Planning your first trip to Korea? This easy-to-follow 7-day itinerary hits the best of Seoul, Busan, and Jeju—without the stress.
Hey everyone! Whether you’re totally new to Korea or coming back for another round, this 7-day guide is built just for you. I’ve gathered all the top spots—from palaces to beaches—and squeezed them into one smooth journey. Let’s make your first (or second) Korean adventure easy, fun, and unforgettable!
| City | Top Experiences |
|---|---|
| Seoul | Palaces, Hanok Village, N Tower, Han River Cruise |
| DMZ | Historical border tour & observatories |
| Busan | Cultural Villages, Beaches, Seaside Temples |
| Jeju | Volcano Hikes, Waterfalls, Folk Villages |
Contents
Day 1–2: Arrival & Exploring Seoul
Begin your Korean journey in the dynamic capital—Seoul. On day one, visit the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace to catch the royal guard changing ceremony, then wander through the traditional alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village. Wrap up with street food and late-night shopping in Myeongdong. On day two, ride the cable car to N Seoul Tower and end with a serene Han River cruise.
Day 3: DMZ Historical Tour
Spend day three understanding Korea’s complex history with a guided tour to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). Witness North Korea from the observatory, walk through infiltration tunnels, and visit the Dorasan Station. Remember to carry your passport—it’s mandatory for entry.
| DMZ Highlight | Experience |
|---|---|
| Dora Observatory | See North Korea with your own eyes |
| Third Tunnel | Walk an underground invasion route |
| Dorasan Station | South’s symbolic hope for reunification |
Day 4–5: Colorful Busan
Take the KTX high-speed train to Busan in the morning. Start at Gamcheon Culture Village for colorful houses and murals. Then relax at Haeundae Beach with street seafood snacks and coastal views.
- Comfortable sneakers for village walks
- Try grilled eel by the beach
- Bring sunglasses & sunscreen—Busan gets sunny!
Day 6–7: Scenic Jeju Island
Fly to Jeju Island and experience a different side of Korea—nature, relaxation, and peace. Climb Seongsan Ilchulbong for sunrise views that are worth the early wake-up. Stroll through Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, then wrap up your trip with a cultural visit to the Jeju Folk Village.
- Use Naver Map or Kakao Map—Google Maps doesn’t work well
- Local buses in Jeju are reliable, but a rental car saves time
- Don’t forget bug spray for evening waterfall visits
Essential Travel Tips
Here are quick tips to make your Korean trip smoother. From tech to etiquette, these tiny tricks go a long way. Don’t miss the details that matter!
- T-Money Card: Buy one at any convenience store and use on subway/bus for discounts
- Cash Ready: Many markets or food stalls still prefer cash (₩5,000 & ₩10,000 bills)
- Passport Required: Always carry it, especially for DMZ Tours or domestic flights
- Photo Etiquette: Ask before snapping pics in traditional villages or markets
Transport & Route Summary
Not sure how to connect Seoul, Busan, and Jeju? Here’s your essential route and time breakdown to help plan efficiently.
| Segment | Mode of Transport | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul → Busan | KTX High-Speed Train | 2.5 hours |
| Busan → Jeju | Domestic Flight | 1 hour |
| Jeju → Seoul | Domestic Flight | 1 hour |
What’s the best way to get from Seoul to Busan?
Take the KTX high-speed train — it’s fast, clean, and takes around 2.5 hours.
Do I need a visa to visit Korea in 2025?
Most short-term travelers can enter visa-free but must apply for a K-ETA before arrival.
Can I use Google Maps in Korea?
What should I bring for the DMZ tour?
Your passport is required. Also wear comfortable shoes and dress respectfully.
Is tipping common in Korea?
Nope! Tipping is not expected in restaurants, taxis, or hotels.
Where can I get local help in English?
Visit the Seoul Global Center for assistance, visa tips, or general support.
Thanks for joining this 7-day Korean adventure! 🇰🇷 From royal palaces in Seoul to beaches in Busan and volcano views in Jeju, this itinerary blends culture, nature, and flavor. Planning your trip should be just as exciting as the journey itself—so take these tips, bookmark the routes, and get ready to explore Korea like a local. ✈️ Have questions or extra recommendations? Share them in the comments below!
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