South Korea 7 Day Itinerary

South Korea is a small country, but there are many things to see and do. We visited South Korea for 16 days and covered the two most popular cities in South Korea – Seoul and Busan. We had fun at animal cafes, watched city views from observation decks, went to amusement parks, saw cherry blossoms, experienced traditional Korean bath, and did many fun activities.

Not everyone has the luxury of travelling for two weeks. So, we have prepared this South Korea 7 day itinerary (excluding international travel days) that focuses on giving you a perfect experience of both cities in just one week.

South Korea 7 Day Itinerary: Day 1 (Seoul)

Explore Cafes at Hongdae

The first day of the South Korea 7 day itinerary involves exploring the Hongdae (Hongik University) neighborhood of Seoul.

Also Read: Ultimate Seoul Travel Guide For First Time Visitors

Hongdae is home to quirky cafes in Seoul. The neighborhood has many animal cafes where you can pet animals. Some of the popular ones are Table A Cafe, Sunny’s Dog Cafe, Meerkat And Friends, and Thanks Nature Cafe.

Apart from animal cafes, there are also themed cafes like 943 Kings Cross (Harry Potter theme), Witch’s Kitchen (Halloween theme), and Coconut Cafe & Gallery (Bali theme). You may spend your day doing cafe-hopping. We recommend Table A Cafe, Sunny’s Dog Cafe, and Coconut Cafe & Gallery.

Hongdae Shopping Street

In the evening, explore the Hongdae Shopping Street and check out fashion and cosmetic stores. You will find both budget options as well as well-known brand stores. Do not forget to try out the street food like Egg Bread.

South Korea 7 Day Itinerary: Day 2 (Seoul)

Half-Day Trip to DMZ

Wake up early and go on a half-day trip to DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). On this educational tour, you will learn a little bit about the history of the Korean War, see a North Korean village using binoculars, visit an underground tunnel, and a war memorial.

Mermaid Show at Coex Aquarium

After some rest, head to Coex Aquarium to see over 40,000 marine animals. The highlight is the mermaid show where women dressed as mermaids dance among marine animals.

South Korea 7 Day Itinerary: Day 3 (Seoul)

Lotte World

Spend the third day of this South Korea 7 day itinerary by being a child at Lotte World. If you like roller coasters, head to outside space (Magic Island) and spend most of your time riding adventurous rides. But if you are not adventurous, don’t worry you can still spend the full day enjoying water, simulation, and fun rides on four floors of indoor space. Do not forget to attend the afternoon parade.

Seoul Sky

After exiting Lotte World, walk a few meters and head to Lotte World Tower and take the elevator to the 117th floor to the observation deck called Seoul Sky for breathtaking views of Seoul.

South Korea 7 Day Itinerary: Day 4 (Seoul)

Ddong Cafe

This is your last day exploring Seoul in this South Korea 7 day itinerary. Start your day by going to Insadong and eating some shit at Ddong Cafe or more popularly known as Poop Cafe.

Just kidding!! You are not going to eat poop but drink coffee and eat a waffle with ice cream in the toilet and urinal-shaped utensils.

Gyeonbokgung Palace

After having a shitty coffee :), head to Gyeongbokgung Palace to see the historical and cultural side of the city.

Before entering the palace, first go to one of the many hanbok rental shops near the entrance gate and rent a hanbok, which is a traditional Korean dress. You will not be the only one wearing a hanbok here. Even palace entry is free if you wear one.

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Shop Skincare Products From Myeongdong

Spend your afternoon exploring the stores in Myeongdong to buy skincare and beauty products. Some are either not available in India or available at higher prices. Visit the Daiso store if you want to buy everyday items from electronic accessories to kitchen and home stuff at very cheap prices.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Finish your last day in Seoul by visiting Cheonggyecheon Stream (search ‘Cheonggye Plaza’ in Naver Map) in the evening. Just sit on the steps near the waterfall, relax, and enjoy an amazing display of light and water.

South Korea 7 Day Itinerary: Day 5 (Busan)

Bullet Train to Busan

Take a morning bullet train to reach Busan by noon. It is only a 2.5 – 3 hour ride with comfortable seats.

Skyline Luge

After an hour’s rest and lunch, start your Busan adventure with a visit to Skyline Luge on the east side of the city. Hop onto a luge and experience the thrill of high speed by zooming down the luge track. Use the Skyride to go to the top of the track for another luge ride.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

It is evening now, and sunset is near. The best place to watch the sunset and admire views of the ocean is Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. It is a beautiful seaside temple just a 5-10 minute walk away from Skyline Luge.

Also Read: Ultimate Busan Travel Guide For First Time Visitors

South Korea 7 Day Itinerary: Day 6 (Busan)

Haeundae Beach

Start day 6 of this South Korea 7 day itinerary with a visit to Haeundae Beach, the most popular beach of Busan. You may swim or take a stroll along the white sandy beach and enjoy the amazing view of the ocean and skyscrapers.

Spa Land Centum City

After taking a swim in the ocean, enjoy a traditional bath (Jjimjilbang), spa, and sauna to relax and rejuvenate. Jjimjilbang requires nudity, so if that bothers you, skip it and just enjoy the spas and saunas. Reserve a couple of hours to fully enjoy it.

Yacht Cruise

Take a yacht cruise from one of the many operators available for an intimate experience. Just sit on the deck and enjoy amazing views of Busan from the sea. If possible, take a night tour that includes fireworks.

Gwangalli Beach

Finish your day with a visit to Gwangalli Beach, best viewed at night when the Diamond Bridge is illuminated in many colors. If it’s Saturday, take a good spot on the left side of the beach to enjoy the incredible 10-minute drone show played at 8 PM and 10 PM.

South Korea 7 Day Itinerary: Day 7 (Busan)

Songdo Amnam Park

This is your final day in Busan and South Korea. Visit attractions on the west side of Busan. Take a cable car to Songdo Amnam Park and enjoy the amazing views on the way. Then take at least one scenic walking trail to admire the beautiful sea views.

Then, experience bird-eye views of many uninhabitable islands, rocky cliffs, and the ocean from Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge.

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Gamcheon Culture Village

Gamcheon Culture Village is the most popular attraction in Busan. Take a stroll along the street and enjoy the street art and colorful houses. Visit one of the many cafes for awesome views of the village.

Busan Tower

End your last day of this South Korea 7 day itinerary with a visit to Busan Tower for more views. It is an observation deck in the Nampo-dong region, offering incredible views of the city, port, and sea.

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If you have any questions about this South Korea 7 day itinerary, please feel free to drop your query in the comments below!

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