When I was planning our South Korea holiday, I found it incredibly helpful reading other people’s itineraries. Seeing how they put their trip together gave me ideas I never would have thought of myself.
So, now that we’re home, I thought I’d return the favour.
We spent two weeks in South Korea during the school holidays, visiting Seoul, Busan, Yeosu and Jeonju. We are 2 adults and 2 kids (who are 19, so not really kids!) We travelled mostly by high speed train, mixed organised day tours with independent exploring, and tried to balance the big tourist sights with a slower pace.
This isn’t a “you must do this” itinerary. It’s simply what we planned (and mostly did!), including accommodation, transport, tours we booked, approximate costs and the notes I made while organising everything. Hopefully it saves someone else a few hours of research or gives you an idea or two when planning your own trip.
I also joined two South Korea Facebook groups and lurked learning about other people’s experiences – this one was my favourite Facebook group and this Facebook group was also good (but mostly with American members) and this one is smaller but more Aussies.
Feel free to borrow whatever works for you and leave the rest!
Thursday Day 1 – Brisbane to Seoul – JQ58 – 11:10-19:55
We start our journey in style at the Escape Lounge in Brisbane International Airport like we are not about to go sit in row 53 of a Jetstar plane! $60 each.
- Set up Tmoney card on iPhone.
- Complete our Smart Pass application online.
Fly to Seoul! $159.89 AUD Jetstar using Qantas Frequent Flyer Points
- Transport: Flight – Jetstar. Limousine bus (17, 000 KRW) to Eulijro Station.
- Accommodation: Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro 522, 500 KRW each for 4 nights (our own hotel room each) – pay on arrival
Friday Day 2 – Seoul – independent exploring
A day to explore Seoul at our leisure. We could enjoy Buddhist temples, street markets, visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folklore Museum, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong alley.
- Transport: underground using Tmoney card
- Accommodation: Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro
- Hotel meals: breakfast – pay at restaurant – $15 AUD per person
Saturday Day 3 – Seoul – independent exploring
Today we could shop & snack in Myeongdong, take in the view from N Seoul Tower, visit modern Seoul in Gangnam, visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), cycle along the Han River or take a river cruise.
- Transport: underground using Tmoney card
- Accommodation: Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro
- Hotel meals: – pay at restaurant – $15 AUD per person
Sunday Day 4 – DMZ Tour: Suspension Bridge & North Korean Defector Meet up optional – 7.30am – 4pm
Booked & paid for: DMZ Tour that we took – click here – $90 AUD
Unique Insight: While the Cold War ended long ago, Korea remains divided, making the DMZ the most heavily fortified border in the world. Expect an immersive and unforgettable trip.
- Transport: bus tour
- Accommodation: Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro
- Hotel meals: – pay at restaurant – $15 AUD per person
Monday Day 5 – Seoul to Busan – bullet train – 10.58 – 13.42
After breakfast, board a high-speed bullet train for a relaxing morning ride through the countryside to Busan, the second largest city in South Korea. Busan is known for its vibrant coastal beaches, seafood and scenery.
Our accommodation is a 15-minute walk from the Busan Station.
Arrive in Busan and check in to our Airbnb. Buy some food supplies including breakfast.
- Transport: High speed train – $80 AUD (first class) paid
- Accommodation: Airbnb – 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom apartment $642.09 AUD total for all 4 of us – paid in full
- Hotel meals: – pay at restaurant – $15 AUD per person
Tuesday Day 6 – Busan City Tour – 8.30am – 6.30pm
Booked & paid for: Busan City Tour that we took – click here – $87.79
- Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: Buddhist temple first built in 1376 set on the seaside
- Cheongsapo Skywalk (Daritdol Observatory) Cheongsapo: 20 meters high from the sea level, 72.5 meters long toward the sea, and 3 to 11.5 meters wide. A half-moon-shaped transparent floor is installed at the end of the observatory, allowing visitors to feel the thrill of walking on the sea.
- Haeundae Blue Line Park: Like a very slow amusement park ride along the coast. It travels just under 3km and takes about 25 mins.
- Huinnyeoul Culture Village: Arty, regenerated cultural village with narrow alleys, street murals & a waterside walking path.
- Gamcheon Culture Village: Picturesque attraction featuring a village of colorful houses, painted murals, shops & cafes.
- Transport: bus tour – 8.30am – 6.30pm
- Accommodation: Airbnb – 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom apartment
- Meals: self-catering
Wednesday Day 7 – Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Day Tour from Busan (Tour A-1) 10am – 9pm
Booked & paid for: Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Day Tour that we took – click here – $82
Tour incudes:
- Bulguksa Temple: Historic temple with artistic stone relics.
- Yangdong Village: Korea’s largest traditional village from the Joseon era.
- Daereungwon Tomb Complex: Cheonmachong, Hwangnidan-gil
- Woljeonggyo Bridge
- Ancient Silla Dynasty: Learn about the ancient Silla dynasty through fascinating artifacts and sculptures at Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond
- Accommodation: Airbnb – 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom apartment
- Transport: bus tour
- Meals: self-catering
Thursday Day 8 – Day at Leisure in Busan
Here we can choose from a range of activities: Explore colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, eat fresh seafood at Jagalchi Fish Market, visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, enjoy night views at Gwangalli Beach, take in the scenery at Taejongdae, wander BIFF Square, walk the Songdo Skywalk, visit Beomeosa Temple, ride the Songdo Cable Car.
- Accommodation: Airbnb – 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom apartment
- Transport: buses using Tmoney card
- Meals: self-catering
Friday Day 9 – Busan to Yeosu – bus 3 hours – 8.00 – 11.00
This morning we will call a private car and driver to take us from Busan to Yeosu.
Yeosu is where the city meets the sea. Here our choices are: Ride the Yeosu Cable Car for panoramic coastal views, walk around Odongdo Island, see the night views at Dolsan Bridge, visit Hyangiram Hermitage, eat seafood at the Yeosu Fish Market, visit Aqua Planet Yeosu, walk in Dolsan Park for sunset viewpoints, visit Manseongri Black Sand Beach, explore Yeosu Expo Park with its promenades and attractions.
- Accommodation: Yeosu Venezia Hotel & Suite – booked & paid for – $520.73 for twin share room for 2 nights
- Transport: Private taxi – $300 AUD total for 4 of us.
- Meals: breakfast self-catering
Saturday Day 10 – Yeosu
Here our choices are: Ride the Yeosu Cable Car for panoramic coastal views, walk around Odongdo Island, see the night views at Dolsan Bridge, Experience the art and walk out onto the Hand of Midas, visit Hyangiram Hermitage, eat seafood at the Yeosu Fish Market, visit Aqua Planet Yeosu, walk in Dolsan Park for sunset viewpoints, visit Manseongri Black Sand Beach, explore Yeosu Expo Park with its promenades and attractions.
- Accommodation: Yeosu Venezia Hotel & Suite
- Transport: local taxis
- Hotel meals: nil
Sunday Day 11 – Yeosu to Jeonju – train – 10.21 – 11.36
Train from Yeosu to Jeonju – The direct train ride from Yeosu to Jeonju is a scenic and efficient journey that takes 1 hour 15 mins on the Korail network. It covers a distance of roughly 145 kilometres, making it significantly faster and more comfortable than taking the bus.
Today take a glimpse into traditional Korean life. Today we head to the hanok village of Jeonju by train. Enjoy a tour of this picturesque hanok town, followed by a Hanjeongsik dinner, a traditional Korean multiple course meal.
- Transport: bullet train $16 AUD (economy class) paid
- Accommodation: Lahan Hotel Jeonju – booked & paid for – $437.03 AUD for twin share room for 2 nights
- Hotel meals: Hotel includes breakfast
Monday Day 12 – Jeonju at leisure
Jeonju is the culinary and cultural heart of South Korea. Your must-do list includes exploring the 750 traditional homes in the Jeonju Hanok Village, dining on authentic Jeonju Bibimbap at Gajok Hoegwan, and renting a hanbok (traditional Korean attire) to wear while wandering the streets.
Key Sights & Activities
- Gyeonggijeon Shrine: Located in the village, this historic site houses the royal portrait of King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty.
- Jaman Mural Village: A short, uphill walk from the Hanok Village, this hillside neighborhood is bursting with colorful, vibrant street art and quaint cafes.
- Jeondong Catholic Cathedral: A beautiful, Romanesque-style brick cathedral built in the early 1900s, situated right at the entrance of the Hanok Village.
- Omokdae & Imokdae: Climb up to these hilltop pavilions for a spectacular, sweeping panoramic view over the sweeping black-tiled roofs of the Hanok Village.
Food & Nightlife
Jeonju is the undisputed birthplace of Bibimbap—enjoy it mixed with local bean sprouts and broth-cooked rice.
- Traditional Markets: Head to Nambu Market to explore the night market and the 2nd-floor Youth Mall, and grab a famous PNB Choco Pie from the original bakery nearby.
- Makgeolli Alleys: Visit local watering holes where ordering a kettle of traditional Korean rice wine gets you an immense, complimentary spread of local side dishes and delicacies. Don’t forget to try moju (a sweet, cinnamon-infused rice wine).
- Traditional Teahouses: Wind down at one of the many quiet, authentic tea houses in the Hanok Village for a cup of daechucha (jujube tea) or omijacha (magnolia berry tea).
- Transport: walking & hire a golf buggy
- Accommodation: Lahan Hotel Jeonju
- Hotel meals: Hotel includes breakfast
Tuesday Day 13 – Jeonju to Seoul – 11.38 – 13.33
After breakfast, travel by train from Jeonju to Seoul on a comfortable journey of around two hours, passing rivers, farmland and small towns along the way. It’s a relaxed way to see a slice of regional South Korea before arriving back in the capital.
- Transport: bullet train $48 AUD (first class)
- Accommodation: Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro – KRW101, 178 per hotel room – booked – pay on arrival
- Hotel meals: nil
Wednesday Day 14 – Depart Seoul
Head to the airport together and say goodbye. Alex and Angele fly to Hanoi in Vietnam, Janine and John fly to Hong Kong.
2 Weeks in South Korea
South Korea completely exceeded our expectations. It was clean, safe, easy to get around and offered such a wonderful mix of modern cities, history, beautiful scenery and incredible food. Visiting four different cities gave us a really good feel for the country, and each one offered something completely different.
Of course, if I were planning the trip again, there are probably a few things I’d tweak (isn’t that always the case after travelling?), but overall this itinerary worked really well for us.
If you’re planning your own South Korea adventure, I hope this gives you a useful starting point. Happy planning, and I hope you have as much fun exploring this fascinating country as we did!
