12 days in South Korea Itinerary

One of east Asia's major cultural and financial centers, Seoul boasts five World Heritage Sites and a huge selection of museums, temples, shrines, palaces, parks, gardens, and glass-and-steel skyscrapers.

Seoul is known for shopping, museums, historic sites, nightlife, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: contemplate the long history of Gyeongbokgung Palace, get to know the fascinating history of Cheonggyecheon Stream, wander the streets of Myeongdong Shopping Street, and get great views at N Seoul Tower.

To see photos, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Seoul day trip website .

The Route module shows you all the different ways you can get to Seoul. In December, plan for daily highs up to 3°C, and evening lows to -5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Sokcho.

Tourism in Sokcho mostly revolves around the local national park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Start off your visit on the 27th (Fri): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Naksansa Temple and then explore the striking landscape of Seoraksan National Park.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Sokcho trip planner .

You can drive from Seoul to Sokcho in 2.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Gyeongju.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the Republic of Korea, Gyeongju combines a rich cultural heritage with mountain and coastal scenery.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Sat): contemplate the waterfront views at Anapji Pond, take in the spiritual surroundings of Bulguksa Temple, and then get curious at Silla Arts And Science Museum.

To find ratings, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, read our Gyeongju online route planner .

Traveling by car from Sokcho to Gyeongju takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train; or take a bus. December in Gyeongju sees daily highs of 3°C and lows of 0°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Busan.

The country's second city, Busan has often been referred to as South Korea's summer capital.

Busan is known for beaches, shopping, historic sites, parks, and spas. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: kick back and relax at Haeundae Beach, take in the spiritual surroundings of Beomeosa Temple, take a stroll through Gamcheon Culture Village, and don't miss a visit to Seokbulsa Temple.

To find maps, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Busan online trip builder .

Drive from Gyeongju to Busan in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Gyeongju in December: highs in Busan hover around 10°C, while lows dip to 0°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Tue) so you can travel to Jeju.

The main town on the largest of Korea's islands, Jeju has a volcanic landscape protected by UNESCO.

Step out of Jeju with an excursion to Seongsan Ilchulbong in Seogwipo--about 1h 20 min away. Next up on the itinerary: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Halla Mountain, take in the pleasant sights at Handam Coastal Trail, walk around Sarabong Park, and take in nature's colorful creations at Kim Kyung-Sook Sunflower Farm.

Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for Jeju using our trip planner.

Getting from Busan to Jeju by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of car and ferry. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Fri) so you can travel back home.