30 days in South Korea Itinerary

Created using Klarna Trips South Korea itinerary builder
Make it your trip
Fly
1
Seoul
— 6 nights
Drive
2
Gangneung
— 4 nights
Fly
3
Gyeongju
— 4 nights
Drive
4
Busan
— 5 nights
Fly
5
Jeju, Jeju Island
— 9 nights
Fly

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Seoul — 6 nights

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Nature & Wildlife Tours and Grevin Museum. Get a sense of the local culture at Gwanghwamun Gate and National Folk Museum of Korea. Step out of Seoul with an excursion to Everland in Yongin--about 1h 15 min away. There's lots more to do: appreciate the extensive heritage of Changgyeonggung Palace, walk around Banpo Hangang Park, take in the spiritual surroundings of Bongeunsa Temple, and appreciate the history behind Jogyesa Temple.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Seoul online trip itinerary maker.

Paris, France to Seoul is an approximately 15-hour flight. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time (CET) to Korean Standard Time (KST), which is usually an 8 hour difference. Traveling from Paris in October, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 21°C in Seoul. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sun) so you can go by car to Gangneung.
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Gangneung — 4 nights

Take a break from the city and head to Ulsanbawi Rock and Gyeongpo Beach. Step off the beaten path and head to Naksansa Temple and Daegwanryeong Samyang Ranch. Venture out of the city with trips to Uisangdae (in Yangyang-gun), Woljeongsa Temple (in Pyeongchang-gun) and Sokcho (Yukdam Falls, Teddy Bear Farm, &more). There's still lots to do: see the interesting displays at Ojukheon, visit Chodang Sundubu Village, contemplate the waterfront views at Yeongnangho Lake, and enjoy the sea views from Jumunjin Lighthouse.

To find more things to do, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Gangneung tour itinerary builder website.

Getting from Seoul to Gangneung by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Seoul in October, Gangneung is slightly colder at night with lows of 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Thu) so you can fly to Gyeongju.
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Gyeongju — 4 nights

Museum Without Walls

Gyeongju Historic Area and Cheomseongdae Observatory are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Cheonmachong Tomb and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Gyeongju: Daegu (February 28 Democratic Movement Memorial Park, Seonam Market, &more) and Ulsan (Ulsan Grand Park, Daewangam Park, &more). Next up on the itinerary: see the interesting displays at Gyeongju National Museum, steep yourself in history at Gyeongju Hyanggyo, make a trip to Seochulji Pond in Gyeongju, and appreciate the history behind Tongiljeon.

For maps, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Gyeongju trip itinerary planner.

Fly from Gangneung to Gyeongju in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In October, daily temperatures in Gyeongju can reach 23°C, while at night they dip to 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Mon) so you can drive to Busan.
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Busan — 5 nights

Get outdoors at Gwangalli Beach and Dadaepo Beach. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at UN Memorial Cemetery and Spas. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Busan: Gimhaeeupsung North gate (in Gimhae), Geoje (Gonggoji, Oedo Botania, &more) and Yeojwacheon Stream (in Changwon). And it doesn't end there: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Beomeosa Temple, stroll around APEC Naru Park, meet the residents at SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium, and pause for some photo ops at Yeongdodaegyo Bridge Monument.

To see photos, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Busan journey planner.

Getting from Gyeongju to Busan by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. October in Busan sees daily highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sat) to allow time to fly to Jeju.
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Jeju, Jeju Island — 9 nights

Island of the Gods

Get in touch with nature at Daepo Haean Jusangjeolli Cliff and Nature & Wildlife Tours. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Spirited Garden and Maze Land. Explore Jeju's surroundings by going to Seogwipo (All-In House Theme Park, Seopjikoji, &more). There's lots more to do: take in nature's colorful creations at Hallim Park, take a peaceful walk through Jeolmul Natural Forest Resort, enjoy the sand and surf at Hamdeok Beach, and head outdoors with Hyeopjae Beach.

For more things to do, maps, reviews, and tourist information, use the Jeju trip itinerary planner.

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. Traveling from Busan in October, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Jeju, with lows around 23°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 30th (Mon) to allow time for the flight back home.
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South Korea travel guide

4.2
Land of the Morning Calm
Though it boasts a history spanning thousands of years, South Korea ranks among the world's most urbanized and modernized countries, with nearly half of its population living in high-rises concentrated in the national capital. In this land of pristine mountain scenery, many South Korea vacations involve some form of winter sports--not surprising for the country that won the bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics. Curious travelers wishing to get to know South Korea's heart and soul spend only a small part of their holiday in big cities like Busan and Seoul, devoting much of their attention to the tranquil countryside that seems largely untouched by the 21st century.
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