South Korea 10-Day Itinerary: Seoul, Gyoengju and Busan

South Korea had been on my bucket list for ages, and this trip did not disappoint! From the bustling streets of Seoul to the peaceful experience of a temple stay, the historical wonders of Gyeongju, and the coastal beauty of Busan, every moment felt like stepping into a new world. Whether you're a foodie, history lover, or adventure seeker, this itinerary has something for everyone. Follow along as I take you through my journey across this incredible country!

Day 1: Seoul

Landed in Seoul in the morning, excited to explore!

First stop: Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, one of Seoul’s most charming hidden gems. The narrow alleys, lined with beautifully preserved hanok houses, felt like stepping into a different era. Trendy cafes, indie boutiques, and tiny art galleries were tucked into every corner, making it impossible not to stop and admire. Here we decided stop at Soha Salt Pond for their famous salt bread — flaky and buttery, the first of many others.

From there, I strolled to Insa-dong Culture Street, a hub of traditional Korean arts and crafts. This lively street was filled with calligraphy shops, ceramic stores, and street performers.

Near by, you'll find the Jogyesa Temple, a vibrant Buddhist temple right in the heart of the city. The colorful lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, and the scent of incense filled the air as monks chanted inside. It was a serene contrast to the bustling streets outside.

It was time for a deep dive into history at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of Seoul’s Five Great Palaces. The intricate details of the wooden structures, the vast courtyards, and the sight of guards in traditional Joseon-era uniforms made me feel like I had traveled back in time.

Then we made our way to Namsan Park, a lush green escape in the middle of the city. The walk through the park was refreshing, offering panoramic views of Seoul’s skyline. I caught glimpses of N Seoul Tower in the distance, standing tall over the city.

Finally, the perfect way to end the day: Myeongdong Night Market. The neon lights, the energetic crowds, and the mouthwatering smell of street food filled the air.

Hotel: Hotel Rawa

Day 2: Seoul

We started the day with a delicious breakfast at Dotori Garden, a cozy spot with a warm atmosphere.

First stop: Bukchon Hanok Village. Walking through this historic neighborhood felt like stepping into a time capsule, with beautifully preserved hanok houses offering a glimpse into Seoul’s past. The scenic alleyways, traditional courtyards, and peaceful atmosphere made it a perfect morning stroll.

Next, headed to Gwangjang Traditional Market, one of the oldest and most famous markets in Korea.

From tradition to modernity, the next stop was Starfield Library, the iconic open library inside COEX Mall.

Nearby, you'll find the famous Bongeunsa Temple, a peaceful retreat in the middle of the city. The contrast between the ancient temple grounds and the modern skyscrapers of Gangnam was breathtaking.

Speaking of Gangnam—next up was exploring the Gangnam district! I had to stop by the iconic Gangnam Style statue before checking out the stylish streets filled with luxury shops and trendy cafés.

As the evening set in, I headed to Hongdae, Seoul’s lively youth district known for its indie music scene, street performances, and energetic nightlife. Walking through the bustling streets, I soaked in the creative vibes, from live bands to talented dancers.

Here you can find the cutest café ever: Dalim Bread, a bakery famous for its soft, fluffy pastries shaped as teddy bears.

Day 3: Seoul

Woke up to a winter wonderland! Snowflakes gently covered the city, turning Seoul into a magical scene straight out of a movie. What a perfect day to explore some of the city’s most beautiful historical spots!

I kicked off the morning at Onion Café, one of the most viral cafés on TikTok! Set in a beautifully restored hanok, this café blends tradition with a modern vibe. Their pastries were as delicious as they looked—flaky, buttery, and absolutely worth the hype.

Next up: Changdeokgung Palace, one of Seoul’s most stunning palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The snowy rooftops made the intricate wooden details stand out even more. Walking through the palace grounds, I felt like I had stepped back in time to the Joseon Dynasty.

Just a short walk away was Changgyeonggung Palace, another lesser-known but equally beautiful palace. With fewer crowds, the serene atmosphere made it feel like a hidden gem. The snow-covered pavilions and gardens were breathtaking!

For a nature break, I headed to Hongjechon Artificial Falls.

Here you can also find the Red Clay Trail: the contrast of the bright red clay path against the fresh white snow was surreal. Walking along the trail, surrounded by nature, was a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Before wrapping up the day, I made a quick stop at Cheongsudang Café, a cozy spot known for its warm ambiance and picture-perfect desserts. The tea and mochi cake were just what I needed to recharge before heading back.

Day 4: Temple Stay

Started the morning with a delightful breakfast at Mil Toast, a cozy café known for its fluffy toast.

Then, we ventured to Eunpyeong Hanok Village, a hidden gem just outside the city center. Unlike the more famous hanok villages, this one felt truly peaceful, with fewer crowds and a stunning mountain backdrop.

After soaking in the beauty of Eunpyeong, I headed to Geumsunsa Temple for a temple stay experience, an immersive opportunity to learn about Korean Buddhism and monastic life.

Temple Stay Schedule:

1st day

• 14:30 - 15:00 Registration/check in

At the temple they provide you with a uniform meant to help everyone feel equal, removing distractions and focusing on the experience rather than personal appearance. 

• 15:30-16:30 Orientation & Temple Tour

• 17:30-18:10 Dinner (100% vegan to respect Buddisth culture)

• 18:20-18:30 Bell Tolling: monks will show you how to ring the temple bell

• 18:30-18:50 Buddhist Ceremony (evening chanting) - you'll learn how to do the prostrations

• 18:50-21:00 Sing Bowl Meditation and free time

During free time you can paint mandalas, write your wishes in korean or simply relax and reflect.

• 21:30-00:00 Light out/Bedtime

2nd day

• 4:40-4:50 Wake up by the monks ringing the temple bell

• 5:00-5:20 Buddisth Ceremony (Dawn Chanting)

• 07:00-07:30 Brakfast

• 10:00-10:30 Cleaning the room and returning uniform

• 10:30 Check out

Spending a night in the temple, surrounded by nature, was an unforgettable experience! Check out this website to book your templestay in Korea: https://eng.templestay.com/

Day 5: Gyeongju

On Day 5, before leaving Seoul, I made one last stop at Deoksugung Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a fascinating display of tradition and history.

Then, I hopped on the KTX bullet train to Gyeongju (2h), arriving in the city known as Korea’s “museum without walls.”

In the afternoon, I explored Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia, followed by a visit to Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. I recommend you to visit it at sunset or later to see the reflections of the illuminated palace buildings on the water, a breathtaking scene.

To end the day, I took a relaxing stroll around Hwangnidan-gil, a trendy street filled with cafes and traditional hanok-style restaurants. I couldn’t resist trying the famous 10 won bread (sibwonppang), a coin-shaped bread filled with gooey mozzarella cheese. Cooked in specialized molds, it has a crispy exterior while staying soft inside. A must try when visiting this area!

Hotel: Soi Hanok Stay, a beautiful hanok style hotel.

Day 6: Gyeongju

Started the day with breakfast at Do Not Disturb, , a café with a stunning view overlooking Cheomseong-ro and the surrounding park. A scenic start to the day!

First stop: Daereungwon Royal Tombs, a fascinating site where the massive grass-covered tombs of Silla Dynasty kings and nobility rise like small hills across the landscape. It felt surreal walking among these ancient burial mounds.

Next, I visited Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Korea’s most stunning Buddhist temples. The intricate wooden structures, stone pagodas, and peaceful courtyards made it easy to understand why it’s considered a masterpiece of Silla architecture.

From Bulguksa, I took a trip up the mountain to Seokguram Grotto, home to an awe-inspiring Buddha statue carved into the cave.

Pro tip: Buses to Seokguram are limited, so check the timetable in advance. If you have to wait too long, calling an Uber or Kakao Taxi is a good alternative.

In the evening, I explored the beautifully lit Woljeonggyo Bridge, a beautifully reconstructed wooden bridge with intricate details and a picturesque setting. Walking across it, I could admire the craftsmanship and the peaceful surroundings.

Do not forget to stop by a Korean fortune teller on the street! The process is simple but intriguing—you insert a coin into a machine that correspond to your birth year (chinese year), then a plastic ball drops out. Inside the ball, there's a small paper with your fortune written on it. Fortune telling is a popular tradition in Korea, and it was such an interesting experience to hear what my future might hold.

At the end of the day, we took a bus to Busan (1h 20 min).

Pro tip: Do not take the KTX from Gyeongju to Busan. The KTX station is far from the city center (20 min by taxi), and it's not worth it. The bus departs from the center and arrives in different parts of Busan, making it a much more convenient and cheaper option!

We arrived in Busan just in time for the sunset by the sea! Our first stop was Haeundae Beach, where we took a relaxing stroll along the shore, soaking in the beautiful evening atmosphere. The sound of the waves and the golden hues of the sunset made for the perfect welcome to Busan.

Afterward, we explored Haeundae Traditional Market, a lively spot filled with countless street food options. From freshly grilled seafood to hotteok (sweet pancakes)—a must-try here!

Hotel: Lavi de Atlan We decided to stay in Haeundae, as it’s a strategic location—right in the center of different attractions, making it easy to explore Busan.

Day 7: Busan

Started the day with breakfast at Cafe YOON, a cozy spot with a beautiful sea view—the perfect way to wake up in Busan!

First stop: Yonggungsa Temple, one of Korea’s most stunning seaside temples. Nestled along the rocky coastline, the temple’s vibrant red and gold colors stood out beautifully against the deep blue sea. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks added to the peaceful atmosphere.

Next, I made my way to Songjeong Beach, a laid-back beach popular for surfing.

From there, I headed to Cheonsapo Daritdol Sky Walk, a thrilling glass walkway extending over the ocean. Walking on the transparent floor while waves crashed below was both exciting and a little nerve-wracking.

Another breathtaking viewpoint was Haewol Sky Walk, where the panoramic ocean views stretched endlessly.

One of the highlights of the day was riding the Sky Capsule on the Haeundae Blue Line. This colorful, futuristic capsule moves along the coast, offering an amazing view of the sea while gliding above the shoreline. Such a fun and scenic experience!

For a snack break, I stopped at Horanji Jella Tteok Rice Cake, famous for their ice cream mochi. The chewy texture of the mochi paired with the creamy ice cream inside was a perfect sweet treat!

As the day started winding down, I visited Oryukdo Skywalk, another glass bridge built over the cliffs. It is well known for its incredible view of the Oryukdo Islands, a cluster of rocky islets scattered across the sea. Watching the waves crash against these small islands was mesmerizing, especially as the sun started setting.

To end the night on a high note, I headed to Gwangalli Beach to watch the drone show—a spectacular display that happens every Saturday at 8 and 10 PM, with a different theme each time. This time, the theme was baseball!

Day 8: Busan

Started the morning with breakfast at Asteroid B612, a cozy café offering a beautiful view over Gamcheon Culture Village. We explored the colorful village, wandering through its vibrant alleyways, quirky murals, and charming art installations. Every corner was picture-perfect!

Next, I visited Huinnyeoul Culture Village, another artistic seaside village with pastel-painted houses and breathtaking ocean views. A peaceful yet inspiring stop before diving back into the lively city streets.

I then made my way to BIFF Square, a buzzing street market filled with delicious local snacks. After some street food indulgence, I visited Busan Tower, a great spot to soak in panoramic views of the city skyline.

A trip to Busan wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Jagalchi Market, Korea’s largest seafood market. The sight of freshly caught fish and lively vendors calling out their daily specials was an experience in itself.

As the day came to an end, it was time to head back to Seoul. I opted for the KTX train (3 hours), a smooth and comfortable ride back to the capital.

With a heart full of memories, I arrived in Seoul for one last night before flying back home the next morning.

Day 9: Seoul

With one last deep breath of Seoul’s crisp morning air, it was time to head to the airport and say goodbye to this incredible country 🇰🇷✨