The Ultimate 7-Day Korea Travel Itinerary
From Seoul City Lights to Coastal Calm
Welcome to Korea! Planning a trip to a country packed with ancient palaces, neon-lit cities, world-class food, and stunning natural beauty can feel overwhelming. Seven days might seem short, but with this expertly optimized itinerary, you can conquer the highlights of South Korea—from the historical heart of Seoul to the peaceful beaches of the South.
Forget the frantic pace; this plan balances must-see landmarks with authentic local experiences. Get ready for an adventure that’s equal parts thrilling and incredibly delicious!
Day 1 & 2: Seoul — History, Hype, and Hanoks
Seoul is your vibrant starting point. We’ll cover the classic historical sites and dive straight into the modern culture that defines Korea.
Day 1: Royal Grandeur and Trendy Alleys
Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace. Start with the changing of the guard ceremony (check times!). Rent a Hanbok (traditional dress) for free entry and epic photos.
Lunch: Insadong. Grab some bibimbap or traditional Korean set menus in this artsy, old-school neighborhood.
Afternoon: Bukchon Hanok Village. Get intentionally lost among the beautifully preserved traditional houses. Pro tip: Be quiet here—it’s a residential area!
Evening: Myeongdong. Dive into the neon chaos for street food heaven (Tteokbokki is mandatory!) and some serious K-Beauty shopping.
Day 2: Culture, Coffee, and K-Pop
Morning: Gangnam. Explore the COEX Mall, check out the famous “Gangnam Style” statue, and visit the Starfield Library.
Lunch: Apgujeong/Sinsa-dong (Garosu-gil). This area is perfect for high-end browsing and a chic cafe experience.
Afternoon: Hongdae. Soak up the youthful, indie energy. Watch street performers and browse unique boutiques.
Evening: N Seoul Tower. Finish the day with a cable car ride up for the best panoramic view of the city lights.
Day 3 & 4: Busan — Coastal Vibes and Seafood Feasts
Time to hop on the high-speed KTX train (about 2.5 hours) and head southeast to Korea’s second-largest city, Busan. Get ready for ocean breezes and fresh seafood!
Day 3: Beach Relaxation and Art
Morning: Gamcheon Culture Village. Explore this stunningly vibrant hillside neighborhood, often called the “Machu Picchu of Busan.” It’s an Insta-dream!
Lunch: Jagalchi Fish Market. This is mandatory. Pick your fresh seafood downstairs and have it cooked right away upstairs. It’s a true local experience (and very loud!).
Afternoon: Haeundae Beach. Relax, dip your feet, or just stroll along one of Korea’s most famous beaches.
Evening: Dongbaekseom Island. Take a scenic walk to the beautiful APEC House for sunset views over the water.
Day 4: Ancient Temples and Market Life
Morning: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. This magical temple is one of the few built right on the coast. The sight of the temple against the blue ocean is unforgettable.
Lunch: Gukje Market. Grab some inexpensive local Dwaeji Gukbap (pork and rice soup) for a hearty, authentic meal.
Afternoon: Beomeosa Temple. Head inland to one of Korea’s most important and stunning mountain temples.
Evening: Return to Seoul. Catch the evening KTX back. Rest up—you have a big day ahead!
Day 5: The DMZ — A Day of Reflection
A crucial, often emotional, and highly recommended experience. This is a must-do for understanding modern Korean history.
All Day: DMZ Tour. This typically requires booking a tour package in advance. You’ll visit the Third Infiltration Tunnel, the Dora Observatory, and potentially the Joint Security Area (JSA/Panmunjom), depending on current availability and security status.
Evening: Back in Seoul, opt for a quiet dinner in the Itaewon district, which offers a great international food scene.
Day 6: Jeonju — Hanok Charm and Michelin Tastes
Take a slightly slower KTX or express bus ride (about 1.5 – 3 hours) south to Jeonju, the home of the Hanok Village and the culinary capital of Korea.
Morning: Jeonju Hanok Village. While Seoul’s Hanok village is beautiful, Jeonju’s is massive and fully dedicated to tourism. Rent a Hanbok and spend the morning exploring.
Lunch: Bibimbap Central! Jeonju is the birthplace of the famous Bibimbap. Find a traditional restaurant and experience the authentic, original version.
Afternoon: Omokdae Viewpoint. Hike up to this small pavilion for a breathtaking view over the sea of traditional tile rooftops.
Evening: Local Night Out. Jeonju is known for its affordable and delicious local Makgeolli (rice wine) bars. Find a local spot for a truly unique Korean night.
Day 7: Seoul — Shopping, Souvenirs, and Departure
Use your final day to pick up any last-minute souvenirs and solidify those final Korean memories.
Morning: Namdaemun Market. One of Seoul’s oldest and largest traditional markets. Perfect for finding unique and cheap souvenirs, from dried seaweed to quirky stationary.
Lunch: Kwangjang Market. Finish your Korean food journey strong! Sample bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (narcotic gimbap—it’s just that addictive).
Afternoon: Final Coffee Stop/Relax. Head back to your accommodation for final packing and a reflective cup of coffee.
Evening: Head to Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo (GMP) for your flight home, already planning your return trip!