South Korea in 12 days: 2 Recommended Itineraries to South Korea

From the neon lights and food markets of the big cities to traditional villages and Buddhist Temples - with 12 days to spend, you can see it all! Here’s our top South Korea 12-day itinerary suggestions.

Spend 12 days in South Korea, starting in Seoul. The capital city is known for its neon lights, K-pop scene, and exotic street food. But dig deeper, and you’ll discover that this 2,000-year-old city has some of the richest history in Asia. You should not miss the magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Jogyesa Temple. Take a day trip to the DMZ and learn about the fraught relationship between the North and South. Seoraksan National Park makes a wonderful break from the buzz of the city. Here, you can hike or just enjoy the fresh mountain air. Then head to Andong, where you will interact with the locals and how they are keeping their ancient traditions alive. Gyeongju is a cultural gem and home to the excellent National Museum of Gyeongju. Make time for a trip to Seokguram Grotto, which dates back to the 8th century. You should also consider an overnight stay at a Buddhist Temple. This rewarding experience allows you to observe the practices of the monks who live here, including a morning meditation service. Finally, visit the bustling port city of Busan. Foodies should definitely check out the buzzing fish markets. See all tours to South Korea.

This South Korea 12-day itinerary plan will take you from the bright lights of Seoul to the natural beauty of Jeju Island and everything in between. South Korea’s modern capital, Seoul, is the perfect introduction to the country. Take a day or two to see the sights (don’t miss Gyeongbokgung Palace and the iconic Blue House) and tantalize your taste buds at local food markets. Spend a day visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), peek into North Korea at the Dora Observatory, and visit the Third Tunnel of Aggression built by North Korea to infiltrate the south. Escape to Seoraksan National Park, where you can hike to scenic viewpoints, or consider visiting Sinheungsa Temple. Next, Gyeongju is home to some of South Korea’s finest cultural treasures, including Cheomseongdae, Asia’s oldest surviving astronomical observatory. An overnight stay at a Buddhist Temple is a unique experience. Dine on healthy vegetarian meals and join the morning meditation ceremony. Then head to Busan, a thriving port city famous for delicious seafood and surprisingly lovely urban beaches. End your journey with a few days to explore the natural wonders of Jeju Island. Here, you’ll discover dramatic coastline and tumbling waterfalls. You may even want to consider a sailing tour around the island. Describe your ideal 12-day holiday for a customized trip to South Korea.

As one of Asia’s most developed but less visited destinations, 12 days in South Korea will provide a unique and rewarding travel experience. For help planning the perfect trip, speak to one of our expert advisors, who are full of top tips and great ideas for personalized South Korean trips.

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