itinerary south korea 7 days

7 Days in South Korea – Complete Guide & Best Budget

Certainly! Here’s a detailed 7-day itinerary for South Korea covering Seoul and Busan. This plan includes daily activities, transportation tips, estimated costs, and local food recommendations.


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: Shop at cosmetic stores and visit street food stalls.

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 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 – Departure

Morning:

  • Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (entry: free). Take a local bus or taxi (approx. $10).

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at a local restaurant (approx. $15).
  • Return to your hotel to check out.
  • Fly from Busan to Incheon International Airport (if departing internationally; flight approx. 1 hour, $50).

Evening:

  • Dinner at the airport (if needed, approx. $15).

Budget:

  • Transportation: $10 (to temple) + $50 (flight)
  • Lunch: $15
  • Dinner: $15 (at the airport)
  • Total: $90

Summary of Approximate Costs:

  • Accommodation: $70-80 per night x 6 nights = $420 – $480
  • Meals: Approx. $15-30 per day x 7 days = $105 – $210
  • Local Transportation: Approx. $5-10 per day x 7 days = $35 – $70
  • Entrance Fees and Activities: Approx. $150 – $200
  • Internal Flights/Trains: Approx. $110 – $120

Estimated Total Budget: $820 – $1,080

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).

This itinerary offers a balanced experience of South Korea’s vibrant cities and cultural highlights within a week. Enjoy your trip!


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