Planning a week in South Korea? Get ready to dive headfirst into a culture that's equal parts modern and traditional, with a dash of culinary bliss. This itinerary mixes the bustling streets of Seoul with the serene beauty of Jeju Island and beyond, ensuring you get a taste of everything the Land of the Morning Calm has to offer. So grab your bags, and let’s hit the ground running!
Day 1: Arrival in Seoul
Morning: Land at Incheon International Airport. Take the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) to Seoul Station. This will take about 1 hour. Check into your hotel and drop off your luggage. If you’re feeling ambitious, grab a quick breakfast at a local café. Try a classic Korean dish like kimchi fried rice.
Afternoon: Head to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul's five grand palaces. It’s about a 30-minute subway ride from your hotel. Explore the beautiful grounds and catch the changing of the guard ceremony. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the palace in the background. For lunch, hit up a nearby restaurant for some bibimbap. Yum!
Evening: Stroll around the lively streets of Insadong, where traditional meets trendy. Browse through art galleries and souvenir shops. For dinner, indulge in Korean BBQ. You’ll want to grill your own meat at the table—nothing says “I’m on vacation” quite like the smell of sizzling beef.
Day 2: Explore Seoul
Morning: After breakfast, visit N Seoul Tower. Take the cable car up for panoramic views of the city. The ride will take around 15 minutes. Spend some time at the top snapping photos and enjoying the view. Then, wander through Namsan Park for a nature break.
Afternoon: Make your way to Myeongdong, a shopping paradise. Sample street food like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes). You’ll probably want to buy some skincare products too—Korean beauty is a game changer.
Evening: Wind down at Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Check out the futuristic architecture and grab dinner at a nearby night market. Try some fried chicken, because who can resist that crispy goodness? Afterward, consider catching a K-pop concert or a traditional performance if one is happening.
Day 3: Day trip to DMZ
Morning: Start early for a day trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Book a tour that includes a visit to the Third Infiltration Tunnel and the Dora Observatory. The trip takes about an hour from Seoul. Prepare for some serious history lessons and a chance to see North Korea from a distance.
Afternoon: After the tour, return to Seoul. Have a late lunch at a local café. Warm up with some comforting jjigae (Korean stew). You’ll need the energy for the evening!
Evening: Explore Hongdae, known for its youthful vibe and street performances. Check out the quirky shops and bars. Grab a drink at a themed café—there are plenty of cat, dog, and even raccoon cafés. Who wouldn’t want to sip coffee while surrounded by cute animals?
Day 4: Travel to Jeju Island
Morning: Fly to Jeju Island (about 1 hour). After checking into your hotel, head to Hallasan National Park for a hike. The park is home to South Korea’s highest mountain, Hallasan. The trails are stunning, and you’ll get an excellent workout—because vacation calories don’t count, right?
Afternoon: After your hike, visit a local restaurant for some fresh seafood. Jeju is famous for its black pork, so be sure to try some. It’s a taste you won’t forget!
Evening: Relax at one of Jeju’s beautiful beaches. Hamdeok Beach is a great choice for a sunset view. Spend some time unwinding and reflecting on your adventure. Maybe even dip your toes in the water. Just remember, it’s probably a little chilly!
Day 5: Discover Jeju Island
Morning: Visit Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak. It’s a volcanic crater with breathtaking views. The hike takes about 30 minutes, and it’s well worth it. Bring your camera—trust me, the Instagram likes will roll in.
Afternoon: Check out the Manjanggul Lava Tube, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll be walking through a massive cave formed by lava, which is both fascinating and a little eerie. Grab lunch at a nearby café after your adventure.
Evening: Head to the Jeju Folk Village to learn about traditional Korean culture. Afterward, find a cozy spot for dinner. Try some local Jeju specialties like abalone porridge. The flavors will linger long after your trip.
Day 6: Return to Seoul and relax
Morning: Fly back to Seoul. Once you arrive, spend some time at the COEX Mall. It’s not just any mall; it has an aquarium and a library that looks straight out of a movie. Grab a quick bite in the food court—try some Korean fried rice or kimbap.
Afternoon: Visit the Bongeunsa Temple nearby. This serene spot offers a stark contrast to the city’s hustle. Take a moment to meditate or just breathe deeply. You’ll need it for the evening.
Evening: Head to Gangnam for dinner. Try a trendy fusion restaurant or a classic Korean spot. After dinner, explore the nightlife in Gangnam. Who knows? You might just spot a K-drama star (or not, but it’s fun to pretend).
Day 7: Last day in Seoul
Morning: Visit Bukchon Hanok Village. Walk through the narrow streets filled with traditional Korean houses. Snap some photos for your travel scrapbook. It’s the perfect way to soak in the culture before heading home.
Afternoon: Head over to the traditional Gwangjang Market. Taste some bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) or mayak gimbap (addictive mini gimbap). You’ll leave with a full belly and maybe a few souvenirs.
Evening: Wrap up your trip with a relaxing Han River cruise. Enjoy the city skyline as the sun sets. It’s the perfect way to reflect on your week in South Korea, and you’ll probably be plotting your next trip before you even leave!
With this itinerary, you’ve explored urban jungles, tranquil beaches, and everything in between. South Korea is waiting for you to make some unforgettable memories—so pack your bags and get ready for an adventure that will make your friends green with envy!
