The Ultimate 1 Week Trip Itinerary in Seoul & Busan | South Korea Itinerary Guide
Just follow this itinerary and you'll be set!
Planning a trip to Korea but unsure where to start? Begin here! Creating a 1-week travel itinerary for Seoul and Busan offers an exciting journey through the heart of South Korea, blending Seoul's bustling urban life with Busan's scenic coastal vibes. This guide is designed to ensure you experience the best of both cities, from historical landmarks and cultural experiences to modern entertainment and seaside relaxation. Feel free to customize your itinerary by opting in or out of activities as you wish for ultimate personalization. We'll also provide various options, giving you the luxury of choice!
Day 1-3: Seoul
Arriving in Korea (Incheon International Airport)
You're likely either exhausted from the long journey or brimming with excitement for the trip ahead. Regardless, you'll probably want to get to Seoul as soon as possible. However, it's important to note that Incheon International Airport is not located in Seoul but in the neighboring city of Incheon. By car, the journey can take anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours to reach Seoul, but there are faster ways to get there!
The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) Train significantly reduces that two-hour journey by more than half! The direct train, which makes no stops in between and goes straight from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station, only takes 38 minutes to reach the center of Seoul.
Direct train: you have your own designated seats
All-stop train: similar to the Seoul subway, gets super crowded at rush hour times
You can buy tickets at the airport for 11,000 KRW, or purchase them online in advance for a special price of 8,700 KRW through Creatrip. Purchasing your AREX ticket online also allows you to skip the long lines at the ticket machines! Creatrip will send you a code that you can use to register on the AREX site and retrieve your QR code, which you then scan to access the AREX platforms.
The All-stop train is another option that takes a bit longer; however, if your accommodation is in Hongdae, the All-stop train is the better choice despite the longer travel time.
If hauling your luggage around the train platforms and Seoul Station seems bothersome, consider using the airport limousine or a private airport transfer!
Check out the link below for all the options available to travel to and from the airport!
Get your AREX tickets here!
Day 1: Historical Seoul
Where ever your hotel may be located in, let's start off your trip in the center of Seoul, in the district of Jongno-gu. This is where you'll find most of the royal palaces and the famous touristy locations like Myeongdong, Insa-dong, and Ikseon-dong.
Start your adventure in Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. If you want to catch the changing of the guards ceremony, make sure to make it to the palace by 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM
Before you head over, change into a hanbok rental to elevate your experience at Gyeongbokgung Palace! You'll not only leave with the experience of a true Korean princess roaming around the palace, but pictures you can look back for a lifetime.
Book your hanbok rental in advance here for a special discount and extra perks like hairstyling or accessories!
Visit Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional Korean houses (hanok) are preserved amongst modern buildings. It's a great place for photos and to learn about Korean traditional life, plus, you'll get an amazing view of downtown Seoul at the top!
There are several cute cafes in nearby, so if you need a break or a snack, stop by! Here are some of the best cafes we recommend in the area!
Head over to Ikseon-dong for a meal! Ikseon-dong is a vibrant neighborhood offering a diverse array of dining options, from Japanese cuisine to pizza joints. With so many choices available, you're encouraged to explore and dine at any restaurant that catches your eye. Notably, there's a dedicated section where Korean BBQ restaurants are clustered, providing an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy K-BBQ in a lively, outdoor setting. This neighborhood is the perfect destination for food enthusiasts seeking to indulge in a variety of culinary experiences.
Enjoy a night out: as Koreans do! A typical night out for Koreans often involves visiting a pocha, a Korean tented food stall that's become a broader term for restaurants where drinking is a key part of the experience. The traditional pocha, which is normally outdoors, is an authentic experience you should try out if you're into nightlife. You can find a cluster of them at Jongno3-ga, right by Ikseon-dong, or at Euljiro, which is approx. a 15 to 20-minute walk away.
If you're traveling alone but want a buddy to take you around a night out, check out Creatrip's Tour Mate! Tour Mate is a service that provides a local buddy to take you on a tour and take care of everything from communication, booking, and so much more!
Day 2-3: Modern Seoul
Let's explore the hottest spots in Seoul that are trending among both tourists and locals! This list covers everything from cafes to restaurants, and popular shopping destinations. Each spot is color-coded by district, allowing you to easily choose locations that are close to each other for an efficient itinerary. Whether you're in the mood for a trendy cafe, a delicious meal, or some serious shopping, you'll find the best places to visit right here. Enjoy discovering what modern Seoul has to offer!
For a list of must-visit attractions in Seoul in 2024, check out the link below!
Here are some fun things to do that aren't in the blog above!
[Culture] National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea - Are you into modern/contemporary art? The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA) showcases some of the most interesting exhibitions in Korea. From interactive exhibitions to art gallery showings featuring artwork from renowned Korean artists, the MMCA is a great place to indulge in art at an affordable price!
[Culture] Want to experience something unique? Join a dance class! More specifically, a dance class at 1Million, one of Korea's most famous dance studios! The class below is for beginners, so don't hesitate because your dance skills are a little rough! Book a class on Creatrip right now:
[Beauty] Get a makeover while you're in Korea! The beauty services are super affordable compared to US or Europe so if you're interested, it's best to get them done while you're here! You can book popular beauty treatment like the famous scalp treatment, cheap but efficient botox, lip fillers, literally anything on Creatrip for an affordable price so head over to the link below to check out what we have!
[Shopping] Korea is always on top of trends so the shopping here is on another level! If you're into clothing that are trendy but on the affordable side, head over to Hongdae and you'll find plenty. If you want to check out brands that are currently popping in Korea, head over to Seongsu. If you want to go hunting at vintage stores, Dongmyo has a great selection. Myeongdong has all the popular Korean fast fashion brands and Dongdaemun is known for the midnight wholesale shops that are open until 5 AM.
Browse through the Creatrip website for some more recommendations!
Transition to Busan
After exploring Seoul, take a KTX (Korea Train eXpress) to Busan. The high-speed train journey is an experience in itself, showcasing Korea's beautiful countryside and efficient transportation system. The trip takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Check out our guide to getting KTX tickets in advance online!
Day 4-5: Busan
Busan, Korea's second-largest city after Seoul, sits beautifully along the coast, offering an abundance of seafood, picturesque beaches, and stunning views. No matter the season, Busan is an excellent destination for a visit. Springtime sees the city burst into color with cherry blossoms, making it one of the most popular destinations in Korea during the season. Summer attracts people from across Korea to its expansive beaches and vibrant nightlife. The colder months are perfect for enjoying the delicious seafood available at one of the city's renowned fish markets. Let's dive into what your Busan itinerary could include.
If you're planning on visiting this spring, follow our Busan Spring Itinerary for the ultimate cherry blossom sighting trip! Check it out in the link below!
Begin your day at Haeundae Beach, one of Korea's most renowned beaches, where you can bask in the sea breeze and enjoy a peaceful morning. Haeundae is famous for its towering skyscrapers, creating a breathtaking scene as the blue ocean reflects off the buildings—a sight that truly needs to be experienced firsthand.
Next, for an even more immersive coastline experience, take a ride on the Haeundae Blueline Sky Capsule at Haeundae Blueline Park. This monorail journey offers stunning views of the Busan coast. It's a popular spot for capturing that perfect aesthetic photo, and you might have already caught a glimpse of it on social media! Read more about the Haeundae Blueline Park in the link below.
Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a stunning seaside Buddhist temple offering breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere. It is situated on a cliff right by the Busan coast that makes it so special. The sunset is especially beautiful here so we recommend visiting during sunset.
Day 5: Culture and Nature
Nicknamed the "Machu Picchu of Korea" for its stunning scenery, Gamcheon Village also bears a poignant history as part of Busan. During the Korean War, refugees made their homes here, carving out a life on its mountainous terrain. In 2009, a transformation began when students, artists, and local residents joined forces in the Village Art Project, turning the area into one of Busan's top tourist destinations.
Enjoy a seafood lunch at Jagalchi Fish Market! From the freshest Korean-style sashimi to perfectly cooked seafood, you can find it all at Jagalchi Market! Be brave and try out a Korean-style seafood feast at Busan's biggest fish market for a culinary experience you'll never forget.
Next, go on a yacht ride in Gwangalli to experience the Busan waters on the cheap! Yacht tours in Busan can be as low as 19,900 KRW (USD 15.13) and can be easily booked on Creatrip. Check out the link below for more information.
Day 6: Leisure and Shopping
Take some time to relax at Shinsegae Centum City, recognized as the world's largest department store. This shopping paradise is not just about retail; it also houses a spa, ice rink, and cinema. The Korean-style sauna, or jjimjilbang, located here is among the largest in Korea. SPALAND Centum City stands out from smaller jjimjilbangs by offering a superior range of facilities. You'll find a variety of sauna rooms, massage chairs, and restaurants serving delectable Korean cuisine. Everything you need for a day of leisure and pampering is right here!
Head back to Seoul riding the KTX and enjoy a few more days in the big city before you head home!
At the end of your trip, you're probably going to be exhausted from traveling. If you want to get to the airport conveniently, we recommend hiring a car! There are tons of options available so choose what fits you best.
We hope this itinerary guide was helpful! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!
