South Korea

Northwest & Central Area

Visit the grand Palaces: Discover Gyeongbokgung (largest, guard ceremony), Changdeokgung & Secret Garden (UNESCO), Deoksugung (Western influence), Gyeonghuigung (tranquil), and Unhyeongung (historic residence).
Cultural Villages: Stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village (traditional houses) and the reconstructed Namsan Hanok Village.
Traditional Markets: Explore the crafts and tea houses of Insadong and the bustling Namdaemun Market for diverse goods and street food.
Modern Districts: Shop and dine in the vibrant Myeongdong, experience the upscale K-Pop vibe of Gangnam (COEX Mall, Starfield Library), and enjoy the youthful energy of Hongdae.
Iconic Views: Ascend N Seoul Tower for panoramic city vistas.
International Flavors: Explore the diverse cuisine and atmosphere of Itaewon.
History & Reflection: Visit the War Memorial of Korea.
Parks & Recreation: Relax in the sprawling Olympic Park.
Entertainment: Experience the indoor and outdoor thrills of Lotte World.
Scenic Hikes: Discover breathtaking city views with hikes in Bukhansan National Park, Inwangsan Mountain, Namsan Mountain, Achasan Mountain, and Bugaksan Mountain.

Gyeonggi-do: Explore Suwon's Hwaseong Fortress (UNESCO), the Korean Folk Village, Everland, Heyri Art Village, and the DMZ.
Incheon: Discover Chinatown, Songdo Central Park, Wolmido Island, Jayu Park, and the Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall.
Gangwon-do (Western/Central): Enjoy Chuncheon (lakes, Dakgalbi), Nami Island, Alpaca World, Gangchon Rail Park, and western Seoraksan National Park.
Chungcheong-do (Northern): Visit Daejeon (National Science Museum), the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan, Onyang Hot Springs and Oeam Folk Village in Asan.

Relax on Haeundae Beach and explore Busan's coastline (Taejongdae Park, Oryukdo Skywalk).
Discover the colorful and artistic Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its colorful hillside houses and vibrant murals.
Explore Busan's culture at Jagalchi Fish Market, BIFF Square, and Gukje Market.
Visit the significant Beomeosa Temple in the mountains near Busan.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju.
Wander through the ancient royal tombs of Tumuli Park in Gyeongju.
Hike the Igidae Coastal Trail for beautiful coastal views of the city.
Experience Busan's nightlife in districts like Seomyeon and Gwangalli Beach.

Hike to the summit of Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) for breathtaking views.
Explore the diverse trails of Hallasan National Park, home to South Korea's tallest mountain.
Descend into the Manjanggul Lava Tube (UNESCO World Heritage site).
Relax on the black sand beaches and enjoy the coastal scenery.
Visit the unique rock formations of Jusangjeolli Cliffs.
Discover the folk traditions at the Jeju Folk Village.

Visit Andong Hahoe Folk Village (UNESCO), known for its traditional houses.
Explore the traditional Jeonju Hanok Village, famous for its well-preserved architecture and food.
Discover the eastern coastal scenery and hiking in the eastern parts of Seoraksan National Park (from Sokcho).
Experience the historical heritage of the southern parts of Chungcheong-do (e.g., Baekje Historic Areas UNESCO sites near Gongju and Buyeo).

Immerse yourself in Seoul's grand palaces: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (including the changing of the guard ceremony), Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden (UNESCO - book in advance), Deoksugung Palace (known for its Western-style architecture), and Gyeonghuigung Palace (a smaller, tranquil palace).
Explore the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village with its well-preserved traditional houses and wander through the artistic Insadong district.
Experience the vibrant shopping district of Myeongdong and ascend N Seoul Tower for panoramic city views. Explore Myeongdong's street food in the evening.
Delve into the international atmosphere and diverse cuisine of Itaewon.
Enjoy a panoramic hike offering breathtaking city views on one of Seoul's mountains: Consider Bukhansan National Park (various trails), Inwangsan Mountain (easily accessible), Namsan Mountain (easy walk with city views), Achasan Mountain, or Bugaksan Mountain.
Explore the trendy Gangnam district (COEX Mall, Starfield Library), perhaps visit a K-Beauty store, or explore K-Pop themed cafes and stores.
Take a poignant day trip to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). Book a guided tour in advance.
Immerse yourself in the arts, indie music scene, and youthful energy of Hongdae. This vibrant district is known for its street art, unique shops, fashion boutiques, bustling cafes, and numerous clubs and live music venues.
Experience Seoul's vibrant nightlife in areas like Hongdae (indie music, clubs, bars) and Itaewon (international scene).

Travel to Suwon and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, Hwaseong Fortress.
Visit the Korean Folk Village in Yongin to experience traditional Korean life, with an option to explore Everland amusement park.
Enjoy a scenic hike in Bukhansan National Park for panoramic views of Seoul (if not done in week 1) or explore another of Seoul's surrounding mountains.
Travel to Incheon. Explore Chinatown and Jayu Park, and stroll through the modern Songdo Central Park.
Visit Wolmido Island in Incheon for amusement park rides and seafood, and explore the Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall.
Take a day trip to the beautiful Nami Island and the nearby Garden of Morning Calm.

Take the KTX high-speed train to Busan. Check in and explore Haeundae Beach.
Discover Busan's culture: Jagalchi Fish Market and BIFF Square, exploring Gukje Market and Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, and experiencing the nightlife in Seomyeon.
Explore the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village and the coastal Taejongdae Park.
Day trip to Gyeongju: Explore Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto (UNESCO).
Explore more of Gyeongju: Tumuli Park (royal burial mounds) and Anapji Pond, enjoying traditional cuisine for dinner.
Hike the scenic Igidae Coastal Trail in Busan and relax on Gwangalli Beach, enjoying the Gwangan Bridge views.
Visit Beomeosa Temple in the mountains near Busan.

Explore eastern Jeju: Hike Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) and visit Manjanggul Lava Tube (UNESCO).
Hike in Hallasan National Park and see the crater lake Baengnokdam (seasonal).
Discover southern Jeju: Visit Jusangjeolli Cliffs and Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, and explore Seogwipo City.
Explore western Jeju: Visit Hyeopjae Beach and Hallim Park, and consider the O'sulloc Tea Museum.
Visit the Jeju Folk Village to learn about the island's unique culture.
Relax and enjoy Jeju's beautiful beaches. Consider visiting Hyeopjae Beach (white sand, turquoise water), Woljeongri Beach (known for its emerald waters and cafes), Hamdeok Beach (shallow water, family-friendly), or Jungmun Saekdal Beach (unique black and colored sand).