A 10-day route through South Korea: full itinerary
Ten days are enough to get a real feel for South Korea: the energy of Seoul, the history of Gyeongju, the coast of Busan and a touch of nature. This itinerary is designed for a first trip, balancing city, culture and rest, with the long legs by KTX train.
It is a guideline: at Sonamu we adapt it to your pace and interests.
Days 1 to 4: Seoul
The capital deserves at least three full days.
- Day 1: arrival and Myeongdong or Hongdae to take the city's pulse.
- Day 2: Gyeongbokgung palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, the traditional quarter.
- Day 3: Gwangjang market, the Cheonggyecheon stream and views from N Seoul Tower.
- Day 4: optional trip to the DMZ or a relaxed day of shopping and cafés.
Day 5: Seoul to Gyeongju by train
You take the KTX south. Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla kingdom and is an open-air museum: royal tombs, the Bulguksa temple and the Seokguram grotto, a World Heritage Site.
Days 6 and 7: Busan
Just over half an hour by train from Gyeongju, Busan is the great coastal city.
- The colourful Gamcheon village.
- The seaside temple Haedong Yonggungsa.
- Haeundae beach and the Jagalchi fish market.
Days 8 and 9: nature in the south
Depending on the season, you can add Jeju island (Hallasan volcano and coastline) or Seoraksan National Park if you head east. This is the moment to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Day 10: return
Back to Seoul by KTX to connect with your departure flight, or a direct departure from Busan depending on your ticket.
Tips for this route
- Book the KTX ahead, especially in spring and autumn.
- Travel light: moving between cities by train is far easier without huge suitcases.
- Two nights per city avoids constantly packing and unpacking.
This itinerary is only a starting point. If you like, we adjust it to your dates, your budget and what you most want to see.
We design your tailor-made route through Korea and handle all your train tickets.
