South Korea in 9 Days: 2 Recommended 9-Day Itineraries to South Korea
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South Korea 9-day Itinerary Options
In just nine days, you can get an authentic South Korean experience. From the city to the countryside, you can dive into Korea’s fascinating recent and ancient history and indulge in one of Asia’s most popular cuisines. Here’s our top itinerary recommendations for 9-day South Korea trip:
Itinerary #1: Highlights of South Korea
| Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Seoul and have dinner at the buzzing Gwangjang Market | Arrival | Seoul |
| Day 2 | Visit the DMZ and tour Seoul in the afternoon | History & culture | Seoul |
| Day 3 | Travel to Sokcho and visit a North Korean refugee family | History & culture | Sokcho |
| Day 4 | Visit Seoraksan National Park and explore Sokcho | Cycling | Sokcho |
| Day 5 | Visit the Andong Hahoe Folk Village | Culture | Andong |
| Day 6 | Travel to Busan | Culture | Busan |
| Day 7 | Enjoy a coastal walk and dine at the Haeundae Night Market | Coastal walk | Busan |
| Day 8 | Take the bullet train to Seoul and enjoy a final Korean BBQ feast | Culture | Seoul |
| Day 9 | Your journey ends after breakfast | Departure |
Your nine-day journey through the heart of South Korea begins in Seoul, where you’ll discover an intoxicating mix of modern and ancient. This 2,000-year-old capital has it all — from ancient sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jogyesa Temple to the ultra-modern Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Go deep into the Korean Peninsula’s troubled history with a trip to the DMZ and later visit Abai, a small island community that is home to many North Korean refugees. Visit a family there to learn first-hand about the tragic history between the two countries. Commune with nature in Seoraksan National Park and check out the tourist hub of Sokcho, which is famous for its beautiful beaches and scenic coastline. Step back in time at Andong Hahoe Folk Village and learn about Korea’s unique heritage and customs stretching back 600 years. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy a homestay in a hanok, or traditional Korean dwelling. Your final destination is the coastal city of Busan, where you’ll have a very special opportunity to meet with a Haenyeo diver — one of the legendary women who dive for oysters and sea urchins and can hold their breath for exceptionally long periods of time. Before returning to Seoul, where your journey ends, take some time to discover Busan’s incredible seafood at the Haeundae Night Market and relax on Haeundae Beach. See all tours to South Korea.
Itinerary #2: South Korea by Bike
| Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
| Day 1 | Begin your trip in Seoul and visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace | Arrival | Seoul |
| Day 2 | Cycle out of Seoul into the countryside | Cycling | Namyangju |
| Day 3 | Enjoy a scenic cycle along the Bukhan River | Cycling | Chuncheon |
| Day 4 | Follow a cycling path to the city of Yeoju | Cycling | Yeoju |
| Day 5 | Cycle to the ancient Silleuksa Temple before finishing in Sangju | Cycling & local culture |
Sangju |
| Day 6 | Cycle through rice paddies and quaint villages to Andong | Cycling | Andong |
| Day 7 | Visit UNESCO-listed Andong Hahoe Village | Culture | Andong |
| Day 8 | Soak in local hot springs before transferring back to Seoul | Relaxation | Seoul |
| Day 9 | Your journey ends after breakfast | Departure |
Spend nine days cycling the backcountry of South Korea and experience a side of the country rarely visited by tourists. Before you hop in the saddle, take a day to explore Seoul, visit sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, and dive into the delicious street food at Gwangjang Market. Leave the city behind and spend your days cycling through little-visited towns, lush rice paddies, and undulating hills. Spend a night in unique towns such as Yeoju, which has a heritage of crafting fine ceramics and porcelain. Visit the ancient Silleuksa Temple, learn about Buddhism, and admire the intricate ceramic roof tiles. The final stretch of cycling through the Nakdong River Valley rewards you with sweeping views of some of South Korea’s finest countryside. Ditch your bike for a day to explore Andong Hahoe, a folk village that showcases Korean heritage and traditions dating back over 600 years. When your cycling is completed, enjoy a well-earned soak in a jjimjilbang (traditional Korean bathhouse) before returning to Seoul. Describe your ideal 9-day holiday for a customized trip to South Korea.
Planning a 9-day Itinerary of South Korea?
Whether you’re planning to zoom around on the bullet train or explore on two wheels, a 9-day trip to South Korea is a unique travel experience full of ancient wonders, delicious food, and urban delights. To plan the perfect itinerary that suits your needs and interests, speak to one of our expert travel advisors in South Korea, who can help you plan the vacation of a lifetime.
More information:
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