10-Day South Korea (Southern) Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day South Korea (Southern) itineraries

Compiled by

SteffSouth Korea (Southern) travel expert at TourRadar

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

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Seoul

    Your first evening in Seoul offers stunning views from N Seoul Tower. Visit after 7 PM to avoid crowds and get the best city light photos. A recent visitor shared: "Watching Seoul transform from day to night from the tower was magical – definitely worth timing your visit for sunset." On day two, visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. Get to the palace by 9:30 AM to see the Guard Changing Ceremony before big tour groups arrive. Wear good walking shoes for Bukchon's steep hills. Your third day includes the DMZ. Book morning tours because afternoon ones often get canceled. Bring your passport and dress appropriately. No ripped jeans or sleeveless tops. Spend your evening between Hongdae's street art and Myeongdong's food stalls. A visitor noted: "The contrast between the solemnity of the DMZ and the energy of Myeongdong really captures modern Korea's complexity."

    
  • Days 4-5

    Gyeongju

    Take the 2-hour KTX train from Seoul. Explore the city by bicycle, which most hotels can arrange. Visit Daereungwon Tumuli Park early before tour buses arrive. If you're staying at Golgulsa Temple, know you'll sleep on traditional floor mats in unheated rooms. A guest noted: "The temple stay was eye-opening but physically demanding. Be prepared for 5 AM wake-up calls and sitting cross-legged for meditation."

    
  • Days 6-7

    Busan

    Start your Busan visit at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple right when it opens at 8 AM for peaceful photos. Visit Gamcheon Culture Village later in the day when the sun isn't so strong on the colorful hillside homes. One traveler advised: "Book your cooking class in advance – they fill up quickly and offer great insight into Korean cuisine."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Jeju Island

    On Jeju, tackle Seongsan Ilchulbong peak early. The volcanic terrain needs sturdy shoes. If you want something easier, try the Jeju Olle Trail. Plan beach time at Jungmun for the afternoon when winds are calmer. A visitor shared: "Don't miss the sunset BBQ – it's the perfect way to end your Jeju experience."

    
  • Day 10

    Return to Seoul

    Book morning flights back to Seoul. Afternoon winds on Jeju can lead to delays. Consider staying an extra night in Seoul as backup.

    

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• 10 Day South Korea Itinerary, incl. Seoul and Busan

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival in Seoul

    Stay in Seoul's Myeongdong district for your first 4 days. The subway connections are excellent, and you'll love the late-night shopping. Take the cable car up Namsan Mountain for sunset views on your first evening. According to a recent visitor: "The food markets around Myeongdong station are incredible at night. Try the cheese-covered lobster tails, but be prepared to wait in line."

    
  • Day 2

    DMZ Tour and Gyeongbokgung Palace

    Your Seoul exploration should include an early morning DMZ tour. Remember your passport and avoid casual wear like ripped jeans or flip-flops. Book the morning slot to skip heavy afternoon traffic. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace before 10 AM to rent a hanbok and take photos without crowds. The palace is huge, so comfortable shoes are essential.

    
  • Day 3

    Explore Seoul

    Continue your exploration of Seoul with various sites, enjoying the vibrant culture and food.

    
  • Day 4

    Final Day in Seoul

    Wrap up your adventure in Seoul, visiting local markets and trying out street food before heading to your next destination.

    
  • Day 5

    Travel to Your Temple Stay

    On Day 5, take a 2.5-hour bus ride to your temple stay. Pack modest clothes covering shoulders and knees. You'll wake up at 4 AM for morning chanting. One visitor noted: "The temple stay was my favorite part. The meditation session was challenging but so peaceful - just remember to bring mosquito repellent in summer months."

    
  • Day 6

    Visit Jeonju

    Head to Jeonju on Day 6 to try authentic bibimbap and makgeolli. Book a traditional hanok guesthouse but pack earplugs since walls are thin. Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds in the historical district.

    
  • Day 7

    Travel to Gyeongju

    Spend Days 7-8 in Gyeongju, the "museum without walls." Rent bikes to see the ancient sites spread across flat terrain. Visit Bulguksa Temple during morning rituals and see Anapji Pond at dusk when the pavilions light up.

    
  • Day 8

    Continue Exploring Gyeongju

    Further explore Gyeongju and its numerous historical sites before heading to your next location.

    
  • Day 9

    Travel to Busan

    Take the 40-minute KTX train to Busan for your final two days. Stay in Seomyeon for good transit access.

    
  • Day 10

    Explore Busan

    Visit Jagalchi fish market early when fresh catches arrive. A traveler suggests: "Take the cable car to Songdo Beach for sunset, but go early - queues can be an hour long in peak season."

    

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• 10 Days in South Korea, incl. Seoul and Jeju Island

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Seoul

    Begin your journey in South Korea's vibrant capital. Stay in Hongdae where you'll have easy access to public transport and the city's youth scene. Visit Gwangjang Market around 10 AM before crowds arrive to sample local foods like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes). In the afternoon, explore Ikseon-dong's mix of traditional hanok buildings and modern cafes. Visit before 2 PM to avoid the afternoon crowds in the narrow streets.

    
  • Day 4

    Jeonju

    Take the KTX train from Seoul Station to Jeonju (2.5 hours). While most visitors focus on the Hanok Village, take time to explore the quieter Nambu Traditional Market nearby. Book a hanok guesthouse for an authentic experience but pack light since space is limited. You'll sleep on floor mattresses and need to remove your shoes often, so bring slip-on footwear.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Busan

    A 3-hour bus ride takes you to Korea's second-largest city. Start your morning at Gamcheon Culture Village when the light is best for photographing the hillside murals. Bring comfortable shoes for the steep streets. "The humidity in Busan can be intense—bring a portable fan and plan indoor activities like the fish market for the hottest part of the day," one visitor suggests. Take a trip to Tongyeong (75 minutes by bus) for great coastal views. Book cable car tickets online to avoid long lines that form after 11 AM.

    
  • Days 7-10

    Jeju Island

    Fly from Busan to Jeju (1 hour). Stay in Jeju City for convenient access to food and transportation. Start your Seongsan Sunrise Peak hike early to beat crowds and heat. The 45-minute uphill trail is steep but offers rest stops along the way. Check the schedule for haenyeo (female divers) demonstrations at Sunrise Peak as times change with weather. Head to Hamdeok Beach for clean water and good facilities. For hiking enthusiasts, the coastal Route 7 of the Olle Trail offers beautiful views and suits casual hikers.

    

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