43 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.

When in Seoul, make a side trip to see Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, approximately Suwon away. Spend the 16th (Fri) exploring nature at Bukhansan National Park. Pack the 17th (Sat) with family-friendly diversions at Lotte World. And it doesn't end there: wander the streets of Insadong, visit Myeongdong Shopping Street, shop like a local with Namdaemun Market, and admire the striking features of Changdeokgung Palace.

To find where to stay, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Seoul attractions planner.

Barcelona, Spain to Seoul is an approximately 16-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Barcelona to Seoul is 8 hours. Traveling from Barcelona in September, expect nights in Seoul to be somewhat warmer, around 25°C, while days are little chillier, around 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sun) so you can travel to Icheon.

Start off your visit on the 19th (Mon): take a stroll through Icheon Ceramics Village and then try out the rides at Icheon Termeden.

To find maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Icheon route website.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Seoul to Icheon. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Seoul in September, with highs in Icheon at 22°C and lows at 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Mon) so you can travel to Sokcho.

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

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Sokcho: Daegwallyeong Agi Mokjang (in Pyeongchang-gun), Jeongdongjin Beach (in Gangneung) and Baekdamsa Temple (in Inje-gun). Spend the 20th (Tue) exploring nature at Seoraksan National Park. There's still lots to do: trek along Ulsanbawi Rock, kick back and relax at Bongpo Beach, take in the natural beauty of Cheoksan Foot Spa Park, and head outdoors with Naksan Beach.

To see reviews, maps, and tourist information, go to the Sokcho trip builder app.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Icheon to Sokcho. Traveling from Icheon in September, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 22°C in Sokcho. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Sun) 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Andong: Buseoksa Temple (in Yeongju), Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park (in Mungyeong) and Cheongnyangsa Temple (in Bonghwa-gun). There's still lots to do: get to know the fascinating history of Andong Hahoe Folk Village, examine the collection at Andong Folk Museum, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Bongjeongsa.

To see photos, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Andong trip itinerary planning site.

Drive from Sokcho to Andong in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In September in Andong, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 20°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Thu) so you can drive 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 (Bullodong Ancient Tomb Park & Donghwasa) and Ulsan (Seoknamsa Temple, Taehwagang National Garden, &more). There's lots more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Bulguksa Temple, contemplate the waterfront views at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, find something for the whole family at Gyeongju World, and see the interesting displays at Gyeongju National Museum.

For where to stay, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Gyeongju route maker site.

Getting from Andong to Gyeongju by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. In September, plan for daily highs up to 25°C, and evening lows to 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Tue) so you can drive to Busan.

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

Step out of Busan with an excursion to Sinbulsan Falls Recreational Forest in Ulsan--about 1h 20 min away. There's lots more to do: get outside with Haeundae Beach, tour the pleasant surroundings at Yongdusan Park, enjoy the sand and surf at Songjeong Beach, and examine the collection at Busan Museum.

For more things to do, photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Busan trip planning app.

Drive from Gyeongju to Busan in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In October, daily temperatures in Busan can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 15°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Tue) 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Seogwipo (Seongsan Ilchulbong, Jeongbang Waterfall, &more). Next up on the itinerary: kick back and relax at Hamdeok Beach, walk around Handam Park, get outside with Gwakji Gwamul Beach, and admire the natural beauty at Hallim Park.

For where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Jeju vacation builder.

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. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Jeju when traveling from Busan in October, with lows around 23°C. You will leave for home on the 20th (Thu).