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Korea Itinerary: 14 days in South Korea

Planning a trip to Korea? It is a fascinating country that is truly foreign. Here is my Korea Itinerary for 14 days that you can use to start planning yours.

If you are looking for a Korea 1 Week Itinerary then I would suggest using this as your base and just pulling out the things to do in Korea that are most important to you for your trip to South Korea

Things to Book Before You Leave Home
Few things are more frustrating on vacation than missing out on that amazing hotel or tour because it is sold out. Here are our top things to book before your vacation.

🏯 Book these popular Seoul Tours before you leave home to avoid disappointment. 
1. Half Day Guided DMZ tour from Seoul
2. Introduction to Seoul Tour
3. Korean Cooking Class


🛏️Where to Stay in Seoul:
1. JW Marriott – my personal favourite – great location and great bar
2. Hotel28 Myeongdong – great location and value, first Korean member of Small Luxury Hotels

Korea Itinerary

Day One 

 Arrive Seoul South Korea

Seoul is, of course, the main point of entry for Korea and a great place to start your South Korea itinerary. 

Seoul is one of the biggest cities in the world and can be quite intimidating.  The Seoul subway station system is great but it is not the easiest to understand as I have never seen so many stops on an underground. 

white lanterns in seoul korea

And the average metro station is huge. It is critical to check which is the best exit for you to use for where you are going or you could get very confused. And very sore feet! But public transportation is the best way to explore Seoul so focus on learning how to use it on your first day in the city. Buy a t-money card at any of the many convenience stores in the city.

seoul tower through trees with red leaves

Finding a boutique hotel in Seoul wasn’t that easy when travelling there for the first time. If you don’t speak any Korean I would highly recommend staying at a hotel that has a speaker of your native language. 

I really liked Splaisir Hotel Dongdaemun. The location is great. Dongdaemun is a busy area with loads of shopping – and the shopping malls tend to have restaurants on their higher floors which makes it easier to get dinner. The rooms at this Seoul hotel were quite boutique and very clean. 

➡️ Check Prices and Availability for Splaisir Hotel Dongdaemun

window with pink shutters in korea

⇒ Check out this fantastic post on the Most Instagrammable places in Seoul to help plan your visit

Day Two

 A great first-day activity in Seoul is visiting the Demilitarized Zone and the North/South Korea border. This is a fascinating day trip/excursion which I highly recommend – and it’s the most popular of all the Seoul day trips on offer.

It takes about 2/3 of the day so you will be back in Seoul for an afternoon coffee! I actually think visiting the Demilitarized Zone was the best thing I did during my stay in Korea. 

Do make sure you book the DMZ Tour ahead – this Korea tour sells out fast. A bus will take you towards the border. There are then several stops on the way to the DMZ. The train station that never happened. The Bridge to Nowhere. 

And best of all the actual border itself where you will be able to take a couple of footsteps into North Korea.

koreaitinerary14days

There are some really fun options to do street food markets and cooking lessons in the evening which I would highly recommend. 

When travelling in South Korea taking tours is a great way to make things easier. I would consider taking a Korean tour package if you are looking for a more relaxing trip.

➡️ Book Your DMZ Day Trip

man in military uniform in DMZ korea

You might enjoy reading some of my other articles on Seoul:
Seoul Itinerary 5 Days
Seoul Day Trips
Things to do in Myeongdong
Things to do in Incheon
Best Seoul Boutique Hotels

Day Three

 Time to explore Seoul. Try a mix of old and new with one of Seoul’s most famous palaces, a super cute shopping district and the amazing and futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza. 

Seoul has two main palaces – Gyeongbokgung and Changgyeon. I chose to visit Gyeongbokgung, the primary residence of the Joseon Dynasty – I wasn’t sure I needed to visit two palaces and I felt that was a wise decision. Again there are few tours in English so this is one to pre-book. 

➡️ Book Your Tours of Gyeongbokgung and Changgyeon

Dongdaemun Design Plaza entrance seoul korea

 When you visit the palace or palaces (they are quite near each other) do head to Insadong. This is a super cute area with shops and restaurants. Yes, it is very touristy but there are also loads of locals. 

Insadong is also the home to the rather well-known Poop cafe – you can drink your coffee in a mug shaped like a toilet. 

The main shopping area in Seoul is Myeongdong. There are some fantastic places to eat in Myeongdong, cat cafes, a cathedral, a waxworks museum and much more. 

 Bukchon Hanok Village is also close by. This Korean Folk Village will give a sense of what life would have been like in Korea in the past. 

And don’t miss a visit to the neighborhood of Gangnam, made famous by the worldwide hit song Gangnam style. 

Changgyeonggung palace seoul korea

Bukchon Hanok Village is particularly photogenic if you are able to visit in cherry blossom season. Cherry Blossom season in Korea varies from year to year but is generally around March/April. 

Dongdaemun Design Plaza was designed by famous architect Zaha Hadid. It is a jaw-dropping place. I highly recommend putting aside some time to explore it as it is large.

There are exhibits inside – some paid and some free. Gift shop – of course. And quite a few food places as well as places to relax outside. It is also very photogenic and there is no entrance fee. 

Head to Gwangjang Market to try some great Korean food for dinner.

insa-dong seoul street with souvenirs

Where to Stay in Seoul

Seoul is full of fantastic boutique hotels. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there is a hotel in this city that will suit your needs. Here are some of my top places to stay in Seoul.

Metro Hotel

Well located in Jung-Gu, this modern hotel offers all the comforts you want during your travels. The rooms at the Metro Hotel are clean, the wifi is strong, and the breakfast is great. 

metro hotel seoul

The location is really handy for getting around the city, and there are lots of great amenities at the Metro Hotel Seoul.

➡️ Check Prices and Availability for Metro Hotel

JW Marriot Dongdaemun Square

This has got to be the finest luxury boutique hotel in Seoul. The JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square is located in a popular shopping destination and is the perfect base for an opulent stay in Seoul. 

jw marriott seoul

Enjoy the spa, the pool, fitness, private verandahs, and incredible restaurant. The JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul is a truly special place to stay.

➡️ Check Prices and Availability for JW Marriot Dongdaemun Square

The Plaza

Enjoy a luxurious stay at The Plaza for the ultimate Seoul experience. This Autograph Collection hotel is newly renovated and offers guests an unforgettable experience. 

the plaza seoul

Centrally located to many major attractions, this hotel is the perfect home base while in Seoul. Clean, comfortable, and serviced by really helpful staff, The Plaza Seoul is a smart choice.

➡️ Check Prices and Availability for The Plaza

Floral Hotel Shin Shin

This fun hotel focuses on modern contemporary design and amazing hospitality. You will have a really great time at the well decorated and comfortable Floral Hotel

seoul-hotel-shinshin-picture-18

This place offers good value for money, especially considering how well maintained it is. The Jung-Gu Flora Hotel Shin Shin Seoul location is also very convenient.

➡️ Check Prices and Availability for Floral Hotel Shin Shin

Sheraton Seoul Palace Gangnam Hotel

You can expect world-class service and style at this modern hotel. The Sheraton Seoul Palace Gangnam Hotel is centrally located near the convention centres, Seoul Arts Center, Central City, and other attractions.

sheraton seoul palace

 The accommodation at the Sheraton Seoul Palace Gangnam hotel is luxurious, clean, and well equipped with all your hotel needs.

➡️ Check Prices for the Sheraton Seoul Palace Gangnam Hotel

Gyeongbokgung Palace seoul korea

Day Four

Fly from Seoul to Jeju Island South Korea

⇒ Flights Seoul to Jeju Island 

Jeju Island is in the far south of South Korea. I stayed in Seogwipo on Jeju which is in the south of the island. We visited the rather unique Loveland on the way from the airport to Seogwipo eg we had the cab stop there. 

This is possibly the most unique of all the things to do in Jeju Island. I understand that Jeju Island is commonplace for Korean couples to go on their honeymoon. 

Therefore these “love” parks have lots of sculptures of different sexual positions, sex organs and well lots of rather interesting takes on genitalia in general. 

This would not be a good place to go if you are traveling with your parents. But it is quite amusing and a uniquely Korean experience. 

You might enjoy reading some of my other articles on Korea:
Korea Itinerary
Jeju Island Itinerary
Busan Itinerary
Things to do in Daegu
Things to do on Jeju Island
Beautiful Places in South Korea
Where to stay in Busan
Cherry Blossoms in Korea

The water leading up to Cheonjeyeun Waterfall

 Once in Seogwipo, it is possible to walk to the Cheongjeyeon Waterfall and Saeyeongyo Bridge which are lovely. 

I did find Seogwipo a rather confusing place. Virtually all the hotels are in a town area that really doesn’t feel like it is anywhere near a coastline. 

Again, a bit like Seoul and Korea in general if I had known then what I know now I definitely would have taken more organised tours during my Korea touring. It was quite hard work trying to figure out how to get around – with lots of unsuccessful attempts and sore feet.

The day’s activities: 

⇒ Loveland

⇒ Cheongjeyeon Waterfall

⇒ Saeyeongyo Bridge 

➡️ Book Your Jeju Day Trips

things to do at jeju island

Boutique Hotels Jeju Island

Chason Hotel The Smile

Chason Hotel The Smile is in the heart of Seogwipo – perfect for travelers looking to explore nearby waterfalls, visit the iconic sights and discover the local food. The hotel offers the usual perks of excellent WI-FI, a continental breakfast and the best coffee.

chason hotel the smile jeju

I would recommend Chason Hotel The Smile for couples traveling to Jeju Island. However, they do also offer family rooms. All the rooms at this Jeju Island hotel are very clean, neat and provide all the amenities you could wish for. 

⇒ Check Prices and Availability for Chason Hotel The Smile Now

Hidden Cliff Hotel and Nature

 The Hidden Cliff Hotel and Nature sits on the top of a hill and is surrounded by thick woods teeming with life. The hotel is surrounded by hidden hiking trails for the adventurous soul, and offers a large infinity pool to cool down in at the end of a long day. 

hidden cliff and nature hotel jeju

The vibrant rooms at The Hidden Cliff Hotel and Nature have wooden finishings and a private balcony to relax on. As an added bonus, Jungmun Beach is just a five-minute drive away from this hotel on Jeju Island.

 ⇒ Check Prices and Availability for The Hidden Cliff hotel Now

Bayhill Pool and Villa

Bayhill Pool and Villa offers luxurious rooms with private terraces and ocean views. Located in a slightly secluded area, it’s the Jeju hotel to stay if you are looking for a quiet getaway.

bayhill pool and villa

The spacious rooms at Bayhill Pool and Villa have a stylish modern interior for you to enjoy and unwind after a day exploring, 

⇒  Check Prices for Bayhill Pool and Villa

jeju island travel blog

Day Five

The coastline of Jeju Island is stunning! However, it is not that easy to get around (are you noticing a theme in my Korea blog?). I struggled a lot to figure out the buses and then ended up getting a taxi to take me for the day to fulfill my Jeju Itinerary. I ended up visiting: 

  • Lizard Island
  • Seongsan Ilchulbong
  • Sangumburi Crater
  • Manjanggul Cave

 This was perhaps the highlight of Jeju Island. It was a relief to get away from the weird almost industrial feeling Seogwipo. Do take your camera as there is much to photograph in these locations. 

⇒ However, I would highly recommend you take the stress out of it and by booking a day tour to cover these sites – there are lots of good tour options.

coastline of jeju island korea
Manjanggul Caves Jeju Island

Day Six

Climb Mount Hallasan. This is a lovely trek up Korea’s highest mountain and there are several different paths to be taken depending on how energetic you are feeling. 

The paths on Mount Hallasan are generally very clearly signposted and there are a couple of stops with food. The path is clearly signed so there is no need to get a guide. 

We found it easy to get a taxi to the starting point of the trek. However, it was not so easy to get a cab back. 

If you can, try to agree on a time to meet your taxi driver or get a number to call them when you are finished climbing Mount Hallasan. 

➡️ Book Your Mount Hallasan Transfer

best places to visit in jeju island

Day Seven

⇒ Lee Jung-Seop Gallery

⇒ Jeongbang Waterfall

⇒ Seogwipo Market 

We spent day 7 in Seogwipo and found some interesting options. First up was the Lee Jung-Seop Gallery. 

He is one of the most famous artists in Korea. He was an artist around the time of the Korean war and Lee Jung-Seop Gallery is lovely. 

Seogwipo has some lovely waterfalls which are well worth visiting. Again, it is not that easy to find them but once you get there it is worthwhile. Seogwipo market feels very local. I suggest heading there at lunchtime. 

We looked at where there were queues and what they had ordered and basically followed along – and earnt some rather tasty snacks as a result. 

locks in front of a view of Daegu

Day Eight

 Fly to Daegu South Korea 

Daegu is virtually in the middle of Korea and in a bit of a basin, making it very warm in summer.

There are loads of great things to do in Daegu. Of all my South Korea travel cities it was the easiest place to get around – possibly as Daegu is a bit smaller and has more of a grid layout. A bus tour is always a great way to get a feel for a city and Daegu was no exception. 

Also, I used the bus tour to take me to the starting point for the Apsan mountain cable car. This was a fantastic thing to do. I visited Daegu in the height of summer so there was no way I was going to hike up the mountain. 

However, if your visit is better timed than mine I highly recommend walking up Apsan mountain and it seemed clearly marked. 

⇒ City Tour Bus

⇒ Apsan Mountain Cable Car 

The view from the top of Apsan Mountain is stunning with full panorama views over Daegu. There are also locks on the barriers which make for nice foregrounds for photos.

korea_daegu_view-from-apsan-mountain

Day Nine

Kim Kwang-Seok was a popular folk singer in Korea. He died in 1996 by taking his own life. Kim Kwang-Seok sold over 5 million records. 

He was born in Daegu and there is now a street named after him. The street is filled with street art portraits dedicated to Kim Kwang-Seok and most of the time there will be a musician playing his music in the area. There are also quite a few cute cafes etc in this part of town. 

Seomun Market is in the centre of Daegu and quite a large place. It is a more functional market vs a tourist market but has some attractive food options. 

⇒ See my full post for more information – 12 Best Things to do in Daegu

South korea itinerary 14 days street art in daegu

Daegu Hotels

 February Boutique Hotel Apsan is a fun little hotel with themed rooms and a great atmosphere. Besides the lovely decor and fully-equipped rooms, the boutique hotel is centrally located with so many brilliant shops and amenities nearby. 

feburary boutique hotel daegu

The February Boutique Hotel Aspan is a really good value hotel for a perfect trip to Daegu – you will seriously love staying here. 

 ⇒ BookCheck Prices and Availability for February Boutique Hotel Apsan

Hotel Inter-Burgo Daegu

 If you are looking for a clean and comfortable hotel that will allow you to make the most out of your stay in Daegu, then the Hotel Inter-Burgo is a wise choice. 

Hotel Inter-Burgo Daegu

With its own gym, spa, bar, and restaurant, you will be well taken care of at Hotel Inter-Burgo Daegu. The riverside location is excellent and very close to many top attractions. 

⇒ Book Check Prices and Availability for Hotel Inter-Burgo Daegu

yellow bike outside kim kwang-seok street in daegu

Day Ten

 Day trip to Jeonju South Korea – bus from Daegu return. 

It was quite easy to figure out how to get to Jeonju from Daegu and very easy to walk to the old town of Jeonju from the bus stop. 

I highly recommend getting dressed up in the local costumes as do many Koreans. We attracted a lot of attention and amusement as westerners dressed in their outfits. This is a brilliant South Korea travel experience.

The old town of Jeonju is very photogenic and filled with stores and cafes. Don’t miss the Jeonju mural village. Jaman Mural Village is outside of the old town – you will need to cross the main road to get there. 

Jaman Mural Village is filled with street art over several levels and also has a few cafes. Extremely photogenic. A day trip to Jeonju is definitely a full day trip. 

If dressing up like a Korean doll isn’t your thing then both busan and Gyeongju are quite easy day trips from Daegu as well. 

⇒ For more information on Jeonju read this great post on 8 Things to do in Jeonju South Korea

colourful buildings on in the mural area of jeonju korea
hanok village in jeonju korea

Day Eleven

 Who could resist a Racoon Cafe? Literally, there are racoons wandering around this Daegu cafe. I didn’t feel comfortable getting too close, but it was an unforgettable experience.

We also found a dog and cat cafe in Daegu. Sensibly there was one room for the dogs and one room for the cats.

⇒ Racoon Café

⇒ Medicine Street

sign for the raccoon cafe in daegu

Day Twelve

Train from Daegu to Seoul Station. 

Don’t miss N Seoul Tower – the views are amazing. However, do pick your weather. There are quite a few hazy days in Seoul which will result in a poor viewing experience at Seoul Tower. If you get a good day get moving and get up that tower.

⇒ Beat the lines and book your N Seoul Tower tickets

Or for something different consider a day trip to Nami Island. 

⇒ Due to the challenge of getting around Seoul, I would highly recommend checking out some of these fun Korean culture themed half-day tour options.

seoul tower with a stack of locks underneath it

Day Thirteen

Seoul Wall is the old wall that used to run around all of Seoul. Several parts of the Seoul Wall are still in good shape. I found it easy to navigate the Seoul wall on my own but it wasn’t easy to get there or get back. 

And do check about photography. When I visited, it was illegal to take photos on the sides of the wall towards North Korea. 

Ihwa Mural Village is not too far from a section of the wall. It is a cute area with street art and cafes. Ihwa Mural Village is perfect for Instagram. 

Finally, the Korean War Memorial and the museum are extremely impressive. The area around the building is massive and filled with ships, tanks, and all things military. 

I found the exhibit on the Korean War in the museum fascinating. The gratitude of the Korean people for the western allies who supported them during this time is very moving. 

As is the massive effort Korea as a country has put into taking itself from this weakened position to become a global player. Fascinating stuff and visiting the Korean War Memorial is a must-do whilst in Seoul. It should be part of any Seoul 7 days itinerary  

street art characters in seoul korea
profile of different cats at a cat cafe in korea
signs and view from the seoul walls

Day Fourteen

Fly out of Seoul. 

To travel to Korea is not the easiest of tasks. But it is still possible to do it independently. The above is essentially a solo travel Korea Itinerary. Or if you remove Daegu, it could be a Korea Itinerary 10 days. Or swap Daegu for lovely Busan

A couple of things to note: 

Korea Seoul Time is GMT + 9 hours. 

The Korean days of the week are the same structure as in English – just of course in Korean.

When it comes to how much to bring to Korea for 7 days or 14 days, check the weather forecast. I went in summer and it was hot hot hot. But I do know the temperature drops alot in the winter. 

korean-temple-roofs-seoul

Do you need a Visa for Two Weeks in Korea?

 It can be a real pain trying to figure out if you need a visa for a country and then all the hassle of figuring out how to apply, how long you can go without your passport when the embassy is open etc.

 iVisa has completely revolutionised this process and put it all online and make it super simple and paper and hassle-free! Using iVisa is one of my top travel tips! 

NB: Citizens of the United States, Great Britain, Australia and Canada do not need a Visa for Korea if they are staying less than 90 days. Do double check that this still holds when you book your airfares.

⇒ Check if you need a Visa for Korea

street art in korea
rocky coast line of Jeju island korea

Flights to Korea:

 Seoul is the usual port of arrival for most into Korea. Incheon International Airport is the main airport.  

⇒ Flights to Seoul Incheon Airport

⇒ Flights from Seoul to Jeju

⇒ Flights to Daegu

the coast line on jeju island

To help you in planning a trip to South Korea here are some of the best articles that I have found about Great Things to do in South Korea.

⇒ CNN Travel South Korea

⇒ Lonely Planet South Korea

pagoda on the water in seoul korea

Frequently Asked Questions about Itineraries for Korea

How many days is enough for South Korea?

I would allow for at least one week in South Korea. Spend a minimum of 3 days in Seoul and then head down to Jeju Island or visit Daegu and Jeonju.

What are some popular destinations to include in a Korean itinerary?

Some popular destinations to include in a Korea itinerary are Seoul, Jeju Island, Busan, Gyeongju, the DMZ, and the Korean Folk Village.

What is the best time of year to visit Korea?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally considered the best times to visit Korea, when the weather is mild and there are beautiful cherry blossoms and fall foliage to see. However, summer (June to August) and winter (December to February) also have their own charms and attractions.

Is it worth going to Jeju Island?

Definitely! After Seoul, it was the highlight of my visit to South Korea. 

Who Paid for What in this Post

 I covered all of the costs associated with my trip to Korea. This Korea Itinerary post does contain affiliate links. That means if you click through on them and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission – at no additional cost to you. I just wanted to make sure you knew. 

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wall murals with flowers in daegu south korea
locks on a bridge at the top of apsan mountain daegu south korea
temple in south korea
different images of south korea
pastel war mural from south korea
A Korea itinerary that gives you everything you need to plan your time from Seoul to the DMZ to Jeju Island, Daegu, JeonJu and back to Seoul #korea#southkorea#seoul#seoulkorea#koreaitinerary#southkoreaitinerary#seoul#seoulsouthkorea#jejuisland#jejuislandkorea#daegu#daegukorea#daegusouthkorea#seoulkorea#jejuislandsouthkorea#jeonju#jeonjukorea#jeonjusouthkorea#koreatravel#koreahotels#koreatraveljeju
Seoul is, of course, the main point of entry for Korea and a great place to start your Korea Itinerary. Explore this country of Asia with my 14 days itinerary to discover the best of the country in 2 weeks. A must read before your trip to Korea #korea #travel #itinerary

But the

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Masud Rana

Tuesday 25th of August 2020

Sound's like you had fun in South Korea. I can't visit anywhere in this lockdown. I'll visit South Korea after the lockdown. Thanks to you for the kind information.

Ana Rose | Roads and Pages

Tuesday 17th of January 2017

I would love to visit Korea someday. However, I am afraid of tourist visa. I applied for one before in Australia but got rejected. I wonder if it was because I haven't travelled much yet. I am thinking of going to South Korea after 5 years of visiting free visa countries. Those attractions you mentioned are really interesting. I would love to see it myself someday.

Erica

Friday 23rd of December 2016

Sounds like a fun adventure!

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