If you think you need a “deep pocket” to travel to Korea, don’t worry – we just tried it and realized: with only 5 days and 4 nights, you can still explore the land of Kim Chi to your heart’s content, and save quite a bit of money! So, what to do in Korea for 5 days? Let’s check out our suggested Korea travel itinerary 5 days (5 days in Korea itinerary, 5d4n Korea itinerary, Korea itinerary 5 days) in details in this post!
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Although Korea is small on the map, it is “vast” in the eyes of those who love to travel. From majestic mountain ranges, modern cities that light up all night, to peaceful ancient villages – each place has its own unique features that make everyone who comes here amazed. Public transportation is extremely convenient, trains are everywhere, and it’s easy to go anywhere.
Of course, if we could stay for a few months, we would definitely take the time to explore every corner of the street, every lovely cafe. But since we only have 5 days and 4 nights, arranging a reasonable schedule is extremely important. In this article, we will share our experience of traveling to Korea for 5 days and 4 nights on a super budget, along with some tips to help you plan a smart itinerary so you don’t have to “race against time”, eat well, have fun and shop within your budget.
What to do in Korea for 5 days — Day 1: Explore Seoul – Touch the Ancient and Modern Beauty of the Land of Kim Chi!
Morning – Feel the New Wave from Seoul
[FREE T-money] SIM Card for South Korea Unlimited Local Data (LG U+)
Just stepping out of the Incheon airport gate, we couldn’t hide our excitement. The feeling when we first set foot in Seoul was truly different, unlike anywhere else. After the flight from Vietnam, we hurriedly took the train to move into the city, both admiring the modern streets and learning a little about the extremely convenient transportation system here.
Don’t forget to buy a T-money card and 4G SIM at the airport to avoid losing connection or getting “lost” in this city! We returned to the hotel to check in and rest a bit, preparing ourselves to start a new adventure.
Noon – Immerse Yourself in History and Architecture at Gyeongbokgung Palace
And then, we started our real trip! Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first destination on the journey, where the historical stories of Korea came to life. I cannot forget the feeling of standing under the giant stone pillars, looking at the brilliant red dragon roof tiles, and feeling the ancient atmosphere of this palace.
Gyeongbok Palace & Changdeokgung Palace One-day Cultural & Guided Tour
We spent a long time walking around, breathing in the fresh air, and exploring every corner of the palace. If you come here, don’t forget to participate in the changing of the gate ceremony, it is truly a very special experience, making me feel like I am living in a period drama.
Afternoon – Immerse Yourself in Traditional Culture at the Korean Folk Village
Suwon Hwaseong / Korean Folk Village / Starfield Tour from Seoul
After leaving the palace, we continued to the Korean Folk Village, where you can truly immerse yourself in the life of Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. The traditional art classes, folk dance performances, and horseback martial arts performances completely captivated us.
I clearly remember the feeling of watching a traditional dance under the blue sky, and couldn’t help but admire the sophistication of Korean culture. One of the things that I enjoyed the most was experiencing the “Welcome to Joseon” event in May – like a door opening to an ancient world, where everything is vibrant, colorful, and attractive.
Evening – Immerse Yourself in the Peace of Namsan Hanok Village and See Seoul Sparkling from N Seoul Tower
We ended an impressive afternoon at Namsan Hanok Village – a small village located on the slopes of Namsan Mountain. At this moment, I felt like time had gone back hundreds of years, walking among the ancient wooden houses and admiring the surrounding green gardens. The quiet atmosphere made us forget all our worries, just wanting to sit back and enjoy the traditional beauty.
But if you think that the trip will stop there, you are wrong! Why? Because we have to go to N Seoul Tower, where you will admire a beautiful, sparkling Seoul at night. The feeling of standing on top of the tower, looking at the whole city of lights like a sea of stars, is truly wonderful. We did not forget to pose with the love locks and “check-in” at other interesting spots on the tower.
N Seoul Tower Observatory Ticket
Late Night: Enjoy Street Food at Euljiro
After a long day, we went to Euljiro neighborhood, which is famous for its extremely attractive street food. Don’t be surprised to see skewers sizzling on the fire or bowls of hot and spicy tteokbokki, we tried them all and could not forget the rich taste of each dish.
Euljiro was always bustling, and the laughter echoed throughout the neighborhood, making us feel like we had truly integrated into the rhythm of Seoul. That was when we no longer felt tired, only happy and excited, feeling like the whole of Seoul was welcoming us warmly.
5 days in Korea itinerary — Day 2: Nami Island – Lost in a Dreamy Paradise
Morning: Start a New Day with Nami Island – Fairyland
After a long day exploring Seoul, we woke up early, preparing for an exciting journey: exploring Nami Island – one of the most famous tourist destinations in Korea. The feeling when setting foot on this island is hard to describe, because it is not only famous in romantic movies but also makes our hearts flutter with its beauty like coming out of fairy tales.
We chose to travel by boat and after about 1 hour from Seoul, we arrived. Don’t forget to buy a boat ticket to the island, the fresh air and gentle breeze will make you feel relaxed from the first moment. When setting foot on the island, the first thing to mention is the endless Pine Tree Road, where the straight trees reach up to the sky, making us feel like we are walking in a romantic movie.
Noon: Discover Legendary Check-In Spots
We walked around the island, and could not miss the famous check-in spots such as Ginkgo Tree Road, where rows of towering ginkgo trees stood to create beautiful natural paintings. Each season, the scenery here has its own beauty, and no matter the season, Nami Island always retains its magical charm.
Next, don’t forget to stop by the “Winter Sonata” Statue, a statue bearing the mark of the legendary movie that has captivated many generations. We took a lot of photos here, because standing next to the statue felt like re-enacting romantic moments in the movie. And of course, Gongsaengwon Garden is also a place you cannot miss if you want to relax and enjoy the peaceful space, listening to the rustling of leaves under your feet.
Nami Island One-day Sightseeing & Hidden Gems Tour
Afternoon: Immerse Yourself in a Journey Through Petite France
After enjoying the beauty of Nami Island, we continued our journey to Petite France – a small French village nestled in the mountains, not far from Nami. When we arrived here, we felt like we were lost in another world, completely different from the hustle and bustle of Seoul. This village has been the setting for many famous TV shows, and it is not difficult to understand why it has become an ideal stop for travel enthusiasts.
Alpaca/Nami/Eobi Ice Valley/RailBike/Morning Calm/Begonia Bird Park
The houses with red tiled roofs, white walls and rows of colorful flowers create a poetic scene. Walking here makes us feel like we are living in a painting, every little corner is beautiful like a dream.
Evening: Lost in the Garden of Eden at the Garden of Morning Calm
We ended the day with a visit to the Garden of Morning Calm, this beautiful garden is definitely a destination you cannot miss when coming to Korea. True to its name, this place brings a strange feeling of peace and relaxation. The winding paths, colorful flower beds, and meticulously cared for vegetation create an unforgettable natural picture.
Nami / Alpaca/ Railbike/ Petite France/ Morning Calm/ Begonia Tour
The garden has a total of 20 different themes, each area has its own beauty. We spent the whole afternoon wandering around this garden, admiring the lovely trees, taking pictures with the blooming flower gardens and not forgetting to stop and relax in the poetic scenery.
Day 3: Discover Jeju Island – Stunning Natural Wonders
Morning: Fly to Jeju – Arrive at Paradise Island After Just a Short Flight
Jeju Premium Small Group UNESCO Day Tour – South/East/West
We woke up early, prepared our luggage to catch the first flight to Jeju Island. It only took about 1 hour to arrive at this beautiful island. A little advice is that if you want to save time and budget, don’t forget to book early flight tickets or find tours to conveniently move between attractions without missing out on famous landmarks.
Noon: Explore Hallasan Mountain and Manjanggul Cave
With Hallasan Mountain, we had an exciting trekking trip. Hallasan Mountain is the highest mountain in Korea and stands out with its amazing natural beauty. When reaching the top, we not only admired the giant crater but also felt the majesty and grandeur of the surrounding landscape. The feeling of standing on the top of the mountain, looking at the whole view of Jeju Island under the sunlight, is truly unforgettable.
Right after that, we continued to explore Manjanggul Cave, one of the longest caves in the world and a UNESCO heritage site. Underground, the cave is like a mysterious world, with natural stalactites formed over millions of years. Feeling the cool, quiet space and admiring the beautiful stalactite shapes, we felt like we were lost in another world, where nature has created magical masterpieces.
Afternoon: Get Lost in Maze Land and Immerse Yourself in the Perfect Landscape of Hyeopjae Beach
Maze Land was our next destination. The maze here is uniquely designed with three different areas, inspired by the volcanic landscape and vegetation of Jeju. We really enjoyed challenging ourselves in the maze, not only because it was fun but also because it was a chance to test our group’s orientation skills. And if you are a fan of Running Man or Legend of the Blue Sea, this is an extremely interesting experience!
In the afternoon, we moved to Hyeopjae Beach, where the sea is blue and the sand is white. This is not a beach for surfers like Jungmun Beach, but it is extremely ideal for swimming and relaxing. This beach also has cafes and restaurants along the coast, where we enjoyed fresh Jeju seafood.
Jeju UNESCO Original Day Tour – Experience True Premium
In particular, you cannot miss the island’s signature dishes, such as grilled meat and rich seafood soup. A light meal with a beautiful sea view, nothing is better!
Evening: Walking and Enjoying Jeju Island Cuisine
Our day exploring Jeju has never been so wonderful! After relaxing on the beach, we took a walk around the island, enjoying the fresh air and admiring the surrounding scenery.
Jeju Island is not only famous for its pristine nature but also for its unique cuisine, so we did not miss the opportunity to enjoy traditional dishes, from grilled dishes to fresh seafood. Jeju is truly a culinary paradise that you cannot miss.
Day 4: Watching the Sunrise on Jeju Island – Immersing in the Natural Scenery
Morning: Watching the Sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak
We started the day with a trip to Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak. This is one of the most famous sunrise viewing spots in Jeju. Even though we woke up early in the morning and climbed to the top of the mountain, when we saw the first rays of sunlight shining on the surrounding landscape, we felt all our fatigue disappear.
The sunrise on the top of the mountain, with the vast fields of yellow canola flowers in spring, was truly like a painting. Standing there, we felt like we were in a very special place, where time seemed to stop to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Noon: Jeongbang Waterfall and Cheonjeyeon Waterfall – The Majestic Beauty of Jeju
After dawn, we continued our journey to Jeongbang Waterfall, the only waterfall in Asia that flows directly into the sea. Standing here, it felt like standing between two worlds, one side was the blue sea, the other side was the white water pouring down from above. This beautiful scene made us unable to take our eyes off. We also couldn’t miss the restaurants along the waterfall, where we enjoyed fresh sea urchin sashimi, a famous specialty of Jeju.
After that, we continued to explore Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, which has crystal clear water and is picturesque all year round. If you come in May, you will also have the opportunity to participate in the Chilseonyeo Festival and soak in this water, it feels extremely relaxing!
Afternoon: Explore Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff and O’sulloc Tea Garden
The journey cannot be complete without visiting Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff, which has magical hexagonal stone pillars formed from volcanoes. This is one of the amazing natural phenomena that can only be found in Jeju. We spent time standing and looking at the vast ocean and admiring the majestic stone pillars. A truly impressive experience.
The day ended with a visit to O’sulloc Tea Garden & Museum, where we learned about Korean tea culture. The lush green tea fields and relaxing space here helped us find peace after a long day of exploration.
Day 5: Free Shopping and Enjoying Seoul Cuisine
On the last day, we took the flight back to Seoul to shop freely and enjoy Korean cuisine. You will have more time to buy souvenirs, clothes, cosmetics before returning to Vietnam.
Reference Cost of Traveling to Korea 5 Days 4 Nights
| Category | Cost/person |
|---|---|
| Flight tickets Vietnam - Seoul (round trip) | 10,000,000 VND |
| Flight ticket Seoul - Jeju Island (round trip) | 1,300,000 VND |
| 2 nights hotel in Seoul | 2,000,000 VND |
| 2 nights hotel in Jeju | 1,400,000 VND |
| AREX Airport Round-trip Express Train Ticket | 277,440 VND |
| Sim 4G | 460,529 VND |
| Korea Rail Pass | 2,094,949 VND |
| Joseon Dynasty History Day Tour with Palaces, Korean Cultural Village, Namsan Hanok Village, and N Seoul Tower | 1,651,424 VND |
| Seoul Night Food Tour | 1,887,342 VND |
| Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm and Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour from Seoul | 905,924 VND |
| Jeju Island West Tour | 2,173,586 VND |
| Jeju Island East Tour | 2,173,586 VND |
| Total cost | 28 - 30 million VND/person |
Below is the cost table for one person on a 5-day 4-night trip to Korea. This cost is calculated based on the price of December services, cheap hotels and budget tours on Klook. The total amount will vary depending on the time of booking, the services you use, shopping, eating, etc. You can adjust the spending categories to suit your budget.
Questions When Traveling to Korea
Do you need a visa to go to Korea?
Yes, if you are not eligible for a visa-free trip to Jeju Island. For those who are only traveling to Jeju (under the visa-free program), there is no need for a visa, but if you want to explore Seoul and other cities in Korea, you will need to apply for a tourist visa.
What is the average cost for a 5-day, 4-night trip to Korea?
About 28 – 30 million VND/person. This cost may vary depending on the type of accommodation (luxury hotel or homestay), means of transportation (taxi, train, or domestic flight), as well as the sightseeing activities you choose.
When is the best time to visit Korea?
Autumn and spring are the best times to visit Korea. In autumn (September to November), the red-leaf forests create a beautiful scene and the climate is cool and pleasant. In spring (March to May), cherry blossoms bloom everywhere, creating a very romantic and dreamy space.
Should I buy a WOWPASS or T-Money card?
Yes, you should! If you want to save money and have a smoother trip, the WOWPASS and T-Money cards are great options.
WOWPASS allows you to enter famous attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, Lotte World, and many other places in Seoul for free or at a discount. This card is extremely economical, helping you reduce your sightseeing costs and avoid having to queue to buy tickets.
T-Money is a convenient payment card for public transportation such as subways and buses in Seoul. You just need to top up the card and use it to travel without having to fumble with change or buy tickets for each trip. In addition, T-Money cards can also be used at convenience stores, helping you save time.
Do you need to book a 4G SIM card and sightseeing tickets through Klook in advance?
Highly recommended! Booking a 4G SIM card and sightseeing tickets through Klook before your trip is a great way to save time and money.
Let’s go on a 5-day, 4-night trip to Korea with your partner.
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Seoul you can refer to
- Discover Seoul Pass (BTS Edition Available)
- Seoul Yeouido Eland Han River Cruise
- Alpaca/ Nami/ RailBike/ Morning Calm/ LEGOLAND/ Painters/ Wild Show
- [SALE] Instant Ticket! Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS) 2/3/4/5 Days to travel around the cities in Korea
- 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
- Everland 1 Day Pass
- Lotte World Ticket in Seoul
- Discover Seoul Pass
- N Seoul Tower Ticket
- Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Ticket
- Coex Aquarium Admission Ticket in Seoul
- DMZ(Demilitarized Zone) Tour
- 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
Are you finding more top things to do in Seoul: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.
