1 Week in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: South Korea Cultural Discovery: Seoul, Andong & Gyeongju

Embark on a weeklong cultural exploration of South Korea, taking in the vibrant energy of Seoul, the traditional charm of Andong, and the ancient glory of Gyeongju. Perfect for first-time visitors, this discovery tour offers a balanced blend of history, culture, and nature and features a street food tour at Gwangjang Market, a visit to the 14th-century Byeongsan Seowon Academy, and time at the Haeinsa Temple.

Welcome to South Korea! Your adventure begins in the vibrant capital of Seoul, where you'll spend your first evening exploring the city on your own. Choose between a cruise along the Han River or a cable car ride up Namsan Mountain, then enjoy a flavor-packed dinner at Gwangjang Market. After a restful night's sleep, you'll be ready for a full-day guided city tour, complete with stops at the Changdeokgung palace and the National Museum of Korea. Next, transfer to Andong, stopping along the way to see how royals lived at Hwaseong Haenggung palace and admire King Sejong's final resting place in Yeoju.

After a fascinating morning in Andong, watching a Hahoe Byeolosingut mask performance and hiking up Buyongdae Cliff, you'll continue your journey to Gyeongju. En route, visit Byeongsan Seowon, a Confucian academy, and Hanji Factory to learn about the ancient art of papermaking. With two nights based in Gyeongju, there's plenty of time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Bulguksa temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Gyeongju National Museum. Then, spend an afternoon in Hapcheon, marveling at the architectural wonders of the Haeinsa Temple, before ending your adventure in Seoul. Learn more

Itinerary #2: South Korea Culinary Adventure: Seoul, Busan & Jeju

Crafted especially for foodies looking to indulge in classic dishes and street food favorites, this culinary adventure packs a flavorful punch. Starting in Seoul, dine shoulder-to-shoulder with locals at the vibrant Gwangjang Market, refine your culinary skills in a hands-on cooking class, then ride the rails to Busan, where the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market awaits. Conclude your trip on Jeju Island, indulging in the island's unique foods and strolling through the emerald-green fields of the Seogwang Tea Plantation.

Your South Korean culinary tour begins in Seoul, savoring your first taste of the city's flavor-packed cuisine while wandering through the Insadong neighborhood and dining at Gwangjang Market. Embark on a customized private guided tour around Seoul the following morning and delight in sampling your guide-recommended dishes before getting hands-on during a cooking class. Next, it's time to hop on a train bound for Busan, your base, for two nights. Spend your first day relaxing on Dadaepo Beach and enjoying two food tours, one at Jagalichi Fish Market and the other at BIFF Square.

During your time in Busan, you'll also explore Haedong Yonggungsa, soak up the sun at Haeundae Beach, and join a food tour around Gwangalli Beach. Next, a short flight brings you to Jeju Island, a stunning volcanic atoll. While here, you'll have the opportunity to visit the idyllic Udo Island, known for its unique foods like hallabong tangerine and peanut ice cream, meander through Seongeup Folk Village, and partake in a tea-tasting tour in the Seogwang Tea Plantation. Then, enjoy one last morning on Jeju Island before ending your trip with a return flight to Seoul. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Art & Culture of South Korea: Seoul, Andong & Gyeongju

Dive into the rich art and culture of South Korea on this seven-day tour, taking you from the bustling city of Seoul to the historic towns of Andong and Gyeongju. Ideal for art and history enthusiasts, you'll explore trendy arty neighborhoods, traditional folk villages, and national museums. Highlights include a guided tour of Seoul's art galleries, an immersive encounter with contemporary art at Gallery Miji,  and a journey back in time at the Gyeongju National Museum, home to the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok.

Begin your weeklong South Korea trip in Seoul, the perfect place to get introduced to the country's thriving art and culture scene. Start by joining a half-day art tour around Insadong, famous for its souvenir shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Then, spend the next day appreciating the array of artwork at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and wandering through Samcheongdong's many art galleries before transferring south to Andong. Here, you'll explore the Hahoe Folk Village, admire the wide range of masks at the Hahoe Mask Museum, and visit the Hahoe Traditional Painting Gallery.

From Andong, your journey continues to Gyeongju for an insightful day learning about the Silla Dynasty at the Gyeongju National Museum and admiring the 23 royal tombs around Tumuli Park. Then, transfer back to Seoul, where you'll spend your final two nights. Your agenda here includes a tour of Bulguksa temple, free time to take in Gallery Miji's colorful contemporary art, and an evening miso performance. With your trip winding down, you'll also explore Dongdaemun Design Plaza, home to a collection of antique art pieces, before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Discover South Korea's Western Coast Natural Wonders

Get ready to be mesmerized by the natural beauty of the Western Coast of South Korea on this nature-focused itinerary. This trip promises the chance to wander amid the bamboo forests of Juknokwon, traverse the rugged trails of Jirisan Mountain, and bask in the serene tranquility of Daecheon Beach. Complementing these natural gems is a lively city tour in Seoul and a step back in time in the traditional Jeonju Hanok Village.

After arriving in Seoul and settling into your hotel, your weeklong adventure begins with a leisurely afternoon walking or cruising along the Han River. Then, take a journey back in time the following day while joining a knowledgeable guide on a city tour, complete with stops at the Gyeongbokgung palace, a visit to Bukchon Hanok Village, and a hike up to Namsan Park. Next, leave the sprawling city behind and transfer to Jeonju, stopping to refresh at one of Taeanhang National Park's many beaches and to experience the Sky Bike at Daecheon Beach.

The next morning features a visit to the Jeonju Hanok Village, where you can admire its 800 Korean hanok houses, and time to explore Byeonsanbando National Park, which consists of both sea and mountains. Continue to Gwangju, and after a night's sleep, you'll fill your day with a mesmerizing stroll in Juknokwon, a bamboo forest, and a cable car ride or hike to Naejang mountain in Naejangsan National Park. Then, spend your final full day walking along Guryonggyegok Valley in Jirisan National Park before stopping for a night in Suncheon on your way to the airport in Yeosu. Learn more

More Great South Korea Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to South Korea? Check out these other South Korea itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.