Best 7 Day Itinerary in South Korea with Seoul & Busan

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Note that this itinerary is jam-packed with activities to see as much as you can in a short amount of time. <So/Of course>, feel free to tailor this itinerary to fit your own interests, pace, and/or schedule.

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SOUTH KOREA 7 DAY ITINERARY

The above map shows all the points of interest mentioned in this South Korea itinerary. The points are color-coordinated as:

• Day 1 Points of Interest → DARK RED
• Day 2 Points of Interest → LIGHT ORANGE
• Day 3 Points of Interest → YELLOW
• Day 4 Points of Interest → GREEN
• Day 5 Points of Interest → TEAL
• Day 6 Points of Interest → DARK BLUE
• Day 7 Points of Interest → PURPLE

HOW TO USE THE ABOVE SOUTH KOREA MAP:

Action	Description
Click a Colored Point of Interest	Shows additional information and details of the selected Point of Interest
Click the Four-cornered Square at the Top Right	Opens the map in a Larger Map view in your personal Google Maps account
On Larger Map view, click the STAR ☆ under “South Korea“	Adds the Map to your personal Google Maps account to access anytime on Computer* or on Phone App**
*On Computer: In your Google Maps, Click “Saved” on left bar → Click “Maps” → Click “South Korea“	**On Phone App: In your Google Maps app, Click “You” on bottom bar → Scroll to bottom → Click “Maps” → Click “South Korea“

Day 0: Arrive Seoul

“Day zero” is your arrival at Seoul Incheon airport (OSL) in Incheon, South Korea. Get to your hotel, check-in, and settle in. Your 8 day itinerary in Norway begins now!

For more details of how the next 3 days will look like in Seoul, check out my more detailed post The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary in Seoul.

Day 1: Palaces, Traditions & City Views

The first day of this 7 day itinerary dives straight into the history of Seoul, with royal heritage and skyline views.

If you want to experience all the stops on this day with a live tour guide who also provides transportation, then book it here, or in the widget below. I highly recommend booking a tour so you can have a driver/guide AND you can learn as much as you can about Seoul’s landmarks, history, and culture.

Jogyesa Temple

Start your morning at Jogyesa Temple, the center of Korean Zen Buddhism. Even though it’s located downtown, the temple feels both calm and peaceful, a nice contrast to the bustling city of Seoul. The temple has a beautiful ceiling of lanterns the lead up to the peaceful and serene temple.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Next, head to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest and most iconic of Seoul’s royal palaces. Here you can wander through the vast courtyards, admire the intricate architecture, and, if timing allows, watch the changing of the guard ceremony at the main gate at 10 AM. It also happens at 2 PM if you prefer to go in the afternoon. It’s important to note that the changing of the guards does not happen on Tuesdays, so plan accordingly!

National Folk Museum of Korea

Located within the palace grounds is the National Folk Museum of Korea, which provides helpful context about traditional Korean life, customs, and history. It’s an easy add-on and worth a short visit.

Ginseng Center

If you’re on the Sightseeing tour, you’ll be taken to a traditional ginseng center to learn about Korea’s most famous herbal remedy. While there is a sales aspect, it’s still an interesting cultural insight into Korean wellness traditions. Free samples are provided to help you in any shopping decisions.

Lunch in Insadong

For lunch, explore Insadong, one of Seoul’s most charming neighborhoods. This area is known for traditional Korean restaurants, teahouses, and souvenir shops. It’s the perfect place to try dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi while soaking up a more traditional atmosphere.

I opted to eat Korean Gyoza (which was delicious!!), and stopped by a cafe for a much-needed tea paired with a nice view of the street.

Namsangol Hanok Village

After lunch, head to Namsamgol Hanok Village. Here you’ll see restored traditional homes that show what life was life during the Joseon Dynasty. It is much quieter than Bukchon and you get an amazing view of the Tower from here.

N Seoul Tower

Then end your day at the famous N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain. Once at the top of the mountain, you’ll get amazing views of the city, and you can stroll along the wooden walkways where hundreds of love locks were left by couples. You can even purchase or bring your own love lock to put on the fence if you want to leave a mark.

If you want, you can also purchase a ticket to go up the Tower to the observation deck to get an even high view of Seoul. If you time your visit right, you can watch the sunset from up here 🙂

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Day 2: Modern Seoul, Cafes & Shopping

On your second day of this 7 day itinerary in Seoul, experience Seoul’s modern side with visits to trendy cafes and exploring vibrant shopping districts

Forest Outings Cafe for Breakfast

Start your morning at Forest Outings, a greenhouse-style cafe just outside central Seoul. It is a bit farther, but I think it’s worth the visit! Inside the cafe is a beautiful indoor forest with cute and whimsical ceiling fixtures that really give this cafe a magical and unique vibe. Not to mention the pastries and coffee were really good too!

Starfield Library & Gangnam Style Sculpture

Next, head back into Seoul and visit Starfield Library inside COEX Mall. There’s towering bookshelves, an open design, and is one of Seoul’s most instamous photo spots. Even if you’re not a bookie/reader, I’m sure you’re still going to enjoy this spot! A short walk from the Starfield Library is the Gangnam Style Sculpture. Take a brief stop here if you want to see the iconic Gangnam Style dance hands.

Alternatively (or maybe additionally?), if you want to venture out of the city to visit another Starfield library, then check out the Starfield Library in Suwon. This one is a lot farther (outside of Seoul), but it is also really beautiful and grandeur.

Seoul Sky & Seokchon Lake Park

Make your way to Lotte World Tower, the tallest building in South Korea and go up to Seoul Sky, the observation deck located on the tower’s upper floors. From here, you’ll get breathtaking panoramic views across Seoul! Who doesn’t love a good bird’s-eye-view of the city 🙂

After taking in the views, head outside to Seokchon Lake Park, which wraps around the base of Lotte World Tower. This scenic walking path offers beautiful reflections of the skyscraper on the water and it’s a great spot for photos.

Seoul Forest Park

If you love nature, then head to the Seoul Forest Park. The park is especially stunning during cherry blossom season in spring and golden foliage in autumn.

Myeongdong Shopping Street

As the sun sets, make your way to Myeongdong Shopping Street. This lively area is packed with beauty stores (Olivia Young!!!), fashion shops and food street stalls. The streets light up with tall neon lights signs, and is a great place to shop, snack and experience Seoul’s energetic nightlife vibe.

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Day 3: Markets, Hanok Villages & Scenic Walks

On your final day of your 7 day Seoul itinerary, you’ll experience local food, scenic strolls, and traditional neighborhoods

Cafe Pokpo for Breakfast

Start your morning at another beautiful cafe at Cafe Pokpo. It’s known for its views of a small waterfall and relaxed atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot to ease into your last day in Seoul.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Then head to the Dongdaemum Design Plaza which is a futuristic landmark designed by Saha Hadid. Even if you don’t go inside, the exterior alone is worth seeing and gawking at (especially for the architecture lovers out there)

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Then, head over the the Cheonggyecheon Stream! This is a peaceful pathway that winds through the city with plenty of people enjoying a stroll and stream-side vibes.

Gwangjang Market for Lunch

Right off the Stream, you can make a pitstop at the Gwangjang Market for lunch. it is one of Seoul’s oldest and most beloved traditional markets. This is the place to try classic Korean street foods like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteoknokki, and the famous Maya gimbal. The market is lively, bustling and full of local flavors and smells. Definitely a must visit for food lovers. There are also small shops where you can buy some souvenirs.

Ikseon-dong Hanok Village

After lunch, walk or take a short ride to Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. The village is a trendy neighborhood that blends historic hanok houses with modern cafes, boutique shops, and dessert spots. Here you can wander the narrow alleys, cafe hop, and take a short coffee/tea break.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Next, continue to Bukchon Hanok Village, where you’ll find beautifully preserved hanok homes. This area is residential (and therefore quieter) but it does get crowded… So be mindful of noise levels since people do still live here. The streets do close promptly at 5 PM to allow the residents peace and quiet as the sun sets.

Bukchon Observatory

While in the Bukchon Hanok Village, visit the Bukchon Observatory, a perfect place to end your Seoul itinerary. The Bukchon Observatory offers a great viewpoint above the traditional homes where you’ll see rows of tiled hanok rooftops framed by the tall modern building in the distance. The view is especially beautiful during sunset.

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Day 4: Travel from Seoul to Busan

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Day 5: Haeundae Beach, Views & Cafes

Start your fifth day of your 7 day itinerary enjoying beach time, sky high views, and start your cafe hop journey.

Haeundae Beach

Start your day at Haeundae Beach, Busan’s most famous stretch of sand known for having a wide shoreline, lively atmosphere, and a scenic city meets sea views. It’s a great place to relax, people-watch, and stroll along.

Busan X The Sky

After your’ve got your fill of beach time, head to Busan X the Sky! It’s located in the LCT Landmark Tower, and entrance is right off of Haeundae Beach. Busan X the Sky is the highest observation deck in South Korea. From the top, you’ll get incredible sweeping panoramic views of Haeundae Beach and the city itself. It’s truly incredible. Don’t forget to stop by the restrooms too! It features an unbeatable view.

Dongbaek Dessert Cafe

Afterwards, start your cafe hopping journey with a stop at Dongbaek Dessert Cafe is known for its elegant desserts, calm atmosphere, and an amazing view of the sky capsules that roll right alongside its rooftop setting. They also offer beautifully plated cakes, pastries, and coffees and teas. The rooftop has limited seating but you really can’t beat the views of the sky capsules and of the modern buildings in the distance.

Rendeja-vous Cafe

The Rendeja-vous Cafe is located right at the edge of Haeundae Beach so you’ll get stunning views of the coast paired with the modern minimalist design of the cafe. The large floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to enjoy the view no matter where you’re seating, and there’s a cute little stool where you can pose and take photos with the beach view behind. I definitely recommend visiting during sunset, where the golden lit views make it worth the stop.

Haeundae Market

Just steps from the beach is Haeundae Market, a lively food street packed with local snacks and Korean street food. It’s the perfect spot to sample Busan favorites like fish cakes, hotteok, and grilled seafood.

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Day 6: Busan Day Tour

On your sixth day of your 7 day Seoul itinerary, visit some of Busan’s most iconic sights!

If you want to experience all the stops on this day with a live tour guide who also provides transportation, then book it here, or in the widget below. I highly recommend booking a tour so you can have a driver/guide AND you can learn as much as you can about the Busan landmarks, history, and culture.

Klook.com

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

The first stop is at Haedong Yonggung Temple, one of the most iconic temples in Korea. It’s literally perched right beside the ocean with sweeping ocean views crashing into the coastal rocks. The temple is a Buddhist temple with stone stairways, beautiful temple buildings, and a short hike up to a viewpoint overlooking the temple grounds.

Here you can explore the whole temple grounds, just be sure to visit the viewpoint area to get a view of the temple from in front, as well as hike up the stairs to get a view from above.

Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk

The next stop is at Cheongsapo Station, where a wooden walkway parallel to the Beach Train tracks begins and leads right to the Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk. You can walk along the Skywalk and admire the ocean views, and walk along the glass floors with the waves crashing below.

Seafood Lunch

After the Skywalk, we followed the wooden walkway back towards the Cheongsapo Station, but about halfway, we took some stairs down to the coast and our guide led us to a seafood restaurant, Doheenae. Doheenae serves fresh seafood that the waiters grill in front of you on the in-table-grill. I opted for the Eel meal and it was delicious!!!

Haeundae Blueline Park (Sky Capsule Ride)

After lunch, go to Cheongsapo Station to board a blue line Park Sky Capsule. We didn’t have to wait in line very long until it was our turn, and man, these sky capsules are so cute and fun!

The speed is pretty slow, but you’re able to enjoy the surrounding ocean views, and take plenty of photos and videos of the experience. The ride ends at Mipo Station.

Huinnyeoul Culture Village

The next stop at the Huinnyeoul Culture Village is a bit of a hidden gem village and can be known as the Santorini of Busan. Once you lay your eyes on it you’ll understand why, with its cliffside buildings and amazing ocean views. Its seaside location gives it a unique charm and there are painted steps, art installations, and a walkway that hugs the cliff’s edge.

Here you can walk to the end of the cliffside walkway, stop at a cafe where you can enjoy a drink and relax. Check out the Footpath Cafe View if you want to enjoy a drink, an ocean view, while enjoying a relaxing footpath.

Gamcheon Culture Village

Gamcheon Culture Village is one of Busan’s most iconic spots (and for good reason!). You’ll find bright murals, winding alleys, colorful buildings, quaint cafes, and incredible views of the village. Even though this is a popular tourist stop, it doesn’t really feel overcrowded. There are some lines to take some iconic photos, like with the “I <3 Busan” sign, and the Boy and Fox statues.

Here you can roam a bit, buy souvenirs, and also grab a drink at a cafe. I went to Wooin Cafe where the rooftop has amazing view of the village and beyond. Highly recommend a stop here if you’re looking for some great views of the culture village.

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Day 7: Cafe Hopping

Cafe Coralani

If you’re looking for a cafe that feels like a seaside escape, the Cafe Coralani is it! It’s located right at the coast and offers an airy resort-like vibe. It’s definitely more like a vacation destination than a quick coffee stop. The outdoor rooftop seating is definitely the highlight where you can enjoy the sea breeze while enjoy pastries and coffee. You can relax and soak in all the ocean views.

Oncheon Oncheon Cafe Street

Rather than a single café, Oncheon Oncheon Café Street is an entire area dedicated to café hopping. It is located near Busan’s historic hot spring district, this street is lined with independent cafés, bakeries, and creative spaces. It’s the perfect spot to wander without a strict plan, popping into whichever café catches your eye. Also, if you visit during the Spring, you can catch the entire Oncheoncheon stream lined with blooming cherry blossoms.

Thrill on the Mug Cafe

Thrill on the Mug Cafe offers a fun and playful experience that makes it stand out from other Busan Cafes. It has a unique concept with terraced seating facing the ocean, with its most popular time being sunset, where the sun is the positioned center stage. If you want to experience the “thrill”, you can opt to ride the zipline here!

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