10-Day South Korea Itinerary – Best activities, tips & Budget

Sure! Here’s a structured 10-day itinerary for South Korea with detailed daily activities, transportation tips, and estimated costs. This itinerary covers Seoul and Busan, offering a mix of historical, cultural, and natural experiences.

Day 1: Arrival in Seoul

Morning:

• Arrival at Incheon International Airport.
• Transportation: Take the AREX (Airport Railroad Express) to Seoul Station (approx. 43 minutes, $5).

Afternoon:

• Check into your hotel in Seoul (estimated cost: $80 per night).
• Explore Myeongdong: Visit street food stalls and shop at cosmetic stores.

Evening:

• Dinner at a Korean BBQ restaurant in Myeongdong (approx. $20).
• Visit N Seoul Tower for panoramic city views (entry: $10, taxi: $10).

Budget:

• AREX: $5
• Hotel: $80
• Dinner: $20
• N Seoul Tower: $10
• Taxi: $10
• Total: $125

Day 2: Seoul – Historical Exploration

Morning:

• Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (entry: $3). Take the subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a nearby restaurant (approx. $10).
• Explore Bukchon Hanok Village (free).

Evening:

• Dinner in Insadong (try bibimbap or bulgogi, approx. $15).
• Explore Insadong for souvenirs and traditional tea (free).

Budget:

• Palace Entry: $3
• Lunch: $10
• Dinner: $15
• Subway fare: $3 (round trip)
• Total: $31

Day 3: Seoul – Modern Attractions

Morning:

• Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza (free). Take subway Line 4 to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a café in Dongdaemun (approx. $12).
• Explore COEX Mall and Starfield Library in Gangnam (subway Line 2).

Evening:

• Dinner in Gangnam (approx. $20).
• Enjoy nightlife or a performance (approx. $30).

Budget:

• Lunch: $12
• Dinner: $20
• Show: $30
• Subway fare: $3 (round trip)
• Total: $65

Day 4: Day Trip to DMZ

Morning:

• Join a DMZ tour (book in advance, approx. $100 including transportation and guide).

Afternoon:

• Continue DMZ tour: Visit the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and Dorasan Station.

Evening:

• Return to Seoul.
• Dinner at a local restaurant (approx. $15).

Budget:

• DMZ Tour: $100
• Dinner: $15
• Total: $115

Day 5: Seoul to Busan

Morning:

• Take the KTX train to Busan (approx. 2.5 hours, $60).

Afternoon:

• Check into your hotel in Busan (estimated cost: $70 per night).
• Relax at Haeundae Beach (free).

Evening:

• Dinner at a seafood restaurant near Haeundae Beach (approx. $25).

Budget:

• KTX: $60
• Hotel: $70
• Dinner: $25
• Total: $155

Day 6: Busan – Cultural Exploration

Morning:

• Visit Gamcheon Culture Village (free).

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a local café in Gamcheon (approx. $12).
• Visit Busan Tower and Yongdusan Park (entry: $5).

Evening:

• Dinner at Jagalchi Fish Market (approx. $20).

Budget:

• Lunch: $12
• Busan Tower: $5
• Dinner: $20
• Public transport: $5
• Total: $42

Day 7: Busan – Day Trip to Gyeongju

Morning:

• Take a bus to Gyeongju (approx. 1 hour, $15).

Afternoon:

• Visit Bulguksa Temple (entry: $5) and Seokguram Grotto (entry: $7).
• Lunch at a local restaurant in Gyeongju (approx. $10).

Evening:

• Return to Busan by bus.
• Dinner in Busan (approx. $15).

Budget:

• Bus: $15
• Temple Entries: $12
• Lunch: $10
• Dinner: $15
• Total: $52

Day 8: Busan to Jeju Island

Morning:

• Fly from Busan to Jeju Island (approx. 1 hour, $50).

Afternoon:

• Check into your hotel in Jeju (estimated cost: $70 per night).
• Visit Jungmun Beach (free).

Evening:

• Dinner at a local restaurant in Jeju (approx. $20).

Budget:

• Flight: $50
• Hotel: $70
• Dinner: $20
• Total: $140

Day 9: Jeju Island – Natural Wonders

Morning:

• Visit Hallasan National Park (entry: free, transportation: $10).

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a local restaurant (approx. $12).
• Explore Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (entry: $5).

Evening:

• Dinner at a Jeju specialty restaurant (approx. $25).

Budget:

• Transportation: $10
• Lunch: $12
• Seongsan Peak: $5
• Dinner: $25
• Total: $52

Day 10: Jeju Island to Seoul – Departure

Morning:

• Fly from Jeju to Seoul (approx. 1 hour, $50).

Afternoon:

• Check into your hotel in Seoul if needed (estimated cost: $80 per night).
• Final shopping or exploring (free).

Evening:

• Dinner in Seoul (approx. $30).
• Transportation to Incheon International Airport (AREX: $5).

Budget:

• Flight: $50
• Hotel: $80
• Dinner: $30
• AREX: $5
• Total: $165

Summary of Approximate Costs:

• Accommodation: $70-80 per night x 9 nights = $630 – $720
• Meals: Approx. $15-30 per day x 10 days = $150 – $300
• Local Transportation: Approx. $5-10 per day x 10 days = $50 – $100
• Entrance Fees and Activities: Approx. $200 – $300
• Internal Flights/Trains: Approx. $200 – $250

Estimated Total Budget: $1,230 – $1,670

Local Markets and Food Recommendations:

• Seoul:
• Myeongdong Street Food Market: Try tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes).
• Insadong: Sample traditional teas and sweets.
• Busan:
• Jagalchi Fish Market: Enjoy fresh seafood such as sashimi and grilled fish.
• Gukje Market: Taste various Korean street foods like odeng (fish cake skewers).
• Jeju Island:
• Dongmun Market: Try Jeju black pork and fresh seafood.
• Local eateries: Enjoy specialties like Jeju mandarin oranges and seafood stews.

This itinerary ensures a comprehensive experience of South Korea’s rich cultural heritage, modern attractions, and natural beauty. Enjoy your trip!