10 Days in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Best of South Korea: Seoul, Andong, Busan & Jeju Island

Discover the must-see highlights of South Korea on this exciting 10-day itinerary, exploring Seoul, Andong, Busan, and the beautiful Jeju Island. Ideal for first-time visitors, you'll delight in a perfectly crafted mix of modern cities, historic sites, and stunning natural attractions. Top it off with a visit to the world's highest glass-floored observation deck in Seoul, the heavily guarded Korean Demilitarized Zone, and a hike to the summit of Korea's highest peak.

Welcome to South Korea! Your adventure begins in Seoul, where you'll quickly get a feel for the city's vibrant atmosphere during a self-guided tour of Insadong Street and the quirky Alive Illusion Museum. Wake early the next morning for a full-day guided tour, complete with a visit to Gyeongbokgung palace and a stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village. Then, embark on a day trip to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, the stretch of land between North and South Korea, before transferring to historic Andong. Highlights include visiting the Andong Hahoe Folk Village and the Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy.

Your adventure continues south to Busan on Day 5, but there's no hurry, with stops at Gyeongju National Museum, Bulguksa Temple, and Seokguram Grotto to look forward to along the way. Next, spend two days discovering Busan's highlights, including the impressive Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and the street-food-filled BIFF Square, until it's time to board a scenic flight bound for Jeju Island. With your trip winding down, you'll pack in explorations of Manjanggul Cave, Hallasan mountain, and Cheonjiyeon Waterfall before returning to Seoul to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: History & Culture in South Korea: Seoul, Andong, Gyeongju & Busan

Crafted especially for history enthusiasts, this 10-day South Korea trip takes you through Seoul, Andong, Gyeongju, and Busan's intriguing past. Highlights include a stroll around Bukchon Hanok Village, a tour of Korea's Demilitarized Zone, and a trip to the historic Andong Hahoe Folk Village. You'll also delight in an overnight stay at the Bulguksa Templestay and time at the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple before ending your trip learning time-tested traditions at the Korean Folk Village.

After landing and transferring to your hotel in Seoul, you'll begin your trip with a relaxing evening strolling along the Han River. The next morning you'll get to know the highlights of the city on a guided tour followed by lunch at the Gwangjang Market. Then, spend a day delving into the complex history between North and South Korea during a visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone before setting off to Jeongseon on Day 4 for an exciting ziplining experience at the Byeongbangchi Observatory. Afterward, enjoy a day meandering through the narrow alleys of Andong Hahoe Folk Village.

Next on your itinerary is a memorable stay at the Bulguksa Templestay in Gyeongju, followed by an enthralling day touring the Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Cheomseongdae Observatory. Then, after a transfer to Busan, the day is yours to wander Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and discover new foods at the Bupyeong Kkangtong Market. With three days left on your journey, the time has come to return to Seoul, where you'll embark on a day trip to the Korean Folk Village. Spend your final evening enjoying local cuisine before catching your onward flight the following day. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Active Adventure in South Korea: Hike, Bike & River Rafting

Embark on a thrilling 10-day active adventure through South Korea, featuring Jeju Island, Mount Hallasan, Odaesan National Park, and ​​Seoraksan National Park. Perfect for those who enjoy a blend of adrenaline and creature comforts, this itinerary allows you to spend uninterrupted afternoons horseback riding, river rafting, and hiking while evenings are yours to relax and indulge in South Korea's finest street food.

Upon landing on Jeju Island, your adventure begins with an exciting day wandering through the Spirited Garden and joining a tea ceremony at Seogwang Tea Plantation. Then, over the following two days, you'll discover the island's geological wonders while exploring Manjanggul Cave, embarking on a horseback riding tour, and hiking up Hallasan. Continue your activity-packed trip to Busan, where you'll experience the fun Sky Capsule and wander Jagalchi Fish Market before catching a ferry into Hallyeo Marine National Park for a fun-filled day admiring Oedo Botania and cycling through Geoje Island.

Adrenaline seekers will be delighted to hear an exhilarating Donggang River rafting experience is next on the itinerary, followed by a transfer to Sokcho. Make the most of Day 7 in Seoraksan National Park by taking a cable car up to Gwongeumseong Fortress Peak, then continue to Nami Island for an afternoon of ziplining. After another short transfer, you'll find yourself in Seoul, where you'll spend your final full day on a private tour complete with stops at Gyeongbokgung palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and the N Seoul Tower. Learn more

Itinerary #4: South Korea K-Drama Tour: Seoul, Jeonju, Gyeongju & Busan

Discover South Korea's Korean drama hotspots on this 10-day tour from Seoul to Busan. Perfect for K-drama fans, you'll explore iconic filming locations such as N Seoul Tower, Gyeongbokgung palace, Nami Island, and Gamcheon Culture Village. Plus, with the opportunity to visit historic sites like Jeonju Hanok Village, Bulguksa Temple, and Seokguram Grotto, you'll leave with a greater understanding of South Korea's history and culture.

Your trip begins in the bustling capital city of Seoul, and after enjoying an evening on your own, you'll get right into K-drama filming locations during a private tour. Stops include the Gyeongbokgung palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and the Gwangjang Market. Then, spend the following day at KyungHee Univeristy and Lotte World, both of which you may recognize from your favorite shows. You'll also embark on a day trip complete with stops at the Garden of Morning Calm, Petite France, and Nami Island before transferring to Jeonju to discover traditional hanok houses and shrines.

As you wake up to the second half of your trip, you'll again hit the road, this time to the coastal city of Gyeongju. With two nights here, there's plenty of time to check out the many K-drama filming locations, including the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Cheonmachong tomb, and Donggung Palace. Next, hop on the KTX express train bound for Busan and explore its cinematic side at Gamcheon Culture Village and Taejongdae Park. On your last full day, pack in visits to Jeongsimjae residence, Nurimaru APEC House, and Jukseong Catholic Church before catching your onward flight the following morning. 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.