10 Days in South Korea: Best 4 Itineraries for a First Visit 2024/2025

When visiting South Korea, 10 days is the most popular length of time for both families and couples. You could explore major highlights of Seoul and Busan without feeling rushed. You would also have the flexibility to visit Jeju Island, traditional Gyeongju and Andong, or other places that interest you.

In this article, we've handpicked four 10-day South Korea itineraries to help you plan a once-in-a-lifetime vacation and stress-free journey. We would customize any itinerary based on your preferences.

Itinerary 1: Classic South Korea

This 10-day itinerary is excellent for a first visit to South Korea. It covers the must-see attractions in Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, and Jeju Island, as well as a variety of authentic activities to enrich your trip.

• 3 nights in Seoul
• 1 night in Gyeongju
• 2 nights in Busan
• 2 nights on Jeju Island
• 1 night in Seoul

Begin your adventure in Seoul. Explore iconic landmarks, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong, and N Seoul Tower with your private guide. Your guide would help you to understand the culture and history of Seoul in a more interesting way.

To fully immerse yourself in Korean cuisine, taste authentic Korean food at Gwangjang Market. You would also have the chance to try your hands at a cooking class in a local home.

Next, head to Gyeongju, the ancient capital with many historic sites. Don't miss experiencing a night's stay at a traditional Hanok hotel. A Hanok hotel usually has 5–15 rooms and they're easily booked up, so you're advised to make a reservation at least 3 months in advance.

Continue your adventure to the seaside city of Busan. You could quickly get a feel for the city's cultural-rich atmosphere at Haedong Yonggung Temple and Gamcheon Culture Village.

Take a short flight to end your journey on Jeju Island. Be amazed by the natural wonders of Manjanggul lava tube, Hallasan Mountain, and Seongsan Ilchulbong ('Sunrise Peak'). Watch Haenyeo divers catch seafood in a traditional way and enjoy some free time on the beaches. After that, back to Seoul to depart from the country.

Our South Korea travel expert would tailor-made a private tour for you based on your preferences and requirements.

Itinerary 2: for Families with Teenagers

This 10-day South Korea itinerary is suitable for families with teenagers and allows for a relaxing travel pace. It would satisfy your kids' love for K-pop and provides abundant family-friendly experiences. What's more, you don't need to change hotels a lot.

• 4 nights in Seoul
• 2 nights in Busan
• 3 nights on Jeju Island

Start your trip in Seoul. For a special family experience, we could arrange many authentic activities to help you delve into Korean history, culture, and food. For example, experience a private K-pop dancing class and shoot a video, explore the DMZ tunnels with a guided tour, indulge in a cooking class, and spend a night at a traditional Hanok hotel.

Then, take a comfortable KTX (Korea Train Express) to Busan. Enjoy the natural beauty of Taejongdae by traveling effortlessly on the Danubi Train and then sample various street food at BIFF Square.

If you want to see the full view of Busan's coastal line, Songdo Skywalk is a must-visit. We suggest picking the high-end crystal cable car with a glass bottom instead of the regular one. That way, you could enjoy the beautiful sea view of Busan from every angle, feeling like you're walking on air.

Finally, you would fly to Jeju Island and be immersed in its attractive highlights: Seongeup Folk Village, the performance of Haenyeo divers catching seafood, and a sightseeing cruise to watch whales.

Our travel expert would carefully design each private tour to cater to your unique interests and requirements.

Itinerary 3: Modern and Historical South Korea

With this 10-day South Korea itinerary, you would explore the top two modern cities of Seoul and Busan, and also delve into the profound history of the ancient cities of Andong and Gyeongju.

• 3 nights in Seoul
• 1 night in Andong
• 1 night in Gyeongju
• 2 nights in Busan
• 2 nights in Seoul

Your journey through South Korea would begin in Seoul, a capital with a vibrant culture. You would take a leisurely walk in Insadong and Myeongdong, cruise on the Han River, and sample local Korean food at Gwangjang Market.

During your stay in Seoul, you could also consider taking 1–2 days for a day trip to explore nearby cities like Suwon, known for its rich traditions, and Chuncheon, a paradise for outdoor sports.

On day 4, you would head to the birthplace of Korean philosophical culture, Andong. Highlights include seeing a unique mask dance performance at the famous Hahoe Folk Village and creating your mask at Hahoe Mask Museum. With the company and guidance of a local guide, you would gain a deeper understanding of historical stories.

On day 5, travel to Gyeongju to visit the "museum without walls". There are many historical sites with thousands of years of history waiting for you to explore: Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. Don't forget to spend a night at a Korean-style Hanok hotel.

Then, spend 3 days in Busan, where you could wander around Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, experience the fun Songdo Skywalk, and sample the freshest seafood. After that, head back to Seoul to depart from South Korea.

You can just tell us your preferences and requirements, and we will customize a tour for you.

Itinerary 4: South Korea Off-the-Beaten-Path

With this 10-day itinerary, you would visit the bustling city of Seoul and explore three off-the-beaten-path cities: Sokcho, Andong, and Suncheon. Immerse yourself in traditional villages and enjoy serene natural views.

To make the most of your time while visiting the attractions, you're recommended to travel in a private car when visiting the three hidden gems of Sokcho, Andong, and Suncheon.

• 4 nights in Seoul
• 1 night in Sokcho
• 1 night in Andong
• 2 nights in Suncheon
• 1 night in Seoul

You would start in Seoul. Explore the highlights with a guided tour of Changdeok Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Jogyesa Temple, the DMZ, and any other attractions that you're interested in.

One of the highlights of this itinerary is the Seoraksan National Park in Sokcho. This is the highest peak near Seoul, featuring strange rocks and rare wildlife. It's a great place for travelers who love adventure and outdoor sports.

The traditional city of Andong is your next stop. Enjoy a unique mask dance performance at Hahoe Folk Village and visit the local Confucius temple and school to gain insights into the culture that has deeply affected Korean history.

Another highlight of this itinerary is Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve in Suncheon. It's one of the world's top five coastal wetlands. You could take a sightseeing cruise to visit the rare birds with a guide and wander across the wide reeds. Finally, take a private car and return to Seoul to depart South Korea.

If you have other requirements, contact us and we can make it happen.

How Much Does 10 Days in South Korea Cost?

US$400–500 per person per day is the typical cost for a private tour with 4-star hotels, based on a family of 3–5 people. This includes a private guide, private car, full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, all intercity transport within South Korea, and handpicked 4-star hotels.

Therefore, the total cost for 10 days in South Korea would be about US$4,000–5,000 per person (international flights not included).