Great South Korea Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend?

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 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.

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.

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.

Have you ever dreamed of walking through an ancient village wearing traditional clothing or indulging in some of the finest street cuisine in the world? Perhaps you are dreaming of a pristine beach or spending the night with Buddhist monks? You can keep your dream alive and accomplish all of the above by visiting the Land of the Morning Calm better known as South Korea. A country steeped in tradition and ancient cultures, travellers will be thrilled with the plethora of things to do in South Korea. South Korea brings an incredible appetite of meaningful attractions to the table that ranges from visiting the pristine Jeju-si Island to the neon lit streets of Seoul to the hipper beach attitude of Busan. Travellers smile while walking through gardens with 500-year old trees, meditating at a 14th century Buddhist temple and viewing traditional hanok architecture at every turn of the head. The mixture of ancient and present-day culture permeates through the busy streets whether you want to shop, visit a palace or take a bicycle ride through the countryside. Here are 16 things to do in South Korea to keep you busy exploring the exciting landscape it has to offer.

May in South Korea is the middle of the spring season, offering delightful weather for outdoor exploration. The landscapes transform into a kaleidoscope of colors. Parks and streets in cities like Seoul and Busan are adorned with cherry blossoms. Jeju-do Island is particularly beautiful around this time. Foreign and domestic visitors flock to this island in the Korean Strait to enjoy the stunning natural scenery, beaches and waterfalls. Culture enthusiasts can check out the Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul, which celebrates the birth anniversary of Buddha. Gyeongju World Culture Expo is another major event that celebrates the art, culture, and history that you can experience during your trip to South Korea in May. A perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural festivities, and culinary delights awaits this month.

March in South Korea marks the transition from winter to spring, offering an ideal blend of pleasant weather, picturesque landscapes, and reasonable costs. This is the perfect time to revel in the beauty of cherry blossoms adorning the streets of Seoul, traverse the scenic countryside trails of Jeju Island, or check out the historic sites of Gyeongju. With fewer crowds and moderate temperatures, a trip to South Korea in March offers a prime window to experience the essence before the summer rush ensues.

June marks the start of summer in South Korea, offering the perfect excuse to visit the country’s coastal areas such as Busan, Gangneung, and Jeju Island. If things get too hot and muggy, you can head toward the mountains for a bracing hike or explore Seoraksan National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. June in South Korea is also the start of the monsoon season, which becomes more pronounced toward the latter half of the month. If you are caught on one of the rainy days, there are plenty of indoor attractions, including museums, art galleries, and palaces, that you can check out.

Eating the local cuisine is one of the best ways to experience a country’s culture. Like most cuisines around the world, traditional Korean food has been influenced over the centuries by conquests and conquerors. Traditional Korean foods include subtle elements from Japan, Mongolia and China that have enhanced the flavour of Korean cuisine. When you visit South Korea you will find plenty of traditional Korean dishes from barbeque (gui) to stews (jjigae) to soups (guk) to side dishes (banchan) and something sweet (dijeoteu) that will surely please your palate. If you are wondering what to eat in South Korea, then here are 10 traditional Korean food dishes that you must try.

Summer heat and humidity give way to pleasant fall weather conditions in South Korea in September. The air is crisp, and the skies are clear, perfect for exploring popular sights and culture. Tour the ancient palaces and temples in Seoul, hike the picturesque countryside wrapped in autumn hues, or spend a perfect day at one of the many beaches. In September, South Korea invites visitors with an array of sights, activities, flavors, and festivities. Read on to find out what your trip to South Korea will be like this month.

South Korea is a unique country. One on hand, its modernization is incomparable to any other country on the planet. On the other hand, it still maintains its age-old traditions and culture, proving that you do not have to choose between one or the other. Head over to South Korea, where you can enjoy dinner at the top floor of a glittering skyscraper, and then head over to a 600-year-old monastery for a meditative session. Who says you cannot have it all? But before you plan your trip to South Korea, there are a few things you should consider — first of all, what is the best time to visit South Korea? The capital city of South Korea, Seoul.