South Korea: Seoul, Busan & Jeju in 10 Days
South Korea
Overview
The KTX high-speed train and short domestic flights make this a smooth loop: Seoul's palaces, markets and nightlife, the port city of Busan with its beaches and Jagalchi fish market, then a few slower days on volcanic Jeju Island for hiking and coastline before flying back.
- Duration
- 10 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Public transport
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €1,250–€1,650
Route
1. Seoul2. Busan3. Jeju
Highlights
- Changing of the guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Busan's Jagalchi Fish Market and Gamcheon Culture Village
- Hiking Hallasan, South Korea's tallest peak, on Jeju
- Korean BBQ and street food markets in every city
Worth knowing
- Summer (Jun-Aug) is hot, humid and typhoon-prone, especially on Jeju
- Jeju's best hikes need an early start to beat both crowds and weather
- Some restaurants and markets are cash- or local-app-preferred
Day by day
Day 1
SeoulMain activities
- Arrive, settle in
- Myeongdong evening street food
Overnight: Seoul
Day 2
SeoulMain activities
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Bukchon Hanok Village
Optional additions
- Insadong shopping
Overnight: Seoul
Day 3
SeoulMain activities
- DMZ tour (day trip)
Optional additions
- Namsan Tower at sunset instead
Overnight: Seoul
Day 4
Seoul → BusanMain activities
- KTX high-speed train (~2.5h)
- Gamcheon Culture Village
~2.5 hoursOvernight: Busan
Day 5
BusanMain activities
- Jagalchi Fish Market
- Haeundae Beach
Overnight: Busan
Day 6
BusanMain activities
- Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
- Gwangalli Beach evening
Overnight: Busan
Day 7
Busan → JejuMain activities
- Flight (~1h)
- Seongsan Ilchulbong crater walk
~1 hour flightOvernight: Jeju
Day 8
JejuMain activities
- Hallasan hike (partial or full trail)
Overnight: Jeju
Day 9
JejuMain activities
- Manjanggul lava tube
- Coastal drive
Optional additions
- Jeju Folk Village
Overnight: Jeju
Day 10
JejuMain activities
- Departure via Jeju or connecting through Seoul
Overnight: Jeju
Alternatives
Shorter version · 6 days
Drop Jeju and fly directly home from Busan.
Longer extension · 13 days
Add the Boseong tea fields and Suncheon Bay between Busan and Jeju.