10-Day South Korea Itinerary (Complete with Detailed Mid-Range Budget)

10-Day South Korea Itinerary (Complete with Detailed Mid-Range Budget)

10-Day South Korea Itinerary (Complete with Detailed Mid-Range Budget)

Flights to/from US → Seoul (ICN)

• Arrival: Day 1, morning/afternoon (depending on your flight).
• Departure: Day 11 (most US-bound flights leave late morning/noon).
  Book a round-trip into Seoul (ICN). Domestic flights for Jeju are booked separately.

Day 1: Arrival in Seoul

• Arrival ICN → Hotel: Take AREX Express Train (43 min, ₩9,500 / ~$7).
• Check-in: Myeongdong or Insadong hotel (~12:00–14:00).
• Afternoon:
• 16:00 → Walk Myeongdong shopping streets.
• 18:30 → Gwangjang Market for dinner (try bindaetteok & tteokbokki).
• 20:00 → N Seoul Tower (cable car or hike).
• Overnight: Seoul.

Day 2: Seoul Palaces & Culture

• 09:00 → Gyeongbokgung Palace (rent hanbok if you want, free entry in costume).
• 11:30 → Bukchon Hanok Village stroll.
• 13:00 → Lunch in Insadong (bibimbap or temple cuisine).
• 14:30 → Insadong shopping streets, tea houses.
• 17:00 → Cheonggyecheon Stream walk.
• 19:00 → Explore Hongdae nightlife/street performances.
• Overnight: Seoul.

Day 3: DMZ Day Trip (or Gangnam Option)

Option A (DMZ):

• 07:30 → Pickup for DMZ half-day tour (~$50–70). Visit Dora Observatory, tunnels, Imjingak. Return ~14:00.
• 15:00 → COEX Mall & Starfield Library (Gangnam).
• 19:00 → Dinner in Gangnam (K-BBQ).

Option B (Stay in Seoul):

• Morning: Lotte World / Everland theme park.
• Evening: Dongdaemun Design Plaza light-up.
• Overnight: Seoul.

Day 4: Seoul Free + Transit

• 09:00 → National Museum of Korea OR Itaewon shopping.
• 12:00 → Lunch near hotel.
• 14:00 → Stroll through Apgujeong & Garosu-gil (trendy cafes).
• Evening free. Pack up for Busan tomorrow.
• Overnight: Seoul.

Day 5: Seoul → Busan

• 08:00 → Check-out, head to Seoul Station.
• 09:00 → KTX Seoul → Busan (2 hr 40 min, ₩59,800 / ~$45).
• 12:00 → Arrive Busan Station → hotel check-in (Haeundae or Nampo area).
• Afternoon:
• 15:00 → Haeundae Beach & Dongbaekseom Island walk.
• 18:30 → Dinner by the beach.
• Overnight: Busan.

Day 6: Busan Highlights

• 09:00 → Jagalchi Fish Market breakfast (fresh seafood).
• 11:00 → BIFF Square (street food).
• 13:00 → Gamcheon Culture Village (colorful houses).
• 16:00 → Yongdusan Park / Busan Tower.
• 19:00 → Nampo-dong street food.
• Overnight: Busan.

Day 7: Nature & Relax

• 09:00 → Taejongdae Resort Park (cliffs & lighthouse).
• 12:00 → Lunch.
• 14:00 → Oryukdo Skywalk.
• 17:00 → Dinner at Seomyeon (shopping area).
• Overnight: Busan.

Day 8: Busan → Jeju

• 08:00 → Hotel check-out.
• 09:30 → Domestic flight Busan (Gimhae) → Jeju (~1 hr). Tickets: $30–$80.
• 11:00 → Arrive Jeju, pick up rental car / join day tour.
• Afternoon:
• 13:00 → Seongsan Ilchulbong (UNESCO sunrise peak).
• 15:30 → Manjanggul Cave (lava tube).
• Overnight: Jeju (Seogwipo suggested).

Day 9: Jeju Nature

• 08:00 → Hallasan Mountain hike (easy route if half-day).
• 12:30 → Jeju black pork BBQ lunch.
• 14:00 → Jeongbang Waterfall & Cheonjiyeon Waterfall.
• 17:00 → Stroll Seogwipo night market.
• Overnight: Jeju.

Day 10: Coastal Jeju + Return

• 09:00 → Spirited Garden / O’sulloc Tea Museum.
• 11:00 → Yongmeori Coast walk.
• 14:00 → Fly Jeju → Seoul (1 hr).
• 16:00 → Last shopping in Myeongdong / Incheon Duty Free.
• Overnight: Seoul (or red-eye departure if flight is same night).

Day 11: Departure

• Check out → AREX Express train to ICN.
• Flight Seoul → US.

Budget Summary (per person, mid-range)

• International flights (US–Seoul roundtrip): $600–900
• Domestic (KTX + 2 flights): $150–250
• Hotels (10 nights mid-range): $700–900
• Meals: $250–500
• Local transport & activities: $150–250
• Total (typical mid-range): $2,000–2,800

Stay connected in South Korea with Eskimo eSIM

• Starting from $2/GB
• Valid for 2 years
• Hotspot supported
• Unused data rolls over

FAQs

What is the best season to visit South Korea?

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the most popular thanks to cherry blossoms, fall foliage, and mild weather.

Do I need a visa to enter South Korea?

Many nationalities, including US passport holders, can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. But travelers must complete the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) online before departure.

Can I use my credit card easily in South Korea?

Yes, credit cards (Visa/MasterCard) are widely accepted in cities. Still, carry some Korean won cash for small shops, markets, or taxis in rural areas.

Is tap water safe to drink in South Korea?

Yes, tap water is safe, but many locals prefer bottled or filtered water, which is widely available.

How common is English in South Korea?

English is spoken at hotels, airports, and tourist spots, but less so in small towns. Learning a few basic Korean phrases (hello = “annyeonghaseyo”) will help a lot.