3-Week South Korea Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week South Korea tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaSouth Korea travel expert at TourRadar

• 15 Days in South Korea, incl. Seoul and Busan

  This 15-day tour takes you through 6 major cities including Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island. The package includes 27 meals, domestic flights, and multiple overnight stays in each destination, balancing guided activities with free time.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Seoul

    Begin your journey in South Korea's dynamic capital. Get to the Gyeongbokgung Palace by 9:30 AM to watch the guard changing ceremony at 10 AM. Visit Insadong Street in the afternoon when it's quieter to enjoy the traditional teahouses. For the DMZ tour, remember your passport and avoid ripped jeans or sleeveless tops. Visit Bukchon Hanok Village early morning before 11 AM to avoid crowds and get better photos.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Sokcho & Seoraksan

    Take the 2.5-hour bus from Seoul to Sokcho. The Mt. Seorak cable car operates every 15-30 minutes. Book tickets online to avoid long peak season lines. Pack sturdy shoes and water for the Gwongeumseong Fortress hike. Stop by Sokcho Fish Market around 4 PM when boats bring in fresh catches.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Gyeongju

    Gyeongju is often called "the museum without walls." Visit the Daereungwon tomb complex right at 9 AM opening to avoid tour groups. Take the hourly shuttle bus from Gyeongju Station to Bulguksa Temple. Visit Anapji Pond between 6-7 PM for beautiful sunset views.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Busan

    South Korea's second-largest city offers stunning coastal scenery. Get a map from the Gamcheon Cultural Village information center to navigate the colorful hillside streets. Check out Jagalchi Fish Market in the morning when it's most active. Go up Busan Tower before sunset for the best city views.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Jeju Island

    Take a 1-hour flight from Busan to Jeju. A rental car works best since public transport is limited. Plan for a 5 AM summer start to catch sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. Visit O'Sulloc Tea Museum after 3 PM to avoid tour bus crowds. Check tide schedules for Jusangjeolli Cliff to see the basalt formations at their best.

    
  • Days 14-15

    Seoul

    Use your final days in Seoul. Book the 7 PM Han River cruise for perfect evening views. Make advance reservations for your farewell dinner at Korea House.

    

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• 15 Day South Korea Itinerary, incl. Seoul and Jeju Island

  From Seoul's attractions to Gyeongju's temples and Busan's markets, this 15-day tour showcases South Korea's treasures. The itinerary includes 3 days on Jeju Island and 2 days in mountain regions.

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Seoul and DMZ

    Land at Incheon International Airport and spend your first evening walking along Cheonggyecheon Stream to fight jet lag. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace early before 9 AM to beat the crowds. Check out the city views from N Seoul Tower and join a local cooking class in the evening. Book your DMZ tour in advance. Most tours start at 8 AM and you'll need to send your passport details 48 hours before.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Jeonju and Nature Parks

    Drive 2.5 hours to Jeonju to visit Korea's largest hanok village. You'll need 3-4 hours to see the 700+ traditional houses. Spend the next few days in nature hiking Gangcheonsan Mountain trails and walking through the quiet Juknokwon bamboo forest. The mountain paths can get slippery after rain so pack good hiking shoes.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Jeju Island

    Take a 1-hour flight from Gwangju to Jeju to explore its volcanic landscapes and coastal paths. The Eorimok trail up Mount Hallasan is a 5-hour round trip. Start early since clouds often block the views later in the day. The Seongsan Ilchulbong crater has a shorter but steep climb. Bring plenty of water as the path has little shade. Looking for an easier walk? Try a section of the coastal Olle Trail for nice ocean views.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Busan and Gyeongju

    Fly to Busan (1 hour from Jeju) and visit Jagalchi fish market first thing when it's busiest. Head to historic Gyeongju to see the UNESCO sites of Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. The city is mostly flat so rent bikes to get around. The paths between sites are well marked.

    
  • Days 14-15

    Return to Seoul

    Take the 2-hour KTX train back to Seoul. On your last day explore Ikseondong's modern hanok cafes and shops. Need souvenirs? Visit Dongdaemun Market in the evening when it's most lively.

    

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• 15 Day Japan & South Korea Itinerary, incl. Tokyo and Seoul

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Tokyo

    Start your adventure in Japan's bustling capital. Head to Zojoji Temple around 8:30 AM to get great Tokyo Tower photos before it gets busy. Your city tour takes you to the famous Shibuya Crossing and peaceful Meiji Shrine. In the evening take the metro to see Shinjuku's bright lights. The locals say 7-9 PM is when you'll see the area at its liveliest.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Mount Fuji & Kawaguchiko

    Head to Mount Fuji stopping at Arakurayama Sengen Park for classic mountain-and-pagoda photos. You'll stay in a traditional ryokan by Lake Kawaguchiko. Just remember to bring modest swimwear for the onsen since regular bathing suits aren't allowed. The next day you'll visit the historic Iyashi no Sato Nenba village before moving on to Kyoto.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Kyoto & Osaka

    Spend a full day exploring Kyoto's beautiful sites including the peaceful Arashiyama bamboo forest (get there before 8 AM to beat the crowds) and the stunning Golden Pavilion. Visit Nara's deer park then head to Osaka where the bright Dotonbori district really comes to life at night.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Busan & Gyeongju

    Take a flight from Osaka to Busan South Korea's busy port city. The next day you'll see the ancient Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple complex. A recent visitor shared: "The Tumuli Park burial mounds were fascinating. Go early morning when the dew creates an ethereal atmosphere."

    
  • Days 9-11

    Seoul

    Discover South Korea's capital including a meaningful visit to the DMZ (bring your passport). Plan for afternoon visits to Changdeokgung Palace when the lighting is best for photos. Spend your evenings in Myeongdong to experience modern Seoul. Take the metro back to avoid getting stuck in traffic.

    
  • Days 12-15

    Southern Korea Circuit

    Visit Jeonju's traditional Hanok Village and the peaceful Haeinsa Temple. End your trip in Busan where you can explore the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village with its beautiful ocean views. If weather allows take a ride on the Songdo marine cable car for great views of the bay.

    

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