start at 11:30, 13:30, 14:30 and 15:30, and of the palace itself at 10:30 and 14:30.
Changgyeonggung
Changgyeonggung (address: 185, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu) is located next to Changdeokgung Palace – you need to go a little to the east. In summer the palace is open from 09:00 to 18:30, in September-October and February-May – from 09:00 to 18:00, from November to January – from 09:00 to 17:30. Monday is a day off. Ticket costs 1,000 won.
To visit the remaining palaces, you will have to go back – Gyeongheegun and Deoksugung are located south of the main palace.
Kyeonghigun
Admission to Gyeonghee Gung Palace (address: 1-126, Sinmunno 2(i)-ga, Jongno-gu) is free. The palace is open from 09:00 to 18:00 daily, except Mondays.
Deoksugung
Deoksugung (address: 99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu) can be found by following Sejong-daero Street from Gyeongbokgung Palace. If you want to visit all the palaces in one day, go to this one last. It is open from 09:00 to 21:00 every day except Monday. Ticket costs 1,000 won.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Another place without which a visit to the historical center of Seoul would be incomplete. The village (address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu) is located on a hill north of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces. Here you will see traditional Korean houses – Hanok.
Nearby is Samcheong Park (address: 41, Waryonggongwon-gil, Jongno-gu). The park is especially good in the golden autumn and in April, when the cherry trees bloom.
Where to eat
Near Gyeongbokgung Palace, you can dine at Jalppajin Memil (address: 41-1, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu) or Tosokchon Restaurant (address: 5, Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Sajik- dong, Jongno-gu).
On the way from Gyeongbokgung to Changdeokgung, you can stop by Imun Seolnongtang, the oldest restaurant in Seoul. It opened in 1904 (address: 38-13 Ujeongguk-ro, Gyeonji-dong, Jongno-gu).
Nearby at Si.Wha.Dam Restaurant (address: 13, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu) try modern Korean cuisine.
Stop by the nearby Dawon Tea House (address: 11-4, Insadong 10-gil, Jongno-gu) for traditional Korean tea.
Seoul has a developed street food culture. Go try it at Gwangjang Market (address: 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu). Locals and tourists love to eat here, the surrounding area is noisy and atmospheric, and the street food is tasty and inexpensive. The market is open from 08:30 to 23:00 every day except Sunday.
Seoul City Hall
Photo: Nghia Khanh/Shutterstock.com
Start your exploration of Seoul’s modern architecture at City Hall (address: 110, Sejong-daero, Taepyeongno 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu). The avant-garde-style building with an asymmetrical curved façade is located near Deoksugung Palace.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Photo: Sanga Park/Shutterstock.com
An architectural masterpiece by the famous architect Zaha Hadid in the neo-futurism style. This place hosts fashion shows. You can get inside the building for free. Around the building there is a well-equipped public space where you can take a walk. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (address: 281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu) is located near Dongdaemun History & Culture Park.
You can have lunch nearby at Honam Jip Restaurant (address: 5, Jong-ro 40ga-gil, Jongno-gu).
N Seoul Tower
Next, head to Namsan Park (address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu). The nearest subway station is Myeong-dong. At the top of the mountain in the park is the N Seoul Tower with a glass observation deck. Adult admission costs 10,000 won. You can climb the mountain by cable car. Return ticket costs 9,500 won.
Leeum Samsung Museum
Photo: iewnn_k/Shutterstock.com
South of Namsan Park is a complex of two Leeum museums (address: 60-16, Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu). The first contains traditional Korean art, the second contains works by contemporary Korean and foreign authors. Museum opening hours: from 10:30 to 18:00 daily, except Mondays. Ticket costs 10,000 won.
You can have lunch at Sigol Bapsang Diner (address: 235, Itaewon-ro, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu).
Next, go explore the city south of the Han River.
Gangnam District
Photo: ST_Travel/Shutterstock.com
The Gangnam-gu business district is the most populous in Seoul. The image of the area is perfectly reflected in Psy’s “Gangnam Style” video. Near Gangnam Station, look at the Boutique Monaco office building (address: 397 Seocho-daero, Seocho 4(sa)-dong, Seocho-gu), and then go for a walk among the skyscrapers along Teheran-ro Street – along it there are houses with the most expensive real estate in the country.
At Samseong Station (located two subway stops from Gangnam Station), you can visit the huge underground shopping center Starfield COEX Mall (address: 513, Yeongdong-daero, Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu). In addition to shops, there is an aquarium.
If you find yourself in the very north of the Gangnam district, don’t miss the small Chungha Building (address: 100-32 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu) – an original example of modern architecture. The nearest station is Apgujeongrodeo.
Near Gangnam Station, we recommend checking out Yeontabal BBQ Restaurant (address: 1317-16 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu) for delicious Korean food.
Lotte World Amusement Park
Photo: Guitar photographer/Shutterstock.com
The world’s largest indoor amusement park (address: 240, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu). Four floors of attractions await you in the indoor Adventure area and an island with outdoor attractions – Magic Island. The park is open daily from 09:30 to 22:00. The ticket costs 55,000 won. Located at Jamsil metro station.
Rising next to the amusement park is the Lotte World Tower, Seoul’s tallest building (and the 5th tallest building in the world).
To the northeast of the amusement park is the Olympic Park (address: 424, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu), built for the 1988 Summer Olympics. In addition to sports facilities, in the park you will find an artificial lake and a sculpture park.
Everland
Photo: OttoPhoto/Shutterstock.com
For extreme sports enthusiasts, Everland Park (address: 199, Everland-ro, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do) is more suitable. It is located in the outskirts of Seoul. The park is open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. An adult ticket costs 54,000 won. You can get to the park by bus or metro; detailed information can be found on the official website. The journey will take 1-2 hours.
Gapyeong
Photo: PREECHA WIBOONDUANGJINDA/Shutterstock.com
You can get to Gapyeong by subway (the journey takes 2 hours). The station you need is Gapyeong, located on the Gyeongchun Line. You can take the train from Cheongnyangni Station to Gapyeong Station (the journey takes 40 minutes). By car you can get from central Seoul to Gapyeong in an hour.
3 main must-sees in Gapyeong: Nami Island, Petite France Village and Garden of Morning Calm.
Nami Island (Namiseom) is a crescent-shaped island that declared its cultural independence and became an informal mini-state of the Republic of Naminara. People come to Nami Island to take a break from the bustle of the city and be in nature. This place looks picturesque at any time of the year – in the spring many tourists come here to watch the trees bloom. Entrance fee: 13,000 won.
Petite France is a theme park with French-style houses and miniature landmarks of France. People like to arrange photo sessions in this place against the backdrop of colorful buildings and next to the Little Prince. Entrance fee: 10,000 won.
The Garden of Morning Calm is a picturesque place for a walk among flowering plants, small waterfalls and pagodas. The garden is especially beautiful in the morning fog. Entrance fee: 9,500 won.
To have time to visit all the places, it is more convenient to go to Gapyeong by car. If you still decide to get here by public transport, there is a shuttle bus between the main attractions.
Days 4–5. Sokcho and Seoraksan National Park
On the morning of the fourth day of the trip, we suggest going to Seoraksan National Park, located near the city of Sokcho. Distance from Seoul – 200 km. You can get there by bus. The station in Seoul is Seoul Express Bus Terminal. Travel time to the city is 2.5 hours. By car you will get there faster – in 2 hours, and you will also be able to go straight to the national park instead of going into the city.
Seoraksan National Park is located in a mountainous area. The mountains of the same name are the third highest in the Republic of Korea. Tourist routes are laid out throughout the park, passing through natural attractions: rocks, rivers, waterfalls. In the park there are Buddhist temples and a statue of Buddha. You can get to the top of Sogongwon by cable car (ticket: 10,000 won). Entrance fee to the park is 3,500 won.
Sokcho is a seaside city notable for its beaches, proximity to a national park and the demilitarized zone separating the DPRK and the Republic of Korea.
You can get to the demilitarized zone by car, following the road signs. Before entering the territory, you need to buy a ticket and register at the office – you will find the road to it at the DMZ sign, written in capital letters.
We have selected hotels for you in Sokcho for one night – one near the national park and two in the city itself.
- Seoraksan Park Resort
- Sokcho & Guesthouse
- Sokcho Marine Pension
Days 5–6. Hahoe Village and Andong
The next morning we suggest going to the village of Hahoe, located near the city of Andong. To get to the city by bus you will have to make transfers. There are also buses from Andong to the village. The journey in this case will take 5-6 hours. We recommend renting a car for this trip; the journey will take approximately 3 hours (you will have to drive 300 km).
The traditional Korean village of Hahoe was founded in the 16th century. It was built in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui, so the territory has the shape of a lotus. Here you will see traditional Korean houses and get acquainted with the art of the local people. Entrance to the village – 5,000 won.
Bongjeongsa Temple Complex is located 15 kilometers from Andong. It was founded in the 7th century. The temples of the complex are made of wood. Geuknakjeon Temple is recognized as the oldest wooden structure in the Republic of Korea.
We have selected hotels for you in Andong for one night – two in the city itself and one in the village (if you want to experience the local flavor and sleep on futons):
- Goodstay Andong Park Hotel
- Goryeo Hotel
- Okyeon Jeongsa
Days 6–8. Gyeongju and Busan
On the fifth day we suggest going to the city of Gyeongju. The distance between it and Andon is 150 km. You can get there by bus. Travel time is 1.5 hours. The journey by car will take the same amount of time.
The city of Gyeongju was the capital of the ancient Korean state of Silla. The city has preserved the heritage of this era. The most notable examples: the Bulguksa monastery complex and the Seokguram grotto, located on the territory of the national park. Entrance to the temple and grotto costs 5,000 won each.
In the evening of the same day, go to Busan, where we have selected hotels for you for two nights. The distance between Gyeongju and Busan is 90 km. You can get there by bus or car. The journey in both cases will take 1 hour.
- Hotel 25 Seomyeon
- Residence Mumum
Busan is the second largest city in the Republic of Korea and the main port. The city is famous for its beaches. And in its surroundings you will find some magnificent natural and cultural attractions.
Walk along the main beach of Haeundae. It offers a wonderful view of the city.
Visit the Temple of Pomos (Beomeosa), created in the 7th century, and the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village, spread out on a hill.
We also recommend going to Taejongdae Nature Park, famous for its cliffs and lighthouse.
Busan is worth setting aside at least one day. And then we suggest going to Jeju Island by direct flight from Busan. The journey will take one hour. Find tickets for the desired date on OneTwoTrip.
Days 8–10. Jeju Island
Spend a whole day and part of the next day to visit the island. From Jeju, the island’s capital, take a direct flight back to Seoul. The journey will take a little over an hour. Find tickets for your date on OneTwoTrip.
Jeju is an island of volcanic origin and the main resort of the country. In the center of the island is the extinct volcano Hallasan, the highest peak in the Republic of Korea. Around it there is a national park with hiking trails, two of which lead to the top of the volcano. Entrance to the park is free.
The Manjanggul Cave, another attraction of Jeju, was formed in the volcanic lava on the island. There is a hiking trail there. Entrance fee: 2,000 won.
The main must-visit place on the island is the extinct volcano Seongsan Ilchulbong, or Sunrise Peak. As the name suggests, you need to go to this place to watch the sunrise. The volcano is located in the very east of the island. A staircase leads to its crater, and from the top there is a magnificent view of the island and Hallasan Peak. Entrance fee to the park is 2,000 won.
We have selected hotels for two nights in Jeju city for you:
- Hotel Maple
- Hotel Tong Yeondong Jeju
- Reve Business Hotel Jeju
Days 10–11. Seoul
Spend your last day in Seoul. We have selected hotels for your last night:
- Hotel Icon
- Gloryinn
- D7 Suites
Expert advice
- There are always big traffic jams in Seoul, so it’s better to get around by subway. To avoid getting confused about stations, download the official Subway Korea app.
- It’s very convenient to plan your travel around the city using the maps.me mobile application. To find the places indicated in the route, just download the city map first, and then use the application offline.
- As a gift from Seoul, you should bring tea, ginseng, cosmetics, a fan and a Dojang Stamp.
- In Seoul, you should try kimchi (sauerkraut dish), soondubu jiggae (Korean stew), seolleongtang (beef soup), ddukbokkie (rice cakes), takjuk (dakjuk) – a dish of rice and chicken, yangnyeom tongdak (yangnyeom tongdak) – a chicken dish, japchae (japchae) – noodles with vegetables, and for dessert, Korean pies – hotdeok (hoeddeok).
- A few rules of etiquette: the traditional Korean greeting is a slight bow, a handshake is used less often; displays of affection in public are not accepted in Korea; Koreans give and receive things with only two hands; It is not customary to tip.
- The currency of the Republic of Korea is the South Korean won (100 won is equal to approximately 6 ₽).
- Plan your travel around the country using public transport conveniently using the Rome2rio service.
The travel planning service OneTwoTrip will help you find a hotel nearby.
