10 Days in South Korea: The Complete Route
Contents
- Days 1–3: Seoul
- Day 1: Palaces and Historic North
- Day 2: Namsan, Markets, and Gangnam
- Day 3: DMZ Day Trip
- Day 4: Seoul to Jeonju
- Getting There
- Afternoon: Jeonju Hanok Village
- Days 5–6: Gyeongju
- Day 5: Getting There and Central Gyeongju
- Day 6: Bulguksa and Seokguram
- Days 7–8: Busan
- Day 7: Getting There and Haeundae
- Day 8: Busan Markets and Villages
- Days 9–10: Jeju Island
- Day 9: Getting There and East Coast
- Day 10: South Coast and Departure
- Budget Summary (Per Person, 10 Days)
- Transport Summary
- Detailed City Guides
- Book Your Trip
Ten days gives enough time to see South Korea’s full range - capital city, military border, traditional heartland, ancient temple country, modern coastal city, and volcanic island. This route runs north to south, finishing on Jeju, and avoids backtracking. Every connection uses KTX trains or a short domestic flight.
The pace is comfortable. No day requires more than 3 hours of travel, and most transitions happen in the morning, leaving full afternoons at each destination.
Days 1–3: Seoul
Day 1: Palaces and Historic North
Start at Gyeongbokgung Palace - Seoul’s primary Joseon-era palace. Entry KRW 3,000 (USD 2.20) per adult as of 2026, closed Tuesdays. The guard-changing ceremony runs at 10:00 and 14:00. The National Folk Museum inside the grounds is free with your palace ticket.
Walk east to Bukchon Hanok Village (free, 15 minutes on foot) and continue south to Insadong. Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang - ginseng chicken soup, approximately KRW 17,000 (USD 13).
Afternoon: Changdeokgung Palace - entry KRW 3,000; the Secret Garden requires a separate timed ticket at KRW 5,000 (USD 3.70), with English tours at 10:30, 14:30, and 16:30.
Evening: Myeongdong for street food. Budget KRW 10,000–15,000 (USD 7–11) for a full dinner from the stalls.
Where to stay: Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong - from approximately KRW 140,000 (USD 103) per night. Hotel28 Myeongdong - from approximately KRW 85,000 (USD 63) per night as of 2026.
Day 2: Namsan, Markets, and Gangnam
Morning: Namsan Tower - cable car KRW 11,000 (USD 8) return, observation deck KRW 16,000 (USD 12).
Lunch: Namdaemun Market, then Gwangjang Market for bindaetteok (approximately KRW 5,000 / USD 3.70).
Afternoon: Metro to Gangnam - Bongeunsa Temple (free), COEX Mall, Starfield Library (free, open until 22:00).
Dinner: Maple Tree House in Gangnam - Korean BBQ, approximately KRW 35,000–50,000 (USD 26–37) per person.
Day 3: DMZ Day Trip
Half-day DMZ tour departing 07:30–08:00. Cost approximately KRW 65,000–85,000 (USD 48–63) per person as of 2026. JSA access requires passport details submitted 3+ days in advance. Return to Seoul by 14:00.
Afternoon: War Memorial of Korea (free, closed Mondays) or shopping at Dongdaemun.
Evening: Hongdae - live music, street performers, bars. Dinner at Menya Sandaime - tonkotsu ramen, approximately KRW 10,000 (USD 7).
Day 4: Seoul to Jeonju
Getting There
KTX from Yongsan Station (Seoul) to Jeonju Station - approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, KRW 33,000–36,000 (USD 24–26) one way as of 2026.
Afternoon: Jeonju Hanok Village
Jeonju Hanok Village is the largest traditional hanok settlement in Korea - over 700 hanok buildings in a compact area. It is 15 minutes by taxi from Jeonju Station (approximately KRW 5,000 / USD 3.70) or reachable by local bus.
Walk the main streets, visit the Jeonju Traditional Wine Museum (free), and stop at the Gyeonggijeon Shrine - a Joseon Dynasty royal portrait hall, entry KRW 3,000 (USD 2.20).
Jeonju is the birthplace of bibimbap - the mixed rice dish that defines Korean cuisine. For the original version, try Hankook Jip near the hanok village - a full bibimbap set costs approximately KRW 12,000–15,000 (USD 9–11). The Jeonju version uses raw beef and a raw egg yolk, served in a stone pot (dolsot).
Evening: Walk through the village at dusk when the lanterns light up and the day-trippers have left.
Where to stay: Stay in a traditional hanok guesthouse - Hakindang offers rooms from approximately KRW 80,000 (USD 59) per night in a restored hanok with heated ondol floors. The experience of sleeping on a mat on a warm floor in a wooden house is worth one night.
Days 5–6: Gyeongju
Day 5: Getting There and Central Gyeongju
KTX from Jeonju to Singyeongju - this requires a connection at either Osong or Dongdaegu. Total journey approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, KRW 30,000–38,000 (USD 22–28). Bus 700 from Singyeongju to central Gyeongju takes approximately 20 minutes (KRW 1,400 / USD 1).
Afternoon: Tumuli Park (Daereungwon) - 23 ancient royal tombs, entry KRW 3,000 (USD 2.20). The only accessible interior is Cheonmachong. Walk south to Cheomseongdae observatory (free exterior viewing) and Wolji Pond (entry KRW 3,000 / USD 2.20). Wolji is best at dusk when the reflection of the restored Silla buildings lights up the water.
Dinner: Gyeongju Ssambap Street - lettuce wrap sets from approximately KRW 12,000 (USD 9) per person.
Where to stay: Commodore Hotel Gyeongju - from approximately KRW 100,000 (USD 74) per night near Bomun Lake. Gyeongju GG House - central guesthouse from approximately KRW 50,000 (USD 37) per night.
Day 6: Bulguksa and Seokguram
Morning: Bus 10 or 11 to Bulguksa Temple - approximately 40 minutes, KRW 1,800 (USD 1.30). Entry KRW 6,000 (USD 4.40) as of 2026. This UNESCO-listed 8th-century temple is the single best Silla Dynasty site in the country. Allow 90 minutes.
Shuttle bus to Seokguram Grotto - approximately 15 minutes, KRW 2,500 (USD 1.80). Entry KRW 6,000 (USD 4.40). The granite Buddha overlooking the East Sea is one of Korea’s finest Buddhist sculptures. Allow 45 minutes including the forest walk.
Afternoon: Gyeongju National Museum (free) - an excellent collection of Silla gold crowns, jewellery, and the Emille Bell. Open 10:00–18:00, closed Mondays.
Days 7–8: Busan
Day 7: Getting There and Haeundae
KTX from Singyeongju to Busan Station - approximately 30 minutes, KRW 12,000–14,000 (USD 9–10).
Check in and head to Haeundae Beach. Walk the Haeundae Blueline Park - a former rail line converted to a coastal walking trail and sky capsule ride. Sky capsules cost KRW 10,000 (USD 7) one way as of 2026.
Lunch: Haeundae Market - raw fish platters from approximately KRW 30,000 (USD 22) for two.
Afternoon: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple - a cliff-edge coastal temple, 30 minutes by bus 181 from Haeundae (KRW 1,400 / USD 1). Free entry. Go before 10:00 to beat tour groups.
Evening: Gwangalli Beach for the illuminated Gwangan Bridge view. Dinner at Obaltan - spicy braised monkfish, approximately KRW 25,000 (USD 18) per person.
Where to stay: Lotte Hotel Busan - from approximately KRW 180,000 (USD 133) per night at Haeundae Beach. Toyoko Inn Busan Station - from approximately KRW 70,000 (USD 52) per night.
Day 8: Busan Markets and Villages
Morning: Gamcheon Culture Village - take bus 1-1 or 2-2 from Toseong station (Line 1). Art village map trail KRW 2,000 (USD 1.50). Allow 90 minutes.
Lunch: Jagalchi Fish Market - Korea’s largest. Raw fish sets from approximately KRW 40,000 (USD 29) for two. Walk through BIFF Square for hotteok (approximately KRW 2,000 / USD 1.50).
Afternoon: Taejongdae Resort Park - bus 101 from Nampo-dong. Free entry, Danubi Train KRW 3,000 (USD 2.20). Clifftop views across the Korea Strait.
Evening: Seomyeon district (Line 1/2 intersection) - Busan’s main shopping and dining hub. Ssonsal Dwaeji Gukbap serves Busan-style pork and rice soup from approximately KRW 9,000 (USD 6.60) - a local dish you will not find easily outside the city.
Days 9–10: Jeju Island
Day 9: Getting There and East Coast
Fly from Gimhae Airport (Busan) to Jeju International Airport - approximately 55 minutes. Budget carriers (Jin Air, Jeju Air, T’way) offer fares from approximately KRW 45,000 (USD 33) one way when booked 2–3 weeks ahead as of 2026. Airport bus from Haeundae to Gimhae costs KRW 7,000 (USD 5.15), approximately 50 minutes.
Rent a car at Jeju Airport - from approximately KRW 40,000 (USD 29) per day as of 2026. A car is the most practical way to explore Jeju; public buses cover the main routes but add significant time.
Morning/Afternoon: Drive east to Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) - entry KRW 5,000 (USD 3.70). The hike to the crater rim takes approximately 25 minutes and the views across the coast are worth the effort. Nearby Manjanggul Lava Tube is one of the longest lava tubes in the world - entry KRW 4,000 (USD 2.90), open 09:00–18:00. Watch for haenyeo (women divers) at Seongsan harbour - they dive for shellfish and sea urchins daily, weather permitting.
Evening: Dombe Garden in Seogwipo - black pork BBQ (heuk-dwaeji), Jeju’s signature meat. A full set costs approximately KRW 40,000–50,000 (USD 29–37) for two.
Where to stay: Jeju Shinhwa World Marriott - from approximately KRW 200,000 (USD 147) per night. For budget, Seogwipo KAL Hotel - from approximately KRW 110,000 (USD 81) per night.
Day 10: South Coast and Departure
Morning: Cheonjiyeon Waterfall in Seogwipo - entry KRW 2,500 (USD 1.80), a short walk through subtropical forest. Jungmun Saekdal Beach nearby is a dark-sand beach backed by columnar basalt cliffs.
If time allows before your flight, stop at O’sulloc Tea Museum on the west side - free entry, with green tea fields and a tasting room. The matcha soft serve is approximately KRW 6,000 (USD 4.40).
Return the rental car and fly back to Seoul Gimpo Airport (approximately 1 hour 10 minutes) or connect to your international departure from Jeju.
Budget Summary (Per Person, 10 Days)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (9 nights) | KRW 540,000 (USD 397) | KRW 1,170,000 (USD 860) |
| Food | KRW 300,000 (USD 220) | KRW 500,000 (USD 368) |
| Transport (KTX + flights + metro) | KRW 250,000 (USD 184) | KRW 300,000 (USD 220) |
| Car rental Jeju (2 days) | KRW 80,000 (USD 59) | KRW 100,000 (USD 74) |
| Attractions + DMZ | KRW 130,000 (USD 96) | KRW 155,000 (USD 114) |
| Total | KRW 1,300,000 (USD 956) | KRW 2,225,000 (USD 1,636) |
Transport Summary
| Route | Mode | Time | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul → Jeonju | KTX | 1h 40m | KRW 35,000 (USD 26) |
| Jeonju → Gyeongju | KTX (via transfer) | 2h 30m | KRW 35,000 (USD 26) |
| Gyeongju → Busan | KTX | 30m | KRW 13,000 (USD 10) |
| Busan → Jeju | Flight | 55m | KRW 45,000–80,000 (USD 33–59) |
| Jeju → Seoul (Gimpo) | Flight | 1h 10m | KRW 50,000–90,000 (USD 37–66) |
Book tours and activities in South Korea through GetYourGuide. For activities that can be booked the same day or next day, check our last-minute tours page.
Get an eSIM for South Korea with Airalo so you have data from the moment you land.
Book trains and buses between cities through the KORAIL website or at station ticket counters.
Detailed City Guides
Each destination on this route has a dedicated guide: Seoul | Jeonju | Gyeongju | Busan | Jeju Island. For train planning, see the KTX and Korail Pass guide. Shorter trips? Compare the 1-week South Korea itinerary or the 2-week route.
Book Your Trip
- Flights - Find the best fares to South Korea
- Travel Insurance - Get covered before you go
- eSIM - Stay connected from landing
- Airport Transfers - Pre-book your transfer from Incheon International Airport
- Car Rental - Compare prices across providers
- Tours & Activities - Browse South Korea tours on GetYourGuide
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Book the key experiences
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best route for 10 days in South Korea?
- The most logical route moves south from Seoul: DMZ day trip, then KTX to Jeonju for hanok village and bibimbap, south to Gyeongju for Silla temples, east to Busan for beaches and seafood, then a short flight to Jeju Island. This avoids backtracking and uses the KTX network efficiently.
- How much does 10 days in South Korea cost?
- A mid-range 10-day trip costs approximately KRW 1,800,000–2,400,000 (USD 1,325–1,765) per person excluding international flights. This covers 3-star hotels, KTX trains, a Jeju flight, meals at mid-range restaurants, and attraction entry fees. Budget travellers using guesthouses and street food can manage on KRW 1,200,000 (USD 880).
- Do I need to fly to Jeju Island?
- Flying is the standard option - Busan to Jeju takes approximately 55 minutes, with budget carriers offering fares from approximately KRW 45,000 (USD 33) one way if booked 2–3 weeks ahead as of 2026. There is a ferry from Busan to Jeju (approximately 11 hours overnight) but the time cost is significant on a 10-day trip.
- Is a 10-day Korea trip suitable for first-time visitors?
- Ten days is the ideal first-visit length. It covers the core highlights - Seoul, the DMZ, a traditional town, ancient temples, a coastal city, and a subtropical island - without rushing. English signage is strong in all major cities, metro systems are straightforward, and the KTX booking process is simple.