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Best 10-Day Korea Itinerary If You’ve Never Visited (2025)

South Korea is becoming one of my favorite and most-visited countries.

I’ve spent as much as a few days to three weeks at a time during each visit.

While you can spend the full 10 days in Seoul, there’s many beautiful cities to add to your 10-day Korea itinerary.

The best cities to visit in Korea will also depend on what season you’ll be visiting plus your interests, which I’ll go over in this post.

Here’s how to spend and plan your 10-day itinerary in Korea, especially for first-time visitors.

If you’re new to South Korea, make sure to read my South Korea travel guide.

Korea Checklist: have you booked these yet?

Local sim card or Korea eSIM card

▢ Ride from the airport: private ride | airport bus | AREX train

Buy a pre-loaded T-money card

Book the most popular tours in South Korea

Here are other popular areas to visit by the seasons:

  • Spring (cherry blossoms): Jeju Island, Jinhae
  • Summer: Jeju Island, Busan
  • Autumn: Seoul, Seoraksan National Park, Jeonju, Gyeongju
  • Winter: Gangwon province

1. Seoul:

A collage of vibrant images showcasing various cultural and historical sites in Seoul, South Korea. The top left image features two royal guards standing at attention under an archway at Gyeongbokgung Palace, with the main gate and mountains visible in the background. The top right image shows the large "I SEOUL U" sign near the Han River, a popular spot for photos. The bottom left image captures a traditional Hanok village with narrow streets lined with wooden houses. The middle and bottom right images depict tourists dressed in colorful hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, exploring palace grounds and watching a ceremonial changing of the guard. The collage has a text overlay reading "📍Seoul, South Korea" in bright, playful font.

Visit royal palaces, explore various green spaces and parks, and enjoy eclectic shops and nightlife.

🎥 Here’s a playlist of my Seoul vlogs and all of my Seoul blog posts.

2. Busan:

A collage of images showcasing various attractions in Busan, South Korea. The top left image features a colorful view of Gamcheon Culture Village, with its vibrant, tightly packed houses on a hillside. The top right image shows a beautifully lit heart-shaped flower bed adorned with glowing orbs at night. The middle images depict iconic waterfront scenes, including statues along a coastal path, rocky breakwaters, and cable cars over the sea. The bottom images capture city skylines at sunset, the famous Gwangan Bridge illuminated at dusk, and the rocky beaches of Haeundae. The collage includes the text "📍Busan, South Korea" in bold, bright lettering.

Busan is the 2nd largest city in South Korea and is known for its beaches and cultural sites.

A busy but more laid-back city to add to your 10-Day Korea Itinerary.

🎥 Watch my Busan vlogs and check out all of my Busan blog posts.

3. Jeju Island:

A collage of stunning landscapes and attractions from Jeju Island, South Korea. The top left image shows a tall, rocky islet rising from the sea, surrounded by lush greenery. The top right image captures a serene, forested area with a peaceful river flowing through rocky cliffs, near a traditional pavilion. The middle left image

Jeju-do is an hour flight south of Busan. Experience UNESCO sites, hiking, beaches, and waterfalls.

🎥 Watch my Jeju travel guide video with everything you need to know before you visit and all of my Jeju blog posts.

4. Gyeongju:

Visit Gyeongju, South Korea: A collage of nine images showcasing various scenic and historical landmarks in Gyeongju, South Korea, including ancient tombs, vibrant flower fields, traditional architecture, and illuminated night scenes, all under the title "Gyeongju, South Korea."

Gyeongju is one of my favorite cities in South Korea and is worth a visit, especially at night!

Here’s top things to do in Gyeongju.

Summary: 10-Day Korea Itinerary Breakdown

Here are two 10-day Korea itineraries that cover the main and most popular cities in South Korea, with or without flying.

Route #1: Train/Bus + Flying

  • Day 1-4: Seoul
  • Day 5-7: Busan
  • Day 8-10: Jeju Island
  • Optional: spend last day in Seoul

Route #2: Train/Bus (No Flying) + Day Trips

  • Day 1-4: Seoul
  • Day 5-6: Gyeongju
  • Day 7-10: Busan
  • Optional: spend last day in Seoul

10-Day Korea Itinerary Route #1: Train/Bus + Flying

This 10-day Korea itinerary takes you to the top 3 cities in South Korea without getting too overwhelmed.

  • Seoul (4 days)
  • Busan (3 days)
  • Jeju Island (3 days)

4 Days in Seoul Korea Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Seoul, Myeongdong Shopping Street

Myeongdong Shopping Street in Seoul with lots of colorful shops on the side

Tip: depending on the time zone you’re coming from, stay awake by visiting popular sites at night like Myeongdong Shopping Street, Hongdae, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), and Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Cheonggyecheon Stream during summer night - Seoul, South Korea

Day 2: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong, Bukchon Hanok Village, DDP at night.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, featuring performers in vibrant red and blue traditional Korean attire with black hats, playing instruments and carrying flags, with onlookers capturing the event.
A neighborhood of brown and red traditional Korean houses at Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul

Day 3: Namsan Park, COEX Mall/Starfield Library, Hongdae at night.

A large mall ceiling-high bookshelf filled with books at COEX Mall. Tops places to visit in Seoul
Hongdae Street Performers and a large crowd watching at night in Seoul

Day 4: Downtown Seoul, Cheonggyecheon Stream ➡️ Train or bus to Busan, stroll beaches in Busan.

Gray water fountain in downtown Seoul
Cheonggyecheon Stream during summer day - Seoul, South Korea

Top Seoul tours to book to save time:

🔹 Seoul royal palaces tours

🔹 Day trips from Seoul tours

🔹 Cultural experiences in Seoul

3 Days in Busan Korea Itinerary

Getting to Busan: Book a 2-hour train to Busan, or a 4-hour bus to Busan.

Day 5: Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan Observatory, Yongdusan Park, BIFF Square & Gwangalli Beach at night.

Patio at a Harry-Potter style store called Art Space Project Shop with pastel homes in the backdrop at Gamcheon Culture Village
Lit up Gwangan Bridge at night in white, red, and blue, with light reflecting on beach

Day 6: Huinnyeoul Culture Village, Jeoryeong Coastal Walk, Songdo Bay Station, Haeundae Beach at night.

A view of cable cars in the air over a path of oval stones in the middle of a sea at Songdo Bay Station in Busan
Lit up colorful heart installation on ground surrounded by flowers - Haeundae Beach Busan Korea

Day 7: Haeundae Beach, Haeundae Blueline Sky Capsule, Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory ➡️ Flight to Jeju Island, stroll downtown.

White sand beach in gray weather with red Haeundae Beach sign
Two colorful capsules of the Haeundae Blueline Park sky train glide along elevated tracks surrounded by lush pine trees, with a calm sea visible in the distance under a clear blue sky in Busan, Korea

Top Busan Tours to Book:

🎫 Busan Tour Pass for access to 30+ Busan attractions

☀️ Busan full-day sightseeing tour

🚌 Most popular tour: Haeundae Sky Capsule, Gamcheon Culture Village

3 Days in Jeju Island Korea Itinerary

Day 8: Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff, Oedolgae Rock, Jeongbang Waterfall, Saeyeongyo Bridge, Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, beaches in Jeju.

A large lava cliff on water called Daepo Jusangjeolli in Jeju Island, perfect for 10-day korea itinerary
A lone light grey long oval-shaped rock in the ocean called Oedolgae Rock in Jeju Island

Day 9: Seongsan Ilchulbong hike, Seopjikoji, Hamdeok Beach, Woljeongri Beach.

The beginning of a hiking trail with a clear view of the Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, on Jeju Island, South Korea. A bright blue sky complements the lush green landscape and the distinctive, craggy peak of the volcanic cone
A group of four colorful benches on a wooden path in front of a sand beach in Woljeongri Beach in Jeju Island

Day 10: Handam Coastal Walk, Aewol Cafe Street, Hyeopjae Beach ➡️ Flight out or back to Seoul.

Hyeopjae Beach - clusters of Black Lava Rocks - Jeju South Korea

*If you’re up to it, dedicate a half day to hike Hallasan Mountain.

➡️ Guide to hiking the easiest trail, Eoseungsaengak route.

Top Jeju Island Tours to Book:

🚌 Jeju island UNESCO site full day guided tour

🚙 Hire a private car for a flexible Jeju Island day tour

🎫 9-Hour Jeju Island highlights group tour (tickets included)

10-Day Korea Itinerary Route #2: Train/Bus (No Flying)

This 10-day Korea itinerary hits the main cities without any flights, and includes time for optional day trips.

  • Seoul (5 days)
    • Optional day trips: Nami Island, DMZ, Suwon, Jeonju
  • Gyeongju (2 days)
    • Optional day trip: Pohang
  • Busan (3 days)

5 Days in Seoul Itinerary + Day Trips

A long walking street surrounded by small shops and restaurants with tourists walking at Insadong Shopping Street - in top Seoul attractions and places to visit in Seoul

Tip: You can also split the 5 days by starting with 3 days in Seoul, then save 2 days in Seoul at the end for some shopping.

Day 1: Arrive in Seoul, Myeongdong Shopping Street

Tip: depending on the time zone you’re coming from, stay awake by visiting popular sites at night like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), and Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Day 2: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong, Bukchon Hanok Village, DDP at night

Day 3: Namsan Park, COEX Mall/Starfield Library, Hongdae at night

Day 4: Choose a day trip: Nami Island, DMZ, Suwon, Jeonju.

Day 5: Downtown Seoul, Cheonggyecheon Stream. ➡️ Bus or train to Gyeongju, stroll downtown and Hwangnidan Street at night

2 Days in Gyeongju

Wolji Pond bridge at night in Gyeongju. Traditional Korean building lit up at night surrounded by artificial pond and trees

Tip: Read my guide on how to get from Seoul to Gyeongju. Gyeonju’s night views are some of the best views I’ve seen in South Korea!

Highly recommend adding Gyeongju to your 10-day Korea itinerary.

Day 6: Daereungwon Royal Tomb Complex, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Gyochon Traditional Village, Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond, and Woljeonggyo Bridge at night.

Field of red and yellow flowers and grass Cheomseongdae Observatory Flower Park in Summer in Gyeongju Korea
Lit up trees and traditional Korean buildings surrounding Wolji Pond at night in Gyeongju

Day 7: Bulguksa Temple, Bomun Tourist Complex, Gyeongju Tower, Bomun Lake and Pavilion. ➡️ Bus or train to Busan.

Traditional Korean temple with colorful lantern lined on a string in the air - Bulguksa Temple_Gyeongju
Brown bridge with walking path - Bomun Lake and Pavilion Gyeongju Korea

Top Tours in Gyeongju to book:

🚙 Top UNESCO sites in Gyeongju private tour 

🚊 Gyeongju one-day guided tour from Busan

Optional: Take a 35-minute bus to the coastal city of Pohang, where popular kdramas like Hometown Cha Cha Cha were filmed. Here’s how to spend a day in Pohang.

From the top of the Pohang Space Walk, visitors enjoy a stunning view of the coastline and the deep blue sea. A descending metal staircase offers an unobstructed vantage point over the lush greenery and the expansive water, with ships visible in the distance and the city skyline along the horizon. The sunny weather enhances the picturesque outdoor setting.
A boat perched on a hill at Sabang Memorial Park, offering a panoramic view of the sea and coastline. The vessel, painted white with blue and red accents, rests on grass, seemingly ready for an imaginary voyage. A visitor is capturing the moment, highlighting the boat's unique location against the backdrop of a vast, blue sky.

3 days in Busan

The image shows a series of wooden staircases descending a lush hillside toward a rocky shoreline. The railings, weathered yet sturdy, guide visitors down the multiple levels, offering scenic views of the water and stony beach below. The overcast sky suggests a serene, perhaps cool atmosphere, inviting a contemplative walk down to the shore.

Tip: Read my guide on how to get to Busan from Gyeongju. Express bus is the easiest.

Day 8: Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan Observatory, Yongdusan Park, BIFF Square, Gwangalli Beach at night.

Day 9: Huinnyeoul Culture Village, Jeoryeong Coastal Walk, Songdo Bay Station, Haeundae Beach at night.

Day 10: Haeundae Beach, Haeundae Blueline Sky Capsule, Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory, flight out or back to Seoul.

Getting Around South Korea

A blurred image of locals walking through a subway station in South Korea

▢ Besides Ulsan and Sejong, there are rapid train systems in all major metropolitan cities.

▢ For travel between cities, you can ride the KTX bullet train, as well as express buses that you can prebook on Klook.

▢ You can purchase single-journey tickets, but I recommend buying a T-money card at the airport or at most convenience stores to pay on trains, buses, and most taxis.

If you’re traveling to multiple cities during your 10-day Korea itinerary, it’s easier and cheaper to buy a KTX Pass for unlimited rides.

Final Thoughts: 10-Day South Korea Itinerary

Your time will fly by in Korea, and while you can fit lots of attractions into your 10-day South Korea itinerary, take your time and savor each moment!

To help you save time and maximize your time and stay, you can also prebook tickets and tours:

🎫 Best Seoul travel tours

🎫 Best Busan travel tours

🎫 Best Jeju travel tours

🎫 Best Gyeongju travel tours

Have the best time in South Korea!

🇰🇷 28 Places to Visit in Seoul 2024 - Korea Travel Vlog - Top Seoul Attractions