Korea is small, but its cities feel very different: the non-stop capital, the seaside second city, a volcanic island, a thousand-year-old royal capital, a hanok town famous for food and a coffee-loving beach city. Not sure where to go beyond Seoul? Answer five quick questions and Kkachi, our magpie, will pick the city that suits you best.
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The six cities in a sentence
- Seoul: palaces, markets, neighbourhoods and night views; where almost every trip starts.
- Busan: beaches, seafood and hillside villages, two and a half hours from Seoul by KTX.
- Jeju: a volcanic island an hour's flight away, best explored by car.
- Gyeongju: royal tombs, temples and a lit-up palace pond.
- Jeonju: Korea's biggest hanok village and the home of bibimbap.
- Gangneung: east coast beaches and coffee, two hours from Seoul by train.
Want to see several? Our 7 days in Korea and 10 days in Korea plans join them up, and our first-trip planner covers everything else.
FAQ
Which city should I visit first in Korea?
Seoul. Most international flights arrive there, and it has the most to see. Add a second city once you know what you enjoy.
Is Busan or Jeju better?
Busan is a big city by the sea that is easy to reach by train. Jeju is an island of nature and coastal roads, best with a car. Both are lovely; it depends on whether you want city life or the outdoors.
