South Korea itinerary 7 days — What to do & how to spend 7 days in Korea perfectly?

Traveling to Korea at this time is so beautiful because fall and spring are the two best times to come to Korea. Especially in the fall, one of the most romantic and charming season to go when the leaves are gradually changing to yellow, brown, and red everywhere. If you’re so enchanting and don’t go “virtual living” right away, how long will you have to wait? Let us suggest an 8-day, 7-night fun itinerary in Korea for you refer to. Except for one day for traveling, you will have 7 full days to explore the country of these gentle hanboks.

So, how many days in South Korea is enough? Let’s check out our suggested South Korea itinerary 7 days (Korea itinerary 7 days, South Korea itinerary 1 week, South Korea travel itinerary 7 days, 7 days in Korea itinerary, 7 days in South Korea itinerary, 1 week in South Korea) on how to spend 7 days in Korea perfectly in the land of Kimchi as follows!

Itinerary summary of 8 days of traveling to Korea

• Day 1: Fly to Incheon (Seoul)
• Day 2: Stroll at Hwadam Botanical Garden & explore central Seoul
• Day 3: Explore Jeonju Hanok Village & Tangjaesan Garden
• Day 4: Stroll in Seoul Forest & traveling to the ancient capital Gyeongju
• Day 5: Explore Gyeongju & traveling to Busan
• Day 6: Explore Gamcheon Culture village, Jagalchi fish market and Haeundae Blue Line park
• Day 7: Explore Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Gwangalli Beach and watch the sunset at Huinnyeoul Culture Village
• Day 8: Fly back from Gimhae (Busan)

According to the South Korea itinerary above, you will have 7 full days to explore the beautiful country of Korea.

Day 1: Fly to Incheon (Seoul) (# south korea itinerary 7 days)

From Vietnam, there are many options for you to fly to Incheon (Seoul), so within the scope of this article, my departure place is Saigon, so flight time frame are for reference only. With flight search and compare sites such as Google Flights, Skyscanner or Kayak, you can easily find suitable flight times with just a few touches, just a few clicks. You should also purchase 4G Korean SIM card or 4G pocket WiFi, especially T-Money magic card for traveling, or transfer service from the airport to the city center on Klook in advance.

After many times of flying to Incheon, here are a few tips I’ve learned:

• You should take daytime flights to feel better, in particular for your health. Because, with night flights (around 11pm – 1am), you have to wait hard at the airport late at night, and then you don’t get much sleep on the plane because the flight lasts about 4.5 hours.
• When the plane lands in Incheon around 7am (Korean time), if you arrive in central Seoul and the hotel around 9-10am, you won’t be able to check in at the hotel because it’s usually around 3pm. These things can easily make you tired all day long, making you miss everything you do.
• You should fly on a wide-body plane to sit more comfortably, have a screen to watch entertaining movies, have adequate meals so you don’t get hungry from staying up late, and have preferential check-in baggage so you can freely bring clothes and accessories… For these reasons, I chose Vietnam Airlines, Korean Air for this trip to Korea to fly on a genuine Boeing B787 or Airbus A350.

After completing immigration procedures, you go to AREX train station to buy a train ticket to downtown Seoul, then getting to the hotel. Travel time is about 43-53 minutes, depending on the type of train you choose.

Arrive at the hotel, check in, have dinner and rest.

Day 2: Stroll at Hwadam Botanic Garden & explore central Seoul (# south korea travel itinerary 7 days)

Morning

You should come to this Hwadamsup garden early (around 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.) to have a chance to buy a ticket to visit this place. This is a garden with thousands of trees in the season of changing leaves, making the space here brightly colored yellow and red in the cool weather of Korean autumn.

This Hwadam botanical garden was established in 2013 by the LG Evergreen Foundation with the purpose of creating an ecological space where people and nature can have a conversation with each other. Anyone who loves flowers, plants and small animals will definitely love this place!

There are about 17 gardens with different themes, such as: birch garden, firefly garden, fern garden,… spread throughout the vast space here. Among them, there is the largest moss garden and pine tree garden in Korea.

If you are too lazy to walk, you can combine it with the monorail to explore around this garden.

Afternoon (# south korea itinerary 7 days)

Back in Seoul, you can go to Gyeongbokgung Palace – the largest palace in Seoul, where the royal court is located, where the king’s throne is, and where the king and queen once live. When you come here, don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony, this ceremony takes place every hour from 10am to 3pm, for 15 minutes. Very spectacular.

Next is the second largest palace in Seoul – Changdeokgung – where there is an open courtyard for the coronation of Joseon kings and a place to welcome foreign envoys.

Well, when you come to Gyeonbokkgun palace area, remember to visit Bukchon Hanok Village right nearby. Here there are hundreds of traditional Korean houses – also known as Hanok – waiting for you to visit, experience and learn more about Korean culture when visiting Bukchon.

Evening (# south korea itinerary 1 week)

You can explore Myeongdong night market, the most famous shopping street in Seoul. From around 5pm onwards, Myeong dong is like “turning over” after a day’s sleep. In the middle of the road is a row of carts selling street food, snacks, etc. Just like that, smoke rises up, so you can stop and eat a little to relieve tired legs. Don’t miss the boiled intestines and hot fish cakes that everyone can see in Korean movies.

Day 3: Explore Jeonju Hanok Village & Jangtaesan Recreational Forest (# korea itinerary 7 days)

Although located more than 3 hours away from Seoul, this Jangtaesan Recreational Forest always attracts a large number of tourists to visit in the fall, when the whole forest turns yellow and red leaves.

This is the place I want to go back to the most because when I arrived today, the leaves were still very green, around the 2nd week of November it would be absolutely beautiful. However, with the inherent beauty of the forest, blue also has its own appeal… but red is much more beautiful, lol.

I was fascinated by the straight and tall rows of Dawn redwood trees (Metasequoia), maple trees, etc. here. Walking around these forests in the cool autumn air, It was so relaxing.

But perhaps many people come here because they want to experience the feeling of walking on the suspension bridge “through space” through the two forests here, then climbing about a hundred more stairs to reach the legendary virtual living rock of this place. From here, you can stand to see the panoramic view of the forest here (it’s still a shame because the leaves haven’t changed color yet) or sit on the cliff to take really cool photos.

You can buy a one-day return tour via this LINK.

In the evening, you take time to explore the Hongdae neighborhood.

I like Hongdae because the vibe here is very youthful, artistic and stylish. From cafes, fashion and accessory stores… to groups performing, dancing, and singing on many different street corners. I also like to go to Hongdae to hang out with friends, there is a variety of food here and the prices are also reasonable.

Day 4: Stroll in Seoul Forest & traveling to the ancient capital Gyeongju (# 7 days in south korea itinerary)

You can spend the morning going to Seoul Forest and enjoy the fresh air here. Seoul Forest is a place where Seoul people often bring food and drinks to spread out under the trees and watch the forests change color in the fall or cherry blossoms in the spring.

This forest is also worthy of comparison with Central Park in New York, USA. Surrounding this forest are towering office buildings.

After having fun, drag your suitcase to Seoul Station to board the KTX train to Gyeongju.

Day 5: Explore Gyeongju & continue journey to Busan (# 7 days in korea itinerary)

The younger siblings who went with me said: “I like Gyeongju more than Seoul”, I just smiled lightly. Obviously, the ancient capital always has something that attracts tourists more than the city. Such as: larger natural landscape, fresher air, more winds that make me shiver, more traditional houses,…

Here are a few places you can visit or see more details through this article:

Fields with types of grass: pink grass, reed grass, foxtail grass,… in the Gyeongju historical site. I went when it was sunny – around noon – the color of the grass, especially the pink grass.

Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond: This is the Crown Prince’s palace of the Silla period. My first impression when I arrived here was the airy, quiet space and very poetic landscape. I was fascinated by the rows of forests in the changing season of leaves in this palace, I could only stand “dumbfounded” when I saw the yellow and red leaves gently falling every time there was a breeze. How many times do I have to click my tongue: “So damn beautiful!” when walking in Donggung palace here and there.

Bulguksa temple is more than 1000 years old and is recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Ignoring stories about history or Buddhism, this is a place with very beautiful scenery. There are many Dawn redwood trees, maple trees, persimmon trees, etc. that have been planted for a long time, so the roots and tree shapes are very beautiful. The leaves here are gradually turning red, very beautiful.

In addition to “hunting” for red leaves, you can wander on Poseok-ro street to enjoy the youthful space with many lovely restaurants, cafes, clothing stores, accessories,… with young Korean people. Vibe is so interesting!

Then in the late afternoon, you drag your suitcase to the KTX train station or Gyeongju Express Bus to move back to the coastal city of Busan.

Day 6: Explore Gamcheon village, Jagalchi fish market and Haeundae Blue Line park

Gamcheon Culture Village

This place used to be a “slum” for refugees during the Korean War. Gradually, the population of this place decreased a lot because young people left the village to go to other places to do business and live.

It was not until 2009 that the Korean Ministry of Culture launched a project to renovate the village and invited many artists and art students to come here to beautify the village, making it much more lively. Thanks to that, Gamcheon has now become an extremely hot tourist destination in Busan.

Jagalchi fish market

Jagalchi is the largest fish market in this country, and is also a whole sale market to supply a huge amount of seafood to all of Busan and neighboring cities. Saying it’s a fish market, it’s not smelly at all but very clean.

This fish market is very large, divided into many separate areas and operates day and night. Fresh seafood processing and selling area, dried seafood area, and dining area for both residents and tourists. They are very neat and organized. Remember to enjoy the seafood dishes at this fish market before leaving.

Haeundae Blue Line Park

This park was formed on the previously closed Donghae Nambu Line train station area, and is now built into a nature-friendly tourist destination with trains running continuously with a green forest on one side. high up in the sky and on one side is a beautiful blue beach.

The total distance of this Blue Line park is 4.8km. The most beautiful route I think is: You go to Mipo station, take the Beach Train to Songjeong station, then walk back to Cheongsapo and take the Sky Capsule cabin to return to Mipo station. If you don’t mind walking, you can take the Beach Train to Cheongsapo station.

You should buy tickets in advance on the bluelinepark website, change the language to ENG and then book tickets. You should book tickets as early as possible. If the time you want to go is sold out, you can go to the ticket counter early to buy a ticket to go on the same day. In particular, Sky Capsule tickets often sell out quickly. Ah, if you go at sunset time, it’s so beautiful.

Day 7: Explore Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Gwangalli Beach and watch the sunset at Huinnyeoul Village

Younggungsa Temple

Probably one of the few temples located right on the coast in Korea, because most temples here are usually located in the mountains. Thanks to that, Younggungsa has become an interesting highlight for Busan as it is located on the beautiful Gijang coast.

This temple was first built in 1376 with the name Bomunsa. However, the temple was destroyed during the war with the Japanese invaders in 1592. And after more than 300 years, in 1930, the temple was rebuilt with the name Yonggungsa (meaning: Palace Dragon) as at present. As for the main hall of the temple, it was completed in 2005.

This temple attracts a large number of locals who come here on New Year’s Day to watch the first sunrise of the year and pray for a lucky year.

Gwangalli Beach

This beach has become a destination that attracts young people everywhere not only because it is a beach in the center of Busan, beautiful and peaceful, but also because of the photos with the Gwangandaegyo bridge standing out in the background. There are many cafes and restaurants with sea views around here for you to relax with friends and family.

Huinnyeoul Cultural Village

This is a place whose “specialties” are tiny alleys along the coastal slope, with many cafes with views straight to the Busan bridge, Namhang port and towards the setting sun. Therefore, in the afternoon, this village is much more bustling, although it is not as well known as Gamcheon Cultural Village.

The beautiful small houses with many outstanding colors also make every corner in Huinnyeoul become very “impressive”. This is a hiding place for refugees from the Korean War.

Then in 2011, artists came here and began to revive this area as it is today – this story is quite similar to Gamcheon village. Until recently, many Korean movies came here to film, so many people knew and invited each other to this village to chill.

When I came here, I just wanted to wander back and forth through the alleys and chill with a cup of coffee to watch the sunset. Gently, slowly, chill. What more can you expect from an afternoon like this in Busan?

Day 8: Return to Vietnam from Busan

Bring your suitcase to Gimhae International Airport in Busan and fly back to Vietnam.

Where to stay when traveling to Korea?

I’ve just given you full information for the South Korea itinerary 7 days, you already have enough information, so where to stay? Here are some suggestions about the area for you to search on Booking.com yourself. If you find a room price that suits your budget, then boldly click to book and you’re done. It’s as easy as eating ice cream!

• Seoul: Just find a hotel around Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Hongdae, Itaewon or near Seoul Station. Convenient to travel but still bustling at night.
• Gyeongju: You can find hotels near Cheomseongdae and Gyeongju National Museum. Going exploring is easier, taking the bus to the KTX train station is even easier.
• Busan: You can find a hotel near Haeundae night market, Haeundae beach or Gwangalli beach to stay there. Right in the entertainment center.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Seoul you can refer to

• Private Incheon International Airport Transfers (ICN) for Seoul
• Private Incheon Airport Transfers (ICN) for Seoul
• Incheon International Airport (ICN) Limousine Bus Transfers for Seoul (Gangnam District)
• Klook Exclusive Seoul 5 Day Pass
• Discover Seoul Pass (BTS Edition Available)
• [SALE] Instant Ticket! Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS) 2/3/4/5 Days to travel around the cities in Korea
• Private Incheon Airport (ICN) and Gimpo Airport (GMP) Transfers for Seoul by S.A Tour
• Everland Private Car Charter with Admission Ticket by Wondertrip
• KAL Limousine Bus Ticket for Seoul
• [Limited Offer] AREX Incheon Airport Express Train One Way Ticket in Seoul
• Bukchon Oneday Hanbok Rental Experience (4/24 Hrs)
• Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, and Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour from Seoul
• Seoul City Sightseeing Bus (Downtown Palace Namsan Course/Seoul Panorama Course)
• [Limited Offer] Incheon International Airport (ICN) Luggage Services (Between Airport and Hotel) by Safex
• 4G Prepaid SIM Card (SK Airports Pick Up) for South Korea
• [Sale] Hanbok Experience (Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store) with Korean Hairstyling
• [SALE] South Korea 4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airports Pick Up) from KT Olleh
• 4G WiFi (MY Airport Pick Up) for South Korea (Unlimited Data)
• 4G Portable WiFi for South Korea from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)

Are you finding more top things to do in Seoul: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.