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Are you dreaming of a vibrant adventure that blends history, tradition, great food, and beach vibes? South Korea is calling your name! This 2-week itinerary takes you on an unforgettable journey through bustling cities, serene temples, unforgettable street food, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're a K-pop fan, a history buff, a foodie, or just someone looking for an epic escape, this 'South Korea 2-week itinerary' has something for everyone. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to make long-lasting memories exploring South Korea!
This itinerary has been curated based on our personal experience and interests. I switched around, changed, and removed some activities/sightseeing depending on what we thought was worth it or not. I hope you'll find it useful!
Itinerary in a nutshell:
South Korea: 2-Week Itinerary
Day 1-5: Seoul - A Perfect Start to Your Adventure
Seoul, the heart of South Korea, offers a captivating mix of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. Over five days, you'll have the chance to explore the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace, stroll through the charming Bukchon Hanok Village, and immerse yourself in vibrant urban districts like Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Hongdae. Seoul’s culinary scene is nothing short of spectacular, featuring everything from street food in traditional markets to Michelin-starred restaurants. With so much to see and do, Seoul provides the perfect balance of cultural immersion, shopping, dining, and relaxation, making it a highlight of your South Korean adventure. We have made an essential guide to Seoul in 72 hours with our must-see, eat, and do, you can find it here.
Day 6&7: Jeonju
Head by bus or train to Jeonju, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and culinary delights. Spend your days exploring the Jeonju Hanok Village, where you stroll around beautiful traditional houses, try on a hanbok (Korean traditional costume), and sample Jeonju's famous bibimbap. Discover the city's history at the Jeonju National Museum and relax in the tranquil Gyeonggijeon Shrine. Don't forget to wander through the Nambu Market for more delicious street food and local crafts. The city was very enjoyable and had a lot of free events and English-guided tours to choose from. The old town is filled with fancy cafes and nice restaurants, so you cannot go wrong by allocating a few days to this cute and rich city.
Day 6
Morning
Begin your day by exploring the Jeonju Hanok Village. Take your time wandering through the charming alleys, admiring the traditional hanok houses, and getting a feel for the local atmosphere. Make sure to drop by the tourist information center to check their schedule of free and honestly really good English tours around the hanok village. We did 2 different ones and liked them both.
Midday
Why not try on a hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) and take photos as you stroll through the village?
Afterward, visit a traditional tea house, and enjoy a calming tea session with traditional Korean sweets. One recommended spot is Gyodong Tea Room, known for its beautiful garden setting.
Afternoon
Visit Gyeonggijeon Shrine in the afternoon. Explore the historic site and take in the serene atmosphere. You can also visit a small museum that houses the royal portraits.
Dedicate some time to shopping in the Hanok Village. The area is filled with unique boutiques and craft shops where you can find handmade crafts, traditional souvenirs, and local specialties. Look for Jeonju paper crafts, traditional clothing, and pottery.
Evening
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of the local restaurants in the village, trying Jeonju-style Bibimbap.
Bibimbap originates from Jeonju and is a traditional Korean dish that translates to "mixed rice." It consists of a bowl of steamed rice topped with a variety of seasoned or pickled vegetables, sliced beef, a fried egg, and a bit of gochujang (Korean chili paste). The ingredients are typically arranged beautifully on top, and the dish is mixed thoroughly before eating, blending the flavors. It also comes with between 12 and 15 side dishes so it will be a complete Korean food experience.
Day 7
Morning
Start your day with a visit to some lesser-known spots within the Hanok Village. Consider exploring the Jaman Mural Village, located on the outskirts of the Hanok Village. This area is known for its colorful murals painted by local artists, offering a different perspective of Jeonju’s artistic side.
Midday
For lunch, try another local delicacy, such as Jeonju Kongnamul Gukbap (bean sprout soup with rice). Afterward, relax at a café. Hanok Village has several quaint cafés where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or traditional Korean desserts. Pungnam Gate Café is a great spot with a view of the historic Pungnam Gate.
Afternoon
Visit Omokdae Pavilion for a panoramic view of the village and the surrounding city. Afterward, look for cultural experiences like traditional Korean calligraphy, paper-making, fan decorating or mask-making workshops. There is always something going on in this city so make sure to check in with the tourist information office to know what's happening at the time of your stay.
Evening
Head to the city's night market for a great opportunity to discover new dishes and admire all the beautiful shops filled with woven baskets, pots, fabrics, etc.
On the way back to your accommodation, take a night stroll through the illuminated Hanok Village. The village at night offers a magical ambiance with its softly lit streets and buildings.
Day 8-10: Gyeongju & Temple Stay
Day 8
Morning
Arrive in Gyeongju after a 3.5-hour bus journey. Start your day with a visit to Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the temple's intricate architecture, peaceful courtyards, and historical significance as a symbol of the Silla Dynasty.
Midday
After visiting Bulguksa, head to Tumuli Park, also known as the Daereungwon Tomb Complex. Wander through the park's large grassy mounds, which are ancient royal tombs from the Silla period. You can also explore Cheonmachong, a tomb open to the public, where you can view the burial treasures inside.
Evening
As night falls, head to Woljeonggyo Bridge. This beautiful wooden bridge, reconstructed in its original style, is stunning when illuminated at night. Take a walk across the bridge, and then back across the river's stepping stones enjoying the calming atmosphere and the contrast of the lit bridge against the night sky.
Day 9
Morning
Begin your second day with a visit to the Gyeongju National Museum. The museum offers a deep dive into the history of the Silla Dynasty, with a rich collection of artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, and sculptures. This visit provides essential context for understanding Gyeongju’s significance in Korean history.
Midday
After the museum, take a stroll through Gyerim Forest, a small but historically significant area believed to be the birthplace of the founder of the Kim clan. Nearby, visit Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, dating back to the 7th century.
Afternoon
Travel to Yangdong Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers insight into traditional Korean life. The village features over 150 well-preserved hanok houses, providing a glimpse into Korea’s rural past. Enjoy the scenic landscapes and the village's authentic atmosphere.
End your day with a visit to the Gyeongju Lotus Pond if you’re visiting during the blooming season (July and August). The pond is a beautiful and tranquil spot, especially when the lotus flowers are in full bloom.
Day 10: Temple Stay at Golgulsa Temple
Immerse yourself in Korean Buddhist culture with a temple stay at Golgulsa Temple. Participate in meditation sessions, learn Sunmudo (a traditional Korean martial art), and take part in Buddhist ceremonies. This experience is a unique retreat that you’ll cherish for years to come. Find all the details of our experience in our dedicated article.
Day 11-15: Busan
Day 11: Arrival and Haeundae Beach
Arrive in Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, by bus or train. Spend your first day at Haeundae Beach, one of the country's most famous beaches for some relaxation time post martial art training if you've decided to go to Golgulsa Temple.
Day 12: Gamcheon Culture Village & Jagalchi Fish Market
Morning
Start your day at Gamcheon Culture Village, one of Busan's most iconic neighborhoods. This area is famous for its colorful houses, narrow alleys, and vibrant murals and was a former slum from the Korea war times as Busan is the only city that was never taken by the North. Wander through the maze-like streets, discover unique art installations, Le petit Prince murals and visit small galleries and shops. Don’t forget to take in the panoramic views of the city and the sea from the various viewpoints scattered throughout the village.
Midday
Head to Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea's largest seafood market. Explore the bustling stalls filled with fresh fish, shellfish, and other seafood delights. If you enter the main building you will notice that you can buy fresh fish from the fishmonger and get it prepared for you directly by the restaurants on the top floor, cool concept right?!
Afternoon
After lunch, visit BIFF Square (Busan International Film Festival Square), a lively area in Busan’s Nampo-dong district. This square is famous for its great atmosphere filled with street vendors, movie theaters, and shops.
Be sure to try Hoetteok, sweet pancakes are filled with brown sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon. It is honestly one of the best things I've tried on our trip and the best dessert by far.
Evening
Spend your evening exploring Nampo-dong. This area is a bustling shopping district with a mix of traditional markets, modern department stores, and unique boutiques. Take some time to shop for souvenirs at ArtBox, Korean cosmetics at Olive Young, or fashion items.
Day 13: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple & Gwangalli Beach
Morning
Visit Haedong Yonggungsa, a stunning seaside temple that offers breathtaking views of the ocean. This temple is one of the few in Korea located by the sea, making it a must-see.
Afternoon / Evening
Relax at Gwangalli Beach, known for its fine sand and views of the impressive Gwangan Bridge. Spend your afternoon soaking up the sun, and as the evening falls, enjoy a beachfront dinner while watching the bridge light up. We even had the chance to watch a free drone show organized by the city of Busan every Saturday of the summer.
Day 14: Explore Dongbaekseom Island & Centum City
Morning
Start your day with a visit to Dongbaekseom Island, a small, scenic island connected to the mainland by a bridge. Walk along the coastal path and visit the statue of the mermaid princess from Korean folklore. The island also offers fantastic views of Haeundae Beach and the surrounding area.
Midday
Head to Centum City, home to the world’s largest department store, Shinsegae Centum City. Spend some time shopping or visit the nearby Busan Cinema Center, where the Busan International Film Festival is held annually. For a more relaxing experience, check out Spaland, a massive Korean-style spa located in the department store. We experienced it and it was very interesting and different to the Wellness and Spa experiences we had in Europe.
Afternoon
Visit the nearby Nurimaru APEC House, a modern conference center with stunning views of the coastline. It’s a great place to learn about recent Korean history and enjoy the surrounding Dongbaek Park.
Evening
Return to Haeundae Beach to watch the sunset. You can enjoy dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants or take a stroll along the beach to end your day.
Day 15: Last views and departure
On your final day, explore the bustling streets of Nampo-dong, a shopping and entertainment district. Visit the Busan Tower for panoramic city views and pick up some last-minute souvenirs at the Gukje Market. Reflect on your incredible journey before heading to the airport for your departure.
