40 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to DMZ Haemaru Village (in Paju) and Hwaseong Fortress (in Suwon). Pack the 31st (Thu) with family-friendly diversions at Lotte World. There's lots more to do: get great views at N Seoul Tower, admire the natural beauty at Namsan Park, steep yourself in history at Jongmyo Shrine, and wander the streets of Insadong.

To see ratings, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Seoul trip builder tool.

Berlin, Germany to Seoul is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. You'll lose 8 hours traveling from Berlin to Seoul due to the time zone difference. In August, plan for daily highs up to 35°C, and evening lows to 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sat) so you can drive to Sokcho.

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

Get out of town with these interesting Sokcho side-trips: Yangyang-gun (Osaek Jujeongol Valley & Naksansa Temple), Gangneung (Gyeongpodae & Charmsori Gramophone & Edison Science Museum) and Baekdamsa Temple (in Inje-gun). Spend the 3rd (Sun) exploring nature at Seoraksan National Park. There's lots more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Woljeongsa Temple, take in the natural beauty of Cheoksan Foot Spa Park, and take some stellar pictures from Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory.

For traveler tips and more tourist information, refer to the Sokcho online tour itinerary planner.

Getting from Seoul to Sokcho by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: fly; or take a bus. Traveling from Seoul in September, expect slightly colder with lows of 22°C in Sokcho. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Wed) so you can catch the flight to Gwangju.

Gwangju is the sixth largest city in South Korea. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Gwangju: Gwanghallu Pavilion (in Namwon), Naesosa Temple (in Buan-gun) and Gochangeupseong Fortress (in Gochang-gun). Spend the 8th (Fri) exploring nature at Mudeungsan National Park. There's more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Seonamsa Temple and stroll around Peace Park.

To see maps, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Gwangju trip builder tool.

Traveling by flight from Sokcho to Gwangju takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Sokcho in September: highs in Gwangju hover around 28°C, while lows dip to 18°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sun) 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.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Jeju: Seogwipo (Gwangchigi Beach, Seongsan Ilchulbong, &more). And it doesn't end there: Head underground at Manjanggul Cave, step off the mainland to explore Udo, enjoy the sand and surf at Geumneung Eutteumwon Beach, and head outdoors with Gimnyeong Seonsegi Beach.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Jeju online sightseeing planner.

Traveling by flight from Gwangju to Jeju takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Plan for a bit warmer nights when traveling from Gwangju in September since evenings lows in Jeju dip to 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Wed) so you can fly to Andong.

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

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Andong: Gosu Cave (in Danyang-gun), Buseoksa Temple (in Yeongju) and Juwangsan National Park (in Cheongsong-gun). There's lots more to do: get to know the fascinating history of Andong Hahoe Folk Village, examine the collection at Andong Folk Museum, contemplate the long history of Dosanseowon Confucian School, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cheongnyangsa Temple.

To see reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Andong trip planning site.

Getting from Jeju to Andong by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry and bus. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Jeju in September; daily highs in Andong reach 24°C and lows reach 20°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Sun) 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Daegu (Donghwasa & Gukchaebosang Memorial Park), Ulsan (Boksoondoga, Ulsan Petroglyph Museum, &more) and Gatbawi Rock (in Gyeongsan). There's lots more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Bulguksa Temple, contemplate the waterfront views at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, steep yourself in history at Cheonmachong Tomb, and see the interesting displays at Gyeongju National Museum.

To find where to stay, maps, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Gyeongju online route planner.

You can drive from Andong to Gyeongju in 2 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. In September, plan for daily highs up to 25°C, and evening lows to 20°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Thu) so you can go by car to Busan.

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

Get out of town with these interesting Busan side-trips: Oedo Botania (in Geoje) and Yeonji Park (in Gimhae). And it doesn't end there: get outside with Haeundae Beach, take an in-depth tour of Bokcheon Museum, take in the spiritual surroundings of Haedong Yonggungsa, and stroll around Yongdusan Park.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, use the Busan planner.

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 September, plan for a bit warmer days in Busan, with highs around 30°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 21°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Wed) to allow enough time to fly back home.