Ultimate 7-Day South Korea Travel Guide: Seoul, Gyeongju, & Busan
Ultimate 7-Day South Korea Travel Guide: Seoul, Gyeongju, & Busan
South Korea is a country full of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. If you have a week to explore, this 7-day itinerary will take you through Seoul, Gyeongju, and Busan, offering a perfect blend of cultural heritage, modern attractions, and coastal scenery.
Day 1-3: Exploring Seoul (Refer to the 3-Day Seoul Guide)
Start your journey in the heart of South Korea, experiencing its history, trendy districts, shopping, and delicious food. Follow the 3-day Seoul itinerary for the best cultural and modern city experiences before moving on to the next destination.
Day 4: Travel to Gyeongju – The Ancient Capital
Gyeongju, known as the “museum without walls,” was the capital of the Silla Dynasty (57 BC – 935 AD). The city is packed with UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a must-visit for history lovers.
📍 Top Attractions in Gyeongju
- Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto: A breathtaking Buddhist temple complex and a must-visit site in Korea.
- Cheomseongdae Observatory: The oldest astronomical observatory in Asia.
- Daereungwon Tomb Complex: Royal tombs from the Silla Dynasty.
- Hwangridan-gil Street: A trendy street with hanok (traditional Korean houses) turned into stylish cafes and shops.
🚆 How to Get to Gyeongju from Seoul
- By KTX Train: Take the KTX from Seoul Station to Singyeongju Station (Approx. 2.5 hours).
- By Bus: Express buses depart from Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Approx. 4 hours).
🏨 Recommended Accommodations in Gyeongju
- Luxury Stay: Hilton Gyeongju
- Traditional Stay: Yeojeon Hanok Stay
- Budget Stay: Silla Guesthouse
Day 5: Travel to Busan – Korea’s Coastal Gem
Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city and a vibrant coastal destination famous for its beaches, seafood, and cultural sites.
📍 Top Attractions in Busan
- Haeundae Beach: Korea’s most famous beach, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the ocean view.
- Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: A beautiful Buddhist temple located on a cliff by the sea.
- Gamcheon Culture Village: A colorful hillside village known as the “Santorini of Korea.”
- Gwangalli Beach & Gwangan Bridge: Best visited at night for spectacular bridge lights and a lively atmosphere.
🚆 How to Get to Busan from Gyeongju
- By Train: Take the KTX from Singyeongju Station to Busan Station (Approx. 30-40 minutes).
- By Bus: Express buses operate from Gyeongju Bus Terminal (Approx. 1 hour).
🏨 Recommended Accommodations in Busan
- Luxury Stay: Paradise Hotel Busan
- Beachfront Stay: Haeundae Grand Hotel
- Budget Stay: Indy House Hostel
Day 6: More of Busan – Food & Cultural Experiences
Spend an extra day in Busan exploring its vibrant markets, temples, and stunning viewpoints.
- Jagalchi Fish Market: Korea’s largest seafood market, where you can try fresh hoe (Korean-style sashimi).
- Taejongdae Park: A scenic coastal park with breathtaking ocean views.
- Songdo Skywalk & Cable Car: Walk over the sea on a glass bridge or take a cable car ride with panoramic views.
- BIFF Square: A lively street dedicated to film culture, where you can try ssiat hotteok (seed-stuffed pancakes).
🍽️ Must-Try Foods in Busan
- Milmyeon (Cold Wheat Noodles): A Busan specialty similar to naengmyeon.
- Dwaeji Gukbap (Pork Soup with Rice): A rich, hearty local dish.
- Fresh Seafood: Try seafood barbecue or live octopus at Jagalchi Market.
Day 7: Return to Seoul & Final Exploration
After an amazing trip to Busan, head back to Seoul to wrap up your South Korea adventure.
🚆 How to Get to Seoul from Busan
- By KTX Train: Take the KTX from Busan Station to Seoul Station (Approx. 2.5 hours).
- By Flight: Flights from Gimhae Airport to Gimpo Airport (Approx. 1 hour).
📍 Last-Day Activities in Seoul
- Shopping at Dongdaemun or Myeongdong: Buy last-minute souvenirs or shop for K-beauty products.
- Han River Cruise: Take a relaxing evening cruise on the Han River.
- Night View at Namsan Tower: A perfect way to say goodbye to Seoul.
7-Day Itinerary Summary
| Day | Destination | Key Activities |
| 1-3 | Seoul | Palaces, Shopping, Street Food, Han River |
| 4 | Gyeongju | Temples, Historical Sites, Traditional Stay |
| 5 | Busan | Beaches, Gamcheon Village, Nightlife |
| 6 | Busan | Seafood, Markets, Scenic Views |
| 7 | Seoul | Shopping, Final Exploration |
Final Thoughts
This 7-day South Korea itinerary provides a balanced experience of tradition, culture, nature, and modern city life. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the ancient beauty of Gyeongju and the coastal charm of Busan, you’ll leave Korea with unforgettable memories.
Looking for a longer adventure? Stay tuned for the 14-day itinerary, including Jeju Island!
Keywords:
- Best places to visit in South Korea
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- Busan travel itinerary
- Gyeongju historical sites