A week is the most popular length for a first trip to Korea, and it is enough to see the country's three big sides: the capital, the old royal city and the coast. This plan spends four days in and around Seoul, then takes the fast train south to Gyeongju and Busan. Korea's trains are quick, so you spend your time looking around rather than travelling. Every stop links to a fuller guide.
The plan at a glance
- Days 1 to 3: Seoul
- Day 4: a day trip from Seoul (the DMZ, Suwon or Nami Island)
- Day 5: KTX to Gyeongju, Korea's ancient capital
- Days 6 and 7: Busan, then fly home from Busan or take the train back to Seoul
If you would rather have a beach island than the south-east, swap Days 5 to 7 for Jeju; see the alternative below.
Before you go
- Book the KTX ahead for the trip south, especially at weekends and holidays. See our KTX guide.
- Get a transit card on arrival; it works on subways and buses in every city on this plan. See our transit card guide.
- Use Naver Map or KakaoMap, not Google Maps, for directions. See Naver Map vs Google Maps.
- Check the entry rules for your passport before you fly. See our K-ETA and e-Arrival guide.
- Pack light. You will change hotels twice. Large bags can go in station lockers, or you can send them between hotels with a luggage delivery service.
Days 1 to 3: Seoul
Arrive at Incheon Airport and take the airport train or a limousine bus into the city (see Incheon Airport to Seoul). Stay somewhere central, such as Myeongdong, Jongno or City Hall, so every sight is a short ride away. Our Seoul neighbourhoods guide helps you choose.
- Day 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace, the hanok lanes of Bukchon, Insadong and an evening walk along Cheonggyecheon stream.
- Day 2: breakfast at Gwangjang Market, shopping and street food in Myeongdong, and sunset at N Seoul Tower.
- Day 3: your choice: Hongdae and Yeonnam-dong for youth culture, Seongsu for cafés, Gangnam and Jamsil for the modern city, or a Korean bathhouse.
Our 3 days in Seoul plan has every stop in detail, and Seoul night views covers the evenings.
Day 4: a day trip from Seoul
Pick one, depending on your interests and the season:
- The DMZ: the border with North Korea, by organised tour only. Book ahead and bring your passport.
- Suwon: walk the walls of Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO site, about an hour away by subway or train.
- Nami Island and Gapyeong: river island walks, best in autumn and winter.
Our day trips from Seoul guide covers all of these.
Day 5: Gyeongju
Take an early KTX from Seoul to Singyeongju Station, which takes about two to two and a half hours, then a local bus or taxi into town. Leave your bags at your hotel or a station locker. Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla kingdom for nearly a thousand years, and its royal tombs, temples and palace ponds make it Korea's best open-air museum.
See Bulguksa Temple, the grassy royal tombs and Cheomseongdae observatory, then stay for Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond lit up after dark. Our one day in Gyeongju plan has the route. Stay the night in Gyeongju: the town is quiet and lovely in the evening.
Days 6 and 7: Busan
From Gyeongju, Busan is a short trip by KTX from Singyeongju, or about an hour by intercity bus. Korea's second city has beaches, seafood markets, hillside villages and a temple on the rocks by the sea.
- Day 6: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in the morning, Haeundae Beach at midday, a Korean spa in Centum City, and dinner by the sea. See our one day in Busan plan.
- Day 7: Gamcheon Culture Village and the Jagalchi fish market area, then head home. Gimhae Airport in Busan has international flights, so you may not need to go back to Seoul. If you fly from Incheon, take the KTX back to Seoul (about two and a half hours) and allow plenty of time to reach the airport.
The Jeju alternative
If you want a beach island, a volcano and a slower pace, spend Days 5 to 7 on Jeju instead. Flights from Seoul's Gimpo Airport take about an hour and leave many times a day. Rent a car if you can drive, and follow our 3 days in Jeju plan: the west coast, Sunrise Peak and Udo Island, then Hallasan or the south-coast waterfalls.
Getting around and costs
The KTX is the backbone of this plan, and the subway and buses do the rest. Taxis are reasonably priced for short trips; see our Kakao T taxi guide. For what a week costs, see our Korea travel budget guide.
Mistakes to avoid
- Trying to see too much. One city per day of travel is enough; add Jeonju or Gangneung only if you have more time.
- Leaving train tickets to the last minute at weekends and on holidays.
- Forgetting closing days. Many palaces and museums close one day a week; check before you go.
- Planning around Google Maps. Use a Korean map app for directions.
Our Korea travel mistakes guide has more.
FAQ
Is a week enough for Korea?
Yes, for a first visit. A week lets you see Seoul properly and one or two other places. With ten days or more you can add Jeju or Jeonju; see our 10 days in Korea plan.
Should I visit Busan or Jeju?
Busan is a big, lively city by the sea and easy to reach by train. Jeju is a volcanic island best explored by car, with more nature and a slower pace. Both work well for the second half of a week. Still undecided? Try our city quiz.
Do I need to book the KTX in advance?
It is a good idea, especially for weekends, holidays and popular morning trains. Book on the Korail website or app.
