South Korea 10-Day Itinerary: An Essential Travel Guide For 2026
Read on for the Ultimate 10-Day Itinerary for South Korea!
South Korea is one of the most culturally enriching and interesting countries you will ever visit, and having the best itinerary for a 10-day visit is vital to ensure you don’t miss out on all that it has to offer in 2026.
Famous for its vibrant, youthful culture and rich history, South Korea has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists, especially the major cities of Seoul and Busan.
Having visited South Korea several times, I’m the ideal blogger to provide you with an ultimate 10-day itinerary, featuring the best destinations to visit, restaurants, hotels and more.
⌚ Short on Time? My Hotel Recommendations for South Korea:
Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae
Grand Josun Busan
South Korea 10-Day Itinerary: Seoul
I highly recommend starting your 10-day itinerary in South Korea, in the capital city of Seoul.
This dynamic capital is such an overwhelming city that it’s hard to know what to do when visiting.
I recommend at least 4 days in Seoul (including a couple of day trips) to fully appreciate this amazing place. You may wish to stay longer, 5 days or more, if you have enough time available.
Seoul has everything you could want in a city, from bustling food markets, beautiful palaces, exceptional cuisine and lively neighbourhoods.
In this itinerary, you’ll visit the must-see places over the course of 5 jam-packed days.
Day 1 in Seoul: Palaces & Food Markets
For your first day in Seoul, I recommend visiting the most famous tourist attractions:
Day 1 Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the perfect place to visit for your first morning in Seoul; it is the most impressive historical site in the country.
Based in the central area of the Jongno District, this cultural landmark dates back to the 12th century and was home to royalty during the Joseon dynasty.
I was impressed by the architectural beauty and sheer size of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and surprised by just how close it is to the city centre.
Day 1 Lunch: Gwangjang Market
I highly recommend visiting the most popular food market in Seoul for lunch on
day one: Gwangjang Market.
There are so many food stalls here where you can try all types of Korean snacks
and meals. It can be an overwhelming but certainly memorable experience.
As a self-confessed foodie, I was in heaven when I visited Gwangjang Market! I loved trying the various foods available and could have stayed there all day.
To reach Gwangjang Market, catch a subway on Line 1 to Jongno 5-ga station
and take either exit 8 or 9. Or you can take a subway on Line 2 or 5 and get off at
Euljiro 4-ga station.
👉 Read more about Gwangjang Market here:
Ultimate Foodie Guide To Gwangjang Market: What To Eat & More
Day 1 Afternoon: Bukchon Hanok Village
Just 15 minutes away on the metro from the market (Jongno 5-ga station → Jongno 3-ga station → Anguk station) is another of Seoul’s cultural highlights, Bukchon Hanok village.
This famous village is a traditional neighbourhood in the heart of modern Seoul
and is unlike anywhere else in the city.
With around 900 ancient homes known as ‘hanoks’, you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s the perfect place to escape the modern, fast-paced life of Seoul for a while.
➡️ Visit both Bukchon Hanok Village & Gyeongbokgung Palace
Book a 3-hour walking tour here
Day 1 Evening: N Seoul Tower
I recommend seeing Seoul from up high at the iconic N Seoul Tower on your
first evening. From the observation deck of N Seoul Tower, you can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of this sprawling city.
This is an absolute must when in Seoul and the perfect end to your first day in
the city – especially during sunset hours. I was left speechless by the incredible 360-degree views of the city; it was a true highlight of my time in South Korea.
From Bukchon Hanok Village, head to Anguk Station and catch the number 3
subway on the orange line to Chungmuro Station. The N Seoul Tower is a 30-minute walk from here, so you may want to catch a taxi instead.
Day 1: Dinner Options
After enjoying the sunset from N Seoul Tower, it’s time to grab some dinner – and
thankfully, there are some excellent options located in and near the tower:
- N GRILL – High-quality French cuisine restaurant with incredible views.
- HanCook N Seoul Tower – Authentic Korean barbecue restaurant that’s also suitable for vegetarians.
- The Royal Food and Drink – Located close to the tower, this cosy fusion restaurant has a fun menu, and the rooftop views are spectacular.
Day 2 In Seoul: Museums & Culture
Let’s have a look at day 2 in your itinerary, which covers some of the best museums and places to visit in all of South Korea:
Day 2 Morning: National Museum of Korea
There are many amazing museums to visit in Seoul, but if you have time for just one, I recommend the National Museum of Korea (nearest subway station is Gyeongbokgung Station on the 3-Orange Line).
This museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits spanning
Korean history, art, and culture that you can spend a few hours exploring.
Day 2 Afternoon: Gangnam
In the afternoon, head to Gangnam and explore glitzy boutiques, modern architecture, and chic cafes.
I recommend visiting the Starfield COEX Mall (near Samseong station on Line 2 and Bongeunsa station on Line 9). This is the biggest shopping mall in Asia.
Make sure to visit the Starfield Library, which has over 50,000 books! There are plenty of food options within the mall, making it convenient for lunch.
Day 2 Evening: Hongdae
To conclude your second day in the capital, visit the vibrant and lively Hongdae
district. Known for its youthful energy, Hongdae is home to numerous clubs,
bars, restaurants and live music venues.
Hongdae is one of the best neighbourhoods in Seoul to visit, in my opinion. It is a
very hip area full of street performers, which can draw large crowds, making for
an electric atmosphere!
My first experience of South Korean culture was Hongdae, which is why I like it so much. Not only is it a top place to enjoy, but it is also a convenient neighbourhood for your accommodation.
👉 Read my Travel Guide to South Korea here:
South Korea Bucket List 2026: 15 Incredible Places & Things To Do
Day 3: Bukhansan National Park
For your third day in Seoul, I recommend getting out of the city and visiting the
beautiful Bukhansan National Park. This is the perfect activity if you’re a
nature lover and love hiking.
Bukhansan translates to: ‘mountains north of the Han River’ and is a huge
forest area full of Buddhist temples and numerous trails.
There are three main peaks in the park, and there are amazing mountainous vistas at the top, as well as the rest of Seoul.
The most difficult trail takes you to the top of Baegundae Peak. This hike is
6km in total and will take several hours to complete, but the panoramic vistas
of Seoul are simply astonishing.
This was one of my favourite days during my time in South Korea; the beauty and peacefulness of the park was just what I needed and the views left me in awe.
How to get to Bukhansan Park
There are several different entrances to the park from the centre of Seoul.
There is a direct bus from Seoul station that goes to the entrance of Bukhansanseong Fortress and takes less than 40 minutes.
You can get there using the metro system, but this is rather complicated and
requires changing lines on the way. You can also take a taxi to the park, which
will take less than 20 minutes.
Day 4: Day Trip To The DMZ
For Day 4 in Seoul, I recommend visiting the demilitarized zone border between South and North Korea.
From the centre of Seoul, the journey takes around an hour or so to reach the border that lies thirty miles north of the capital.
The DMZ is a no-man’s land that was established between South and North Korea in 1953.
It’s a fascinating place, and you’ll visit historically important locations such as the Freedom Bridge and underground tunnels that still exist underneath the border.
The best part of the tour for me was the Dora Observatory, where you can see North Korean territory through binoculars! To be that close to North Korea is incredible, and the entire tour is a memorable experience.
➡️ Visit the DMZ on a Small Group Tour
Book your tickets by clicking here
Day 5: Nami Island
For Day 5 of your South Korea itinerary, I recommend a must-do day trip to one of the most beautiful locations you can visit from Seoul: Nami Island (Namiseom).
Located 63 km north-east of Seoul, Nami Island is a popular tourist destination, famous for its scenic nature, serene gardens and cultural villages.
How to get to Nami Island
You can visit Nami Island by using public transportation. There are shuttle buses that go directly from Namdaemun, Myeongdong or Insadong in Seoul. You can also catch an ITX train from Yongsan and Cheongnyangni stations.
Nami Island Tour
I fully recommend going on a tour instead, which is a lot more hassle-free, and you can visit the following key points of interest close to the island:
- The Garden of Morning Calm✌️
- Chuncheon Samaksan Cable Car🚡
- Samaksan Mountain🗻
- Gubongsan Mountain Observatory Cafe Street☕
➡️ Visit Nami Island on a Full Day Tour
Book your ticket hassle-free by clicking here
Where To Stay In Seoul
There are countless accommodation options in Seoul. Here are three options that I wholly recommend considering:
Budget Recommendation: Hotel The Designers Hongdae
I stayed at this hotel during my stay in Seoul and had a wonderful experience. My room was spacious and relatively inexpensive compared to other hotels in the area.
The location was excellent, the staff were friendly, and I had an easy check-in. It is only a 2-star hotel, but I had no complaints whatsoever, and the rooms are very affordable considering the area you’re staying in.
➡️ Check for Availability at Hotel The Designers Hongdae here
Mid-range Recommendation: Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae
I also stayed at this hotel, and it was fantastic! Lovely room, great central location (close to all the action in Hongdae, and right next to the metro station).
I had a great view of Hongdae from my room, and the breakfast buffet is a must. This is a 4-star hotel, but prices are quite reasonable, and it has outstanding facilities, including a business centre and a 24-hour front desk.
➡️Check for Availability at Holiday Inn Express here
Luxury Recommendation: Andaz Seoul Gangnam, By Hyatt
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in Seoul, then you can’t go wrong with Andaz Seoul Gangnam, by Hyatt.
This 5-star hotel situated in Gangnam is one of the best in the region. It has an indoor swimming pool, a spa and wellness centre and three restaurants.
Expect elegant rooms with modern amenities, attentive staff, delicious food and a central location in Gangnam.
➡️ Check for Availability at Andaz Seoul Gangnam, By Hyatt here
Where To Eat In Seoul
Knowing where to eat in Seoul can be a complicated affair, as there are so many
great places, from restaurants to street food and markets. Here are my top
recommendations:
- Myeongdong Street: This is a very popular shopping high street, packed with food stalls everywhere you look. Visit at night time as this is when the area really comes alive.
- The Culinary Studio at Onjium: A Michelin-starred restaurant that showcases Korean food culture with a multi-course menu. Although not cheap, it’s worth it if you’re looking for a fine-dining experience in Seoul.
- Itaewon: If you fancy a change from Korean cuisine, then head to this popular and lively neighbourhood, where you’ll find plenty of alternative international restaurants.
- Noryangjin Fish Market: One of Korea’s largest seafood markets,
Noryangjin offers a wide variety of fresh seafood. It’s a popular spot to try sannakji, a live octopus sashimi dish, that’s if you’re brave enough!
Day 6: Seoul To Busan
For Day 6 of your South Korea adventure, it’s time to leave Seoul for another top destination that is highly recommended: Busan.
South Korea’s second largest city after Seoul, Busan is located on the south-eastern tip of the Korean Peninsula and is famous for its glorious beaches, vibrant culture and excellent cuisine.
I loved my time in Busan and found it to be quieter but just as interesting as
Seoul. The beaches are spectacular, and there are many fascinating temple
sites, food markets and more to do here.
How to get to Busan from Seoul
The easiest way to travel between Seoul and Busan is via train. The KTX line
from Seoul to Busan is a very convenient, quick and reliable train line between the two cities.
With tickets ranging from £20 to £50 and the train taking between 2-3 hours, this is a fantastic way to see more of the South Korean landscape.
The trains I caught between the two cities were clean, spacious, and on time, and I experienced no problems whatsoever.
👉 Read more about Busan here:
Seoul vs Busan: Which South Korean City Is Better For Tourists?
Day 7: Relax In Busan
For your first day in Busan, visit some of the most iconic spots available, from gorgeous beaches to an unforgettable cultural experience:
Day 7 Morning: Beach Time!
After a hectic week exploring Seoul and various day trips, it’s time to relax on Busan’s famous Haeundae Beach.
This golden stretch of sand is arguably the most popular destination in Busan, surrounded by countless skyscrapers and awesome views. This is probably one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever visited, and I’ve visited a lot of beaches!
There are many restaurants and bars next to the beach, which stretches out for
over a mile. It’s a top spot to take a peaceful stroll and enjoy the city’s coastline.
Day 7 Afternoon: Gamcheon Culture Village
After relaxing on the beach, I recommend a visit to the vibrant Gamcheon Culture Village, often referred to as the ‘Machu Picchu of Busan’.
This colourful neighbourhood built on a hillside is full of street art and makes an interesting introduction to the culture in Busan.
You can reach the village by taxi, bus or subway. By subway, take the orange line (line 1) from Busan Station in the direction of Dadaepo Beach.
Get off at Toseong Station and take exit 6. From there, you can take bus Saha-gu 1-1 or Seo-gu 2 or 2-2.
Day 7 Evening: Busan Tower
I recommend finishing your first full day in the city with a trip to its most iconic
building: Busan Tower. It’s 120 feet high and is at the top of Longtou Mountain
Park.
You’ll be amazed once you reach the top of the observation tower – the
panoramic skyline views of the city and harbour are spectacular. You can either
walk or take a taxi there – it’s a must when visiting Busan.
Visiting Busan Tower was another top highlight from my time in South Korea. The views are, in my opinion, more picturesque than the views from the top of the N Tower in Seoul.
Day 8: Discover More Of Busan
There is plenty more to discover in Busan; it warrants a stay of at least two days. Here are my recommendations for day 8 on your South Korea itinerary:
Day 8 Morning: Beomeosa Temple
On your second day in Busan, visit the beautiful Beomeosa Temple (take the
Subway Line 1 (Orange Line) to Beomeosa Station and exit through Exit 5 or 7).
This Buddhist temple nestled in the mountains is one of South Korea’s most
historically important temples. It dates to ancient times and was used to house
monks.
The temple is based in a tranquil setting, with delightful gardens that are
nice to explore, making for a peaceful change of pace from the busy city.
Day 8 Afternoon: More of Busan
- Busan Museum of Movies – If you’re a movie fan, I highly recommend a visit to the Busan Museum of Movies when visiting the city. This museum is informative on Korean cinema history and has a wide array of memorabilia.
- Jagalchi Fish Market – This market was one of the most memorable places I visited in Busan. It is South Korea’s largest seafood market, and an extraordinary place to wander around.
Day 8 Evening: Explore BIFF Square
To end day 2 in Busan, make sure to visit BIFF Square. This is a popular location
that really comes to life at night, with lots of street food vendors selling Korean
snacks.
The street is famous for its connection to the Busan International Film Festival
and has its own Walk of Fame. You can see several well-known Korean and
international movie stars’ names and handprints on the pavement here.
Day 9: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
For your last sightseeing trip in Busan, visit the amazing Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. This is one of the most impressive sites I visited in South Korea and is not to be missed.
This unique and majestic temple is situated right next to the ocean, and watching the waves crash against the rocky shore creates a spiritual and memorable experience.
It can get very busy with tourists, and it was crowded when I visited in the middle of the afternoon.
👉 Pro Tip: The best time to visit is early morning (the temple is open for visitors as early as 4:30am), and seeing the sunrise here would be even more spectacular.
How to get there from Busan
Reaching the temple from central Busan can be tricky. It’s possible to get there by catching multiple buses or trains, and these options also involve a fair bit of walking.
The easiest and most convenient way is to go by taxi. It’ll cost more (in the
region of £10-£15), but it’s a quick and simple solution.
Where To Stay In Busan
Similar to Seoul, Busan has a wide choice of hotels. Here are three different accommodation recommendations at three different prices:
Budget Recommendation: Best Western Haeundae Hotel
This excellent 4-star hotel is located right on the beachfront next to Haeundae Beach in Busan, just 100 metres away from its golden sands.
The hotel’s rooms offer views of the sea and city and are very reasonably priced compared to other hotels in the area.
➡️ Check for Availability at Best Western Haeundae Hotel here
Mid-Range Recommendation: Lotte Hotel Busan
This exceptional 5-star hotel boasts a prime location in Busan, offering a world-class service, and its rooms are reasonably priced.
Rooms are spacious and have a nice modern feel with a focus on comfort, there are two swimming pools, six restaurants, a fitness centre and a spa and wellness centre.
➡️ Check for Availability at Lotte Hotel Busan here
Luxury Recommendation: Grand Josun Busan
If you fancy a lavish stay during your visit to Busan, then Grand Josun Busan is a perfect choice.
Situated very close to the beach, this 5-star hotel has all the luxurious facilities you would expect. Rooms have truly incredible views, and the staff and service are impeccable.
➡️ Check for Availability at Grand Josun Busan here
Where To Eat In Busan
- Anga – Top-rated Korean BBQ restaurant located in Haeundae with a
friendly service and great atmosphere. - Gaemijip Seomyeon – Cosy, authentic Korean restaurant serving
traditional food including barbecue dishes, seafood, soups and more. - Namaste Haeundae – An Indian restaurant with a good selection of Indian cuisine, in case you fancy a change from Korean food.
Day 10: Gyeongju
For your last day in South Korea, I recommend a day trip from Busan to the
remarkable ancient city of Gyeongju.
This is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring temples and archaeological sites of the Silla Kingdom and is the oldest city in Korea.
It is a fascinating and beautiful place to explore, and this extensive excursion is perfect for curious travellers seeking a thorough and immersive sightseeing experience.
Here is a list of the top sights to visit when in Gyeongju:
- Bulguksa Temple
- Daereungwon Tomb Complex
- Gyeongju National Museum
- Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory
- Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
- Seokguram Grotto
➡️ See the best of Gyeongju on this Private Tour
Book your ticket in advance by clicking here
Helpful Links For Planning Your Trip
Here are some helpful links to help plan your trip to South Korea:
🚄 Book trains, buses, ferries in South Korea – find trains from Seoul to Busan, ferries to Jeju Island and more.
🏨 Find hotels in South Korea – from budget stays in Seoul to beach hotels in Busan and more.
🍜 Join a food tour in Seoul – perfect for exploring the city’s street food and local dishes.
🌅 Book a Busan day tour – see Gamcheon Village, Jagalchi fish market, scenic Yonggungsa and more.
Other Places To Visit In South Korea
There are many other fantastic areas to visit in South Korea. So here is a list of the best of the rest to consider for your vacation:
- Jeju Island: A popular spot for South Koreans, this island is 50km south of the Peninsula and is known as the ‘Hawaii of Korea’. It has a tropical climate, gorgeous nature and beaches.
- Suwon: Situated in Gyeonggi Province, Suwon is known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites like Hwaseong Fortress and Yongjusa Temple.
- Jeonju: This city is a key cultural and spiritual centre in South Korea, featuring numerous historical and cultural sites. The highlight for many visitors is the Hanok Village.
Map of South Korea
Check out this interactive map of South Korea, with markers for all of the destinations mentioned in this blog post:
South Korea 10-Day Itinerary FAQs
If you’re still unsure about visiting South Korea for 10 days or for any length of time, allow me to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about this extraordinary country:
Is 10 days enough time to visit South Korea?
Yes, in my opinion, 10 days is enough time to visit the most popular tourist attractions in South Korea, and will leave with a good appreciation of the culture, people and climate.
However, if you want to visit more offbeat places as well as Seoul and Busan, then you will need more time, ideally between two and three weeks.
Which cities in South Korea have fewer tourists?
If you want to stay away from the tourist hotspots in South Korea and would prefer quieter cities, then I recommend visiting the following places:
- Suwon – Often overlooked by tourists, it is less than 1 hour away from Seoul.
- Jinju – An underrated but beautiful city in the South Gyeongsang province.
- Yeosu – This is another gorgeous coastal city that is popular with local tourists, but less frequented by international tourists.
Is South Korea expensive to visit?
South Korea is considered to be moderately priced in comparison to European or US destinations. In comparison to other Asian countries (especially Southeast Asia and China), it is considered expensive.
However, you can find plenty of fairly priced restaurants with meals for £10 or less, and public transportation is cheap too. Hotels in major cities are generally expensive, but you can still find budget accommodation.
Conclusion: South Korea 10-Day Itinerary
So, that concludes my 10-day itinerary for South Korea, an essential travel guide if you’re planning on visiting one of the most beautiful and fascinating countries I’ve ever visited.
From the lively, trendy social scene of Seoul to the chilled vibes in Busan and trips to the DMZ, Gyeongju and more, this itinerary has the perfect blend of the best that South Korea has to offer.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my South Korea 10-day itinerary and are now motivated to experience an adventure of a lifetime!
You may also enjoy reading these blog posts about South Korea:
➡️ How To Survive Seoul In Summer – A Travel Expert’s Advice
➡️ Travel Tips For South Korea: A Comprehensive Guide To Safety
➡️Seoul In One Day: The Ultimate Itinerary For South Korea’s Capital
➡️ BEST Food Tour In South Korea 2026: The Ultimate Foodie Guide!
➡️ 2 Days in Seoul: A Full Itinerary For South Korea’s Capital
➡️ Planning your trip? Here are my favourite resources:
🏨 Accommodation: I recommend using Booking.com
🚙 Rental Car: Use Discover Cars for the best car rental prices
❤️ Travel Insurance: I recommend using Visitors Coverage
✈️ Flights: Use Kiwi.com for the best prices on flights
