17 days in Seoul, Busan & Jeju Itinerary

One of east Asia's major cultural and financial centers, Seoul boasts five World Heritage Sites and a huge selection of museums, temples, shrines, palaces, parks, gardens, and glass-and-steel skyscrapers.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Changgyeonggung Palace and Myeong-dong Cathedral. Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insadong are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Take a break from Seoul with a short trip to Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, about 1h 5 min away. Spend the 30th (Sun) exploring nature at Bukhansan National Park. And it doesn't end there: stroll through Changdeokgung Palace, take some stellar pictures from N Seoul Tower, take an in-depth tour of Seodaemun Prison History Hall, and appreciate the history behind Jogyesa Temple.

To find where to stay, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Seoul online day trip planner.

Zurich, Switzerland to Seoul is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Zurich to Seoul is 8 hours. Traveling from Zurich in April, expect nights in Seoul to be about the same, around 9°C, while days are a bit warmer, around 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sat) to allow enough time to fly to Busan.

The country's second city, Busan has often been referred to as South Korea's summer capital.

Kick off your visit on the 7th (Sun): take in the views from Busan Harbor Bridge, then hunt for treasures at Jagalchi Market, then examine the collection at Trick Eye Museum, and finally don't miss a visit to Samgwangsa Temple. Keep things going the next day: get outside with Gwangalli Beach, then head outdoors with Haeundae Beach, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Haedong Yonggungsa.

For maps, photos, and tourist information, read our Busan travel route planner.

Traveling by flight from Seoul to Busan takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In May, daily temperatures in Busan can reach 28°C, while at night they dip to 16°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Mon) to allow time to fly to Jeju.

The main town on the largest of Korea's islands, Jeju, has a volcanic landscape protected by UNESCO. The World Heritage-listed volcanic island includes the country's highest peak, sets of impressive lava tubes and columns, and several crater lakes.

Get some cultural insight at Samseonghyeol and Arario Museum Tapdong Cinema. Step off the beaten path and head to Jeolmul Natural Forest Resort and Saryeoni Forest Path. There's still lots to do: stroll around Jeju Stone Park, take in the awesome beauty at Saebyeol Oreum, buy something for everyone on your list at Jeju Jungang Underground Shopping Center, and identify plant and animal life at Roe Deer Observation Center.

To find more things to do and more tourist information, go to the Jeju online route maker.

You can fly from Busan to Jeju in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train, taxi, and ferry. You will leave for home on the 12th (Fri).