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The Ultimate 10-Day South Korea Itinerary for First-Timers

· 7 min read
Elena Vance
Elena Vance
Editor-in-Chief & Logistics Expert

You've just landed at Incheon Airport. You're holding your passport, staring at signs in Hangul, and wondering: Where do I even start?

Here's the truth: Most first-time itineraries to South Korea cram too much into too little time, leaving you exhausted instead of exhilarated. This guide is different—it's balanced, flexible, and built around avoiding the mistakes that trip up 90% of first-timers.

Seoul skyline with N Seoul Tower at sunset

Before You Go: Essential Prep (Do This Now)​

1. Book Your KTX Tickets (1 Month in Advance)​

The KTX high-speed train from Seoul to Busan sells out fast. Book on letskorail.com at least 30 days before your trip.

2. Download the Right Apps​

Google Maps doesn't work in South Korea. Download these instead:

  • Naver Maps: For navigation and public transit
  • Kakao Maps: Alternative with better restaurant reviews
  • Papago: Translation app (better than Google Translate for Korean)

3. Get a T-Money Card at the Airport​

This rechargeable transit card works on subways, buses, and even taxis. Buy it at a GS25 convenience store in Incheon Airport arrivals hall.

4. Book These in Advance​

  • Nanta Show (Seoul): Sells out weeks ahead
  • Changdeokgung Secret Garden Tour: Limited daily slots
  • Jeju activities: Car rentals or tour packages

Days 1-4: Seoul (The Cultural Heart)​

Day 1: Arrival & Myeongdong​

Morning/Afternoon:

  • Land at Incheon Airport
  • Get your T-Money card
  • Take the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) to Seoul Station (43 minutes, ₩9,000)
  • Check into your hotel in Myeongdong or Hongdae

Evening:

  • Explore Myeongdong: Korea's shopping mecca with street food stalls (try hotteok and tteokbokki)
  • Take the cable car up Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower) for sunset views over Seoul
  • Pro tip: The view is free from the base; only pay if you want to go to the observation deck

Where to Stay: Myeongdong or Hongdae (central, near subway)

Day 2: Palaces & Hanok Villages​

Morning:

  • Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (opens 9 AM)
  • Insider hack: Rent a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) nearby for free palace entry and Instagram-worthy photos

Afternoon:

  • Walk through Bukchon Hanok Village: Traditional Korean houses with charming alleyways
  • Explore Insadong: Art galleries, tea houses, and traditional crafts

Evening:

  • Stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream: A peaceful urban stream with LED lights at night

First-Timer Mistake to Avoid: Don't try to visit all 5 palaces in one day. Seoul is huge, and travel between districts takes 30-60 minutes.

Day 3: DMZ or Modern Seoul (Choose Your Adventure)​

Option A: DMZ Tour (Historical)​

Book a full-day tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to see the border between North and South Korea. Tours include:

  • Imjingak Park
  • 3rd Infiltration Tunnel
  • Dora Observatory (view into North Korea)

Book through: Klook or Viator (₩60,000-₩80,000)

Option B: Modern Seoul (Urban Exploration)​

If you skip the DMZ, explore Seoul's modern side:

  • Hongdae: Youth culture, street performances, indie music venues
  • Gangnam: Upscale shopping, Gangnam Style statue, COEX Mall
  • Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): Futuristic architecture and night markets

Day 4: Last Seoul Morning → Fly to Jeju​

Morning:

  • Relaxed start: Visit Gwangjang Market for traditional Korean breakfast (bindaetteok, mayak gimbap)
  • Last-minute shopping or visit a specific neighborhood you missed

Afternoon:

  • Domestic flight from Gimpo Airport to Jeju (1 hour, book via Jeju Air or Korean Air)
  • Check into your Jeju City hotel

Evening:

  • Light exploration: Walk along a nearby beach or visit Dongmun Traditional Market

Days 5-7: Jeju Island (Natural Wonders)​

Transportation Note: Jeju is best explored by car, but if you don't have an international driving license, book day tours or use local buses.

Day 5: East Coast Exploration​

Morning:

  • Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak): UNESCO World Heritage volcanic crater (arrive early to avoid crowds)
  • Sangumburi Crater: Unique flat-bottomed parasitic volcano

Afternoon:

  • Woljeongri Beach: Scenic cafes with ocean views
  • Walk a section of the Jeju Olle Trail (coastal hiking trail with stunning views)

Evening:

  • Seafood dinner in Seongsan (try grilled hairtail fish)

Day 6: South or West Jeju (Choose Your Route)​

Option A: South Jeju (Waterfalls & Cliffs)​

  • Cheonjiyeon Waterfall: Tropical waterfall in the city
  • Jusangjeolli Cliffs: Hexagonal basalt columns (like Ireland's Giant's Causeway)
  • Oedolgae Rock: Dramatic coastal rock formation (best at sunset)

Option B: West Jeju (Beaches & Tea)​

  • Hyeopjae Beach: White sand and turquoise water
  • O'sulloc Tea Museum: Green tea fields and free tastings
  • Hallim Park: Lava caves and botanical gardens

Day 7: Fly to Busan​

Morning:

  • Visit Olle Market for local snacks and souvenirs
  • Domestic flight from Jeju to Busan (1 hour)

Afternoon:

  • Check into your Busan hotel (Haeundae or Seomyeon area)
  • Explore BIFF Square: Street food and shopping
  • Walk through Yongdusan Park and see Busan Tower

Days 8-9: Busan (Coastal Vibes)​

Day 8: Temples & Colorful Villages​

Morning:

  • Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: Rare seaside Buddhist temple with ocean views (arrive before 9 AM to avoid tour groups)

Afternoon:

  • Haeundae Beach: Korea's most famous beach
  • Haeundae Blueline Park: Ride the Sky Capsule along the coast (book tickets online)

Evening:

  • Gamcheon Culture Village: Colorful houses stacked on a hillside with street art and cafes (best in late afternoon light)

Day 9: Markets & Beaches​

Morning:

  • Gwangalli Beach: View of the iconic Gwangan Bridge
  • Relax at a beachside cafe

Afternoon:

  • Jagalchi Fish Market: Korea's largest seafood market (try live octopus or grilled fish)
  • Gukje Market: Traditional market for souvenirs and street food

Evening (Optional):

  • Spa Land in Centum City: Luxury Korean spa experience (₩15,000 entry)
  • Songdo Marine Cable Car: Coastal views at sunset

Day 10: Return to Seoul & Departure​

Morning:

  • Take the KTX train from Busan to Seoul (2.5 hours, ₩59,800)
  • Arrive at Seoul Station

Afternoon/Evening:

  • Last-minute shopping in Myeongdong or Gangnam
  • Head to Incheon Airport (allow 2 hours for check-in)

First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid​

1. Over-Planning Your Days​

Korean cities are massive. Traveling between neighborhoods can take 30-60 minutes. Don't cram 5 activities into one day.

2. Using Google Maps​

It doesn't work. Use Naver Maps or Kakao Maps instead. Download them before you arrive.

3. Sitting in Elderly Subway Seats​

Even if they're empty, never sit in the priority seats (marked in a different color). Koreans take this seriously.

4. Carrying Luggage During Rush Hour​

If you're moving between cities, avoid subway travel during peak hours (7-9 AM, 6-8 PM). Take an airport bus or taxi instead.

5. Skipping the T-Money Card​

Cash and credit cards work, but the T-Money card is essential for seamless public transit.

Packing Essentials​

  • Comfortable walking shoes: You'll walk 10+ km per day
  • Mask, eye drops, nasal spray: Air quality can be poor in spring
  • Multiple credit cards: As backup (some places don't accept foreign cards)
  • Korean Won cash: For small vendors and markets

Budget Estimate (Mid-Range)​

Total: $1,500-$2,000 per person (10 days)

  • Accommodation: $50-$80/night (₩70,000-₩110,000)
  • KTX Seoul-Busan: $60 (₩59,800)
  • Domestic flights: $100-$150 (Jeju round-trip)
  • Food: $30-$50/day
  • Activities: $200-$300 (DMZ tour, Jeju tours, entrance fees)

Final Thoughts​

This 10-day itinerary balances iconic sights with practical logistics. You'll see ancient palaces, volcanic islands, and coastal temples—without the exhaustion of over-planning.

The key? Flexibility. If you fall in love with Seoul, skip Jeju and explore more neighborhoods. If you crave nature, add an extra day to Jeju. This is your trip—make it yours.

Ready to dive deeper? Check out our guide on Best Time to Visit South Korea to pick the perfect season, or learn about Essential Apps for Traveling in Korea to navigate like a local.