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Two Week South Korea Travel Itinerary

This two week South Korea travel itinerary takes you through the country’s bustling cities, cultural landmarks, and stunning natural landscapes. Starting in vibrant Seoul, you’ll explore the scenic beauty of Sokcho and Seoraksan National Park, the ancient wonders of Gyeongju, and the coastal charm of Busan. The journey concludes with the traditional Hanok Village in Jeonju and the volcanic landscapes of Jeju Island, offering a perfect mix of history, adventure, and relaxation.

Currency

South Korean Won (KRW). $1 USD ≈ 1,300 KRW.

Local Language

Korean; basic English is spoken in major cities.

Visa Requirements

Visa-free for most nationalities (e.g., USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, NZ) for up to 90 days.

Expense Level

$$ (Moderately priced, budget-friendly options available).

Plug Type

Type C and F (220V, 60Hz).

Safety

Extremely safe; low crime rates.

Vaccination

No mandatory requirements; Hepatitis A, Typhoid recommended.

Payment

Credit/debit cards widely accepted; cash useful for street food and small shops.

Nightlife

Vibrant, especially in Seoul and Busan.

Best Months to Visit

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-November).

Climate

Pack for the season; layers for spring/autumn, warm clothing for winter, and light clothing for summer.

Water Safety

Tap water is safe to drink.

Tipping

Not customary but appreciated for exceptional service.

Cultural Etiquette

Bow when greeting, remove shoes when entering homes, and respect dining norms.

Emergency Numbers

112 (Police), 119 (Fire/Ambulance).

Time Zone

GMT+9 (Korea Standard Time, KST).

Seoul Itinerary

Overview

Seoul, South Korea’s vibrant capital, offers a mix of ancient palaces, bustling markets, and modern skyscrapers. A perfect starting point for this two week South Korea travel itinerary, it’s a city where tradition meets innovation.

Two Week South Korea Travel Itinerary
Deoksugung, Seoul

How Long to Stay in Seoul

4 days

How to Get to Seoul

Fly into Incheon International Airport (ICN). Take the AREX Express Train to the city center (~1 hour, ~9,500 KRW).

Best Hotels to Stay in Seoul

Best Hotels to Stay in Seoul
Zzzip Guesthouse

What to Do in Seoul

  • Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (~3,000 KRW) and watch the changing of the guard ceremony.
  • Shop and eat at Myeongdong Street Market (Free to explore).
  • Stroll along Bukchon Hanok Village to see traditional Korean houses (Free).
  • Hike or cable car to N Seoul Tower (~10,000 KRW for the cable car).
  • Relax along the Cheonggyecheon Stream (Free).
  • Explore the lively nightlife in Hongdae and Itaewon.
Gyeongbokgung Palace

Where to Eat in Seoul

  • Gwangjang Market ($, 4.7/5) – Iconic street food like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes).
  • Tosokchon Samgyetang ($$, 4.8/5) – Famous for Korean ginseng chicken soup.
  • Jungsik Seoul ($$$, 4.9/5) – Michelin-starred modern Korean dining.
 Jungsik Seoul
Jungsik Seoul.

Modes of Transport in Seoul

Use the efficient subway system (~1,350 KRW per ride) or taxis for convenience.

Seoul Digital Nomad Rating

5/5: Excellent internet, coworking spaces, and a vibrant expat community. Nomadlist Seoul.

Sokcho Itinerary

Overview

Sokcho, a coastal city near Seoraksan National Park, is known for its natural beauty and fresh seafood. A peaceful stop on this two week South Korea travel itinerary, it’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and food lovers.

Sokcho Itinerary
Mt Seolark Uslanbawi Rock, Sokchi

How Long to Stay in Sokcho

2 days

How to Get from Seoul to Sokcho

Take an intercity bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Sokcho (~2.5 hours, ~20,000 KRW).

Best Hotels to Stay in Sokcho

Lotte Resort Sokcho
Yoga at Lotte Resort Sokcho

What to Do in Sokcho

  • Hike in Seoraksan National Park (~4,000 KRW entrance fee) and explore Ulsanbawi Rock.
  • Relax at Sokcho Beach (Free).
  • Visit Abai Village, known for its North Korean refugee history (Free to explore).
  • Explore Daepo Port for fresh seafood and street food (Free to enter).
 Seoraksan National Park.
Seoraksan National Park

Where to Eat in Sokcho

  • Daepo Port Seafood Market ($$, 4.6/5) – Try fresh seafood and spicy seafood stews.
  • Mansuk Sweet and Sour Chicken ($, 4.7/5) – Famous for its crispy Korean fried chicken.
  • Cheongbong Korean Restaurant ($$, 4.5/5) – Authentic local dishes like naengmyeon (cold noodles).
Cheongbong Korean Restaurant
Naengmyeon at Cheongbong Korean Restaurant.

Modes of Transport in Sokcho

Use local buses or taxis to explore; walking is ideal for short distances.

Sokcho Digital Nomad Rating

3.5/5: Scenic and peaceful with decent internet but limited coworking options.

Gyeongju Itinerary

Overview

Gyeongju, known as “the museum without walls,” is filled with ancient temples, tombs, and cultural sites from Korea’s Silla dynasty. A must-visit on this two week South Korea travel itinerary, it’s perfect for history enthusiasts.

Gyeongju Itinerary
Gyeongju

How Long to Stay in Gyeongju

2 days

How to Get from Sokcho to Gyeongju

Take an intercity bus from Sokcho to Dongdaegu Terminal (~4 hours, ~25,000 KRW), then transfer to a bus to Gyeongju (~1 hour, ~5,000 KRW).

Best Hotels to Stay in Gyeongju

Hilton Gyeongju
Hilton Kyungju Eureka

What to Do in Gyeongju

  • Visit Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (~5,000 KRW).
  • Explore Seokguram Grotto (~5,000 KRW).
  • Walk through Daereungwon Tomb Complex to see ancient burial mounds (~3,000 KRW).
  • Stroll around Anapji Pond, beautifully lit at night (~2,000 KRW).
Stroll around Anapji Pond
Anapji Pond

Where to Eat in Gyeongju

  • Dosol Maeul ($, 4.6/5) – Try ssambap (rice with lettuce wraps).
  • Hwangnam Bakery ($, 4.7/5) – Famous for its traditional Gyeongju bread.
  • Byeolchaeban Gyodong Ssambap ($$, 4.8/5) – A top spot for local Korean cuisine.
Hwangnam Bakery.
Gyeongju bread from the Hwangnam Bakery.

Modes of Transport in Gyeongju

Use local buses or taxis; renting a bike is also a great option (~10,000 KRW/day).

Gyeongju Digital Nomad Rating

4/5: Decent internet and a laid-back atmosphere, though coworking spaces are limited.

Busan Itinerary

Overview

Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is known for its beaches, vibrant markets, and cultural sites. A lively addition to this two week South Korea travel itinerary, it offers a perfect mix of urban excitement and seaside relaxation.

Busan Itinerary
Where the sea meets the city in Busan

How Long to Stay in Busan

3 days

How to Get from Gyeongju to Busan

Take a bus or train from Gyeongju to Busan (~1-1.5 hours, ~10,000 KRW).

Best Hotels to Stay in Busan

Paradise Hotel Busan
Paradise Hotel Busan

What to Do in Busan

  • Relax at Haeundae Beach (Free).
  • Visit Gamcheon Culture Village for colorful murals and unique architecture (Free to explore).
  • Stroll along the Songdo Skywalk (~500 KRW).
  • Explore Jagalchi Fish Market for fresh seafood (Free to enter).
  • Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, located on a cliff by the sea (Free).
Gamcheon Culture Village.
Gamcheon Culture Village

Where to Eat in Busan

  • Jagalchi Market Food Stalls ($$, 4.7/5) – Fresh seafood prepared on the spot.
  • Gukje Market ($, 4.6/5) – Try hotteok (sweet pancakes) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
  • Jeonglim Fish Restaurant ($$, 4.8/5) – Known for its seafood hot pot.
Gukje Market
Hotteok from Gukje Market, a must-try street snack

Modes of Transport in Busan

Use the metro system (~1,300 KRW per ride) or taxis for convenience.

Busan Digital Nomad Rating

4.5/5: Excellent internet, coworking spaces, and a vibrant atmosphere. Nomadlist Busan.

Jeonju Itinerary

Overview

Jeonju, the birthplace of bibimbap, is known for its Hanok Village and traditional Korean culture. A charming stop on this two week South Korea travel itinerary, it’s a haven for food lovers and history buffs.

Jeonju Itinerary
Jeonju Hanok Village

How Long to Stay in Jeonju

1-2 days

How to Get from Busan to Jeonju

Take a train or bus from Busan to Jeonju (~3 hours, ~20,000 KRW).

Best Hotels to Stay in Jeonju

 Lahan Hotel Jeonju.
Lahan Hotel Jeonju

What to Do in Jeonju

  • Explore Jeonju Hanok Village and its traditional Korean houses (Free to explore).
  • Visit the Jeonju National Museum (~3,000 KRW).
  • Try traditional Korean paper-making at Jeonju Craftworks Exhibition Hall (~5,000 KRW).
Jeonju National Museum
The Jeonju National Museum

Where to Eat in Jeonju

  • Hankookjib Bibimbap ($$, 4.8/5) – Famous for its authentic bibimbap.
  • Jeonju Pungnam Mun Haejangguk ($, 4.7/5) – Try haejangguk (hangover soup).
  • Gyodong Dawon ($$, 4.6/5) – A tea house in a Hanok, perfect for relaxing.
Hankookjib
Bibimbap at Hankookjib

Modes of Transport in Jeonju

Walking is best for the Hanok Village; use taxis or buses for longer distances.

Jeonju Digital Nomad Rating

4/5: Decent internet with a laid-back, cultural atmosphere.

Jeju Island Itinerary

Overview

Jeju Island, often called the “Hawaii of Korea,” is famous for its volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and unique cultural heritage. A stunning finale to this two week South Korea travel itinerary, it offers relaxation and adventure in equal measure.

Jeju Island Itinerary
Scenic Seopjikoji on Jeju Island

How Long to Stay in Jeju Island

3 days

How to Get from Jeonju to Jeju Island

Take a train or bus from Jeonju to Mokpo (~2 hours, ~15,000 KRW), then a ferry to Jeju Island (~4 hours, ~30,000 KRW). Alternatively, take a direct flight from nearby Gwangju Airport (~1 hour, ~$50 USD).

Best Hotels to Stay in Jeju Island

What to Do in Jeju Island

  • Hike Hallasan Mountain, South Korea’s tallest peak (~2,000 KRW for park entry).
  • Visit Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), a UNESCO World Heritage site (~2,000 KRW).
  • Relax at Hyeopjae Beach (Free).
  • Explore the Manjanggul Lava Tube (~2,000 KRW).
  • Wander through the O’sulloc Tea Museum (Free) and sample Jeju’s famous green tea desserts.
  • Take in Jeju Stone Park (~5,000 KRW), showcasing Jeju’s volcanic heritage and culture.
Seongsan Ilchulbong
Seongsan Ilchulbong, nature’s masterpiece

Where to Eat in Jeju Island

  • Black Pork Street ($$, 4.7/5) – Known for Jeju’s signature black pork barbecue.
  • Hyeopjae Haenyeo House ($$, 4.6/5) – Fresh seafood dishes prepared by traditional female divers.
  • Donsadon ($$$, 4.8/5) – A high-end spot for Jeju’s premium black pork BBQ.
Donsadon
Jeju, premium black pork BBQ

Modes of Transport in Jeju Island

Rent a car (~50,000 KRW/day) for convenience, or use local buses to reach major attractions.

Jeju Island Digital Nomad Rating

4/5: Decent internet and inspiring scenery, though coworking spaces are limited outside Jeju City.  Nomadlist Jeju Island.

What do you think?

Have tips to share, questions to ask, or your own travel stories? Leave a comment below and help shape the perfect itinerary!

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