Are you thinking of visiting Korea but don’t know where to go or what’s trendy?
With our well-planned itinerary, you can experience the best of Korea in just one week. 😉
This trip was tried and tested by the Guidesify team during spring in May.
Discover the Best of Seoul and Busan For any Food Enthusiast!
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or adventure, Korea has it all.
This itinerary starts in Seoul, makes a Day trip to Nami Island and ventures into Busan, and the distance varies depending on the mode of transport.
📝Since this itinerary maximises all 7 days in Korea, those who are worried about tighter timelines might want to consider shuffling the days or combining certain stops to better fit your schedule!
⏲️If you’re reaching much later in the evening, consider skipping to the next nearest time stamp!
Day 1 – Kickstart your Korea Adventure: Chill & Discover
Depending on your flight timing, if you reach Seoul in the AM visit:
Eggdrop
Source: Guidesify
Get a quick bite from Egg Drop! They offer an assortment of flavours lined with a generous amount of sauce and the fluffy bread will leave you wanting more!
📍EGG DROP South Korea, Incheon (T1)
Settle up your e-sim situation to ensure that you are ready to go!
Looking for a cheap esim for your trip? Check out NOSIM for affordable and fast internet e-sims!
Drop off luggage and freshen up
Head to your accommodations to store your luggage or check in!
There are luggage storage points at stations, similar to the ones in Japan, in case you’re not able to check in due to your flight arrival time!
You wouldn’t want to roam around the streets of Korea with your luggage! 😉
Brunch at Solsot @ Solsot Yeonnam Branch
Source: Guidesify
Start your food journey in Korea strong with the popular Korean hot pot rice at Solsot! Indulge in a flavourful pot of wok rice with ingredients!
This particular outlet is hidden in the streets but it can be seen with its traditional-looking exterior! Inside is a small and cosy space. So make sure you avoid lunch hours as there may be a queue!
Their signature is the steak pot rice but there are other forms of meat such as salmon, eel, cockles, chicken, and sea bream.
They have multiple restaurants spread across Seoul, with their most popular outlet being SeongSu.
📍35 Donggyo-ro 38-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Acorn Caricature
Source: Guidesify
If you manage to get a seat, great! Otherwise, Acorn Caricature is just opposite the store.
You can head over for a quick side quest which would blow your mind.
They have about 2-3 artists who can do a portrait in under 10 minutes with their unique art style.
These are great to display when you’re back home!
📍382-29 Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
After a great meal, walk it off at the nearby stores! There’s a whole street of cute stores and even cafes around the area!
Option 1 – Hair Makeover at CCA Hair Salon
Located just on the streets of Hongdae lies the famous CCA hair salon! Head in to get your hair fixed with professional Korean hairstylists!
Most of them can communicate in English so you can rest assured that your hair is in safe hands. ✂
📍South Korea, Seoul, Mapo-gu, Wausan-ro 29-gil, 45 Hongdae 2nd floor 2층
Option 2- Escape Room
Have you watched Squid Game?
These escape rooms give the same excitement when watching Squid Game!
Try booking an escape room just near Hongdae, where you can immerse into the storyline and find a thrill in escaping. 🚪🔏
You can choose the level of difficulty based on how much challenge you’re up to!
The challenge is to escape the room as fast as you can, without asking for help! ✋
📍11, Wausan-ro 17-gil, Mapo-gu 3F, Cosmos Bldg., Seoul 04049 South Korea
Walk to Hongdae Street – Shopping Heaven
Spend the next half of the day at Hongdae Street, exploring the different street food available!
Hongdae is a shopper’s heaven with various clothes stores, food stalls, and public busking!
💡Look out for photo booths! Snap some cute photo strips as souvenirs! 📷
Convenience store
A quick run to the convenience store is a must-do when you are in Korea!
Grab some supper, before heading back to your accommodation. 🏃
Get your favourite choice of noodles along with some sides – sausages, cheese, and try out their popular packet drinks! 🥖
Day 2 – Immerse Yourself In Korea’s Culture
Tosokchon Samgyetang
Source: Guidesify
Start your day at the renowned Tosokchon Samgyetang, famous for its traditional ginseng chicken soup!
It is made with a whole chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, and a variety of herbs served with a flavourful broth.
The entire decor of the restaurant is built with wooden decor and floor seating which makes it very authentically Korean.
📍5 Jahamun-ro 5-Gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Optional: Mega Coffee
Need a caffeine boost? Get your coffee fix at the nearby Mega Coffee!
Whether you are craving something sweet or a classic brew. Mega Coffee has lots to offer with its variety of drinks and cosy ambience.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest and most iconic palace in Korea.
The name translates to “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven”, and it’s a major tourist attraction as it displays the lasting legacy of Korean culture and history!
💡Dress up in Hanbok to get free entry to the Palace. Book your hanboks before your trip through Klook.
💡Make sure you visit by 6 PM before they close and avoid going on Tuesdays as they are not open to visit.
📍161 Sajik-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
🚉: Gyeongbokgung station
Bukchon Village
After visiting the palace, walk around Bukchon Village located just nearby.
Filled with Hanok houses, every corner offers a picturesque backdrop perfect for a quick photo-taking session.
📍Gyedong-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Option 1: Lunch at Ikseon Chihyang
Source: Guidesify
After a full day of exploring, head over to Ikseon-dong, a place filled with culinary delights, Hanok houses, cafes, teahouses, and boutique shops.
If you enjoy good pasta, head to the highly raved Ikseon Chihyang! Famous for its Rose Pasta as well as its tender steak!
📍17-32 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
If you’re not in the mood for pasta, consider:
Option 2: Oncheonjib Shabu Shabu
Who doesn’t love a good hot pot?
And hot pot in a traditional Korean house setting? Say less!
They offer Shabu Shabu with different flavours (spicy and non-spicy) costing an average of 30,000 won per person with drinks.
📍31-10 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Ikseon-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Soha Salt Pond Ikseon-dong
There are many cafes around the area, but the Soha Salt Pond there is especially famous for its salt bread and beautiful interior.
They have various versions of salt bread and each of them is so aesthetically made.
💡you can opt for takeaway for your picnic at Hangang River.
📍Soha Salt Pond Ikseon-dong, 21-5 Supyo-ro 28-Gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Hangang River
Picnic at Hangang River with your loved ones and enjoy the view of the beautiful Han River.
The best part about this is that you can rent picnic mats and a table at an affordable price of 10,000 won there, so you don’t have to bring a picnic mat unless you want to!
💡Pro tips:
- Bring cash with you.
- What locals like to do is get instant noodles and BHC chicken from the nearby convenience store! It is a vibe honestly. 😄
Source: Guidesify
Day 3 – Rediscover Your Inner Child At Lotte World
Lotte World
Lotte World is a place filled with fun and laughter, perfect for kids and teenagers.
A popular destination visited by both locals and tourists, there will be a long queue forming outside the gates waiting for it to open.
So make sure you reach early!
💡Consider dressing up in Korean uniforms! They are available for rental just nearby.
You can pre-book your slot here.
📍240 Olympic-ro, Songpa District, Seoul, South Korea
Lotte World Aquarium
Just located around Lotte World, is an Aquarium home to over 650 fish species, and 55 thousand life forms. 🪼
Feel the ocean even in an urban area, visitors can see these marine life forms up close and read up on the fun facts of the various species. 🦈
📍300 Olympic-ro, Songpa District, Seoul, South Korea
Lotte Mart 🏬
If you’re not intending to stay at the theme park or the aquarium for too long, head over to Lotte Mart to do some shopping for snacks!
They have good deals and food from instant noodles, seaweeds, HBAF almonds, chips and gummies that you can consider bringing back to your home country.
📍300 Olympic-ro, Songpa District, Seoul, South Korea
N Seoul Tower- spectacular night view
Next, visit the N Seoul Tower to catch get the best view of Seoul! Many like to lock their “padlocks of love” at the railing which is rumoured to be everlasting love.
It’s not just for couples, this experience is unique to enjoy for friends and family too.
So gather your group and make fond memories here.
📍105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Option 1: Hankuk N Seoul Tower
Located just right at N Seoul Tower, Hankuk (HanCook) specialises in the traditional flavours and food culture through their lunch and dinner courses with over 30 a la carte dishes on the menu.
It is a great fine dining option accompanied by a spectacular view! 🌆
📍105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Option 2: Pocha – Dine like local
After soaking in the city view, head to a nearby Pocha, an outdoor food and drink stall!
This is where locals enjoy supper, and drinking with their colleagues like you see on K Dramas.
And if you are unable to find one, try:
Option 3: Kyochon Fried Chicken
Source: Guidesify
Truly one of the best fried chickens to exist. 🐔
Having fried chicken with beer is a significant part of Korean drinking culture! You can’t say you’ve been to Korea without experiencing chicken and beer. 🍻
They have many outlets in Korea, but this one is nearest to Namsan Tower.
📍28-1 Huam-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Myeong-dong Street
In the evening, explore the vibrant streets of Myeong-dong, one of Seoul’s premier shopping destinations.
Explore the vibrant street food scene and browse through the wide array of delicacies from local vendors!
For foodies, Seoul is a paradise, offering a wide range of delicious Korean dishes, from spicy kimchi stew to savoury bibimbap.
After a whole day of munching, get ready to shop till you drop!—The streets of Myeongdong have something for everyone whether it’s fashion statement pieces or unique crafts and souvenirs.
🚉: Euljiro 1-ga Station (Exits 5–7) or Myeongdong Station (Exits 5–8)
Suona to customise your own unique keychains
If you have some time to spare, head over to Suona to customise a keychain! They have various designs available to choose from.
You can get a matchy one with your friend group! These keychains are great souvenirs for your friends and family as well.
📍South Korea, Seoul, Jung District, Myeongdong 4-gil, 32 1층
Day 4 – Day trip to the Outskirts of Seoul
Book your tour over at Klook for the best deals and save yourself the hassle of long-distance travel.
Alpaca World 🦙
Then head over to the world’s first and only Alpaca theme park!
Perfect for children and animal lovers, this place has a lot to offer.
Not only alpacas, there are other life forms such as capybaras, coati, sheep, poneys, peacocks, rabbits and many more.
📍310 Pungcheon-ri, Hwachon-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
If you are feeling adventurous or simply looking for a new experience, consider ziplining across the Bukhan River to enter Nami Island.
Otherwise, you can opt to take a ferry or a speedboat.
Statue of Winter Sonata
If you’re a fan of Korean Drama specifically “Winter Sonata”, you’ll love this.
Fans of this show won’t want to miss this spot in Nami Island that gained fame as it is the iconic location for filming.
Head over to check out statues of the main casts and the scenes that were filmed there.
It’s not every day you get the chance to romanticise your life! 😆
📍1 Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Gapyeong Rail Bike 🚃
Take a rail bike and explore the different scenery and spots around the park! You will get the chance to pedal your rail bike across bridges and a tree tunnel.
The seats range from 2 to 4 people on a rail bike so it’s a perfect activity for your friends and family to enjoy.
📍14 Jangteo-gil, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Day 5 – Explore the Brooklyn of Korea
Seongsu is an area with many popular cafes and pop-up stores.
Some of them offer a different shopping experience and give out free goodies too.
It’s a popular spot for youngsters to hang out at.
🚉: Seongsu Station
Cafe Onion
Source: Guidesify
The highly raved Cafe Onion offers a wide variety of pastries! Whether it’s sweet or savoury, they have it all!
One of the fan favourites is “Pandoro” can be easily spotted with the mountain of icing sugar, priced affordably at 5,000 won.
📍Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tamburins
Snag your next go-to scent a Granhand where you can customise your scent!
Not only do they have perfume, but their lotion and handwash are popular among tourists too.
📍8 Yeonmujang 5-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tenne cafe
Source: Guidesify
The minimalistic interior and pastry make Tenne a great spot for afternoon tea! You can even customise your dessert.
The honey butter toast with pistachio ice cream is a must-try! 😍
📍55 Ttukseom-ro 17ga-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Pop-ups
There are many different pop-ups and most of the time they do provide freebies.
💡Check out place_archive on IG to be updated on the latest pop-up stores.
Piggy Bank Stone BBQ
Source: Guidesify
Grilling your meat on the pan?
Nope! Enjoy a different experience of cooking your meat, on stones, over charcoal! The best part is that you don’t have to grill it yourself as the staff will be there to help.
The staff would usually recommend the portion based on the number of pax in the group.
📍146-1 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
🚉: Hongdae
Convenience Store Run
💡Quick convenience store run at night to get your breakfast settled, as you will need to be at the KTX train early for your train to Busan.🚅
Day 6 – End the trip with a Bang at Busan!
KTX from Seoul to Busan Station
The whole journey will take about 2 hours and 40 mins, remember to bring something to eat on the train ride. 🍣
💡Be on time! The train doesn’t wait there! You should also be there early if you intend to buy your tickets on the spot.
🚉: Seoul Station
Once you have arrived in Busan, store your luggage down at your accommodation and you’re ready to explore the nature and seafood in Busan.
Huinnyeoul Culture Village
Located right by the sea, the most scenic part of Busan, where every corner offers a stunning view of the ocean.
Whether you’re an art lover or just passing by, take the time to explore and appreciate the beautiful murals made by local artists. Each of them tells a different and unique story that reflects the community spirit.
📍1043 Yeongseon-dong 4(sa)-ga, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea
Tonkatsu Restaurant
Source: Guidesify ( Picture is not the exact representation of the food )
Fill up your hungry stomach with the savoury and crunchy tonkatsu just near Huinnyeoul Culture Village!
📍218-2 Jeoryeong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea
Gwangali Beach
During the evening, head over to catch the spectacular view of Gwangandaegyo Bridge and the drone show.
Haeundae Market
Indulge in street foods at Haeundae Market! Some of the must-try are their fresh seafood (⚠️ skip this if you have a weak stomach! 😞), live octopus, Kalguksu and dumplings.
📍22-1 Gunam-ro 41beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Day 7 – Indulge in the Flavours of Busan’s Seafood
Day 7 depends on your flight timing! For us, it was a night flight, hence we planned a full day.
Window Shopping at Biff Square
Indulge in some leisure shopping over at Biff Square.
You can find anything from trendy fashion to unique accessories and home decors.
📍58-1 Gudeok-ro, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
Mipo-Jib Ganjang Gejang 🦀
Mipo-Jib Ganjang Gejang is a popular Korean restaurant chain that has been gaining attention from foodies and locals alike.
This unassuming eatery specializes in Ganjang gejang, a traditional Korean dish made with fermented soybean paste.
The menu is simple, yet the flavours are complex and rich, making it a must-try when visiting Busan. 🍴
📍3 Dalmaji-gil 62beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Option 1: Sanrio Lovers Club – Cafe
Visit this if you’re a Sanrio fan, or simply just love accessories!
Located just near Haeundae, this entire building can be seen from afar with its flamboyant pink exterior.
It is two storeys high, with the first level selling Sanrio merchandise, blind boxes and a range of accessories.
Upstairs on the second level, you’ll find a Sanrio-themed cafe, serving sweet treats inspired by different Sanrio characters.
💡Remember to book beforehand on their Instagram page to secure a seat!
📍56-4 Udong 1-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Option 2: Two Storey Arcade
This two-storey arcade has a variety of games and a lively atmosphere—a great place to relieve some nostalgic fun from classic pinball machines and retro video games.
📍South Korea, Busan, Haeundae-gu, Gunam-ro 21beon-gil, 4 2 3층
Hauendae Blue Line Park
Tucked away in the heart of Haeundae, the Blue Line Park is a 1.2-kilometer-long park built on an abandoned railroad track, hence the name “Blue Line.”
The park’s highlight is its vibrant street art scene, with colourful murals and graffiti adorning the walls and pavements.
Visitors can also explore the various food trucks and cafes scattered throughout the park, offering a range of snacks and beverages.
📍South Korea, Busan, Haeundae-gu, Cheongsapo-ro, 116 청사포정거장 2F
Mipo Kkeutjib Seafood BBQ
A must-visit for all seafood lovers! 🍣
Enjoy your freshly grilled seafood by the beach with the ultimate sea view and breeze.
Some of the popular items on the menu are their premium seafood platter and eel.
They have a variety of options, so if you’re not a fan of seafood, they have ramen too.🍜
📍77 Dalmaji-gil 62beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Centum Spa Land
Centum Spa Land is more than just a spa – it’s an experience.
The facility is spotlessly clean, and the staff is friendly and attentive. With its affordable prices and extensive range of facilities.
It’s no wonder this spa is a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
📍35 Centum nam-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Farewell Korea
Remember to stock up on your favourite snacks or skincare that you might have missed out on beforehand.
💡Make sure you are at least 2 hours early to reach the airport so you can get your check-in and tax refund settled!
Korea is a country that has something for everyone, from rich history and culture to stunning natural beauty and vibrant cities.
With a well-planned itinerary, you can experience the best of Korea in just one week.
So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Korea!
For easy access to the locations mentioned in the itinerary, click here.
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