How Long to Stay in South Korea

South Korea’s distinctive culture, along with its booming economy, makes for a very unique travel destination. With scores of sights to see, numerous things to do, and a variety of cuisines to try, any traveler’s South Korea itinerary will surely be packed with new and exciting adventures. From unique food escapades in Jeonju, historic war site tours in the DMZ, folk village tours on Nami Island, and walking or cycling tours around Seoul, experiencing South Korea and its unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures makes for a truly magnificent vacation.How many days should you spend in South Korea? This guide will take you through the country’s top destinations to fill your trip to South Korea.

South Korea has an image of being technologically advanced, but it’s not all neon-light cityscapes. 5 days in South Korea will give you a superb introduction to its beautiful villages, intriguing medieval palaces, and ancient culture. You can visit up to three destinations in five days, including a major city like Seoul, along with beautiful natural spaces like Mount Seorak National Park and historically important sites such as the Demilitarized Zone. Admire Seoul’s top attractions like the Gyeongbokgung Palace, sample local dishes like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) on the Gwangjang Market food tour, and step back in time in the captivating Yongin Korea Folk Village, where you’ll witness shamanistic rituals and horseback martial arts. Here are our top 3 itineraries for a 5-day trip to South Korea.

From learning about Korean history at the War Memorial in Seoul and visiting Buddhist temples to experiencing life in the charming riverside village of Hahoe Folk Village, South Korea is packed with exciting experiences and enchanting destinations. Spending 6 days in South Korea will allow you to comfortably visit up to three destinations while focusing on one captivating aspect of this incredible country, like its ancient kingdoms or stunning cherry blossoms. Witness the changing of the guard at Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace; explore Gyeongju, the former capital of the Silla Kingdom; and visit the world-famous Seokguram Grotto, the country’s finest Buddhist shrine. Here are some itinerary ideas for a 6-day trip to South Korea.

If you have 9 days in South Korea, you can comfortably visit four or five major locations. Immerse yourself in the buzz of Seoul, learn about Korea’s troubled history in the DMZ and discover the nation's rich heritage in Andong Hahoe. While South Korea has a mega-modern transport infrastructure making it easy to hop from one destination to the next, perhaps consider touring South Korea for 9 days by bike. A first-class network of cycling paths offers a unique opportunity to comfortably discover a side of the country rarely seen by travelers.

Whether it’s gawking at the volcanic site of Seongsan Ilchulbong, learning about Korean brews at the O’sulloc Tea Museum, or driving along a colorful mountainside at Gamcheon, South Korea is brimming with fabulous experiences and dreamy destinations. Since it’s not a very large country, you can visit 4-5 top destinations across its length and breadth if you have 10 days in South Korea. You may either focus on one or two aspects of South Korea, such as culture and heritage, or opt for an all-inclusive 10-day itinerary. Discover K-pop at Seoul’s HiKR Ground, witness the inspiring women divers of Jeju, and shop for Korean handicrafts at the delightful Jeonju Nambu Traditional Market. Here are some of our top itineraries for 10-day tours of South Korea.

If you have 12 days in South Korea, you can comfortably visit up to six destinations, thanks to the country’s excellent transportation links. A hive of activity and home to nearly 10 million inhabitants, Seoul is easily worth a few days of exploration, and it’s easy to do a day trip to the ‘Demilitarized Zone’ from there. Sokcho is another popular tourist hub and gateway to the beautiful Seoraksan National Park. History buffs and culture enthusiasts won’t want to miss beautiful Gyeongju and should consider an overnight stay at a Buddhist Temple. City slickers might want to squeeze in a day or two in the port city of Busan and outdoorsy folks should definitely plan for a few days on the volcanic island of Jeju. Read on to find out what your 12-day trip to South Korea will look like.