Here’s a detailed 5-day itinerary for South Korea, focusing on Seoul and Busan, with morning, afternoon, and evening activities, transportation tips, and estimated costs.
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: 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 5: Busan – Cultural Exploration and Departure
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).
- Fly from Busan to Incheon International Airport (if departing internationally; flight approx. 1 hour, $50).
Budget:
- Lunch: $12
- Busan Tower: $5
- Dinner: $20
- Flight: $50
- Public transport: $5
- Total: $92
Summary of Approximate Costs:
- Accommodation: $70-80 per night x 4 nights = $280 – $320
- Meals: Approx. $15-30 per day x 5 days = $75 – $150
- Local Transportation: Approx. $5-10 per day x 5 days = $25 – $50
- Entrance Fees and Activities: Approx. $40 – $60
- Internal Flights/Trains: Approx. $110 – $120
Estimated Total Budget: $530 – $650
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 5-day itinerary provides a compact yet rich experience of South Korea’s vibrant cities and key attractions. Enjoy your trip!
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