Korea (South)-4-day-itinerary
Day 1: Seoul
- Morning: Arrive at Incheon International Airport. Collect your luggage and proceed to the immigration desk for passport control.
- Visa Requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter South Korea. Check with the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your home country for requirements.
- Transportation: Take the express train (AREX) from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station. From there, take the subway (Line 1) to Myeong-dong Station.
- Afternoon: Visit the famous Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the changing of the guard ceremony at 12:00 PM.
- Things to Know: The palace is closed on Tuesdays. Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot within the palace grounds.
- Evening: Explore Myeong-dong, one of Seoul’s busiest shopping districts. Try some street food and buy souvenirs from local vendors.
Day 2: Seoul to Gyeongju
- Morning: Take the KTX train (bullet train) from Seoul Station to Gyeongju Station.
- Transportation: The journey takes approximately 3 hours.
- Afternoon: Visit Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Korea’s most famous temples. Explore the temple grounds and climb to the top for stunning views.
- Things to Know: Be prepared for crowds during peak season (April-May or September-October). Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking on uneven terrain.
- Evening: Visit Gyeongju Historic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient ruins and artifacts. Take a stroll around the historic area and enjoy the street food.
Day 3: Busan
- Morning: Take the KTX train from Gyeongju to Busan Station.
- Transportation: The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
- Afternoon: Visit Haundae Beach, one of Korea’s most popular beaches. Enjoy the sun, sand, and sea!
- Things to Know: Be prepared for large crowds during peak season (June-August). Wear sunscreen and a hat for protection from the sun.
- Evening: Explore Busan Night Market, a bustling marketplace offering street food, souvenirs, and live performances.
Day 4: Return to Seoul
- Morning: Take the KTX train back to Seoul Station.
- Transportation: The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
- Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Korea, one of the country’s largest museums. Explore the exhibits featuring Korean art and history.
- Things to Know: Be prepared for crowds during peak season (April-May or September-October). Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking on uneven terrain.
Other Tips:
- Language: While many Koreans speak some English, it’s still a predominantly Korean-speaking country. Consider purchasing a phrasebook or using a translation app.
- Money: The official currency is the South Korean won (KRW). You can exchange your money at airports, banks, or currency exchange offices.
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Korea, but you may want to consider tipping for exceptional service.
Accommodation:
Consider staying in a hotel or guesthouse within walking distance of the attractions. You can also use online booking platforms such as Agoda, Booking.com, or Airbnb.
Budget:
- Transportation: KTX train tickets (approximately 50,000-100,000 KRW per trip)
- Accommodation: Hotel prices vary depending on location and quality (approximately 80,000-200,000 KRW per night)
- Food: Street food prices range from 5,000 to 10,000 KRW per serving. Mid-range restaurant meals cost approximately 20,000-50,000 KRW per meal.
- Attractions: Most attractions have a free admission policy or charge a small fee (approximately 1,000-3,000 KRW per person)
Remember:
Korea is a country that values respect and politeness. Be mindful of your surroundings and follow local customs to ensure a pleasant trip. Enjoy your time in Korea!