Guides to South Korea’s cities and regions, from Seoul itineraries to day trips, written for first-time visitors planning where to go.
Short answer: For a first trip, give Seoul 3–4 days on its own, or plan 5–7 days for Seoul plus Busan. Add Jeju only with about 9–10 days or more, because the flight and transfers eat into short stays. Transfer days count as trip days. Quick facts Seoul: 3–5 nights — neighborhoods, history, shopping, nightlife … Read more
For a first trip to Jeju, plan about four days and base yourself in Jeju City (near the airport) or Seogwipo (south coast), covering one area per day rather than circling the island. A rental car is the most flexible way to get around; buses work for the main towns and sights if you stay … Read more
For a first Busan trip, plan by area over two days: Haeundae and the east coast on one day, then Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi and the Nampo harbor area on another. The Busan Metro links the main neighborhoods and takes a T-money card; use taxis for hilly areas or late nights. Quick facts Day plan: … Read more
For a first stay in Seoul, choose Myeongdong for a central shopping base, Hongdae for nightlife and a direct Airport Railroad (AREX) station, or Insadong for traditional culture and quieter evenings. Then check the hotel’s exact map pin and its walk to the station, not just the neighborhood name. Quick facts Myeongdong: Line 4; not … Read more
A 7-day first trip to Korea works well as 3 nights in Seoul, 1 night in Gyeongju and 2 nights in Busan, with the transfer days kept light. Plan palace days around closures — Gyeongbokgung shuts on Tuesdays, Changdeokgung and Deoksugung on Mondays — and book KTX tickets once your dates are fixed. Quick facts … Read more