South Korea Itinerary 10 days: Planning your unforgettable trip

A 10-day South Korea itinerary is the average timeline recommended if you intend to visit this country. With a carefully planned schedule, you will be able to enjoy various cities without too much haste. From the bustling, trendy streets in Seoul, to the monuments imbued with history in Gyeongju, and the peaceful coasts of Busan, get ready to immerse yourself in the unique cultural beauty and modern charm all in one journey. Find out everything you need before coming to South Korea, what to prepare, and a detailed Korea schedule to help you make your trip unforgettable in this guide! A nice walk in Korea. Credit: @krystlepingol Your Detailed 10-Day Korea Schedule Planning a 10-day Korea travel plan is always easier when you have a clear roadmap. To help you make the most of your time in this country, we have put together an ultimate 10-day Korea guide, packed with joyful activities and must-visit destinations. The itinerary is designed to lead you from the bustling Seoul to ancient Gyeongju and laid-back Busan. Days 1-4: Seoul Seoul is the capital city of Korea. This place will probably appear in any first-timer's guide to Korea, as it is the perfect combination of energetic modernity and cultural heritage. Day 1: After landing at Incheon airport, you can take the KTX high-speed train directly from the airport to Seoul in less than an hour. Visiting the palaces in Seoul should be your number one activity. There are 05 major palaces in this city, all since the Joseon dynasty. But we would recommend Gyeongbokgung Palace if you don’t have time to visit them all, as this is the first and biggest palace among the five. Prioritise coming here at 10:00 am or 14:00 pm to admire the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Nearby are stores that offer Hanbok rental, and you will also get a discount entering the palace wearing Hanbok, so don’t miss out on this experience. Seoul is a must-visit city for anyone who comes to South Korea. Photo by sayan on stock.adobe.com After that, you can make use of the remaining daylight hours by visiting the Bukchon Hanok village to admire the ancient architecture and take some pictures, or come to the nearby historical attractions like the National Folk Museum of Korea or the Changdeokgung Secret Garden. Then, in the evening, you can continue the trip by coming to the Myeongdong area, where you can try the Korean BBQ experience, have a street food tour, or simply go shopping for makeup products and clothes. Day 2: To start off day 2, wake up early and ride a cable car to N Seoul Tower on top of Namsan Mountain. This place offers a stunning sunrise and a panoramic view of the city. A ticket for an adult costs around 15,000 KRW. And feel free to stay as long as you like, because the ticket is available to return at any time of the day. If you want to go to the top of N Seoul Tower, an extra fee is required. Next, you can spend time visiting traditional markets here. The options are endless, from accessory markets like Namdaemun to food markets like Gwangjang or food-ingredients markets like Noryangjin or Majang. Don’t forget to enjoy a cup of coffee in a beautiful cafe. Each coffee shop in Seoul is decorated with its own aesthetic vibe, guaranteeing you beautiful pictures and a unique experience. A cruise on the Han River will be the perfect activity to end the day. With different timelines, each will lead you through many attractions, offering diverse activities like seagull feeding, live music, fireworks, etc. Day 3: On your third day, take a day trip from Seoul to go on the famous DMZ Tour. DMZ stands for Demilitarized Zone, a borderline that separates North Korea and South Korea. It is required to sign up with a licensed tour guide, because your information must be approved by the military. Though it might seem a bit strict, it’s all worth it in the end. You will get to visit war monuments that represent the long history between the 02 countries and even a glimpse of the discreet North Korea. You can either choose a half-day tour to visit only the main attractions or a full-day tour to experience the Joint Security Area. Coming back from the insightful trip, take a break and get ready to dive into the bustling Hongdae nightlife. Stay awake to enjoy chic restaurants, energetic bars, unique street performances, etc. This is considered Seoul’s coolest neighbourhood for a reason! Day 4: On your last day in Seoul, you can slow down a bit to simply absorb the vibe of the city like a real local. Have a taste at the local bakeries, ride a bike at the Han River, go for a spa, test your personal colour, etc. Spend your day wandering from street to street and buy some souvenirs or try out any dish you desire. If you are a Hallyu fan, you can go on a K-pop pilgrimage to visit idol companies, K-star Road, or K-drama filming locations. Then, after checking out, hop on the KTX high-speed train to the next destination: Gyeongju. Day 5-6: Gyeongju Gyeongju is stunning in its own ancient vibe. Photo by Sanga on stock.adobe.com Many might not know much about Gyeongju, but it’s actually the place most Koreans will visit as a student on a school trip. It will take you around 4 hours to move from Seoul to Gyeongju by KTX high-speed train. This city was the capital city of the Silla Dynasty, with its history dating back a thousand years. It is also known as the Golden City or the Museum Without Walls, based on various historical attractions and architectural sites scattered around. Staying here for 02 days will be almost enough for you to explore numerous historical monuments here, whilst still leaving something open to desire on the next trip. Do note that Gyeongju is packed on weekends, so plan your trip wisely. Some must-see destinations first-timers shouldn’t miss are the Daereungwon Tomb Complex - built since the Silla period, the Cheomseongdae Observatory - South Korea’s oldest observatory, and the Bulguksa Temple - a Buddhist temple complex conceived by Silla rulers. Nightlife activities here are not as energetic as in Seoul, but you can continue to admire the beauty of history by visiting the lit-up Donggung Palace and Woljeonggyo Bridge. In Gyeongju, there’s the Golgulsa Temple that offers the temple stay program. So we recommend you use this chance to experience the once-in-a-lifetime stay in the oldest grotto temple in South Korea. Don’t worry, you won’t be required to live like an actual monk, just some activities like meditation, Seonmundo training (Korean traditional martial art), eating vegetarian food, etc. It’s an opportunity to calm your mind and understand a bit better about Korean spiritual culture. Day 7-10: Busan The vibrant, unique view of the Gamcheon Culture Village. Photo by NATTHAWAT88 on - stock.adobe.com. You can easily travel from Gyeongju to Busan by KTX high-speed train in around 30 minutes or by bus for around 50 minutes. This city is at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula. The perfect blend of vibrant coast, mountains, and urban culture makes for a good change of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of Seoul. We hope you will love the unique, laid-back vibe that is modern and peaceful at the same time, like we do. The first two days here, you can go on a tour to explore the view. Start off with Gamcheon Culture Village, where houses are painted with vibrant colours and artwork. The Haeundae Blueline Park and Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory are also great places to admire the stunning view of the city. Save the night to explore the local market, like Haeundae, Gukjie, Bupyeong, Jagalchi, etc. Being the second biggest city aside from Seoul, with the blessing of both beaches and mountains, the markets here represent this perfect harmony in the delicious cuisine, using local seafood and ingredients. On the third day, visit the beaches and temples. Gwangalli Beach is one of the most popular beaches here, with soft sand, many interesting bars, and restaurants. The beach also has a drone show every weekend, so it’s best if you plan your trip so as not to miss it. Be sure to bring your swimsuit. For the temples, we would recommend Haedong Younggungsa Temple, one that is claimed to have been built in 1376 with meaningful symbols. On the last day, Shinsegae Centum City is the best option to visit. It is recognised as the biggest shopping mall in the world, with diverse entertainment facilities to enjoy and many specialities to bring home. After having your fair share of souvenirs, you can head to Gimhae International Airport and return. Some beach time for your 9 nights 10 days in Korea. Photo by bong on stock.adobe.com. South Korea Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go South Korea has become more and more popular with travellers all over the world, thanks to its culture being broadcast in music and movies. But not everything you think you know about this country is believable. Before planning your trip in detail, it’s helpful to learn more about the practical South Korea travel tips that will surely make your trip smoother. Best Time to Visit Korea South Korea is divided into 4 seasons: Spring (April to June) Summer (July to August) Autumn (September to November) Winter (December to March). So, which is the best time to visit Korea? There’s actually no bad one. Every season has something worth exploring. If you prefer travelling when the weather is mild, then spring and autumn are the best seasons. These seasons bring cool, pleasant temperatures that are perfect for outdoor activities. Visiting during these times, you can enjoy the cherry blossom season (late March to early April) or the golden ginkgo season (late October to mid-November). Therefore, they are also the most crowded tourist seasons in Korea. If you want to enjoy the energetic side of Korea with watersports and festivals, then the summer months are the best option. The temperature will vary between 27°C and 35°C, and it will be very humid. The plus side is that you will probably avoid lots of crowds this time, as people usually avoid these months to travel. The winter season will be best for those who like the snowy view and a magical touch. These months are the coldest and driest time of Korea, with an average temperature of -6°C. You can try out winter sports and admire the romantic decorations of cities. Food will probably feel extra tasty with the signature hot and spicy. But some parts might be restricted due to the severe weather. South Korea is filled with pink cherry blossoms in spring. Photo by Sky view on stock.adobe.com Getting Around South Korea You can’t complete your Korea trip planner if you haven’t thought of how to get around South Korea. Public transportation in this country is a wonder that can almost take you anywhere. Get yourself a T-money card, a navigation app, and get ready to hop on the KTX high-speed train. T-money Card The T-money Card is a chargeable card used for various payments all over South Korea. No need to carry separate tickets, you can now pay for transportation like buses, subways, and even taxis after just a touch, even with a bit of a discount. This is very useful for travelling between short-distance destinations. This card can be found in convenience stores, subway stations, and T-money vending machines for around 3,000 KRW (1,6 GBP). Users can load or refund the card based on their needs, as long as it doesn’t exceed 500,000 KRW (266 GBP). They also offer combos in which you can get extra benefits with the T-money card, such as a SIM card for Korea, discounts at tourist sites, etc., at a reasonable price. If you plan to stay longer in Seoul, opt for a Climate Card. It’s easy to buy one at a 7-11. It provides unlimited rides on the subway and bus and will save you a lot if you use this card frequently. KTX High-Speed Train The KTX High-Speed Train, on the other hand, is the perfect option if you intend to move from one city to another. It connects major cities and allows you to travel fast and conveniently with wifi, catering, and different benefits based on the ticket class. You can check the timetable and ticket prices on the official website of Korea Train. The prices will vary, but if your detailed Korea schedule already includes various trips using the KTX high-speed train, we would recommend you join the KORAIL Pass Program to save money. Trains help you travel easily to any place in South Korea. Photo by daewoong on stock.adobe.com Navigation Apps Why do you need navigation apps in Korea? The sad news is that Google Maps might be incorrect. The locals recommend using locally developed apps like Naver Map and Kakao Map for more detailed and accurate information. Using these apps, you can easily check the direction, track public transportation like buses and subways in real-time, or look for nearby attractions, restaurants, etc. Both apps are available in English. SIM Card for Korea Similar to any other country in the world, you need a local SIM card to contact and use the data. You can easily get a SIM Card at the airports, mobile operator stores or convenience stores. All you need is your passport and money. However, your phone must be unlocked to use a Korean SIM Card. The most popular operators in Korea are SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+. SIM Cards from SK Telecom are believed to have the best network coverage and speed, so keep that in mind if you intend to explore secluded places. They also offer eSIM, physical SIM cards and different plans with data-only options to suit your needs. Currency Korea uses the Korean Won, with the exchange rate at about 1 dollar for 1,300 won. Is it cheap in South Korea? Definitely not. The conversion rates are roughly equivalent, which means the standards of living are almost similar. How much is a bottle of water in South Korea? Around 800 to 1,000 KRW per 500ml. How much would a meal cost in Korea? Around 7,000 to 15,000 KRW per person. Coffee is 3,500 to 5,000 KRW A subway ticket is around 1,500 KRW,... This is not an overly expensive destination compared to other developed countries, but it surely has a higher price than many Asian nations. Cards Apple Pay and Google Pay are not accepted at all places. Thus, it’s wise to carry a physical card with zero foreign transaction fees. However, be sure to bring cash to buy from small vendors and top up your T Money. Tax Refund Carry your passport with you when shopping for a tax refund. Either you pay no tax at all, or they will give you a receipt to claim your money back at the airport. It’s pretty quick and easy to do. What to Pack for Korea Packing is almost the most important thing on every trip, particularly when you come to a country of fashion and beauty like South Korea. Depending on the season you choose, you can plan your luggage. However, we would recommend you try layering instead of bringing heavy stuff, as the weather may vary within the day. Not to mention, you might want to buy extra clothes when wandering on fashionable streets here. It can be hot at times, so a comfy, cool travel t-shirt will help a lot. If you want to look your best, try using an app like Indyx to mix and match your look. Or better yet, build a travel capsule wardrobe from the start. You can look chic and comfy with just a few pieces if you get it right. This country also has lots of uphill with concentrated tourist attraction areas, so opt for comfortable shoes. It may rain at times, so make sure your footwear can handle water to some degree. For things like toiletries, try bringing only a few minis to leave room to try out the famous Korean skincare products. Also, there are no public rubbish bins. So bring a plastic bag or two to hold your rubbish until you return to the hotel. Try Travelling With Only A Carry-on You want to just throw everything you own into the biggest bag you have; we’ve all been there. But before you do that, let's talk about a different approach: travel with only a carry-on. You don’t have to worry about checked baggage fees. Hopping on and off public transportation is far simpler. Another advantage is how easy it is to store your luggage on the overhead rack on KTX. For a 10-day trip, a 40L backpack is all you need. Pair it with a few packing cubes, and you’ll be sorted. For 10 days in a mild season like spring or autumn, you can easily fit: A few pairs of pants/jeans 5-7 tops you can layer A light jacket or cosy hoodie Socks and underwear for the week (you can do a quick wash) One extra pair of comfy shoes And since most Korean guesthouses and hotels provide toiletries, you can leave the giant shampoo bottle at home. Easy. A daybag/hip pack is another bag you may want to take. This is what you'll take out to explore once you drop your main pack at your hotel. It's perfect for your essentials: wallet, phone, portable charger (a must!), a water bottle, and all the amazing skincare products and cute souvenirs you’re definitely going to buy in Myeongdong or Hongdae. So, do yourself a massive favour. Invest in a quality carry-on and a simple daypack. It will completely change the way you travel. Estimated South Korea Travel Budget for 10 Days The detailed Korea schedule is ready. The biggest question you’re having right now must be “How much money should I bring to Korea?”. The average budget for accommodation varies from $60-$100 per night. The cost for food and entertainment might be around $60 per person per day. In total, you’ll need around $1,200 to $1,600 per person for 10 days in South Korea. The plane ticket and transportation won’t be counted here, as they depend on your destinations and whether you like to visit many cities or not. Of course, you can always optimise the budget with your travel plan. For example, for accommodation, dorms will only cost around $20-$30 per night. And eating at local markets will surely be cheaper than at restaurants. You can save your budget by enjoying street food. Photo by Yan on - stock.adobe.com. So, is 1000 dollars enough for a week in Korea? Yes, if you have already paid for the tickets and accommodations. If not, then this budget might be a bit tight, especially if you want to travel to big cities and intend to go shopping for Korean skincare products, souvenirs, or enjoy some trendy activities. Time to take action! Enough with all the information. Now it’s time to start planning your own itinerary to explore Korea! Download our itinerary as a guideline for a 10-day Korea travel plan and get ready to have the trip of your life. Claire Thuc