7-Day Gyeongbuk Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Gyeongbuk itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaGyeongbuk travel expert at TourRadar

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

  Experience Gyeongbuk region's highlights in 6 days, from Andong's UNESCO-listed Hahoe Village to Gyeongju's ancient Cheomseongdae Observatory. Stay at Gridt Hotel Gyeongju with daily breakfast. English-guided tours through historical sites and traditional markets included.

  

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  • Day 1

    Busan: Land at Gimhae International Airport and make your way to Gamcheon Culture Village

    often called the "Machu Picchu of Busan." Visit in late afternoon when crowds are smaller and lighting is best for photos of the colorful houses. Visit Jagalchi Market when it's most active between 11 AM and 3 PM as fresh catches arrive. Watch the sunset at Gwangalli Beach with views of Gwangan Bridge.

    
  • Day 2

    Busan to Gyeongju: Start your morning at Gukje Market before it gets too hot.

    After lunch take the one-hour drive to Gyeongju. Visit Bulguksa Temple (remember to bring socks since you'll need to remove shoes) then explore Daereungwon Tomb Complex. Visit Anapji Pond around dusk to see the beautifully lit palace grounds.

    
  • Day 3

    Gyeongju to Seoul: Start early with a 1.5-hour drive to Andong Hahoe Village.

    Wear good walking shoes for the uneven village paths. Pack snacks for the 3.5-hour drive to Suwon since rest stops are limited. Visit Suwon Hwaseong Fortress in late afternoon. Take a guided wall walk for the best views before heading to Seoul.

    
  • Day 4

    Seoul: Get to Gyeongbokgung Palace by 9 AM to see the guard-changing ceremony

    (note: closed Tuesdays). Walk to Bukchon Hanok Village but keep quiet since it's a residential area. Spend your afternoon at Gwangjang Market and try the local favorite bindaetteok from vendors inside. Look for stalls where locals are lining up.

    
  • Day 5

    Seoul: Book a DMZ tour in advance if interested (passport required).

    Otherwise explore modern Seoul in Gangnam or Hongdae. Visit Myeongdong for shopping in late afternoon when street food vendors appear. Get tax refund forms stamped for Korean beauty products or electronics purchases.

    
  • Day 6

    Seoul: Use your free morning before leaving.

    For later flights visit Namsan Seoul Tower. The cable car starts at 10 AM and offers great city views. Plan 90 minutes to reach Incheon Airport from central Seoul on the express train.

    

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• 7 Days in South Korea, incl. Seoul and Gyeongju

  This 7-day Gyeongbuk circuit showcases UNESCO masterpieces including Hahoe Village and Seokguram Grotto. The route winds through Andong's Confucian schools and Gyeongju's ancient temples. Guests enjoy 6 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, and expert cultural guidance.

  

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  • Day 1

    Seoul Arrival & Orientation

    Arrive at Incheon International Airport, about an hour from central Seoul. Take your transfer to the hotel but watch out for heavy traffic during rush hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM). Your first evening is perfect for exploring Myeongdong's street food and shopping scene since most hotels are near subway stations. Get a T-money transit card right away for easy bus and subway travel throughout your trip.

    
  • Day 2

    Seoul City Exploration

    Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace early at 9 AM to avoid crowds and heat. You'll need comfortable walking shoes for today's activities. Make sure to get the free English audio guides at the National Folk Museum inside the palace. After lunch check out Insadong's art galleries and traditional tea houses. Finish your day with sunset views from Seoul Tower using the cable car. Try to visit Seoul Tower on clear weekdays since weekends get packed with locals.

    
  • Day 3

    DMZ Day Trip

    Your DMZ tour starts around 7:30 AM from Seoul. Don't forget your passport as it's needed for entry. The drive is about 45 minutes but security checks can take extra time. Visit the Dora Observatory in the morning when views into North Korea are clearest. Keep in mind some DMZ areas might close unexpectedly due to political situations.

    
  • Day 4

    Seoul to Andong & Gyeongju

    Take a 3-hour morning drive to Andong's Hahoe Village. Pack sunscreen and water since shaded areas are limited. One visitor shared: "The traditionally-dressed locals still living in Hahoe Village make it feel incredibly authentic but remember to be respectful when taking photos." Continue with a 2-hour drive to Gyeongju. Try to arrive before dark to get your bearings.

    
  • Day 5

    Gyeongju Historical Sites

    Give Gyeongju a full day of exploration. Start at Tumuli Park early before tour buses arrive. Check the Gyeongju National Museum schedule since it's closed Mondays. Visit Anapji Pond in late afternoon for the best photos. Sites are more spread out than they look on maps so use local buses or taxis to save time.

    
  • Day 6

    Temple Tours & Return to Seoul

    Start with Seokguram Grotto at 9 AM when morning fog usually clears. Bring good shoes for the steep hike. Move on to Bulguksa Temple before school groups arrive mid-morning. The drive back to Seoul takes about 4 hours with heavier traffic after 4 PM. Spend your last evening enjoying Korean barbecue in Hongdae.

    
  • Day 7

    Seoul Departure

    Time your airport transfer based on your flight remembering it takes over an hour to reach Incheon. If you have a later flight visit Jogyesa Temple or shop for souvenirs at Insadong both easily reached by subway from most hotels.

    

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

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Busan

    Start your week in Busan at Haedong Yonggung Temple. Visit before 9 AM to avoid crowds at this beautiful 14th-century coastal temple. Take the marine cable car at Songdo Beach for great views across the bay. Just check the weather first since it closes in strong winds. Spend your afternoon in Gamcheon Culture Village, often called Korea's Santorini. The hills are quite steep so wear good shoes. A smart move is taking a taxi up and walking down.

    
  • Day 3

    Gyeongju & Daegu

    Get an early start to Gyeongju. Visit Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple before the tour buses show up around 10 AM. Both are UNESCO sites. Stop by Woljeonggyo Bridge near sunset for photos. Finish your day in Daegu on Dongseong-ro street. The street food vendors set up after 6 PM.

    
  • Day 4

    Andong & Journey to Seoul

    Visit Hahoe Village in the morning light. This UNESCO folk village has uneven paths so wear sturdy shoes. Check out the Hahoe Mask Museum, then head to Seoul. If you arrive before dark, watch the rainbow fountain show at Banpo Bridge. The show doesn't run in winter or rain.

    
  • Day 5

    DMZ Tour & Seoul Evening

    Bring your passport for the DMZ tour and dress appropriately. No ripped jeans or revealing clothes. The Second Tunnel has steep steps. Be aware that security issues can change tour plans. Back in Seoul, check out Myeongdong at night for amazing street food. The metro is reliable so get a T-money card.

    
  • Day 6

    Seoul Exploration

    Take the first English tour at Changdeokgung Palace. Visit Bukchon Hanok Village before noon to beat the crowds. Set aside 2 hours for the War Memorial. End your day watching sunset from Lotte World Tower in Gangnam. Book observation deck tickets ahead to skip long lines.

    
  • Day 7

    Final Morning in Seoul

    Use your last morning for shopping or revisiting favorite spots. Take the airport express train from Seoul Station. It's more reliable than a taxi during rush hour.

    

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