23 days in South Korea Itinerary

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 out of town with these interesting Jeju side-trips: Seogwipo (Seongsan Ilchulbong, Gasiri Wind Power Plant, &more). And it doesn't end there: explore the fascinating underground world of Manjanggul Cave, step off the mainland to explore Udo, don't miss a visit to Mysterious Road (Dokkaebi Road), and go for a walk through Handam Coastal Trail.

To find traveler tips, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Jeju visit planner.

Wellington, New Zealand to Jeju is an approximately 20-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) to Korean Standard Time (KST) is minus 3 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Wed) so you can fly to Gwangju.

Gwangju is the sixth largest city in South Korea. Start off your visit on the 8th (Thu): walk around Damyang Juknokwon, then take in the pleasant sights at Damyang Metasequoia Road, and then examine the collection at Gwangju National Museum. On the 9th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: steep yourself in history at May 18th National Cemetery, then admire the natural beauty at Soswaewon Garden, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Mudeungsan Jeungsimsa Temple, and finally explore the world behind art at Uijae Museum of Korean Art.

To see traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, use the Gwangju travel route planning app.

Traveling by flight from Jeju to Gwangju takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and taxi; or do a combination of ferry and bus. In June, plan for daily highs up to 28°C, and evening lows to 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Fri) early enough to drive to Busan.

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

On the 10th (Sat), observe the fascinating underwater world at SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium, take in the spiritual surroundings of Haedong Yonggungsa, then enjoy the sand and surf at Haeundae Beach, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Gwangalli Beach. Keep things going the next day: tour the pleasant surroundings at Yongdusan Park, browse the eclectic array of goods at Jagalchi Market, then don't miss a visit to BIFF Square, then take some stellar pictures from Taejongdae, and finally snap pictures at Busan Harbor Bridge.

To see traveler tips, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Busan trip planner.

Drive from Gwangju to Busan in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or fly. Traveling from Gwangju in June, plan for little chillier nights in Busan, with lows around 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Sun) so you can drive to Ulsan.

A powerhouse of industry not just for South Korea but the world, Ulsan offers up a thriving metropolis dominated by trade but interspersed with some undisturbed scenery.

On the 12th (Mon), enjoy breathtaking views from Ganjeolgot, then stroll around Ulsan Grand Park, and then stroll around Taehwa River Seepri Bamboo Grove.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Ulsan visit website.

You can drive from Busan to Ulsan in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. When traveling from Busan in June, plan for little chillier days and about the same nights in Ulsan: temperatures range from 23°C by day to 20°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Mon) early enough to drive to Gyeongju.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the Republic of Korea, Gyeongju combines a rich cultural heritage with mountain and coastal scenery.

On the 13th (Tue), take in the spiritual surroundings of Gyeongju Hyanggyo, contemplate the waterfront views at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, then see the interesting displays at Gyeongju National Museum, and finally steep yourself in history at Cheonmachong Tomb. On the 14th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: look for all kinds of wild species at Gyeongju Bird Park, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Bulguksa Temple, and then appreciate the history behind Seokguram.

To find reviews, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Gyeongju trip maker.

You can drive from Ulsan to Gyeongju in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In June, plan for daily highs up to 23°C, and evening lows to 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Wed) to allow time to take a train to Daegu.

The fourth-largest city in South Korea, Daegu sprawls out across a wide, flat valley overlooked by a sacred Buddhist mountain.

On the 15th (Thu), browse the eclectic array of goods at Seomun Market, walk around Apsan Park, and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Donghwasa.

For more things to do, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Daegu trip planning tool.

Traveling by train from Gyeongju to Daegu takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. When traveling from Gyeongju in June, plan for somewhat warmer days in Daegu, with highs around 34°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) so you can drive to Danyang-gun.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Danyang-gun: Yeongju (Buseoksa Temple & Sosuseowon Confucian Academy).

To find maps, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Danyang-gun route planner.

You can drive from Daegu to Danyang-gun in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In June, daily temperatures in Danyang-gun can reach 33°C, while at night they dip to 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sun) early enough to drive to Gangneung.

A large coastal city, Gangneung has been historically separated from much of the country because of the long, stretching mountain range that runs parallel to the sea.

On the 19th (Mon), examine the collection at Ojukheon, then steep yourself in history at Gyeongpodae, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Jeongdongjin Beach.

To find traveler tips, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Gangneung journey planner.

Getting from Danyang-gun to Gangneung by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a train. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 19th (Mon) so you can go by car to Sokcho.

Tourism in Sokcho mostly revolves around the local national park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Start off your visit on the 20th (Tue): explore the striking landscape of Seoraksan National Park.

To find maps, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Sokcho online vacation maker.

You can drive from Gangneung to Sokcho in an hour. Another option is to take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Tue) so you can go by car to Chuncheon.

The capital of the country's northernmost province, the city of Chuncheon acts a gateway to the wilder sights of the rural region.

On the 21st (Wed), find something for the whole family at Gangchon Rail Park, step off the mainland to explore Nami Island, and then wander the streets of Chuncheon Myeongdong Street.

To find reviews, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Chuncheon trip planner.

Drive from Sokcho to Chuncheon in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In June, plan for daily highs up to 32°C, and evening lows to 22°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Wed) so you can go by car to Suwon.

The city of Suwon lies close to the country's capital, and brings in visitors on day trips, mainly to see its old city walls.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Thu): get to know the fascinating history of Hwaseong Fortress, contemplate the long history of Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, and then steep yourself in history at Paldalmun Gate.

For other places to visit, ratings, photos, and more tourist information, use the Suwon trip builder app.

You can drive from Chuncheon to Suwon in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. June in Suwon sees daily highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Thu) early enough to go by car to Seoul.

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.

Seoul is known for sightseeing, shopping, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: explore the galleries of Gyeongbokgung Palace, get great views at N Seoul Tower, admire the striking features of Deoksugung, and wander the streets of Bukchon Hanok Village.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, read Seoul vacation app.

Getting from Suwon to Seoul by car takes about an hour. Other options: take a train; or take a subway. June in Seoul sees daily highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Mon) so you can fly back home.