Introducing a 15-day trip to South Korea.

Hi. Do you have plans to travel to Korea?  However, it is not easy to go to a country you have never been to before. Although it has become famous for K-pop and Korean food, you may want to go there too, but you may not know where to go. So, isn't it important to experience what kind of country Korea is, how the people are different from other countries, and what its nature and history are like? I hope you will have a good and memorable trip while feeling the unique characteristics of Korea that are different from Europe, America, Africa, China, Russia, etc. Of course, like other foreigners, there are more and more people who come to travel or study, and then end up living in Korea. 

Anyway,  I hope you have a fun trip to Korea!!!

 

🗺️ South Korea 15-Day Travel Itinerary: Detailed Regional Guide

📍 Seoul: Where History Breathes and Modernity Thrives (Days 1 ~ 3)

Seoul is a city where the history of the Joseon Dynasty coexists with modern trends, offering diverse attractions. Enjoy efficient travel with its convenient public transportation system.

Seoul- Bukchon Hanok Village image

• Travel Period: Days 1 ~ 3 (3 days)
• Main Attractions & Descriptions:
  • Day 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village
    • Gyeongbokgung Palace: The main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, boasting grand and beautiful architecture. Witness the changing of the guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate, and explore areas like Geunjeongjeon Hall, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, and Hyangwonjeong Pond to experience royal history. Wearing a Hanbok (traditional Korean dress, rental available for a fee) grants free admission and makes for special photos.
    • Changdeokgung Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Changdeokgung showcases the essence of Korean palace architecture, built to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Its Secret Garden (Huwon), in particular, offers beautiful scenery year-round and is highly recommended for a visit. Advance reservation might be required for the Secret Garden tour.
    • Bukchon Hanok Village: Located between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, this traditional Korean hanok residential area features charming alleyways and beautiful hanoks. Explore the '8 Scenic Views of Bukchon' photo spots or participate in traditional craft experiences to appreciate Korea's beauty.
  • Day 2: Myeongdong, Gangnam, Hangang (Han River) Park
    • Myeongdong: A popular shopping and dining hub in Seoul. It's bustling with K-beauty shops and fashion brands, offering a variety of street food. Experience the vibrant atmosphere while trying iconic Korean street foods like Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Gimbap (seaweed rolls), Eomuk (fish cakes), and Korean BBQ.
    • Gangnam: A district representing Korea's modern culture, filled with high-end restaurants, fashion boutiques, and clubs. 'Gangnam Station' and 'Garosu-gil' are particularly popular for their youthful and trendy vibe. Enjoying Korean BBQ, Bulgogi (marinated beef), or Samgyeopsal (pork belly) at a fancy Korean restaurant will be a great experience.
    • Hangang Park: A relaxing and romantic space for Seoul citizens. Enjoy cycling, strolling, or watching the night view by the Han River while savoring Korean fried chicken and beer.
  • Day 3: Namsan Tower, Samcheongdong
    • Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower): A symbolic landmark of Seoul, offering the best panoramic views of the city. You can attach a love lock, or enjoy a romantic time at the observatory and restaurants inside the tower. It's also accessible via cable car.
    • Samcheongdong: A charming street where traditional hanoks blend with modern galleries, cozy cafes, and boutique shops. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll, browsing unique stores, and enjoying a cup of traditional tea at a quaint teahouse.
• Accommodation Recommendation: Consider areas like Myeongdong, Gangnam, or Jongno, which offer convenient public transportation and diverse accommodation options.
• Food & Recommended Menu:
  • Myeongdong: Chicken skewers, Tteokbokki, Eomuk, and various other street foods.
  • Gangnam: Korean BBQ, Bulgogi, Galbi (ribs), Samgyeopsal at high-end Korean restaurants.
  • Hangang Park: Korean Fried Chicken and beer enjoyed outdoors, or simple snack foods.
• Transportation: Seoul boasts a highly developed subway and bus system. Using a T-money card makes travel convenient, and subway lines 3 and 4 connect to major tourist attractions.
• Travel Products/Discounts: Various discount coupons and free admission programs are available from the Seoul Tourism Organization. For more details, check the Seoul Tourism Organization website or the Discover Seoul Pass official website.
• Recommended Itinerary: Gyeongbokgung Palace → Changdeokgung Palace → Bukchon Hanok Village → Myeongdong → Gangnam → Hangang Park → Namsan Tower → Samcheongdong

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🏞️ Gyeongju: Ancient Capital Embracing a Millennium of History (Days 4 ~ 6)

Gyeongju, rich in UNESCO World Heritage sites, offers a feeling of stepping back in time. For some attractions, car travel might be more convenient.

• Travel Period: Days 4 ~ 6 (3 days)
• Main Attractions & Descriptions:
  • Day 4: Bulguksa Temple, Cheomseongdae Observatory
    • Bulguksa Temple: A representative temple from the Silla Dynasty, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire its beautiful architecture and peaceful ambiance, including Dabotap and Seokgatap pagodas, and Cheongun-gyo and Baekun-gyo bridges. It's a place to witness the pinnacle of Silla Buddhist art.
    • Cheomseongdae Observatory: Known as the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia. You can appreciate Silla's scientific technology and beautiful curved lines, perfectly harmonizing with the surrounding Daereungwon Royal Tomb Complex.
  • Day 5: Hwanglidan-gil, Gyeongju World
    • Hwanglidan-gil: A street with retro charm, located near Daereungwon. Unique cafes, restaurants, and shops are clustered here, making it particularly popular among young people. Enjoy the trendy atmosphere amidst Gyeongju's historical backdrop.
    • Gyeongju World: A theme park offering thrilling rides and various attractions. A great place to have fun with family and friends.
  • Day 6: Daereungwon Royal Tomb Complex, Seokguram Grotto
    • Daereungwon Royal Tomb Complex: A cluster of royal tombs from the Silla Dynasty. Take a stroll among the massive tombs and feel the mysterious atmosphere. Cheonmachong Tomb, in particular, is reconstructed to allow direct viewing of Silla artifacts.
    • Seokguram Grotto: Located halfway up Tohamsan Mountain, the Seokguram Buddha statue is considered the epitome of Silla Buddhist art and one of the finest masterpieces of Buddhist sculpture. Experience profound and solemn emotions before the statue.
• Accommodation Recommendation: Gyeongju city center and its vicinity offer various options including hotels, guesthouses, and hanok stays.
• Food & Recommended Menu: Traditional Gyeongju dishes such as ‘Gyeongju Naengmyeon’ (cold noodles), spicy ‘Nakji Bokkeum’ (stir-fried octopus), Hwangnam-ppang (Gyeongju bread), and Chabori-ppang (barley bread).
• Transportation: While Gyeongju has developed public transportation, car (taxi or rental car) might be more efficient for some outer attractions. Utilize Gyeongju city buses and tourist circulation buses.
• Travel Products/Discounts: Information on Gyeongju city tourism product discounts and Gyeongju World admission fee discounts can be found on each local government's official tourism website.
• Recommended Itinerary: Bulguksa Temple → Cheomseongdae Observatory → Hwanglidan-gil → Gyeongju World → Daereungwon Royal Tomb Complex → Seokguram Grotto

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🏝️ Jeju Island: A Beautiful Island Full of Nature (Days 7 ~ 9)

image of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak

Jeju Island is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, where emerald seas blend with magnificent volcanic terrains. Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around the island, and many bus tours are also available.

• Travel Period: Days 7 ~ 9 (3 days)
• Main Attractions & Descriptions:
  • Day 7: Hallasan National Park
    • Hallasan National Park: The highest mountain in South Korea, designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. It offers various hiking trails with different difficulty levels. Even if you don't climb to the summit's Baengnokdam Lake, simply walking along trails like Seongpanak or Eorimok allows you to enjoy Jeju's outstanding natural beauty.
  • Day 8: Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, Hyeopjae Beach
    • Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak: A volcanic crater resembling a massive fortress rising from the sea. Also a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, it's famous for its exceptionally beautiful sunrise views. The climb to the peak is relatively short, offering fantastic panoramic views.
    • Hyeopjae Beach: Features clear emerald-colored waters, white sandy shores, palm trees, and Biyangdo Island in the distance, creating an exotic scenery. It's a great place to relax by the beach or enjoy swimming.
  • Day 9: Udo Island Tour
    • Udo Island: A small island located east of Jeju Island, named 'Udo' (Cow Island) because its shape resembles a cow lying down. It's popular to cycle or ride a scooter around the island along the Olle-gil trail. Enjoy the clear waters, beautiful beaches, and unique peanut ice cream – Udo's distinct charms.
• Accommodation Recommendation: Various guesthouses, hotels, and resorts are available in Jeju City and near major tourist attractions.
• Food & Recommended Menu: Jeju Island's signature chewy ‘Heuk-dwaeji Gui’ (black pork BBQ), refreshing ‘Haemul Kalguksu’ (seafood noodle soup), and fresh seafood dishes.
• Transportation: Renting a car is the most convenient option, and buses are available within Jeju City. Tourist circulation buses and taxis are also available for major attractions.
• Travel Products/Discounts: Information on travel product discounts and transportation support programs provided by the Jeju Tourism Organization can be found on the Jeju Tourism Organization official website.
• Recommended Itinerary: Hallasan National Park → Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak → Hyeopjae Beach → Udo Island

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🌊 Busan: A Vibrant Port City (Days 10 ~ 12)

Busan is a captivating port city with diverse charms, from the vast Haeundae Beach to the traditional ambiance of its markets. Experience both the romance of the sea and the vibrancy of the city.

• Travel Period: Days 10 ~ 12 (3 days)
• Main Attractions & Descriptions:
  • Day 10: Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village
    • Haeundae Beach: Busan's iconic beach, featuring wide white sands and a beautiful coastline. Beyond summer swimming, you can enjoy seaside walks year-round, or explore nearby Dongbaekseom Island and Dalmajigil Road for leisurely time.
    • Gamcheon Culture Village: A unique village often called 'Korea's Machu Picchu.' Its colorful houses are densely packed along the hillside, creating a fairy-tale like scenery. Discover hidden art installations in the alleyways and relax at charming cafes to fully experience the village's appeal.
  • Day 11: Jagalchi Market, Gwangandaegyo Bridge
    • Jagalchi Market: Busan's representative fish market, where you can choose and taste fresh seafood in a lively atmosphere. It's popular to select seafood on the first floor and have it prepared instantly as sashimi or grilled dishes on the second-floor restaurants.
    • Gwangandaegyo Bridge: A landmark illuminating Busan's night. The night view of Gwangandaegyo Bridge from Gwangalli Beach, with its brilliant lights shimmering on the sea, is a magnificent spectacle. Enjoy the night view from a beachfront cafe or restaurant.
  • Day 12: Busan Tower, City of Cinema
    • Busan Tower: Located within Yongdusan Park, it offers an excellent vantage point for panoramic views of Busan city and its port. It's particularly famous for its beautiful sunset and night views.
    • City of Cinema: Busan is well-known as the 'City of Cinema,' famous for hosting the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). Around Haeundae, various film-related facilities and streets, such as the Busan Cinema Center, offer unique experiences for film enthusiasts.
• Accommodation Recommendation: Various hotels, guesthouses, and resorts are available near beaches like Haeundae and Gwangalli.
• Food & Recommended Menu: Fresh ‘Hoe’ (sashimi) and ‘seafood dishes,’ hearty and spicy ‘Dwaeji Gukbap’ (pork soup with rice), and sweet and savory ‘Busan Eomuk’ (fish cakes).
• Transportation: Busan has a well-developed subway and bus system, making travel to major attractions convenient. For some areas, taxis or rental cars might be useful.
• Travel Products/Discounts: Information on discount coupons and free travel product discounts provided by the Busan Tourism Organization can be found on the Busan Tourism Organization official website.
• Recommended Itinerary: Haeundae Beach → Gamcheon Culture Village → Jagalchi Market → Gwangandaegyo Bridge → Busan Tower → City of Cinema

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🏘️ Jeonju & 🌅 Gangneung: A Blend of Tradition and Coastal Beauty (Days 13 ~ 15)

This journey offers a taste of both Korea's traditional aesthetics and the beautiful coastal scenery of the East Sea. Jeonju is easily accessible by KTX, and Gangneung by KTX or express bus.

• Travel Period: Days 13 ~ 15 (3 days)
• Main Attractions & Descriptions:
  • Day 13: Jeonju Hanok Village, Jeonju Bibimbap Street
    • Jeonju Hanok Village: The largest traditional Korean hanok village, where over 700 hanoks are clustered. You can appreciate the beauty of traditional architecture and experience a peaceful overnight stay in a hanok. Participate in various programs like Hanbok wearing and traditional craft experiences.
    • Jeonju Bibimbap Street: A street dedicated to Bibimbap, Jeonju's iconic dish. Taste the authentic Jeonju Bibimbap made with fresh ingredients and refined flavors, and enjoy traditional Jeonju beverages like Moju (rice wine).
  • Day 14: Gangneung Anmok Beach, Gyeongpodae Pavilion
    • Gangneung Anmok Beach (Coffee Street): Along this beautiful beach, unique coffee shops are lined up. It's famous as 'Coffee Street' for enjoying a fragrant cup of coffee while gazing at the sea.
    • Gyeongpodae Pavilion: A representative pavilion in Gangneung, boasting superb scenery around Gyeongpo Lake. The sunset and night views, illuminated by surrounding lights, are particularly stunning.
  • Day 15: Jeongdong Simgok Badabuchae-gil Trail
    • Jeongdong Simgok Badabuchae-gil Trail: A 2.86km coastal walking trail created along a natural monument, a coastal terrace. Experience the thrilling sensation of walking above the sea, along with magnificent views of strange rock formations and the clear blue East Sea. It's named 'Badabuchae-gil' (Sea Fan Trail) because the coastal topography resembles an unfolded fan.
• Accommodation Recommendation: Traditional hanok stays within Jeonju Hanok Village, or hotels in Gangneung city center.
• Food & Recommended Menu: Jeonju’s iconic ‘Jeonju Bibimbap’, and Gangneung’s fresh seafood dishes such as ‘Hoe’ (sashimi), ‘Mulhoe’ (cold raw fish soup), and ‘Chodang Sundubu’ (soft tofu).
• Transportation: Jeonju has well-developed public transportation, and Gangneung also offers convenient bus and taxi services. Both cities are accessible by KTX or express bus.
• Travel Products/Discounts: For Jeonju, check the Jeonju City Tourism website. For Gangneung, check the Gangneung City Tourism website and other official tourism organizations for discount coupons and regional specialty products.
• Recommended Itinerary: Jeonju Hanok Village → Jeonju Bibimbap Street → Gangneung Anmok Beach → Gyeongpodae Pavilion → Jeongdong Simgok Badabuchae-gil Trail

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