So you have been binging the K-dramas and dancing to the tunes of K-pop. Or maybe you are just in love with the almost magical world of K-beauty! I hear you. I’ve been there. And all of it collectively pulled me towards taking my first South Korea trip. 

And now to get you one step closer to your South Korea trip here’s a 10-day South Korea itinerary. 

How many days in South Korea is enough?

I recommend a minimum of 10 days South Korea trip, this gives enough time to travel with ease and experience the country. But if you have a little more time try to plan a 2-week South Korea trip to experience most of the regions in South Korea.

If you have a shorter time, a 7-day South Korea trip is possible but you’ll have to choose the cities wisely so that you aren’t rushing during your holiday only to crave another one by the end of it! 

Planning a trip to South Korea? Join me this Cherry Blossom season on an all-women group trip to South Korea!

10-Day South Korea Itinerary 

Day 1: Seoul

Arrive at Incheon International Airport and head to Seoul. If you want to know how to reach Seoul from Incheon Airport and which areas to stay in, check out my Seoul travel guide. 

Now on to your Seoul itinerary. Visit the iconic Namsan Tower for some epic sunset views of the city. After that head straight to Meyondong, or as I like to call it the pulse of Seoul. Spend the night trying street food in Meyongdong followed by shopping. Another great shopping district is Dongdaemun, generally open till late if you have the time to swing by.

Day 2: Seoul

Take a day tour of Nami Island, also known as Namiseom. Rent a bicycle and explore the island at your own pace. Nami Island is especially beautiful in Autumn when the ginkgo trees are at their prettiest yellow. Pack a picnic, birdwatch or just read under a tree! Nami Island is an ideal break away from the bustling Seoul. If you visit South Korea in Autumn, I recommend adding a tour of the Garden of Morning Calm and Nami Island.

If time permits, continue the relaxed pace and visit a French village. That isn’t a typo! Visit Petite France, a cultural village, inspired by the iconic French village of Alsace. The village pays homage to the famous French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of “The Little Prince.” Find various installations dedicated to the beloved literary work. Unleash your inner art lover by visiting a bunch of galleries while here. 

If that excites you check out this tour of Nami Island and Petite France.

Get back to Seoul and spend the night at Hongdae, the hip neighbourhood. Find the latest everything here, it’s where the cool kids hang out in Seoul! You’ll find various buddying K-pop artists performing on the streets, especially great during the weekend. 

Day 3: Seoul

Rise and shine and make a trip to the cultural side of Seoul! Start with a super early visit to Bukchon Hanok Village, it tends to get crowded in the afternoon so try to come around sunrise for the best views. Also please be respectful of the residents and don’t make noise and take photos of the people without their permission! 

A short walk from Bukchon Hanok Village is the ever-so-aesthetic Hanok-style cafe- Cafe Onion. Now I’m not someone who trusts social media trends blindly, but in all honesty, I loved the Cafe Onion! Grab some fresh bakes and coffee before you head to your next stop in your Seoul itinerary. 

After refreshment head to the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Feeling extra? Rent a hanbok, it’s a popular activity when visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. Also, you don’t have to pay an entry fee if you are wearing a Hanbok.

Later on head to Insadong, a trendy neighbourhood in Seoul, and find boutique stores for some unique souvenirs and handicrafts. Find the perfect restaurant in Insadong to wrap up your day 3 in Seoul. 

Day 4: Seoul

Time to hit the upscale district of Gangnam, and pamper yourself with a little hair spa or an elaborate facial – or both! Maybe even get a colour analysis done! With the newfound knowledge on what suites you splurge your heart out shopping in Gangnam. 

If you like to visit libraries visit the Starfield Library, a 2-storey library with 13 mt tall bookshelves! At this point it is more of an Instagram photo op, if you aren’t into that skip this! 

In the evening visit the Han River, either go for stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking in the Han River or just grab some ramen and drinks from the convenience store and watch the sun go down among the locals. 

Day 5: Jeju

Take a flight to Jeju Island, your home for the next few days. Before we get into this part of your 10-day South Korea itinerary, let me tell you that you can easily spend 1 week on Jeju Island! Check out my Jeju Island guide and 4-day Jeju Island itinerary. The guide has details on renting a car on Jeju Island. 

Moving on! Start your Jeju island trip at a relaxed pace, if you are in the mood for a little swim head to Hamdeok Beach. Or if you want to chill at a hip cafe head to Bonmal Cafe or take a stroll around Jeju Olle Trail – Route 16. At night hit the Dongmun Traditional Market to try some local delicacies and a bit of shopping! 

Day 6: Jeju

Today on your South Korea itinerary explore the eastern Jeju, I recommend booking this tour – they take care of all the logistics. If you’ve hired a car, simply drive around at these spots at your own pace.

Starting with Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest, take a relaxing stroll among the tall trees. Then head to Seongsan Ilchulbong, the most frequented destination in Jeju. If you have the time it’s great for sunrise. Even if you are a late riser (like me) trust me the views are just as great at any time of the day. 

In the day visit the Seongeup Folk Village and maybe have a traditional meal at one of the restaurants around there. 

Day 7: Jeju

Today either take a day trip to Udo island great place to snorkel, kayak and just dip your toes in the sand! Or if you feel like taking on a challenge (like I did) climb Mout Hallasan the highest peak in South Korea. I’ve got a detailed guide on climbing Mt. Hallasan. My guide also has all the possible routes, it will help you choose the one that’s best suited for you. 

Another option is to either explore Western Jeju or Southern Jeju. 

Day 8: Busan

A quick flight into Busan, check-in and head to the Biff Square. Explore the streets filled with shops, cafes, and street food vendors. Don’t miss the chance to try some local street food. 

If you love a bargain head to Gukje Market in Nampo-dong and shop your heart out! Climb to the top of the Busan Tower for panoramic views of the city skyline and the nearby harbour. For some trendy shopping head to Gwangbok-dong fashion street and wrap your day 1 in Busan early. 

Day 9: Busan

Start early to visit the Gamcheon Culture Village, it’s an absolute must-visit in your 10-day South Korea itinerary! I had an amazing time in the village I went once in the morning and again in the evening. Check out my detailed guide on things to do at Gamcheon Culture Village. 

Later on, take a scenic walk along the coastal trails of Taejongdae Resort Park. Alternatively, you can explore the unique rock formations of Oryukdo or relax on the sandy shores of Songdo Beach.

Day 10: Busan

Begin your day with a visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of Korea’s most picturesque temples. Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, this temple offers stunning ocean views.

Then treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon at Spa Land, Asia’s largest indoor spa complex located in Shinsegae Centum City. Choose from a variety of rejuvenating spa treatments, soak in the healing thermal baths, and unwind in the sauna rooms. And if you feel like splurging on your last day of South Korea itinerary go shopping in Centum City. 

Wrap it all up by visiting either Haeundae Beach or Gwangalli Beach, trying some water sports or choosing from one of the beachside dining options to bid farewell to the South Korea holiday.  

Want a longer than 10-day South Korea itinerary?

If you are travelling for longer and looking for more than a 10-day South Korea itinerary, consider adding areas like Jeonju, Suncheon, Gwangju, and Gangneung. You can also add a couple of more days in Seoul, Jeju or Busan depending on your interests.

If you need help in planning a custom South Korea itinerary, fill out this form. Here are some of the testimonials of my past clients. 

What are the best apps for travelling in South Korea?

Like most of us, you must be so used to using Google Maps for all your travel needs. Now when it comes to travelling in South Korea things are a bit different. Google Maps doesn’t show the most accurate information for public transport and absolutely doesn’t work for walking routes. 

So what do we do in that case? I’ve curated the list of must-have apps when visiting South Korea. 

1. NaverMap – Your go-to for accurate navigation and local recommendations. They have an English version as well. 
2. Papago – Translation app for seamless communication.
3. KakaoT – The best cab-hailing service in South Korea
4. Korail – The official South Korea Rail app to simplify your train travel with schedules and ticketing. 

I went on a solo trip to South Korea and these apps helped me navigate through South Korea with ease. 

Hope this 10-day South Korea itinerary helped you plan your South Korea trip! If you have any questions or would like me to help you plan your next holiday, reach out to me at hello@khyatimaloo. I’m also available on Twitter and Instagram.