36 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.

Attractions like Myeongdong Shopping Street and Lotte World make great kid-friendly stops. Shop till you drop at Namdaemun Market and Gyeongdong Market. Take a break from Seoul with a short trip to Everland in Yongin, about 1h 15 min away. There's much more to do: get engrossed in the history at Gyeongbokgung Palace, take in nature's colorful creations at Namsan Park, admire the landmark architecture of Changdeokgung Palace, and take some stellar pictures from N Seoul Tower.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Seoul trip itinerary builder tool.

Sydney, Australia to Seoul is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) to Korean Standard Time (KST), which is usually a -1 hour difference. In December, Seoul is colder than Sydney - with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sun) so you can travel to Icheon.

Kids will appreciate attractions like Icheon Termeden and Anseong Namsadang Training Center. Venture out of the city with trips to Yeoju Premium Outlets (in Yeoju-si) and Mirinae Holy Site (in Anseong).

For more things to do, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Icheon online holiday builder.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Seoul to Icheon. In January, daytime highs in Icheon are 1°C, while nighttime lows are -7°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Wed) early enough to travel 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.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Thu): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cheongpyeongsa and then take in the natural beauty of World Oncheon. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: head off the coast to Nami Island and then get in on the family fun at Gangchon Rail Park.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Chuncheon vacation builder tool.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Icheon to Chuncheon. Expect a daytime high around 1°C in January, and nighttime lows around -7°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Fri) so you can go by car to Pyeongchang-gun.

A northern county in the Taebeak Mountain region of South Korea, Pyeongchang offers a plethora of year-round alpine resorts.

Bring the kids along to Phoenix Snow Park and Woljeongsa Temple. Change things up with these side-trips from Pyeongchang-gun: Jeongseon 5-day Market (in Jeongseon-gun) and Buseoksa Temple (in Yeongju). There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Sangwonsa and meet the residents at Daegwallyeong Agi Mokjang.

To see maps, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Pyeongchang-gun road trip planning tool.

Getting from Chuncheon to Pyeongchang-gun by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus; or do a combination of train and taxi. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Mon) early enough to catch the flight to Busan.

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

Head to Jagalchi Market and Shinsegae Dept. Store Centum Cityfor some retail therapy. Bring the kids along to Haeundae Beach and Yongdusan Park. Next up on the itinerary: enjoy the sand and surf at Gwangalli Beach, get great views at Taejongdae, head outdoors with Songjeong Beach, and don't miss a visit to Nakdong Estuary Eco Center.

For ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Busan trip planner.

You can fly from Pyeongchang-gun to Busan in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of taxi and train. January in Busan sees daily highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) early enough to 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.

Bring the kids along to Seomun Market and Ulsan Petroglyph Museum. When in Gyeongju, make a side trip to see Gatbawi Rock in Gyeongsan, approximately Gyeongsan away. There's much more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Bulguksa Temple, explore the activities along Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, and see the interesting displays at Gyeongju National Museum.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, read our Gyeongju road trip planner.

Traveling by car from Busan to Gyeongju takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Traveling from Busan in January, expect nights in Gyeongju to be about the same, around 0°C, while days are a bit cooler, around 1°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Thu) early enough to 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.

Kids will appreciate attractions like Seongsan Ilchulbong and O’sulloc Tea Museum. Change things up with a short trip to Halla Mountain in Seogwipo (about 44 minutes away). The adventure continues: Head underground at Manjanggul Cave, find something for the whole family at The Ma Park, stroll around Sarabong Park, and kick back and relax at Iho Tewoo Beach.

To see ratings, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Jeju tour builder tool.

You can fly from Gyeongju 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. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sat) early enough to catch the flight back home.