30 days in South Korea 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.

Head to Myeongdong Shopping Street and Gyeongdong Marketfor plenty of shopping. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. There's lots more to do: admire the landmark architecture of Changdeokgung Palace, steep yourself in history at Jongmyo Shrine, explore the world behind art at Leeum Art Museum, and shop like a local with Namdaemun Market.

For traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Seoul online trip itinerary builder.

Newark, USA to Seoul is an approximately 17-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 14 hours traveling from Newark to Seoul. In May, plan for daily highs up to 28°C, and evening lows to 16°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sun) so you can go by car to Buyeo-gun.

On the 8th (Mon), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Buyeo Jeongnimsaji Temple, see the interesting displays at Buyeo National Museum, steep yourself in history at Baekje Royal Tombs, explore the activities along Gungnamji Pond, then contemplate the long history of Busosanseong Fortress, and finally stroll around Gudeurae Sculpture Park. On the next day, steep yourself in history at Nakhwaam Rock, take in the spiritual surroundings of Goransa Temple, then take an in-depth tour of Baekje History Reproduction Complex, then stroll around Chilgapsan Jangseung Park, and finally take in the exciting artwork at Buyeo Seogo.

To find more things to do, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, use the Buyeo-gun trip maker.

Traveling by car from Seoul to Buyeo-gun takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or take a bus. In May, plan for daily highs up to 25°C, and evening lows to 14°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Andong.

Sitting along either side of the Nakdong River, Andong maintains an unrivalled reputation as a center for Korean folk and cultural heritage.

Get a sense of the local culture at Andong Hahoe Folk Village and Cheongnyangsa Temple. Get some historical perspective at Buseoksa Temple and Gunwi Buddha Triad Grotto (2nd Seokguram). Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Andong: Juwangsan National Park (in Cheongsong-gun), Donghwasa (in Daegu) and Sosuseowon Confucian Academy (in Yeongju). The adventure continues: take in the spiritual surroundings of Bongjeongsa, examine the collection at Yecheon Insect Research Institute & Ecology Center, and don't miss a visit to Rock-carved Standing Buddha.

For reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Andong road trip planning website.

Getting from Buyeo-gun to Andong by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a bus. Traveling from Buyeo-gun in May, expect nights in Andong to be somewhat warmer, around 18°C, while days are a bit cooler, around 18°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) so you can go by car 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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Bulguksa Temple and Cheomseongdae Observatory. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Seokguram and Oksanseowon Confucian Academy. Change things up with these side-trips from Gyeongju: Pohang (Botanical Garden Of Gyeongsangbukdo & Jukdo Market) and Eunhaesa Temple (in Yeongcheon). The adventure continues: explore the activities along Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, get to know the fascinating history of Gyerim Forest, steep yourself in history at Gyeongju Historic Area, and look for all kinds of wild species at Gyeongju Bird Park.

To see maps, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Gyeongju journey planner.

You can drive from Andong to Gyeongju in 2 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. In May, daytime highs in Gyeongju are 18°C, while nighttime lows are 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Busan.

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

Visit Beomeosa Temple and Birthplace of President Roh Moo-hyun for their historical value. Head to Jagalchi Market and Busan Gamcheon Culture Villagefor plenty of shopping. Explore Busan's surroundings by going to Yangsan (Beopgi Fountainhead & Hongnyongsa Temple) and Tomb of King Suro (in Gimhae). Next up on the itinerary: kick back and relax at Haeundae Beach, don't miss a visit to Seokbulsa Temple, stroll the grounds of UN Memorial Cemetery, and view the masterpieces at Gallery Mare.

For more things to do, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Busan travel route builder tool.

Getting from Gyeongju to Busan by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. When traveling from Gyeongju in May, plan for somewhat warmer days in Busan, with highs around 28°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 16°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sat) to allow enough 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.

Do your shopping at Arario Museum Tapdong Cinema and Jeju Jungang Underground Shopping Center. Gwaneumsa Temple and The Islander are good opportunities to explore the local culture. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Jeju: Seogwipo (Halla Mountain, Seongsan Ilchulbong, &more). The adventure continues: explore the fascinating underground world of Manjanggul Cave, browse the eclectic array of goods at Dongmun Market, stroll around Handam Park, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Bulsari Tapsa Temple.

For where to stay, maps, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Jeju trip itinerary planning app.

Traveling by flight from Busan to Jeju takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train, taxi, and ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Thu) early enough to travel to Gurye-gun.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Fri): take in the spiritual surroundings of Hwaeomsa Temple, appreciate the extensive heritage of Gwanghallu Pavilion, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ssanggyesa Temple, then look for gifts at Hwagae Market, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Saseongam Temple 四聖庵. Keep things going the next day: explore the striking landscape of Jirisan National Park.

For traveler tips, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Gurye-gun journey planner.

Explore your travel options from Jeju to Gurye-gun with the Route module. May in Gurye-gun sees daily highs of 15°C and lows of 15°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Gongju.

Gongju, also spelt Kongju, is a city in South Chungcheong province, South Korea.HistoryGongju was formerly named Ungjin and was the capital of Baekje from AD 475 to 538. Start off your visit on the 28th (Sun): take in the spiritual surroundings of Gapsa temple, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Gwanchoksa Temple, and then stroll through Tapjeongho lake. On the 29th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: steep yourself in history at Gongju Gongsanseong Fortress, steep yourself in history at Songsan-ri Tombs and Royal Tomb of King Muryeong, then examine the collection at Gongju National Museum, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Magoksa Temple, and finally admire the landmark architecture of Chusa House (Kim Jeong-hui House).

To find maps, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Gongju trip itinerary planner.

Explore your travel options from Gurye-gun to Gongju with the Route module. Traveling from Gurye-gun in May, you will find days in Gongju are much warmer (29°C), and nights are about the same (12°C). On the 30th (Tue), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.