33 days in East Asia 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.

On the 15th (Fri), appreciate the extensive heritage of Cheonggyecheon Stream, then admire the landmark architecture of Changdeokgung Palace, and then browse the exhibits of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Here are some ideas for day two: make a trip to Insadong, then take some stellar pictures from N Seoul Tower, and then shop like a local with Myeongdong Shopping Street.

For photos, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Seoul vacation planner.

If you are flying in from Vietnam, the closest major aiports are Gimpo International Airport, Incheon International Airport and Osan Air Base. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in July, and nighttime lows around 27°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Paju.

Northwest of the capital, Paju has become known for its cultural attractions, history, and proximity to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Sun): explore the activities along Ilsan Lake Park and then make a trip to Dorasan Station. Here are some ideas for day two: expand your understanding of the military at Panmunjom and then steep yourself in history at The Third Tunnel.

To see maps, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Paju driving holiday planning tool.

Drive from Seoul to Paju in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a subway. In July, daytime highs in Paju are 34°C, while nighttime lows are 27°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Mon) early enough to catch the flight to Sokcho.

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

Start off your visit on the 19th (Tue): browse the eclectic array of goods at Sokcho Central Market and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Naksansa Temple. Here are some ideas for day two: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Seoraksan National Park.

For reviews, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, read our Sokcho road trip tool.

You can fly from Paju to Sokcho in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of subway and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Hwaseong.

Explore Hwaseong's surroundings by going to Cheonan (Gagwonsa Temple, The Independence Hall of Korea, &more), Asan (Blue Crystal Village, Oeam Folk Village, &more) and Yesan-gun (Yesan Apple Wine, Sudeoksa Temple, &more).

To see where to stay, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Hwaseong day trip planner.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Sokcho to Hwaseong. In July, daytime highs in Hwaseong are 34°C, while nighttime lows are 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Tue) to allow time to travel 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.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Wed): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Bulguksa Temple and then contemplate the long history of Seokguram. On your second day here, see the interesting displays at Gyeongju National Museum and then explore the activities along Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Gyeongju trip itinerary planning site.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Hwaseong to Gyeongju. Traveling from Hwaseong in August, you will find days in Gyeongju are a bit cooler (26°C), and nights are about the same (26°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Thu) so you can drive to Busan.

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

Start off your visit on the 12th (Fri): enjoy the sand and surf at Haeundae Beach, then head outdoors with Gwangalli Beach, then stroll through Yongdusan Park, and finally examine the collection at Trick Eye Museum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 13th (Sat): take in the spiritual surroundings of Beomeosa Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Haedong Yonggungsa, and then snap pictures at Gwangandaegyo Bridge.

To see photos, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Busan trip planning app.

Traveling by car from Gyeongju to Busan takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. When traveling from Gyeongju in August, plan for somewhat warmer days in Busan, with highs around 36°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 27°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) so you can catch the flight 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Jeju: Seogwipo (Seongsan Ilchulbong, Gasiri Wind Power Plant, &more). There's much more to do: kick back and relax at Hamdeok Beach, explore the fascinating underground world of Manjanggul Cave, head off the coast to Udo, and take in the exciting artwork at The Islander.

To find ratings, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, use the Jeju trip planning website.

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.