Planning one week in Korea and looking for the best Korea itinerary out there?! Welcome, you’ve come to the right place! Read on for everything you need to know – how to get around, where to stay, my favorite spots to eat, and of course a crazy comprehensive 7 day South Korea itinerary!
Home to K-pop, Korean BBQ, and kimchi, Korea’s really got it all. If modern cities, historic palaces, traditional markets, K-pop culture, and scenic mountains and coastal views are your thing, I can guarantee that you’ll love Korea just as much as I did. Oh – you can’t forget about all that delicious street food (crispy fried chicken, spicy tteokbokki, and sweet ssiat hotteok – yum!). Delish!
After visiting Japan a few times (which we’re utterly obsessed with; go if you haven’t been), we were longing for a new East Asian country to visit. Something with incredible food, a fascinating ancient culture, bustling modern cities, and of course cherry blossoms – and that’s exactly how we decided on South Korea! And boy oh boy were we surprised – in all the best ways.
Even after all this time in the travel industry, I don’t have many friends who’ve visited Korea. Everyone talks about Japan, Thailand, Singapore, and Bali (all amazing and well worthy of a dream vacation), but South Korea’s kinda forgotten about – at least to most Americans. And when we visited we certainly felt it – there were hardly any American or European tourists!
Psst – when people talk about visiting Korea, they’re talking about South Korea, wink wink.
With that being said, he’s my complete Korea itinerary — with everything you need to plan your 7 days in Korea! Let’s get to it!
Week in South Korea Itinerary Logistics
This Korea itinerary starts in Seoul, then makes its way down to Busan via high-speed KTX train. It’s thankfully not as complicated as many of my other itineraries around the world, yet we still saw and did (and ate!) oh so much.
Where is Korea and How to Get There
For starters, South Korea is the southern part of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. It’s bordered to the north by North Korea (divided by the 38th parallel), separated from China to the west by the Yellow Sea, and from Japan to the east by the Sea of Japan (also known as the East Sea).
The country is over 38,750 square miles, which is slightly larger than Portugal (one of my favorites) and a bit smaller than the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. And it’s got a whopping population of 51 million people (with Seoul being one of the most densely populated cities in the world — greater than both NYC and LA)!
There’s tons of mountains in Korea (primarily in the east and north), with lots of rolling plains and river valleys in the western and southern regions. Plus SO MANY miles of coastline, bays, capes, and over 3,000 islands, including Jeju Island (its largest). Seoul has the Han River, while the Nakdong River passes through Busan and Daegu.
How to Get to Korea
Most international flights arrive in South Korea at Incheon International Airport (ICN). If this is your first time in Korea, you’ll definitely wanna explore Seoul for a few days, so this works out quite perfectly!
For reference, we flew direct from San Francisco (SFO) to Incheon, which took about 12 hours or so (thankfully I slept a bit on the flight). From the US, there’s also nonstop flights to Seoul from cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, and Atlanta.
There’s also Gimpo International Airport (GMP), which is way closer to the city center, but handles mostly domestic flights (think Busan, Jeju, etc) and some international routes from nearby countries (like Japan, Taiwan, China, etc).
Once you make it to Incheon International Airport, you can either take public transit (either the AREX Express Train or AREX All-Stop Train depending on where in Seoul you’re staying), or the Airport Limousine Bus (which is a bus…not a limo unfortunately, haha).
You don’t need to book either in advance, and both run quite frequently. I don’t recommend taking a taxi/ride share from Incheon as it’ll cost you a pretty penny (and you’ll undoubtedly get stuck in massive traffic).
When to Plan your Korea Itinerary
South Korea experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons (unlike here in California where we kinda have perpetual spring, haha). It’s a year-round destination with tons of things to see and do no matter the weather, but of course there’s a better time to go than others.
In general, spring and fall are the best times to visit South Korea, as the weather is mild and comfortable. Plus, if you can catch the cherry blossoms in late March/early April you’re in for a real treat – they’re just gorgeous!
Fall is dry, with clear skies and plenty of fall foliage from mid-October to late-November. Don’t miss Nami Island, Seoraksan National Park, or the palaces in Seoul – they’ve got gorgeous colors!
For reference, we visited Korea the very end of March to the beginning of April, and had mostly decent weather (with a few showers) and saw thousands and thousands of cherry trees in the city – we got so, so lucky and managed to visit during peak bloom. Definitely consider a day trip to the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival if you’re visiting then too!
Honestly? I wouldn’t recommend a visit in summer – it’s sweltering and so, so hot and humid. Temps often exceed 30°C (86°F) and sometimes even 35C (95F). Plus, it’s monsoon season from late June to early August.
Despite this, it’s super crowded (kids are off from school in Korea and Korean companies close). Plan to enjoy the beaches in Busan, explore Jeju Island, and cool off at water parks and riverside parks like Han River Park in Seoul.
Winter is chilly in South Korea, with snow (particularly in the northern and mountainous regions), freezing temps (coldest months being January and February), and lots of Christmas cheer. It’s a great time to ski/snowboard, visit the ice festivals, explore Seoul’s winter illuminations, and relax in a jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse).
Is a week in Korea enough?
Nope! There’s no way to see all that Korea has to offer in just 7 days. BUT if that’s all the time you’ve got, it’s still well worth the trip! We only had 7 days in Korea, and were able to see and do (and eat!) so much! It’s all about planning wisely and making the most of your stay.
While this South Korea itinerary solely focuses on Seoul and Busan, if you’ve got more time I’d consider adding in Jeju, Gyeongju, and the DMZ (as a day trip from Seoul).
Honestly, don’t cram in too many destinations though – you’ll want at least 4 or 5 days in Seoul if you’ve never been (the city is HUGE with tons and tons to do)!
What about Jeju Island?
With just a week in Korea, you won’t have time to visit Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island. It’ll be way too jam packed and I promise you’ll be miserable. Some people think even packing Seoul and Busan into 7 days is silly, as there’s SO much to do in Seoul itself. If you really wanna visit Jeju (some people love it!), skip Busan and head to Jeju instead.
We skipped Jeju Island on this trip (and chose Busan instead) because we simply didn’t know if Jeju was worth all the hassle (flights, international drivers permit, car rental, etc). And in all honesty Busan seemed more exciting to us (have you seen photos of those super cute sky capsules?). Plus, Busan has that coastal vibe anyway, so I thought doing both was unnecessary. I do want to visit Jeju next time, though!
Health and Safety in Korea
South Korea has one of the lowest crime rates in the world (like Iceland, Japan, Singapore, and Norway), and violent crime is exceptionally rare. Public transport (including buses and subways) is very safe (with CCTV everywhere) and well-maintained. Taxis are also safe, with drivers typically being honest and professional. With all that being said, we didn’t have any concerns during our week in Korea!
There is something I wanna touch upon though…
Proximity to North Korea: Yes, Seoul isn’t terribly far from the North Korean border, only about 30 miles from the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the buffer zone that separates North and South Korea. Meaning it’s within range of North Korean artillery and missiles – BUT there’s tons of military presence in and around Seoul to help deter any potential aggression from the North.
Please don’t let this stop you from visiting Seoul and South Korea in general (the DMZ is a popular tourist destination afterall!). We felt exceptionally safe, but I won’t lie and say that seeing shelters and safety equipment (even in our hotel rooms) was a little off putting — definitely reminded me exactly where I was.
Food in Korea: Let’s face it – half the reason we decided to spend a week in Korea was to EAT! Plan to stuff your face and then wash it all down with some soju, haha. And unlike Southeast Asia, tap water is generally safe to drink (although many people still prefer bottled water). Food hygiene standards are very high, so eat all the street food you’d like!
Be careful eating hotteok tho — the honey is so, so hot! I totally burned my tongue more than once, whoops (well worth it).
Here’s the basics of Korean food:
- Kimchi (fermented vegetables, usually cabbage)
- Bulgogi (marinated grilled beef)
- Bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables, meat, and egg)
- Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)
- Samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly)
- Jajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce)
- Sundubu-jjigae (soft tofu stew)
- Hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes)
- Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables)
- Hoddeok (sweet syrup-filled pancakes)
- Naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles)
- Pajeon (savory green onion pancake)
- Dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken)
- Bingsu (shaved ice dessert)
- Soondae (Korean blood sausage)
- Mandu (Korean dumplings)
- Chimaek (fried chicken and beer combo)
- Gimbap (rice and various fillings rolled in seaweed)
Visas in South Korea
You may need a visa to visit Korea. When we visited (in April 2024), visas were not needed until December 31, 2024 for specific nationalities. So therefore we didn’t get a visa and were able to stay for up to 90 days with just our passport.
But some nationalities need to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before traveling. It’s an online process that usually takes a few minutes. Check in advance what you need of course as things constantly change (here’s info for US citizens)!
How to Get Around Korea
For this 7 day South Korea itinerary, we used a few different modes of transport – particularly public transit (trains, buses, subway), rideshares/taxis, and walking!
We used the KTX (Korea Train Express) to get between Seoul and Busan (the high-speed train), and subways and buses to get between different neighborhoods within the cities. Public transit is super clean and actually runs on time – what a concept! We felt super safe, even late at night.
Always keep your T-money Card handy – a rechargeable card used for the subway, bus, taxis, and even some convenience stores!
Note that if you’ve decided to include Jeju Island into your week in Korea, you’ll need to take a quick domestic flight (it’s an island after all!). Check out Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and several budget carriers like Jeju Air and T’way Air.
VERY IMPORTANT: Download important apps in advance. Google Maps hardly works in Korea (and only features public transit directions which are not super accurate anyways…), so you’ll need another way to navigate.
We primarily used Naver Maps, but I’ve heard great things about Kakao Maps as well. Download the apps and play around with them beforehand (they can be a little confusing to use at first).
I’d also get Kakao Taxi too, a Korean ride sharing app that’s a good alternative to Uber. But we actually used regular Uber our entire time in Korea and it worked completely fine… despite others saying it didn’t work for them.
South Korea Itinerary FAQs
Currency and Exchange Rates in Korea
The local currency in Korea is the South Korean Won (KRW). At the time of writing (August 2024), the won is equivalent to ~ 0.00073 USD (or 1 USD = ~ 1350 KRW). It’s a pretty challenging currency to convert in your head, so no shame in using a currency converter!
Note that tipping is not customary in South Korea, so you can spend that few extra won on street snacks and shopping!
Cash vs card in Korea: South Korea is one of the most cashless societies in the world (true story!). Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis, restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, and even street markets in some cases.
BUT I highly recommend carrying some cash as well, as not all street vendors take cards and you’ll need cash to top up your T-money card.
How to Get the Best Exchange Rate: I always take out cash at an ATM upon arrival in the new country I’m visiting, and never ever through an exchange desk or beforehand in my home country. ATMs provide the best exchange rate, always.
If you want to avoid those pesky ATM fees every time you take out cash, simply look into a no-fee debit card, such as through Charles Schwab (which I have and love).
Language in Korea
Korean is the official language of Korea. And it’s a hard one, haha.
While I always recommend knowing some basic phrases when visiting a new country, I’m guilty of learning zero Korean before I went. I tried, but to be fair, Korean is a really hard language to learn and Duolingo confused me with all the symbols (don’t use Duolingo if you don’t already know the symbols).
Instead, learn these common words/phrases phonetically instead:
- Hello / Hi: 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)
- Thank you: 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)
- Yes: 네 (Ne)
- No: 아니요 (Aniyo)
- Please: 제발 (Jebal)
- Excuse me / I’m sorry: 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida)
- How much is this?: 이거 얼마에요? (Igeo eolmaeyo?)
- Where is the bathroom?: 화장실 어디에요? (Hwajangsil eodieyo?)
- I don’t understand: 이해하지 못해요 (Ihaehaji mothaeyo)
- Help!: 도와주세요 (Dowajuseyo)
- Check, please: 계산서 주세요 (Gyesanseo juseyo)
- Goodbye (if you are leaving): 안녕히 계세요 (Annyeonghi gyeseyo)
- Goodbye (if you are staying): 안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi gaseyo)
- Delicious: 맛있어요 (Mashisseoyo)
- Do you speak English?: 영어 하세요? (Yeongeo haseyo?)
Thankfully, many individuals in tourism (at hotels, restaurants, shops, etc) speak some degree of English, and many younger locals speak some level of English as well. We were so thankful that most signs on public transit and in major tourist areas are in both Korean and English – phew!
However, don’t expect everyone to speak English, as some taxi/Uber drivers, local residents, and market/street food vendors only spoke Korean. So, make an effort; the locals will totally appreciate it! There were definitely situations in which the language barrier was more-than difficult, and we had to rely on translation apps.
Other Observations and FAQs about Korea
Will I enjoy Korea if I’m not into K-pop or K-dramas? 100%. To be quite honest, I can probably only sing along to one BTS song (and have never seen a K-drama in my life), and still thoroughly enjoyed our week in Korea. Yes, there’s plenty to do for the K-fan, but it’s not necessary for a fun visit to the country.
Things just make sense in Korea. Directions actually get you where you need to go, signs are super clear and not confusing, there’s ramps for luggage on (some) steps, hot water and microwaves for takeaway ramen in convenience stores, and people line up like civil human beings.
Locals love their little dogs. Something that surprised us SO much (considering a law was just put in place in 2024 re: banning dog meat). Every single dog we saw was dressed up with some clothing on and plenty were in strollers, haha (including puffer jackets and dresses), and there’s tons of stores dedicated to dog clothes and toys.
There’s TONS of shopping in Korea. You may wanna consider bringing an empty suitcase, haha. A few important things to note: Korea uses Asian sizing (understandably, this is Asia, haha) so you may need to get a larger size than you’re used to. Some places ask you to wear a face covering (so you don’t get the clothes dirty with makeup). Some clothes are one size fits all. Some stores show one piece per item on the floor, and you’ll get a fresh item when you buy. Don’t forget to get your tax refund receipt back so you can get money back at the airport!
And now, what you’ve been waiting for, a complete 7 days in South Korea itinerary!
The Best One Week in Korea Itinerary
A few notes about this South Korea itinerary:
- This Korea itinerary assumes you have a full 7 days in Korea. Meaning if your flight arrives mid-day or late at night, you’ll want an extra day in order to see and do all the things on this itinerary.
- It’s very GO GO GO and busy. I tend to travel quite fast. If you’d prefer a more relaxed type of trip, I recommend staying in Seoul the entire week and skipping Busan entirely. Trust me, there’s tons to do in the capital city – and you could even tack on a day trip or two (popular one’s being the DMZ, Nami Island, Mt. Seorak National Park, and Suwon).
- If you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, I HIGHLY recommend you tack on an extra day to this Korea itinerary (or cut out a few things in Busan) for the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival. The amount of cherry trees over there is insane, and I still get teary eyed thinking about how gorgeous that day was!
Korea Itinerary Day 1: Neighborhoods of Seoul
Where to Stay in Seoul
Most tourists stay in either Hongdae or Myeongdong (as there’s tons of shopping and restaurants in both).
If you’re looking for vibrant nightlife and artistic vibes (think buzzy night clubs, bars, and late-night shenanigans), base yourself in Hongdae. It’s a bit further away from the rest of the city, so stay somewhere near the subway (for easy access to transit).
We stayed at the gorgeous RYSE Autograph Collection in Hongdae, and the service was impeccable, the room was so stylish, and there was even a Blue Bottle in the lobby! I also got recommendations for Mercure Ambassador Seoul and Amanti Hotel Seoul.
If you wanna stay right in the heart of the city, stay in Myeongdong! It’s pretty central to most neighborhoods you’ll wanna visit, so it’s a lot easier to get around to see the major attractions.
We actually stayed at MOXY Seoul Myeongdong on our first official night in Korea after landing in the country, but didn’t stay long since we took the KTX the next morning for 3 days in Busan and to see the cherry blossoms in Jinhae.
Also check out L7 Myeongdong, Metro Hotel Myeongdong, and Hotel 28 Myeongdong.
On your first day of your South Korea itinerary, I suggest visiting a few popular neighborhoods.
Read Next: A Super Crazy Detailed 5 Day Seoul Itinerary
Stop 1: Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
Up first – Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, a charming area with traditional Korean houses (hanoks) that’ve been lovingly restored into cafes, boutiques, restaurants, and guesthouses. It’s a great introduction to Seoul, and Korea in general, as you get to see that unique blend of old and new straight away… and there’s SO much good food, haha.
Who else wakes up STARVING after a long flight?! Wander the narrow alleys, take lots of photos, and visit a few cafes – what the area’s really known for.
We got there nice and early before the crowds came, but expect to wait on some lines no matter what. A few popular cafes:
- Mil Toast: known for their fresh and fluffy steam bread, strawberry milk, and french toast
- Cheese Industry: pastries centered around cheese, like “Berry Nuts Brie” and “Maple Burrata”
- Jayeondo Salt Bread: some of the fluffiest, softest, butteriest, most flavorful salt bread I’ve ever had – don’t miss the fresh squeezed OJ (its legendary)
- Cheong su dang Café: meticulously crafted desserts in what feels like a Japanese-inspired greenhouse
- Nakwon Station Cafe: known for their train track running through a cafe and conveyor belt of cakes
And between all that eating?! There’s trendy shops and artisan workshops to peruse – it really is a hotspot for handmade crafts and hip vintage items (which I found so unexpected and fun).
Stop 2: Insadong
Not far from Ikseon-dong Hanok Village is Insadong, the next stop on this 7 day Korea itinerary (you can even walk there). This neighborhood is known for its rich cultural heritage and artistic ambiance, with lots of art galleries, traditional wooden teahouses, antique shops, and street performances. Don’t miss watching the candy vendors on the street!
A few things not to miss here in Insadong:
- Insadong Shopping Street: A busy street lined with vendors and boutiques offering everything from calligraphy materials and ceramics to hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) and folk crafts. Great for some window shopping!
- Starbucks Insadong: Why am I telling you to go to Starbucks?! Well, it’s actually the only Starbucks in the WORLD whose sign isn’t in English. Kinda cool, right? Especially for someone like my husband who can’t go an hour without some caffeine, haha.
- Sip a cup of traditional Korean tea: There’s plenty of traditional tea houses along Insadong Shopping Street, so we did just that! We opted for “Traditional Teahouse Insadong”, but there’s also Namusae Tea House, Shin Tea House, Dalsaeneun Dalman, and plenty more, haha.
- Jogyesa Temple: This is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Seoul, and we were lucky enough to catch some of the colorful decorations and lanterns for Buddha’s birthday (kinda like we saw at Yonggungsa Temple in Busan!). I would have loved to visit during the Lotus Lantern Festival – photos look insane!
- Ssamziegil Mall: A unique shopping complex with a spiral-shaped walkway lined with shops selling handmade crafts, accessories, and artworks. We wandered through for a few minutes but left once we got hungry, haha.
Stop 3: Myeongdong
After a busy afternoon, it’s time for Myeongdong – a lively neighborhood home to the popular Namsan Cable Car, delicious street food, and all the skincare shops you can imagine (don’t miss a visit to Olive Young!).
We loved wandering around, stuffing our faces with lots of street food, having dinner at Myeongdong Kyoja (a super cheap michelin star meal), customizing some Nike clothing, and even getting a caricature of us (super popular over here).
There’s also the Nanta Cooking Show if you’re looking for something silly (don’t worry, it’s a non-verbal comedy show so no worries if your Korean isn’t perfect… or non-existent, haha). If there’s clear skies, consider taking the cable car and N Seoul Tower up Namsan Mountain!
The #1 thing to do in Myeongdong – the Night Market! Myeongdong is famous for its street food scene, and lemme just say – you won’t be going hungry here! Around 3-4pm, the famous night market opens – trust me, you’ll smell it before you see it, haha.
We tried a whole slew of things, including tteokbokki, egg bread (sounds odd but just try it), cheese bbq, hotteok, a fire marshmallow, coconut shrimps, and I can never say no to a mochi! Honestly, there’s so, so much food here – it’s overwhelming.
Week in Korea Day 2: Traditional Seoul
Day 2 is all about traditional Korea! And if you’d rather learn from the expertise of a local guide, there’s a guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village for just that (hanboks optional)!
Stop 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace
First stop of the day – Gyeongbokgung Palace! Built in 1395 (yes, over 600 years ago), it was the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. We loved roaming around the palace, admiring all the ornate details, and of course taking loads of pictures!
Don’t miss the Changing of the Royal Guard (Sumunjang) ceremony, which is completely free and takes place at the Gwanghwamun Gate (south entrance of the palace grounds) at 10am and 2pm everyday except Tuesdays.
Consider dressing up in a traditional Hanbok before visiting the palace and/or Bukchon Hanok Village! It’s a great way to immerse yourself into the culture, and Koreans actually support it, as it’s part of promoting their history. Plus, entry to palaces is free if you’re wearing hanbok.
There’s plenty of rental shops near Gyeongbokgung Palace – you pick out your skirt and jacket, get your hair done with accessories, and totally feel like you’re transported back to the Joseon period or on an old set of a K-drama, haha.
Stop 2: Bukchon Hanok Village
Historic and charming, Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional village with hundreds of hanok (Korean houses) that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. There’s narrow cobblestoned streets with traditional architecture, quaint tea houses, and artisan shops. It’s on everyone’s Seoul itinerary, so it’ll undoubtedly be crowded. You can easily spend half the day walking around here.
Please oh please respect the residents. Bukchon Hanok Village wasn’t built for tourists, so remember to keep your voices down and think twice before going onto private property.
We spent some time relaxing and sipping strawberry milk lattes from Green Mile Coffee – head up to their rooftop for views of the hanok roofs. Also, Granhand Perfume is really popular, and it all smelled so good, haha.
Psst – on your way from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Bukchon Hanok Village stop by Nuldam Space Cafe to write a letter to your future self. Such a fun concept and we can’t wait to get ours next year!
Stop 3: Dongdaemun Design Plaza
The iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or simply DDP for short, is super fashion-forward and futuristic. It’s a whole complex full of modern architecture (designed by world-renowned architect, Zaha Hadid), shopping, and ever-changing museum exhibits.
The space was honestly a bit confusing to me, as there’s so many floors and so many different exhibits on each one (who knows what I missed, haha). The outdoor exhibits and fun statues change all the time so you never know what you’re gonna see! Expect plenty of cherry blossoms here in the spring.
Stop 4: Gwangjang Market tour
If you’re like me and get super intimidated by large markets (with tons and tons of stalls), sign up for a market tour! You’ll try things you never even heard of (like wiggly octopus legs that are still moving…yup), and get recs from a local guide.
We ate bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), tried so much kimchi and tteokbokki, took photos with Cho Yonsoon (the famous Netflix knife-cut noodle lady), and even learned some Korean drinking games which we then played for god knows how long, haha.
The one thing you can’t leave without: the twisted donut from Chapssal Kkwabaegi (Glutinous Rice Twist). Run, don’t walk. They’re basically the OG of Korean pastries — imagine if a mochi donut and a churro had a baby, and that’s what you’ve got.
Psst – if you have time before the market tour, consider stopping by Cheonggyecheon Stream, a long stream that eventually flows into the Han River. It’s a modern urban renewal project in the heart of Seoul, and a great way to get outta the hustle and bustle for a bit. And absolutely beautiful at sunset.
South Korea Itinerary Day 3: Modern Seoul
Stop 1: Gangnam
Remember that song “Gangnam Style”?! How could you not? It’s practically a global sensation! Sung by South Korean artist PSY, it made the neighborhood super well-known (despite not many people actually knowing Gangnam is a place in Korea, haha)!
But Gangnam is actually super upscale and trendy, famous for its high-end fashion boutiques, luxury brands, ritzy cocktail bars, and tons of plastic surgery clinics (K-beauty anyone?!).
It’s known as the Beverley Hills of Seoul, and where the rich and famous live and play. Yes, status matters over here! We spent one morning experiencing the luxurious side of Seoul, and enjoyed it way more than we thought.
A few things not to miss in Gangnam:
- COEX Mall and Starfield Library: This is the epic library with the epic architecture, and yes, you need to come early if you wanna take photos/videos on the escalators. There’s also tons of shops, a movie theater, and even an aquarium.
- Gangnam Style statue: A huge set of golden fists celebrating the global success of PSY’s hit song “Gangnam Style”! And it’s so, so fun (yes, we were those nerdy fans singing along to the 24/7 music playing and dancing, haha). You’ll find this right outside COEX Mall.
- K-Star Road: A street with large, colorful bear statues called “GangnamDol” representing various K-pop idols and groups like BTS, EXO, and Girls’ Generation. Even though we’re not big into K-pop, it was fun to see the different bears – they’re all uniquely designed.
- Nudake Cafe: Actually located within Gentle Monster, this cafe’s got a striking interior and an even more creative menu (I swear, everything looks like it comes straight out of a sci-fi movie). We chose a black sesame latte and black croissant – the latte was perfect but the croissant was kinda meh.
Stop 2: Seoul Forest Park
Time for some greenery and nature! Hop on the subway over the river to Seoul Forest Park, one of the largest parks in all of Seoul. The park is way larger than I thought it’d be, so we obviously didn’t walk the whole thing, but you can see deer and butterflies if you’re willing to walk!
We saw tons of cherry blossoms in the spring (when we visited!), and it’s easily one of the prettiest places to admire them in Seoul!
Stop 3: Seongsu Shopping
After a stroll in Seoul Forest Park, head over to Seongsu, dubbed the “Brooklyn of Seoul” for its industrial chic aesthetic. It’s a trendy neighborhood known for its hipster vibe, awesome shopping (lots of concept stores), and stylish cafes. There’s typically lots of pop-up shops and markets around here, so you never really know what you’ll find!
Whatever you do, don’t miss the famous Dior shop – you can’t go inside without a reservation (you can make one at the door and come back if it’s busy), but the outside is just as worthy (designed by the French architect Christian de Portzamparc). You’ll see lots of photoshoots over here, haha.
I also checked out emis (I got a baseball hat here!), Point of View stationary store, Osoi, Ader error (wow, just wow!), and Rain Report Croissant. Honestly, just stroll around and you’ll find tons of cool Korean brands/shops to pop into.
Stop 4: Jamsil for Baseball Game
If you’re a fan of sports (or just chicken and beer, haha), grab tickets to a baseball game! We got lucky and the season was just starting when we spent our week in Korea (the season runs late March to late August).
Jamsil is the largest baseball stadium in South Korea, home to both the LG Twins and the Doosan Bears (part of the KBO League). And fans are super lively and fun – they sing a lot and there’s tons of cheering, even K-pop dancers!
If you’re visiting later in the season and wanna ensure good seats (plus learn from a local), consider booking a full baseball experience – includes beer and dinner, too!
FYI: If you’re not interested in attending a Korean baseball game (honestly, it was super fun though) or the season has already ended, you can head over to Banpo Hangang Park to see the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, or nearby Seorae Island.
7 Days in Korea Day 4: Day in Hongdae
Stop 1: Hongdae
Hongdae is vibrant and eclectic, known for its indie music scene, street art, and crazy nightlife. It’s sometimes compared to Japan’s Harajuku, and I can kinda see why – they’re both youthful, trendy, and creative. But honestly, very different vibes (Harajuku’s way more avant-garde).
You can totally spend the whole day in Hongdae (after breakfast at Egg Drop or Isaac Toast of course), and that’s exactly what I recommend doing! Besides strolling Picasso Street, Hongik University Street, and Hongdae Walking Street, there’s a whole slew of things to do.
Expect tons of shopping (don’t miss Fresh Plush if you’ve got a dog back home), the super quirky Ramyun Library, Gyeongui Line Forest Park, and all the cute cafes (namely Thanks Nature Cafe, with live sheep I might add, Sanrio Lovers Club, Cafe Teteum, Colline – where I had the best strawberry bingsu, 943 King’s Cross, and Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe).
Most things you can just decide the moment of, but there’s two you’ll need to book in advance: skincare treatments and a perfume making class!
You deserve some pampering (or at least one step closer to that ever-elusive glass skin look), and thankfully Hongdae’s got a bunch of skin care clinics! Korea is world-renowned for their cutting-edge skincare technology and innovation, and treatments are WAYYYY cheaper than in the States (plus, a tourist tax refund at the airport – save your receipts).
Think microneedling, botox, aqua peels, pico toning laser, etc – always consult with the esthetician; they’ll give you options on what is best for your skin and such. We went to Lienjang Clinic in Hongdae (super foreigner-friendly with lots of expertise) for some basic treatments, and lemme tell you – I’ve never taken a face numbing cream selfie before, haha.
Ever wanted to make your own perfume? You can do just that with a class at Greedy Scent. We smelled dozens of fragrances, and picked out the exact combo for our top, middle, and base scents. And of course I walked away with my very own signature scent! Make sure to sign up in advance as slots get taken quickly, and there’s only a few per class.
Stop 2: Ramen by Han River
After all that shopping, walking, and skin care pampering, take the subway over the river to Yeouido Hangang Park for a relaxing break by the Han River. This is where everyone comes to hang out and have picnics or ramen at 7-11 (yes, it’s a thing here).
You choose your ramen, then cook it at the machine outside – super convenient and cheap, haha! There’s even picnic blankets and small tables for rent; they sure know how to picnic.
But don’t stay out too late tonight – we’re off to Busan early the next morning!
Day 5 in Korea: KTX to Busan
Welcome to Busan, South Korea’s dazzling seaside gem where city meets sea and where we spent an unforgettable 3 days.
Think colorful hillside villages full of murals and art installations. Bustling seafood markets with the freshest catches of the day. Historic temples surrounded by peaceful mountain landscapes and the turquoise sea. Vibrant nightlife in trendy districts full of energy. Beaches, yacht marinas, and more! That’s Busan in a nutshell!
Read Next: The Perfect 3 Days in Busan
How to get to Busan
From Seoul, Busan is ~325 kilometers (200 miles) away. Thankfully, there’s two quick and efficient ways to get between the two – either a short flight or via the KTX high-speed train. Given how easy it is, I highly recommend taking the train.
The high-speed train network in Korea is called the Korea Train Express, or KTX for short. It connects Busan to major cities throughout South Korea, and it’s super simple and convenient. From Seoul, you’ll depart from Seoul Station and arrive at Busan Station in about 2 ½ to 3 hours.
And this is exactly how we got to Busan! We found the trains really comfortable, super safe (since there’s so much CCTV everywhere, even on public transport), and were able to use the free wifi. For reference, we took a 7:30am KTX train from Seoul and arrived in Busan around 10:30am, meaning we had most of the day to explore.
Psst – once you make it to Busan Station, I recommend storing your luggage in a coin locker so you’re able to freely explore the area without all your bags!
Important note: I HIGHLY recommend buying your KTX tickets in advance – the train gets filled up when it’s busy (like in cherry blossom season when we visited).
Definitely consider purchasing KTX tickets via Klook (which is exactly what we did). There’s a deal for a group of 2-5 people for ~$90 per person for unlimited train travel for 2 days in a 10 day period. Note that it’s only for tourists, and slightly discounted than buying a regular ticket.
Head to this very comprehensive Busan post for more details on the KTX train.
Where to Stay in Busan
Wanna be centrally located? Stay in Nampo-dong, known for its vibrant markets, historical sites, and plenty of seafood restaurants. Check out Nampo Hound Hotel Premier, Aventree Hotel Busan, and Hotel Foret Premier Nampo.
But for a different pace of life, stay by the beach in Busan (the coastal charm is what makes the city so attractive). Haeundae Beach (known for its sky capsules and Blueline Park) and Gwangalli Beach (with its famous Gwangan Bridge) are both popular spots with tourists.
We chose to stay at the Park Hyatt Busan in Haeundae – a luxury hotel with fantastic views of the harbor. Other Haeundae properties that were recommended to me were the Signiel Busan, The Westin Chosun Busan, Hanwha Resort Haeundae, and Ananti at Busan Cove.
Popular hotels in Gwangalli include Hotel Aqua Palace, H Avenue Hotel, and Kent Hotel Gwangalli by Kensington.
Stop 1: BIFF Square
After the early morning train ride, you’re probably hungry (we sure were!). So it’s the perfect excuse to head off to BIFF Square for some street food stalls! It’s named after the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), and is a hub of cinematic culture and entertainment.
Over here you’ll find a variety of local Korean snacks, so don’t be shy. Indulge in a seed hotteok (piping hot Korean sweet pancakes stuffed with seeds) at Seunggi Ssiat Hotteok (made famous for being on “One Night and Two Days”, a Korean reality show). Look for the stall with the longest queue and you found it, haha.
Tip: Make sure to have some Korean won on hand – many street vendors prefer cash. You can also check out Gwangbok-ro Fashion Street nearby as well.
Stop 2: Jagalchi Market
Up next – one of the most famous and largest seafood markets in all of South Korea, Jagalchi Market! It represents the heart of Busan’s fishing industry, and there’s a STAGGERING variety of fresh and live seafood (tons of fish, shellfish, octopus, squid, crabs, etc). And when I tell you it’s bustling, it really is. So much catch of the day both on display and in the tanks inside.
Try some hoe (raw fish) with kimchi and gochujang (red chili paste) if you’re still hungry after all the food at BIFF Square. We were stuffed so we just wandered around the market instead.
And get this – the market dates back to the Korean War era, around the 1950s! It’s since become a landmark in Busan, understandably so!
Stop 3: Busan City Views at Lotte Observatory
Time for some city views! We walked over to the Lotte Department Store Observatory, which is actually a free viewpoint from the roof on the 13th floor! From here you can see the scenic coastline, the bustling city center, and the picturesque mountains.
Psst – there’s a few Lotte’s in Busan – make sure you go to the right one! You’ll be looking for the Lotte Department Store Gwangbok Branch.
After exploring the area near(ish) Busan Station for a bit, I recommend heading to your hotel and checking in. Don’t forget to grab your luggage outta the coin lockers of course!
Stop 4: Gwangalli Beach
Up Next – Gwangalli Beach, an urban beach area with tons of character and even more good food. I recommend heading to the sandy beach a bit before sunset, and then staying afterwards to see the area transform into night.
A major highlight of Gwangalli Beach – the iconic Gwangandaegyo Bridge (aka Gwangan Bridge). It’s the largest double-layer bridge in Korea, and even has the world’s largest set of LED lights and sound equipment. Take some pics with the bridge and coastal skyline, and stay around to watch the bridge’s light show (occurring daily at 8pm and 10pm, with an additional show at 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays). This was a complete surprise to us, and it was honestly really impressive.
We had a super simple dinner of ramen on the beach (from a nearby 7-11 – it’s super common here), but there’s tons of cute cafes and dinner spots if you want something a bit fancier. The exhaustion was really starting to set in so we were more than happy with some quick instant ramen, haha.
And if it’s Saturday, you’ll get to watch the drone light show (although I wouldn’t necessarily rearrange your whole itinerary for this). While we were absolutely mesmerized watching the hundreds of drones lighting up the night sky (and wow oh wow that choreography is impressive), the show was only about 10 minutes or so and wish it had been longer!
Stop 5: The Bay 101
If you’re still up for one last activity of the night, head over to The Bay 101 for fantastic views of the city. Think panoramic views of Haeundae Beach, the ocean, and the skyline, including the iconic Marine City skyscrapers.
We were pretty exhausted by now, so stopped by very briefly. And it was so much busier than I thought! Everyone was out and about taking pics of the twinkly lights and massive skyscrapers.
Since we were staying in Haeundae at the Park Hyatt Busan, we simply walked back to our hotel afterwards. Note that if you’re not staying in Haeundae like we were, I’d recommend tacking on The Bay 101 to the end of Day 6 instead (as you can practically walk from the market).
7 Days in Korea Day 6: Highlights of Busan
Get ready, because today’s a FULL day of sightseeing. If you’re arriving in Busan the morning of Day 5 and leaving in the late afternoon/night on Day 7, today’s your only full day – may as well make the absolute most of it!
Because of this, I highly recommend you book yourself on a tour. Tourist attractions are pretty spread out in Busan, and you don’t wanna spend half your day figuring out transportation or relying on expensive taxis.
Plus, if you’re having difficulties buying a ticket for the ever-so-popular Sky Capsule (like us – we found it near impossible), just make it easy and book a guided tour of Busan that includes it! That’s exactly what we did, and this is the EXACT tour we went on – the day was super well planned and we saw SO much more on the tour than we would have if we were navigating the city ourselves.
Stop 1: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
One of my favorite stops in all of Busan – the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (translating to “Korean Dragon Palace Temple” in English)! It’s one of the few Buddhist temples in Korea located along the coastline, which makes it oh so super popular (most Korean temples are located in the mountains).
Haedong Yonggungsa is set against a dramatic backdrop of rocky cliffs and the blue sea — I loved the picturesque views and all the nature! And of course the sound of the waves, but you could hardly hear them over all the crowds, haha.
The temple was originally built in 1376 during the Goryeo Dynasty, so it’s been around for quite a while. And get this – it’s still an active place of worship, even after all these years.
Note that you need to descend 108 steps to reach the temple complex — it is located on a coastal cliff afterall! But I promise the exercise is well worth it – we spent about an hour or so at the temple and could’ve stayed longer (although we were ready to leave since the crowds were so horrible).
Stop 2: Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory
Next is a quick stop at Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory, a modern skywalk with a transparent glass floor and gorgeous views of the East Sea, the rocky coastline, and the picturesque Cheongsapo Fishing Village.
The observatory is located near one end of Haeundae Blueline Park (where the ever-so-popular sky capsules are located), so a perfect pit stop for more views!
Stop 3: Seafood BBQ Lunch in Cheongsapo
We then walked over to Cheongsapo for a seafood bbq lunch — and what a feast we had!
Cheongsapo is a fishing village famous for its seafood and charming coastal views, so of course that’s what was on the menu. Think shrimp, octopus, clams, scallops, abalone, and plenty of types of fish. I heard that some restaurants even have tanks with live seafood!
I have no idea the name of the place, but if you take the same tour we did, you’ll most likely end up here as well.
To be honest, it was kinda pricey, but the seafood was super fresh (and locally-sourced) and the portions were pretty decent! Plus plenty of banchan (side dishes), like kimchi, pickled vegetables, and salads.
Stop 4: Haeundae Blueline Park and Sky Capsule
Finally – it’s time to ride the sky capsules!
Yes, these are the super cute little colorful capsules you see all over social media; right here in Busan! Over here in Haeundae Blueline Park you’ve got a few options — riding the sky capsule, the Haeundae Beach train, or simply walking along the railway coastal trail. But of course it’s the retro-looking sky capsules we’re after!
To be honest, the ride was a little underwhelming, but still fun. I didn’t realize just how slow it goes (about 4km/hr), but I guess that’s a good thing so you can really take in the views. The whole route, from Mipo Station to Cheongsapo Station (or reverse like we did), takes about 30 minutes.
PS — I’d opt for a one-way ticket; there’s no need to ride the sky capsule round trip in my opinion.
Stop 5: Huinnyeoul Coastal Village
Next up – Huinnyeoul Coastal Village (or Huinnyeoul Munhwa Maul in Korean). Told you this was a long day! Located on Yeongdo Island, this charming coastal village is way less popular than Gamcheon Culture Village, so thankfully wasn’t busy at all.
There’s two main roads here – the coastal promenade (which is right next to the sea) and the road higher up where you’ll find all the shops, cozy cafes, and colorful murals (where we stayed). If you’re up for it, you can walk down the rainbow steps to see the popular Huinnyeoul Coast Tunnel – we were already utterly exhausted so decided to opt out, haha. Next time for us!
Stop 6: Gamcheon Cultural Village
One of the most popular things to do in Busan, and the last official stop on the tour!
If you’ve done any research on Busan at all, you’ve most definitely come across those panoramic views with colorful houses on the hill – that’s Gamcheon Cultural Village!
It’s situated on a hillside, so expect lots of hills and steps, but also colorful alleys, murals, and art installations. And of course it’s colorful houses – definitely view them from above (our favorite viewpoint was from Coffee It House, but there’s also Cafe Wooin and the Haneul Maru Observation Deck).
Remember – people still live in these homes (many elderly), so please be a respectful and quiet tourist.
Stop 7: Snacks at Haeundae Market
If you’re staying in Haeundae like we were, hit up the Haeundae Market after dinner for some street snacks! I wouldn’t go crazy out of your way for this, but any night that ends with a hot honey hotteok in hand is a good night, haha.
Korea Itinerary Day 7: Busan
After a crazy busy few days, today is thankfully more relaxed. We decided to Uber around a bit, and found prices to be more than reasonable (you can totally use public transit, but we were feeling lazy, haha).
Stop 1: Haeundae Beach
Start off the morning with a stroll along the most famous beach in all of Busan! With its gentle waves and soft, golden sand, this place gets beyond packed in the summer months, but was relatively quiet in April when we visited.
Wander down Gunam-ro (the main road of Haeundae Beach), go shopping at Olive Young, Daiso, and Artbox, and head up BUSAN X the SKY (Korea’s 2nd tallest building with a sky observatory on the 100th floor), with the highest starbucks in the world!
Stop 2: Coralani for breakfast/brunch
Next up – a cafe with total Bali vibes in Busan (ohhh how I miss Bali oh so much)! We took a quick Uber/taxi from Haeundae to Coralani, a massive cafe right on the coast with the most spectacular views. The pastries are kinda expensive, but what do you expect – look at those views (too bad we got hit with lots of clouds)!
There’s a few levels of seating – we headed upstairs to the roof and hung out on the beanbags for a bit and just relaxed.
Stop 3: Songdo Bay Cable Car or Taejongdae Resort Park
Songdo Bay Cable Car
More nature and sea views! The Songdo Bay Cable Car (also called Songdo Marine Cable Car and Busan Air Cruise – I was confused, haha), travels across the water to Songdo Sky Park where you’ll find a nature walk, cafe, and street food-style vendors.
You can choose from a cable car with a regular opaque or glass bottom, but I read reviews saying the glass bottom wasn’t worth the extra money so I’d opt for a regular (and save that cash for a few extra bowls of tteokbokki).
Taejongdae Resort Park
Nope, it’s not a resort or an amusement park! Taejongdae is simply a scenic nature park on the coast with cliffs, forest trails, and an observatory with panoramic views of the sea.
In order to get around the park, you’ll need to buy a ticket for the Taejongdae Danubi Train (or walk/hike, but the area’s huge). We stopped at popular areas like the Tejongsa Buddhist Temple and Yeongdo Lighthouse.
Afterwards, we stopped by a cafe called Thrill on the Mug at the Taejongdae Ocean Flying Theme Park (where you can zip-line across the ocean if you’d like). We simply got some drinks and snacks, and enjoyed the views.
Stop 4: Stairs of Wishes (Somang Stairs)
What is it exactly? A short monorail heading up the steep steps, built by the community! It’s free, but built for the residents there, so always give priority to them of course. There was an elderly local man helping tourists and residents – he was so, so sweet and insisted on taking some cute photos for us. One of those quirky attractions you’d only find in Korea, haha.
I loved all the colorful mosaics on the stairs and all the murals. Plus, there were tons of cherry trees in bloom right over here which I loved of course.
Stop 5: KTX Train Back to Seoul
If you’re flying home from Seoul (tomorrow!), take the high-speed KTX train back to the city tonight. Psst – I never recommend relying on public transit the day of your flight for long distances; you never know what can and will happen!
And that’s a wrap on this 7 day South Korea itinerary! Are you planning a week in South Korea anytime soon?!
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