A Very Efficient Korea Itinerary for 7 Days
Okay guys, I’ve done a few itinerary guides now, but I haven’t done the most classic one of them all — a Korea itinerary for 7 days or one week.
Just know, this isn’t my favorite length of time because it’s so fast. Minimum, I recommend spending 2 weeks in Korea and for the most complete trip, I recommend my one month itinerary. Of course, the absolute best length of time is teaching here for at least a year or more ;).
However, I’ve realized that a lot of people I know in real life usually schedule out exactly one week in Korea, and, of course, most people I know don’t get more than a week or two for vacation at a time. So, with that in mind, I thought I’d outline the perfect Korea itinerary for 7 days, including flying in and flying out! It’s a little hectic, and you won’t get to see everything, but you will get a nice taste of the country and see some of the big landmarks.
Quick Korea Travel Guide
- Getting in: Assuming you’re flying into Incheon, expect it to take around an hour to get to where you’re staying in Seoul. Do NOT spend a ton of money on a taxi! The subway is very user-friendly and easy to use. If you do need a private transfer, just book ahead.
- Stay in Touch: Korea has the best thing ever – eSIMs! No need to worry about losing your physical SIM card anymore. Just buy here and you’ll be emailed a QR code which will set you up!
- Download New Apps: When it comes to Korea, the app game here is a little different than anywhere else I’ve been. At minimum download KakaoMap for navigation, Kakao T for taxis, and Papago for more accurate translations. Check here for my full app guide.
- Where to Book Activities: I always like checking Klook, Trip, or Trazy for the best deals on anything related to tours and day trips in Korea.
- Getting Around: All major cities have some sort of subway system and there’s a pretty robust bus system all around the country even in more rural areas. I find KakaoMap has the most up to date information! In between cities, I use either the train or the bus depending on time and money. Trains tend to sell out, so use Let’s Korail to book ahead. I’ve always just bought my bus tickets at the terminal but if you’re worried, use Bustago.
For more in-depth planning: Read these 50 South Korea travel tips as well as this trip planner guide for the random logistics!
A Very Efficient Korea Itinerary for 7 Days
Fly Into: Incheon International Airport
Your best bet is to get into Seoul early in the morning so you don’t lose a day just for travel. It’s probably going to be a struggle, but fight against the jet lag!
Incheon is the main international airport for Seoul and the rest of Korea. It’s honestly one of the best airports I’ve ever flown into or out of, and very tourist-friendly. They even have arrows on the ground to point you to the subway!
Transport: Get into the city via the subway or a shuttle bus. If you need to, book a private transfer ahead of time. Taxis are the most expensive option!
Day 1: Historic Seoul
Stay Overnight: Seoul. To be near the sightseeing stops, look around Insadong. Here are some quick options:
- SeoulStory Hanok $$ – Great option to try a hanok stay. Right between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.
- Four Seasons $$$ – Ultimate in luxury; right by Gwanghwamun Square.
- Grid Inn Hotel $ – Walking distance to Gwangjang Market and near Jongno-3ga Station, Exit 15. Great mid-range option; stayed here my last visit.
Your first day in Seoul is going to be dedicated to everything historic! Much of the historic architecture you can find in the city, including its five grand palaces, are from the Joseon era. Spanning from 1392 to 1897, it was Korea’s last real royal dynasty and has played a huge part in establishing the country’s identity and modern culture.
Also, on a simpler note, it’s left some really beautiful buildings and landmarks.
Check-in & Eat Something
Drop your bags off at your hotel and then head to any restaurants nearby to grab something to eat and down a coffee. If you’re on the go, you can just pop into Paris Baguette, Tours Le Jours, or any of the Korean bakery chains to get a quick sandwich and coffee. No, it’s not the most delicious first meal, but it’ll do in a pinch. I honestly wouldn’t judge you if you just grabbed Starbucks – they reliably have milk alternatives and are still the only place I’ve found in Korea with good iced chai lattes.
Now… get reading for a lot of sightseeing in one go!
Stop 1: Gyeongbokgung
- Get There: Depending on where you’re staying you can either walk over or get a subway. The closest stops are Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5 or Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 2.
Gyeongbokgung opens at 9:00 AM year-round, so by the time you get into Seoul, drop your bags off, and eat something, it should be open. This is the main palace of Korea and also the largest. First built in 1395, it’s undergone a ton of renovation (thanks, Imperial Japan), and is just incredible.
Give yourself at least 2 hours – the palace grounds are huge. I’m pretty sure I spent 3 hours wandering around. If you also visit the National Palace Museum and National Folk Museum as well, it’ll be even longer. While you can do a tour (this one starts at 9:00 am), you can also pick up a map and do a self-guided tour as well.
I also recommend trying to time your visit with a changing of the guards at 10:00 AM; it’s a pretty cool sight to see.
Feeling extra? Rent a hanbok and do a whole photoshoot! Don’t worry, if there’s one country where selfies and photoshoots are encouraged, it’s Korea. Before selfie was even a word, there was selca.
KEEP IN MIND: Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesdays. If your itinerary starts on a Tuesday, swap Day 6 and 1. (This will also mean Changdeokgung is open since it’s closed on Mondays, which would be your Day 7).
Stop 2: Bukchon Hanok Village
- Get There: On foot
From Gyeongbokgung, walk over to to Bukchon Hanok Village. This is an example of traditional housing in Korea and just a charming area to walk around. I love popping into the shops and boutiques and just doing a little people watching. Stop into Green Mile Coffee to grab a drink and check out the views from their roof.
Also if you see signs for the observatory, go and pay! It’s run cute ajumma who owns the house, and she was so sweet both times I went. Most people are cheap and only want to see the main pathway in Bukchon, so it’s never been overly crowded in the observatory, and on a clear day you’ll get a view straight to Namsan Tower like above.
Now that I’ve been to Bukchon a handful of times, I’ve also done quite a bit of shopping, so here’s a quick guide. (Maybe I’ll do a longer guide someday!)
- GRANHAND – Excellent for scents! I’ve been buying Toit Vert for so long, it used to be called the Jane Goodall scent!
- Danha – Very chic modern hanbok shop. Sizing is limited like everything in Korea but cool to check out.
- Sulhwasoo – My friend, Hallie, recommended I check out this brand! Definitely luxury skincare but so nice. If you’re going to splurge on it, splurge at their flagship store. You’ll likely get a lot of freebies and they’ll guide you to the best deal as well (no snobbery). As for it to be gift wrap for a pretty printed piece of fabric and enjoy their little cafe area for customers only!
- OSULLOC – Literally right by Sulhwasoo is an O’sulloc cafe. Great spot for teas! Even if you don’t buy yet; it’s a good place to sample their different teas or just sit and relax with some treats.
- Bao Bao (바오바오)- Discount skincare store; has quite a lot of brands. I picked up some sheet masks from here.
- Magnet (마그나라) – Name is kind of funky but it’s this little shop next to Gagosipo Gallery (가고시포) and she hand makes all these adorable little food magnets! I bought a bunch for my kitchen.
Stop 3: Insadong for Lunch
- Get There: On foot
If you’re hungry, this is a good time to stop for lunch. Go over to Insadong to find a restaurant and try some Korean food. I haven’t eaten too much around here, but I do have Imun Seolnongtang on my list as it’s the oldest restaurant in Korea. For vegetarians, try Oh Sae Gyae Hyang.
Stop 4: Changdeokgung
- Get There: On foot
Once you’re fueled up, time for palace #2! Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Really two palaces in a day?” But I promise, Changdeokgung is worth it. The palace grounds are cool but the real jewel is the palace’s “secret garden,” also called Huwon.
Here’s the kicker, though, you need a tour to see Huwon, aka the secret garden. If you want an English tour, aim for either 2:30 PM or 3:30 PM (available March – November) and book ahead or you run the risk of it selling out, especially around fall foliage season.
Check their website for all the info. It’s kind of complicated but not really. And give yourself time to get to Huwon’s entrance from the main gate.
Stop 5: Deoksugung from Above
- Get There: From Changdeokgung, the easiest way is via bus. Get Bus 172 from the Changdeokgung, Seoul Donhwamun, Korean Traditional Music Hall Stop (창덕궁.서울돈화문국악당 정류장) and get off at Seosomun Stop (서소문 정류장)
If you’ve really maximized your time today (I’m talking 7-8:00 AM start time, jet lag going crazy), you should get to Jeongdong Observatory (정동전망대) before they close at 5:30 PM for golden hour. Skip this part entirely otherwise.
There’s a little cafe here and you’ll get the most stunning aerial view of Deoksugung and Seoul City Hall. This is especially worth trying to make in the fall when the foliage is colorful. (Above is what it looks like maybe a week before the colors really burst!)
Stop 6: Dinner at Gwangjang Market (광장시장)
- Get There: Walk 6min to City Hall Station (시청역) and use Line 2. Get off at Euljiro-4ga Station (을지로4가). Then walk about 10 mins to the market entrance.
For your final stop of the day, get some dinner at Gwangjang Market (광장시장). I finally visited, and I actually really loved it! It’s bustling and fun but the food is actually a lot better than I was expecting for Seoul, and you’ll get to try a bunch of different dishes in one go.
If the name sounds familiar, it’s been featured on Netflix’s “Street Food” and the stands featured are still there with signs to let you know who they are.
Once you’re full, head back to your hotel, and collapse in exhaustion because this itinerary is not slowin’ down!
Day 2: Through Jeollabuk Province
Get breakfast and checkout fairly early, then head over to Seoul Station (서울역) or Yongsan Station (용산역) to get the KTX down south. I say KTX and not the other trains because it’s much faster, and at least for this stretch, it’s better to cut your travel time down by an hour.
If you leave from Seoul Station, aim to get the KTX that leaves at 9:46 am. If you leave from Yongsan, you can aim for 8:40 am, 9:55 am, or, at worst, 10:55 am. Check here for exact times, in case they change a bit. You can also book your tickets here too.
Stop 1: Jeonju
First stop is in Jeonju, the capital of the Jeollabuk province. The city was also the capital of the Hubaekje Kingdom (892-936) and the spiritual capital of the Joseon Dynasty (Korea’s most definitive era).
You’re now in foodie country because, in my not so humble opinion, Korean food is leaps and bounds better here than anywhere else! This is the country’s main agricultural center, and I was thoroughly spoiled getting to live in first Jeollabuk and then Jeollanam for three years. It’s to the point that I really don’t like eating Korean food in Seoul because it’s not as good, and all my friends and students agree.
ANYWAY, the two big things you want here are eat bibimbap and explore Jeonju’s Hanok Village. Store your luggage at the train station and then grab a taxi to the Hanok Village, which is where you can grab a lunch of bibimbap. I personally liked the bibimbap at Jongno Hwegwan 종로회관.
Walk off lunch by wandering around the village. It’s such a cute area, and I actually like it better than Bukchon because it’s more enclosed. The best view is if you climb up the small mountain nearby and look over the hanoks.
Stop 2: Namwon
You don’t have to do this if you’re exhausted, but I love Namwon, and it has the best food in the whole country (again, in my not-so-humble opinion), so I always recommend stopping here.
Grab a taxi back to Jeonju’s train station and then catch any of the trains down to Namwon. It’s fine to take the slower, cheaper trains now because the time difference isn’t that big!
You should get in around golden hour, so head over to Gwanghallu (광한루) to see Namwon’s biggest attraction and learn about Chunhyangga, which is Korea’s Romeo + Juliet but much happier and more focused on the female lead, Chunhyang. It’s open until 8:00 or 9:00 PM depending on the season, so you should have plenty of time.
For dinner, you have a few options, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them:
- Go to 25시 (25-shi) for my favorite dish EVER — 뼈다귀탕 (bbyeo-da-gwi-tang). I honestly still think about how much I love this dish. If 25시 is too crowded, walk along that street as there are other restaurants that serve it too. But if you can, go here. It’s truly my favorite place in the world; I think about this place all the time and salivate.
- Head across the river to get naengmyun at 봉가면옥 (bong-ga-myeon-ok). It’s seriously the BEST naengmyun I’ve ever had.
Evening
If you stay overnight in Namwon, I know of a few options. The Kensington Hotel is the main one and they also opened up a fancy hanok stay before I left, but I don’t know anyone who’s stayed there. For budget, Mua Guesthouse is run by a lovely couple who’s friends with some of my friends.
Or you can push on and get the train to Suncheon. Again, any train is fine because they all take under an hour. If you stay the night in Suncheon, then stay in the same area as the train station or bus terminal.
Day 3: Boseong & Suncheon Bay
Exhausted yet? Haha I told you this was fast! Obviously, for those that are dying, take today easier. But for those still energized, this is another double feature day!
If you stayed overnight in Namwon, you can do two things:
- Get the train to Suncheon super early to drop your things off at your accommodation and then head to Boseong from Suncheon’s bus terminal.
- Go straight to Boseong by bus – first you’ll have to go to Gwangju bus terminal and then transfer from there. You might be able to leave your luggage at one of the bus terminals but I genuinely do not remember seeing lockers in either one.
Both will take about 2 hours (Namwon – Suncheon – Boseong or Namwon – Gwangju – Boseong), but one of them means you may have your luggage with you.
Stop 1: Boseong Green Tea Fields
Time for Boseong’s famous green tea fields! They’re about an hour from Suncheon, and one of the most beautiful places in Korea. If you go at the right time, you can get the bus to the tea fields or just take a taxi.
For more in-depth information, just read my guide on visiting here. It should take you a few hours wandering around. Just a warning, if you wind up wanting to up to see the sea from the fields, it’s a steep hike! Get lunch at the restaurant right near the entrance and try the green tea pajeon!
Stop 2: Suncheon Bay
After lunch, head back to Suncheon. When you get to the terminal, stop for a moment to admire the giant Royyal Dog Mural. From there, get a local bus over to Suncheon Bay. This is another small hike, just warning you! Ideally, you’ll get to the top right around golden hour, so you can enjoy the bay at its prettiest.
Right around the bay entrance are some really delicious raw crab (게장) restaurants. You won’t be able to go in solo (I tried) but in a group they’ll seat you. I freaking love gejang but it’s definitely not for everyone. Head back into the city and right by the terminal are a Korean-Chinese restaurant and a BBQ spot you can eat at.
Stay Overnight
Stay the night in Suncheon.
Day 4: Busan
Get up early and head to the bus terminal to grab a bus over to Busan! The earliest one leaves around 7:00 am and takes around 3 hours to get to Busan Seobu Sasang Terminal. If you didn’t grab breakfast before you left, there are a ton of restaurants in this terminal, so you can always get something to eat here.
Now I recommend staying the night in Haeundae (hotel options below). This is on Line 2 and kind of all the way at the other end of the subway line. You could go over and drop your things off at your hotel, but if you want to maximize your time, do this instead:
Take the subway from Sasang Station (사상역) to Seomyeon Station (서면역). You can leave your things in a locker there, and then you’ll want to switch over to Line 1.
While there’s a lot to do in Busan, I say head right over to Gamcheon Culture Village (Toseong Station(토성역)). It’s pictured above and one of my favorite places in all of Korea. The colorful houses and cute, artsy vibe make for a fun few hours of walking around. Plus it’s seaside, so when you get to the top, you’ll get a beautiful view out to the ocean.
Once you’ve seen Gamcheon, head back two stops over the subway to Nampo Station (남포역) and walk around the markets and alleyways. Get lunch here! Ddeokbbeokki and pajeon are especially delicious if you’re getting elbowed by the shopping crowds haha. You could also go over to the famous Jagalchi Fish Market (자갈치시장) and eat there.
(Alternatively – you can do this tour which goes around Gamcheon and Jagalchi. They meet at Jagalchi Station which is right in between Toseong and Nampo. If you have time, you can still walk around Nampo’s alleys after)
For sunset, head back to Haeundae or go all the way over to the seaside temple. If you’re here in hot weather, enjoy the beach at Haeundae or Gwanghalli!
Stay Overnight
Stay the night in Haeundae Beach. There are quite a few options:
- Signiel Busan – luxury option (a little farther)
- Park Hyatt Busan – another popular luxury option in opposite direction
- Hound Garden & Terrace Hotel – nice room decor, close to beach
- MAMA Guesthouse – cute budget pick
Day 5: Gyeongju
Day trip from Busan! Gyeongju is such a cool city to visit because it has everything from the Silla Dynasty. Silla pre-dates the Joseon era (which is what you see represented all over Seoul and Jeonju) and lasted from 57 BC – 935 AD. Back then it was part of the Three Kingdoms of Korea with Goguryeo and Baekje. It’s kind of crazy how many landmarks you can still see today.
The most efficient way to visit Gyeongju is booking this day tour from Busan. It’ll pick you up from a few different places in Busan and take you to Daereungwon, Hwangridan-gil, Bulguksa, Gyochon Village, and Donggung before bringing you back.
You can also DIY your day trip, but honestly I mostly remember spending a fortune in taxis because the bus system wasn’t reliable and every was way more spread out than we thought it would be. This was quite a few years ago though, so maybe things have changed!
Stay Overnight
Stay the night again in Haeundae. If you want, go out and experience the nightlife in the area! I’d offer suggestions but… I have none. I usually go to Busan for day trips and when I have stayed over, I only went out once to a random bar.
Day 6: Back to Seoul
Okay for today, I have two options and then two sub options if that makes ANY sense.
Option 1: Busan & Seoul
Experience one of the biggest jimjilbangs in Korea. Of all my jimjilbang experiences in Korea, SPA Land Centum City is by far the fanciest. (Get discount tickets here). Basically – you’ll split up by gender into various baths (prepared to get naked). Enjoy soaking in all sorts of tubs before showering off, donning your jimjilbang set (seen above), and enjoying the mixed gender area. Besides the common area and food options, this also has various rooms to decompress and get zen.
It’s only 3 stops from Haeundae at Centum City Station (센텀시티역), so you can leave your things at your hotel or bring them with and put them in lockers at Centum City.
Once you’ve fully relaxed, grab some lunch, and then head back to Seoul! The most efficient way to do this is to grab the KTX as it takes under 3 hours. You could also fly, which’ll take an hour, but the KTX is easier much easier. There are so many trains that go between Busan and Seoul, you don’t really have to worry about getting a specific one. Again, check Korail for times.
In Seoul, you’ll want to check into Hongdae this time. This is because Hongdae Station is right on the airport line, so it’ll be easy to get to Incheon from here. Plus, Hongdae is a fun, trendy neighborhood since it has three big universities nearby. I wrote a post on my favorite Hongdae hotels, but here are a few I particularly love:
- RYSE – the ultimate chic hotel to stay in Hongdae – don’t miss the “secret” bar. I stayed here on my last visit and loved it.
- TwoTwo House – has that fun, hipster decor
- L7 Hongdae – nice, clean design with a pool!
By the time you get to Seoul, transfer over to Hongdae, and check in to your hotel, it’ll be close to dinner time. I would say get dinner and just walk around to experience the night life. It’s such a fun vibe – even if you’re over 30 like I am now and seeing all the college students out and about makes you feel ancient!
Off the top of my head, I don’t have any specific restaurants to recommend but you’re in a great spot for just about every type of dish under the sun. (I once went here for buffalo mac and cheese lol). Ask your hotel for recommendations based on what you’re craving!
Option 2A: A Full Day in Seoul
One of the best things about Seoul (and maybe one of the most frustrating as a travel blogger!) is that it is constantly changing. If you want to just spend this full day in Seoul to explore whatever trendy neighborhood, cafe, attraction, or park is going viral on social media – this is the day to do it! Off the top of my head, some options:
- Namsan Tower – this one is a classic sightseeing option (get a ticket here). Every classic photo of Seoul includes this tower, so just head up and get some cool views of the city!
- Mullae-dong – the “new,” “hip” neighborhood. It started as a metal works area and is still used for it today but on the second floor of most buildings, you’ll find really cool art galleries. There’s also just a ton of trendy restaurants and bars to check out as well.
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza – a very cool modern building worth checking out! The area is also good for shopping.
- Bookstore & Café Hopping – Seoul has so many cool bookstores and cafes, this is a good time to build in a day for visiting both.
- Bukhansan – If you’re craving a good, ole hike, hiking Bukhansan’s peak is pretty much an all day endeavor. Fast hikers can also combine with a visit to Eunpyeong Hanok Village but I am not fast so it was dark by the time I finished my hike.
Sightseeing Option 2B: A DMZ Tour
If seeing the DMZ is on the top of your list, then I’d suggest booking a day tour for that instead. They typically take the full day, so you won’t have room for much else! However, it’s a pretty interesting, ongoing part of history, and it’s the only way of “visiting” North Korea that I recommend for now.
Evening
Like before, grab dinner in Hongdae.
Day 7: Sightseeing & Souvenir Shopping
There are honestly so many ways to enjoy your last day in Seoul before heading to the airport. It really depends on how much time you have. At the very least I’d hit up one or two of Seoul’s trendiest cafes and checkout Olive Young (specifically in Hongdae) for an absolute mecca of smaller K-beauty brands!
Conclusion
And there you have it! The absolute PERFECT itinerary for 7 days in Korea. There are three big things I cut out — Jeju, any sort of real hiking, and Gangwon-do.
With Jeju, I feel you need a slower mindset to really enjoy it, so I don’t want to rush you through in a day or two, especially as it involves flying. With hiking, you’re going to basically be hiking a bit when you visit Boseong, Suncheon Bay, and Gamcheon. And, as for Gangwon-do, I don’t have a ton of experience in the area as it was so far from where I lived, so the main things I know to do involve hiking.
Of course, depending on the seasons, you can always mix and match your trip. After all, this whole itinerary is going to look different if you’re chasing cherry blossoms or fall foliage! Check these seasonal guides if you want to change it up:
Want to stay longer? Check out my two week itinerary (with four different options) or my ultimate one month itinerary.
FAQ for this Korea Itinerary
You can never spend too many days! Seriously, I lived here for three years and visit frequently, and my bucket list is never ending.
Seriously, though, I’d say at least a week to get an introduction. If you can do two weeks, that’d be great and if you can do a month, you can fit a lot of the country in.
Frankly, no! But as you can see above, I tried to fit a lot in so you could get a taste of its two major cities as well as one of its prettiest provinces.
I mean, I have a ton of posts that explain just this. But I would start with these questions:
– Why do I want to visit Korea?
– What are the main things I want to do?
– How much is my budget?
– How much time do I have?
And then you can start planning from there. Check my main Korea travel guide for all my posts in one place.
And there you have it! Anything you’d want to add to this Korea itinerary for 7 days?
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Hi Sam, I travelled to South Korea with my sister this time last year for a week. I would just like to thank you so very much for this amazing itinerary. We are seasoned travellers, and I can honestly tell you this trip is in our top 3 favourite trips of all time. Having the Boseong Green Tea Fields to ourselves on a cold but gloriously sunny day, or wandering around in Suncheon Bay were some of the most peaceful yet amazing things we have done. South Korea is not difficult to fall in love with, but I don’t think we would have gone to this little corners of the country if it wasn’t for you. So thank you again, and thanks for writing a 7 day itinerary for people who don’t mind being on the go all the time! All the best! Etemi
Hi Etemi! Oh my gosh, this message just made my day!!! I’m so happy my itinerary helped you guys out and you had such a lovely time! Suncheon and Boseong are two favorites for sureee.
Thank you for this! Such a nice read :)
Thank for reading and commenting!
Thank you for sharing this itinerary. Very helpful.
Very much excited to visit after looking these scenarios.
I’m glad! Hope you enjoy!