Recently updated on August 19th, 2025 at 04:30 pm
Your search for the perfect South Korea itinerary ends here. This 10-day journey captures the essence of the country – from Seoul’s neon-lit city streets to the peaceful temples of Andong, the ancient treasures of Gyeongju, and the coastal charm of Busan.
On the Best of South Korea trip, you’ll explore iconic UNESCO sites, rich cultural traditions, and local flavors. Plus with Trafalgar, you’ll pack each day with immersive experiences while your Travel Director handles the details. That means you can relax and truly enjoy the adventure!
Let’s dive into a day-by-day breakdown of the Best of South Korea trip.
Day 1: Welcome to Seoul
Annyeonghaseyo – welcome to South Korea! Your big adventure begins in Seoul, a city where ancient palaces and Buddhist temples meet glittering skyscrapers and 24-hour street food stalls. After touching down at Incheon International Airport, transfer to your hotel in the heart of the capital.
This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a warm welcome dinner. Over your first Korean feast – perhaps sizzling bulgogi, spicy kimchi, or a comforting bowl of bibimbap – enjoy a real taste of South Korea’s delicious food scene.
Kick off your 10-day journey by raising a glass (or shot of soju) to the exciting road ahead. Tomorrow, the fun really begins – so get a good night’s sleep, or sneak out for a post-dinner wander through the neon-lit streets nearby.
SOUTH KOREA ITINERARY: Best of South Korea
Day 2: Explore Seoul’s traditions and street food
Wake up ready to step back in time – today, you’ll explore Seoul’s historic heart. Begin with a visit to the magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces. Watch the colourful Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony – a photogenic ritual that brings Korea’s Joseon Dynasty past to life.
Then follow your nose to Insadong Street, a place where tradition and creativity rub shoulders. Insadong is lined with artisan craft shops, centuries-old teahouses, and contemporary galleries.
Don’t overindulge at lunch —because your afternoon dives deep into one of Seoul’s most famous foodie hotspots: Gwangjang Market. This is street food heaven, and your guided tour will take you through its bustling alleys to sample Korea’s boldest bites. Try nokdujeon (crispy mung bean pancakes), fiery tteok-bokki (spicy rice cakes), and of course, Korea’s beloved kimchi in all its tangy, fermented glory.
Day 3: Into Korea’s Demilitarized Zone
Today, you’ll journey to one of the most curious places on Earth: the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). You’ll travel by military shuttle with a Local Specialist, who will share insights into the turbulent history that has shaped the Korean peninsula.
Visit the Third Infiltration Tunnel, an underground passage discovered in the 1970s – one of several dug by North Korea with the intent of covert invasion. Then make your way to the Dora Observatory for a rare view across to North Korea. Try to spot the country’s peace village in the distance! Visit Unification Village, a quiet farming community that exists in the shadow of border tension, then stop for lunch.
This afternoon, you can opt to deepen your understanding of Korea’s military history with a visit to the War Memorial of Korea. This Optional Experience brings to life personal stories, powerful exhibits, and tributes to those who served. Otherwise, you’ll have free time to explore Seoul.
Day 4: Buddhist heritage and a Be My Guest dinner in Andong
This morning you’ll zip through the calm of Korea’s countryside aboard a high-speed train bound for Andong – a city known as the cultural soul of Korea. Your first stop is the serene Bongjeongsa Temple, nestled in the forested slopes of Mount Cheondeung. This sacred site is home to Korea’s oldest surviving wooden building and offers a peaceful place to discover the country’s Buddhist heritage.
Next, visit Dosan Seowon, a Confucian academy established in the 16th century by revered scholar Toegye Yi Hwang. Walk in the footsteps of scholars past, and learn how Confucian values helped shape Korea’s intellectual thinking.
Before sunset, take a reflective stroll across Woryeonggyo Bridge, the longest wooden bridge in Korea. It pays tribute to a tale of enduring love – built to honor a woman who waited every night by the river for her late husband, her love lasting beyond a lifetime.
Then get ready for a heartwarming Be My Guest dinner with your host Jongbu Kim Do-Eun. Around the table, taste a handful of lovingly prepared Joseon-era recipes, passed down through generations, and bond with your fellow travelers.
SOUTH KOREA ITINERARY: Best of South Korea
Day 5: Explore history in Andong, the cultural heart
Start the morning of Day 5 in Hahoe Village, a UNESCO-listed treasure where Confucian ideals, folk traditions, and Joseon-era architecture have been perfectly preserved. Slow down as you wander peaceful lanes lined with thatched-roof homes and centuries-old trees. Eventually you’ll reach Buyongdae Cliff, for sweeping panoramic views over the village that’s shaped like a lotus blossom.
Then, it’s time to explore the world of Korean performance, starting at the Hahoe World Mask Museum. Discover an extraordinary collection of handcrafted masks, used for Korea’s beloved mask dance drama – a traditional form of satire and storytelling. After lunch, you’ll Dive Into Culture at the Hahoe Mask Dance Show. Watch the dancers bring stories to life through expressive movement and sharp humor. You’ll meet the performers and get to have a go yourself.
Later, you’ll continue on to the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom: Gyeongju. Check into the Lahan Select Hotel, an award-winning hotel that is a work of art and is a Trafalgar special Stays With Stories experience.
Day 6: Discover ancient Korean dynasties in Gyeongju
Journey deep into Korea’s storied past as you explore Gyeongju – once the capital of the Silla dynasty and often called a “museum without walls.” This ancient city overflows with royal tombs and sacred temples. Begin at the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple, a top example of Silla-era Buddhist architecture with its elegant stone pagodas and courtyards, then visit the granite Buddha at Seokguram Grotto.
Next, stroll through Daereungwon Tomb Complex, where the tombs of kings and queens rise as grassy hills. You can step inside Cheonmachong, one of the few tombs open to the public, to see royal burial traditions.
Later, admire the elegant Woljeonggyo Bridge, a faithfully restored Silla-era crossing that looks like something out of a Korean historical drama. Curious travelers can rent a traditional hanbok and pose for cute photos near the bridge! Then explore the tranquil gardens of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, once part of a large palace complex.
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Day 7: Continue to coastal Busan
Hit the road south of Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city that’s set between mountains and sea. Your first stop is a ride on the Skyline Park Sky Capsule, a cheerful, elevated railway that glides above the shoreline in bright pastel pods. It’s an ideal introduction to Busan’s sparkling coast.
Then, visit one of Korea’s most unique temples: Haedong Yonggungsa. Unlike most Buddhist temples nestled in the mountains, this one sits perched dramatically on seaside cliffs. Climb 108 stone steps down to discover ornate pagodas, lion statues, and crashing waves.
In the afternoon, pause for a moment of reflection at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery. Here fallen soldiers from 11 nations are honored. Then end the day with a coastal walk along pine-fringed paths on Dongbaekseom Island, also known as the Island of Camellias.
If you’re bursting with energy, join an Optional Experience night cruise from Haeundae and see the Gwangan Bridge sparkle, spot the Diamond Tower, and take in the city from the water.
Day 8: Rice wine and markets in Busan
Your final day in Busan is a colorful, culture-filled adventure. Start in Gamcheon Cultural Village, a colorful refugee settlement turned creative haven, where you can explore cafes and cool street art. Then ride the Songdo Sea Cable Car, gliding 86 meters (282 ft) above the ocean in a glass gondola.
Back on land, dive into Busan’s bustling heart at Gukje Market, where you’ll find everything from handmade crafts to sizzling Korean street food. Follow your cravings to a steaming bowl of eomuk (fish cake) or spicy tteok-bokki, and grab a few last-minute souvenirs.
This afternoon, meet Yoo Cheong-gil, South Korea’s only officially recognized makgeolli master, for a special MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Hear his passionate story of preserving the art of rice wine brewing and taste the traditional drink.
SOUTH KOREA ITINERARY: Best of South Korea
Day 9: High-speed train back to Seoul
After breakfast, board a final high-speed train back to Seoul. Sit back and watch the countryside blur past, enjoying the comfort and speed of Korea’s world-class rail network.
Once back in the capital, the afternoon is yours to soak up Seoul at your own pace. Explore hidden corners, shop for last-minute treasures, or join one of two Optional Experiences.
You could join a guided walking tour through Hongdae. Step through Seoul’s artistic and youthful neighbourhood to discover bold street art, indie boutiques, and buzzing pop-up stages. Or, join a K-pop dance class led by a local instructor. Learn the moves behind some of Korea’s biggest hits and get a feel for the energy that has made K-pop a global sensation.
Finally, as the day winds down, gather with your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a lively Korean barbecue dinner – a delicious finale to your journey across South Korea.
Day 10: Farewell, South Korea
Wake up on the final day of the Best of South Korea itinerary and say goodbye to your fellow travelers. After breakfast, you might have time for some last-minute solo sightseeing or shopping before your Travel Director helps assist with transfers to the airport.
Don’t forget to swap contacts with your new friends! Later on you can reminisce on all the incredible memories you’ve made together in South Korea.
This is the perfect South Korea itinerary as it squeezes in cities temples, history and modern culture. Have you been to South Korea or are you planning a trip? Leave a comment….