Spending just one week in Korea is like getting a small taste of an incredible feast—you’ll be craving more! While we originally planned a trip to Japan, a happy discovery led us to Korea first: flying there and then taking the ferry to Japan was surprisingly more affordable. What began as a spontaneous detour turned into one of the best travel decisions we’ve ever made. In just five days, we were captivated by Korea’s beauty, culture, and warmth, and we can’t wait to return. This itinerary will guide you from the vibrant streets of Seoul to the seaside charm of Busan, where you can hop on a ferry to Japan—but you might just find it hard to leave!
Day 1: Arrival in Seoul
Which Neighborhood to Stay:
Seoul offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe, so choosing where to stay depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for:
- Myeong-dong: A bustling hub of street food, shopping, and vibrant energy, Myeong-dong is perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action. It’s also conveniently located near major attractions and traditional neighborhoods, making it an ideal base for exploring Seoul.
- Hongdae: Known for its youthful energy, Hongdae is the hub of trendy cafes, nightlife, and street performances. It’s perfect for those who want a lively, artsy atmosphere.
- Gangnam: If luxury shopping, upscale dining, and a more polished vibe appeal to you, Gangnam is a great option. This is the area that inspired the famous “Gangnam Style” song.
- Insadong: For a more traditional experience, Insadong is known for its cultural charm, with tea houses, antique shops, and easy access to historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace.
We ultimately chose to stay in Myeong-dong in the Callistar Hotel, and it turned out to be the perfect choice. A really cheap and simple hotel right around the corner of the lively streets buzzing with activity, from mouth-watering street food stalls to endless shopping options. Its central location made it really easy for us to explore both modern attractions and the more traditional sides of Seoul.
Transportation from the Airport
Most travelers will arrive at Incheon International Airport, and you have a few ways to get into the city:
- AREX Train + Metro: We recommend taking the AREX train for a smooth, traffic-free ride to Seoul Station. It costs just 9,000 KRW ($6.43) and is both efficient and affordable. From Seoul Station, hop on the metro for just 5,400 KRW ($3.87). In only two stops, you’ll arrive in Myeong-dong quickly and cheaply.
- Airport Bus: Another option is the airport bus, which goes directly to Myeong-dong for 15,000 KRW ($10.74). While it’s convenient since there’s no need to transfer, it can be slower due to traffic and multiple stops.
- Taxi: Taxis are the most expensive option at around 50,000 KRW ($35) and can be slower due to unpredictable traffic, so we don’t recommend them unless necessary.
Exploring Myeong-dong’s Night Market
We arrived in the afternoon and headed straight to our hotel to settle in and catch up on some much-needed rest. By evening, we were ready to explore the lively night market right around the corner. The streets were filled with delicious food stalls offering a variety of Korean treats, including Ddakkochi (skewered meat), Tanghulu (candied fruit), Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), and the famous Jinjee Korean Coin Cakes. It was the perfect way to dive into the vibrant flavors of Korea and kick off our adventure!
Day 2 – Exploring Seoul
Make sure you wear some comfortable shoes, because we will be exploring as much of the city as we can today!
Our first stop of the day is the Gyeongbokgung Palace. However, after only 10 minutes of walking we stumbled upon the to Jogyesa Temple, a beautiful Korean Buddhist temple that dates back to the late 14th century. The large statue of Buddha in the main hall is a must-see, and the colourful lanterns on the outside make for a really nice picture. So definitely make a quick stop here first!
Walk just 10 more minutes, and you’ll arrive at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces, built in 1395. It’s best to arrive when the palace opens at 9:00 AM, giving you ample time to explore the expansive grounds before the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at 10:00 AM. Visiting before the ceremony is ideal, as the palace gets much busier afterward.
Practical Information:
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM)
- Closed on Tuesdays!
- Ticket Price: 3,000 KRW ($2.15)
Free admission when wearing a traditional hanbok or on Culture Day (the last Wednesday of each month).
The ceremony lasts about 20 minutes and is a vibrant display of traditional Korean music, colorful costumes, marching guards, and fluttering flags. We were particularly impressed that the ceremony was narrated in English, allowing us to follow along with the rich history and traditions on display.
Next, head to Bukchon Hanok Village, just a 20-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace. This historic village is a maze of narrow, steep streets lined with traditional Korean hanok houses, offering a glimpse into the country’s past. While the main street can get quite crowded, making it harder to fully appreciate the architecture, we found that the quieter side streets were just as beautiful and far less crowded. We spent most of our time exploring these peaceful alleys, where we could admire the charm of the well-preserved homes and shops in a more serene setting.
From Bukchon Hanok Village wander down to Insadong Culture Street, a vibrant area brimming with traditional tea houses, art galleries, ceramic shops, and calligraphy stores. It’s the perfect place to browse for unique souvenirs or enjoy a delicious meal. You can choose from charming cafés or sample local street food vendors offering tasty treats.
After fueling up, we set off for a hike to N Seoul Tower. But before you reach the trailhead, consider taking a little detour and explore a few notable spots:
- First, visit Cheonggyecheon, a serene park along the Cheonggyecheon stream.
- Then, make your way to Deoksugung Palace, an elegant blend of traditional Korean and Western-style architecture.
- If you’re in the mood for some shopping or local culture, swing by Namdaemun Market, one of Seoul’s oldest and largest traditional markets, where you’ll find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
From the Namdaemun Market it’s not far to the start of the N Seoul Tower trail. The hike to the top of N Seoul Tower takes about an hour at a relaxed pace. The journey offers panoramic views of the city. For those who have had enough walking for the day, you can opt to take the Namsan Cable Car (15,000 KRW or $10.74 for a return ticket) to the top.
Once you reach the tower’s summit, consider heading up to the observation deck (entry is 21,000 KRW or $15.05) for breathtaking views of Seoul. At the base of the tower, you’ll find the iconic lovelocks—where couples can buy a lock, write a message, and secure it to the railings, symbolizing their everlasting love. Of course we had to buy one!
After taking in the views from N Seoul Tower, we made our way back down and hopped on a bus to Gangnam, our final stop of the day. In stark contrast to the traditional charm of the neighborhoods we’d explored earlier, Gangnam is all about modernity. The area is known for its sleek skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife.
Our first stop was the Gangnam Statue, a well-known landmark, followed by the Starfield Library. I’ll admit, we were somewhat influenced by Instagram to visit the library. While the space is undeniably stunning with its towering bookshelves, we found it a bit overhyped. If you’re a fan of architecture or Instagram-worthy spots, it’s worth a visit, but otherwise, it might not be essential to your itinerary.
In all honesty, Gangnam didn’t quite resonate with us. While it was interesting to see a more modern side of the city, the luxury shops and towering buildings weren’t what we had hoped to find. After taking in the sights, we decided to return to Myeong-dong for dinner, where the lively atmosphere and delicious food options felt more in line with the vibe we were looking for.
Day 3: DMZ Tour
If you are interested in Korea’s history, politics, or simply looking for a unique experience, then we suggest that you book a trip to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) on this day. The DMZ is a border area between North and South Korea, established as a buffer zone to reduce military tensions and prevent conflict.
We opted for a tour with Vip Travel (not sponsored), and took part in their 3rd Tunnel and Red Suspension Bridge Tour. The tour was a full day experience and included transportation, all entrance fees, and expert commentary from our guide. This ended up being one of our favorite experiences of the whole trip. The cost was 85,000 KRW ($60.99) per person.
Want to learn more about what we saw and felt during our visit to the DMZ? Check out our full dedicated blog post for all the details! (Coming Soon)
Day 4: First Day in Busan
Getting to Busan
Start your day early to catch the train to Busan. Ticket prices depend on the train type and class, but we chose an economy seat on the high-speed KTX, departing at 07:49 and arriving at 10:10. The ticket cost KRW 59,800 ($45). If you have extra time and want to save money, slower trains like the ITX-Saemaeul or Mugunghwa are great budget-friendly alternatives.
Where to stay?
Some neigborhoods to consider staying at in Busan are:
- Nampo-dong: A vibrant area full of culture, with markets, temples, and local attractions like Jagalchi Fish Market and Gamcheon Culture Village.
- Seomyeon: The city’s central hub, offering plenty of dining, shopping, and nightlife, making it easy to explore the rest of the city.
- Gwangan: A peaceful beach neighborhood with scenic views of Gwangalli Beach and the iconic Gwangandaegyo Bridge, perfect for a relaxing stay.
- Haeundae: Famous for its beach, lively atmosphere, and close proximity to cafes, restaurants, and nightlife.
We stayed in Nampo-dong. In the Elysee hotel, a simple budget-friendly hotel, right next to the Busan Tower.
After dropping off our bags at the hotel, we set out for a quick stop at the Stairs of Wishes. Along the way however, we took a wrong turn and ended up wandering through the surrounding neighborhoods—and it turned out to be the best kind of mistake! These charming, atmospheric streets truly made us fall in love with Busan. So, definitely take some time to explore the streets in Busan, and don’t be afraid to get a little lost.
Once you get to the Stairs of Wishes, climb up the 192 colorful steps. It’s said that if you make it to the top, your wish might just come true. But don’t worry—if hiking up stairs isn’t your vibe, there’s a cute little monorail that glides you to the top in about six minutes.
Next up, we headed to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. It took about 1.5 hours to get there—1 hour and 15 minutes on the bus and a short 15-minute walk. Built way back in 1376 during the Goryeo Dynasty, this temple is one of the few in Korea right on the coast. It’s dedicated to Haesu Gwaneum Daebul, a Buddhist goddess who, according to legend, cruises the ocean on a dragon (how cool is that?). If you have more days in Busan, consider going to this temple in the early morning. As the temple faces east, it’s a perfect spot to catch the sunrise.
Then as our last activity of the day make your way to Haeundae Blueline Park. Here you can take a scenic ride in these cute and colourful sky capsules The ride is 35,000 KRW ($25.11) for 2 persons and well worth it.
Some tips to make the most out of your experience here:
- Reserve in Advance: Book your tickets online early—this is a popular attraction and sells out quickly, especially around peak times.
- Golden Hour Magic: Check online for the exact timing of golden hour (usually an hour before sunset) and book your time slot to align with it for the most stunning views.
- Direction Matters: If you’re going during sunset, opt for the ride from Cheongsapo to Mipo. The sun setting over the ocean creates unbeatable views.
Day 5: Hiking in Busan
It’s already our last day in Busan! Today we are going to hike to Seokbulsa. Seokbulsa is one of Busan’s best-kept secrets, tucked away high in the mountains and perfect for those who love a bit of adventure. Unlike the more famous temples, this one requires some effort to reach—but trust us, it’s well worth it!
To get to Seokbulsa, you first have to take a cable car, from Oncheonjang stationwhich it is a 15-minute walk to Geumgang Park, where you will have to take a cable car up. From here it’s about 1 hour to hike to Seokbulsa. The paths are well maintained, but the directions weren’t always clear so make sure you have a map downloaded on your phone. Once you arrive at the end of the trail, you’ll be greeted by a small temple with really large carvings. We had the temple all to ourselves and had plenty of time to take pictures and explore before going back again.
For more information and tips, read our dedicated blog post about Seokbulsa (Coming soon!).
After making your way back to the city, treat yourself to a delicious lunch before heading to Oryukdo Skywalk for some stunning views of the coastline. By bus this is about 1 hour from Geumgang Park. The skywalk is perched high above the rocks and sea, offering a breathtaking panorama. If you’re feeling brave, step onto the glass platform that’s suspended over the rocks!
With your adventure winding down, it’s time to head back and make sure you’re near the ferry terminal for your check-in. By bus it’s about 1 hour to get to the ferry terminal. If you have time, take a slight detour and grab a bite at BIFF Square, a lively area known for its street food, or walk to Busan Tower, for some awesome views of the city skyline.
Taking the Ferry to Japan
Here’s a quick look at the ferry options from Busan to Fukuoka, Japan:
- The Camellia Line: This overnight ferry takes about 11 hours and 30 minutes.
- The Beetle: A faster option, it takes only 3 hours and 40 minutes.
We chose the Camellia Line because it departs later, giving us more time to explore Korea. Plus, since it’s an overnight ferry, we saved on hotel costs. We had pre-booked our tickets and had chosen the cheapest room for $60.00 per person, which was a shared Japanese-style room. Basically, it’s sleeping on thin mats on the floor, fairly close to strangers. While it was a bit snug, it was definitely an unforgettable experience!etty close to strangers. However, it definitely was an experience that we would never forget.
