The Ultimate Korea Travel Itinerary: How to Spend 3, 5, 7, or 10 Days
So, you booked the ticket. You are coming to South Korea!
But now the panic sets in. Seoul is massive. Busan looks cool. Jeju Island is famous. And you only have a limited amount of time. How do you fit 5,000 years of history and 50 different types of Kimchi into one trip?
As a local who has hosted dozens of confused foreign friends, I have mastered the art of the “Perfect Korea Itinerary.” Whether you are here for a quick layover or a full-blown vacation, I have mapped out exactly how to spend your time without burning out.
Forget the boring guidebooks. Here is the Real Korea Itinerary—from the “Seoul Speed Run” to the “Full Peninsula Experience.”
The “Speed Run”: 3 Days in Seoul
For those on a layover or a short weekend trip from Asia.
The Vibe: High caffeine, sore feet, and maximum sightseeing. You are sticking to Seoul because you don’t have time for the train.
Day 1: Old Seoul (History & Street Food)
Morning: Rent a Hanbok (traditional dress) and enter Gyeongbokgung Palace. Why? Because it makes your entry free and your photos look amazing.
Lunch: Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup) near the palace.
Afternoon: Walk through Bukchon Hanok Village. Please whisper; people actually live there! Then, explore the artsy streets of Insadong.
Night: Gwangjang Market. Eat the mung bean pancakes (Bindaetteok) and raw beef (Yukhoe) if you are brave.
Day 2: New Seoul (Shopping & Youth Culture)
Day: Hongdae. This is the youth capital. Watch street buskers, shop for affordable fashion, and visit a photo booth.
Night: Itaewon or Yeonnam-dong. Grab a beer or a cocktail and enjoy the international vibes.
Day 3: The View & The River
Morning: Namsan Seoul Tower. Take the cable car up for the best view of the city.
Afternoon: Starfield Library in Gangnam (for that Instagram photo).
Evening: Picnic at Banpo Han River Park. Order delivery chicken (Chimaek) to the park and watch the Rainbow Fountain show. It is the quintessential Seoul experience.
The “Classic”: 5 Days (Seoul + Day Trip)
For the standard traveler who wants a mix of city and nature.
Days 1-3: Follow the 3-Day Seoul plan above.
Day 4: The K-Drama Day Trip
Take a shuttle bus to Nami Island. Yes, it’s touristy, but the tree-lined paths are beautiful.
Optional: If you aren’t into romance, swap this for the DMZ Tour. Seeing North Korea with your own eyes is a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Note: You must book the DMZ weeks in advance!
Day 5: Gangnam Style & Relax
Explore Seongsu-dong (the “Brooklyn of Seoul”) for trendy cafes.
Visit Lotte World Tower (Seoul Sky) to see the city from the clouds.
Last-minute shopping at Olive Young for skincare souvenirs.
The “Best of Both Worlds”: 7 Days (Seoul + Busan)
For those who want to see the ocean.
Days 1-4: Seoul Highlights.
Day 5: Train to Busan (Hold the Zombies)
Take the KTX from Seoul Station to Busan (approx. 2.5 hours). It’s fast, clean, and has Wi-Fi.
Head straight to Haeundae Beach. Even in winter, the ocean vibe is healing.
Ride the Sky Capsule train at Blueline Park for the cutest ocean views.
Day 6: Culture & Fish
Gamcheon Culture Village: The “Machu Picchu of Busan.” Colorful houses stacked on a hill. Great for photos, bad for your calves (lots of stairs).
Jagalchi Fish Market: See the famous “Jagalchi Ajummas” and eat the freshest sashimi of your life.
Day 7: KTX back to Seoul / Airport.
The “Deep Dive”: 10 Days (The Golden Triangle)
For the history buffs and foodies who want the full picture.
Days 1-4: Seoul.
Days 5-6: Gyeongju (The Museum Without Walls)
Before Busan, stop in Gyeongju. This was the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom.
Rent a bike and ride around the giant Royal Tombs (Daereungwon).
See Cheomseongdae (ancient observatory) and Bulguksa Temple. It is peaceful, historical, and totally different from the neon lights of Seoul.
Days 7-9: Busan (Follow the plan above, plus add a night at Gwangalli Beach to see the bridge light show).
Day 10: Back to Seoul for final souvenir hunting.
Pro-Tips from a Local
Download Naver Map: Google Maps will get you lost. Naver Map (set to English) is your lifeline.
T-Money Card: Buy it at the airport convenience store. It works for subways, buses, and taxis in every city (Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju).
Don’t Tip: Save your money. Tipping isn’t a thing here.
Weekends are War: If possible, visit popular spots (like Lotte World or Gyeongbokgung) on a weekday. Weekends are incredibly crowded.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have 3 days or 10, the key to enjoying Korea is to embrace the “Palli-Palli” (fast) pace during the day, and the “Healing” vibes at night. Eat the spicy food, climb the hills, and don’t forget to buy some cute socks.
Safe travels!