Ultimate 2 week South Korea Itinerary: Best Places (2024)

Are you planning a 2 Week South Korea itinerary in 2024? This is our in-depth guide on how you can travel 2 weeks in South Korea visiting beautiful temples, eating the best food and learning about the Korean culture.

We’ll show you the best places to visit in South Korea and the best things to do in each place – tips on how to get around the country, what apps you need and how to budget for a 2 week South Korea trip. Let’s explore what to do in South Korea and create your South Korea route!

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Quick Tips for 2 weeks in South Korea

• Currency – Korean Won (compare to your own currency here)
• Language – Korean (한글)
• Cuisine – Korean Cuisine (noodles, rice, BBQ & kimchi)
• Apps – NaverMaps (like GoogleMaps) & Kako Talk (like Google Translate)
• Transport Card – T-Money Card (the easiest way to use public transport in South Korea)
• Korea Power Voltage – Plugs C & F (220 V)

Simcard options for South Korea

E-Sim – A great option if you don’t need a Korean number! Purchase the sim online and with instructions you can install the sim on your phone settings! Here’s a 12 Day E-Sim. (£9.50 for 12 days)

Prepaid Sim – This may be preferred if you also want a Korean number as well as data. Price changes depending on the length you want the sim. Find a sim card on Klook here! (£15 for 10 days) Pick up at the airport.

Portable Wifi – A great option if you want to connect more than just your phone! Find a portable Wifi on Klook here! (£20 for 10 days) Pick up at the airport.

We also recommend having a portable charger for your phone so you always have enough battery to last the day and still use wifi! We recommend this one – Anker Power Bank!

Best time to visit South Korea

The best time to visit South Korea is around March – June (Spring) and September – November (Fall)! This doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy visiting in other months however the winter will be very cold and the summer will be very hot and humid!

Visiting South Korea in the winter means you have a chance to see snowfall and join in with winter activities. But in Spring you can see the cherry blossoms and in Fall you can see the autumnal foliage.

Also look at 25+ Best South Korea Travel Tips: What to Know Before Visiting!

How to get around South Korea

South Korea is one of the easiest countries to get around – there are speed trains, well-connected cities, intercity buses and local buses! In the big cities, there are also metros to help you get to your destination. A Korea Rail Pass is a discounted train ticket that can help you get around the country – Find tickets on Klook here!

Trains – The fastest way to get around South Korea (Korail tickets here) (Korea Rail Pass here)

Express & Intercity Buses – Another easy way to get around & cheaper than trains! (Kobus tickets)

Flights – Flights to Jeju Island from Seoul or Busan – Check Skyscanner for flight times and prices!

2 Week South Korea Itinerary

Now that we’ve explained a few things about arriving in South Korea, let’s get down to the South Korea 14 day itinerary! We have written separate in-depth guides about most of the places on our list, so check out our page after you’re finished with this 2 weeks in South Korea route!

Day 1 – 5 | Seoul

The best way to start your 2 week South Korea itinerary is in the capital – Seoul! This city has a lot to offer and it’s one of the best places to learn about Korean culture whilst you get settled into the country.

How to get to Seoul

It’s likely you’ll be arriving at Incheon Airport which is just outside of Seoul. The best way to get to the city centre is to take the Airport Rail Road on the AREX Line. You can buy a ticket at the machines (there’s an English option!) and just follow the signs for the platform heading to Seoul Station. Find tickets on Klook here.

You can also buy a T-Money Card from a convenience store at the airport and top up here too (10,000 is a good starting point!). You’ll definitely want one for travelling around Seoul, so it’s best to buy one now!

Once you arrive at Seoul Station, you can head to your accommodation using buses or the metro. Naver Maps will be the best app for directions!

What to do in Seoul

There are many things to do in Seoul and you could honestly spend 2 weeks in South Korea just exploring the different areas of this capital city! We recommend 5 days or 5 nights in Seoul as this gives you the best amount of time to see what the city has to offer whilst not rushing around too much. Here’s a list of some of the activities to do in Seoul! (Also check out our 5 Day Seoul Itinerary travel guide here!)

Explore Insa-dong & Ikseon-dong

Insa-dong is one of our favourite neighbourhoods in Seoul. The area is filled with cosy restaurants, lovely teahouses and independent shops. The area is known for its historic art presence and you’ll also find galleries in between the alleys. If you’re hungry, enjoy a traditional Korean lunch or dinner at Osegye Hyang (location) in the beautiful streets of Insadong.

Nearby Insa-dong is Ikseon-dong – a hanok village full of trendy cafes, photo booths and cute shops! It’s a beautiful area to explore on your 2 weeks in South Korea itinerary.

Shop in Myeong Dong

Myeong Dong is the main shopping area in Seoul, there are luxury shopping malls, known fashion brands and so many cosmetic stores! The Myeong Dong Walking Street (location) is the main strip and you’ll find street vendors around this area too. It’s a great option for dinner or you can find one of the many restaurants in the area.

Check out some of Seoul’s Palaces:

• Changdeokgung
• Changgyeonggung
• Gyeongbokgung (highly recommend!)
• Deoksugung
• Gyeonghuigung

On your 2 week South Korea itinerary, we recommend visiting Changdeokgung & Changgyeonggung together as they are close together in the same park. The entry for Changdeokgung is 3000 won and Changgyeonggung is 1000 won. Changdeokgung served as the principal palace of multiple Joseon kings for over 250 years!

Another palace that’s definitely worth a visit is Gyeongbokgung – one of the most beautiful palaces in Seoul. It was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty and was built in 1395. The gardens are also beautiful to walk around.

Rent a Hanbok in South Korea

To make your visit to a palace even more special, you can rent and wear a hanbok for a few hours. There are many rental shops in Seoul around palaces and hanok villages. We recommend wearing your hanbok in Gyeongbokgung Palace as it’s the perfect size to explore and there’s a great rental shop nearby! Find the link on Klook here – Hanbok Rental Klook

Klook.com

Bukchon Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village with over 900 preserved homes. It’s the perfect area to visit at the beginning of your 2 weeks in South Korea to experience South Korean culture. Here’s the location for the area – Bukchon Village Location!

Namsan Park & Seoul Tower

Visiting Namsam Park is one of the best places to visit in South Korea! It should definitely be on your 2 week South Korea itinerary and it’s the perfect spot to view all of Seoul! It will take 30 minutes to 1 hour to reach the top of the park and it’s a relatively easy climb up to the top.

After admiring the views at the top of the park, you can go even higher and go to the top of Seoul Tower! Tickets are really affordable on Klook – so make sure you buy your ticket in advance! They don’t sell out and it’s an open ticket for whichever day you want to go on your South Korea route.

Visit Hongdae, Itaewon & Gangnam

All in different areas of Seoul, these three neighbourhoods along with Insadong and Myeongdong are some of the best places to visit in Seoul. Hongdae is one of the hip and trendy areas of Seoul, with many shops, restaurants and themed cafes. It’s also a great spot for nightlife alongside Itaewon.

Itaewon is right at the base of Namsan Park and it’s the place to go if you want to see the foreign area of Seoul – there are many international restaurants, shops and bookstores here! We recommend Plant Cafe Seoul (location) for lunch here!

You may have heard of the song ‘Gangnam Style’ and it’s actually a neighbourhood in Seoul – one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in the country! The best spots to visit in Gangnam are Gangnam Shopping Street & Starfield Library Location.

DMZ Tour

Learn about the history of the Korean war and visit the Demilitarized Zone of Korea! It’s an important part of their country and you also get the chance to see a view of North Korea. You can only do this with a tour – book tickets with Klook here!

There’s also an Eland Hangang River Cruise to make your 2 week South Korea itinerary more unique! You can also day trip to Nami Island for a journey into nature.

5 Day Seoul Itinerary Breakdown: Day 1 – Insadong, Ikseon-dong & Myeong Dong / Day 2 – Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Bukchon Village & Hongdae / Day 3 – N Seoul Tower & Itaewon / Day 4 – Gyeongbokgung, Hanbok, Naksan Park & Gwangjang Market / Day 5 – Seoul Forest & Gangnam

Head over to our 5 Day Seoul itinerary for more details on how to plan the perfect trip to South Korea's capital city! Including more tips!

Where to stay in Seoul

Best area to stay in Seoul: Insadong, Myeongdong, Hongdae, Itaewon & Gangnam

Hostel Tommy $-$$ (Insadong) – This location is perfect for a first-time visit to Seoul. It’s close to the hanok villages, royal palaces, trendy cafes, restaurants and convenience stores. Located minutes away from a metro station to take you anywhere in the city. The hostel has dorms and private rooms to suit each traveller and there’s a common area with a kitchen! Find the link to Booking.com here – Hostel Tommy Booking.com

Where to eat in Seoul

Osegye Hyang $ (Insadong) – Traditional Korean vegan restaurant (location)
Maru $ (Insadong) – Vegan street food (location)
Gwangjang Market (Stall A11) $ (Jongno 5) – Vegan options at the famous market (location)
Plant Cafe Seoul $$ (Itaewon) – International vegan cuisine in Seoul (location) (website)

Day 5 – 6 | Golgulsa Templestay

‘Templestay‘ is a unique cultural programme in South Korea. There are many Buddhist temples in the country that allow guests to stay overnight and join in activities and meditation. It allows visitors to experience the life of Buddhist monks in Korea and they’re all so welcoming. Want to add this to your South Korea 14 day itinerary?

How to get to Golgulsa Temple from Seoul

KTX – You can book your train tickets online here – Korail Train Tickets and get a Korea Rail Pass if you’re planning to travel more of South Korea by train. Once you have your ticket head to Seoul Station and get on your train to Singyeongju Station (around 2 hours) The KTX will cost around 45,000KWR for a one-way ticket.

Once you’ve reached Gyeongju, you can catch a bus (150 / 100 / 100-1 around 50 minutes) to the Andong bus stop and then it’s a 15-minute walk to Golgulsa Temple. It’s also possible to get a taxi to the temple from Gyeongju which is faster.

Another option would be to take a bus or car! Bus – Head to Express Bus Terminal and get a bus to Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal. It will take around 4 hours and is usually cheaper than the KTX. A car is also a great option to get to Golgulsa Temple as the temple has lots of parking spaces.

What to do at Golgulsa Templestay

As the Golgulsa Templestay is a programme – there will be certain schedules for weekdays and weekends. It’s completely optional to do any of these activities, but all of them are included in your Templestay experience.

Sunmudo Performance

One of the reasons why Golgulsa Temple is so unique is due to its teaching of Sunmudo. It’s a Korean Buddhist martial art involving strength and patience. The first activity you’ll do on arrival is to watch the Sunmudo Performance and it’s so beautiful.

You can also find out more here – Golgulsa Temple Sunmudo Website.

Sunmudo Training

Now it’s your turn to train like a Buddhist monk (it’s super hard!). If it’s summer, you’ll honestly break a sweat but these activities are so fun! One of the monks here at Golgulsa Temple showed us all the techniques they use to train on a daily basis and the strength he has because of this training.

108 Prostrations (Bows)

Buddhists bow 108 times to purify the body and free themself from the 108 defilements. During your Templestay in Korea, it’s possible to join in with these bows. It’s a beautiful experience to watch.

How to book a Templestay in South Korea?

The best way to book a stay at Golgulsa Templestay is through their website – Here’s the link for Golgulsa Templestay Reservations. The price is 60,000KRW per night, per person. (30krw for a pre-schooler)

We use a Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit to take photos of us together on our camera, it’s so useful especially when there’s no one around! There’s also a version for a phone – Joby Phone Tripod to get the best photos on your 2 weeks in South Korea!

What is the food like at Golgulsa Templestay?

Included with the price are 3 meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner! This will be Buddhist Korean temple food which means strictly vegetarian (almost all vegan!) It’s likely you’ll have rice for all three meals with kimchi and other vegetables, it’s a really good choice of food and you can pick the food yourself.

We've also shared our Golgulsa Templstay Review so you can find out exactly what it's like to stay overnight in a South Korean Buddhist Temple. It's a unique experience!

We 100% recommend Golgulsa Templestay and if you have the time on your 2 weeks in South Korea itinerary, we would even spend 2 days. Although one night is enough to experience the lifestyle.

Day 6 – 8 | Gyeongju

Gyeongju is a museum with no walls. It was the residence of Silla rulers for over 1000 years! It’s one of the best cities to visit in South Korea for its many archaeological sites. The remains sites and tombs from this time frame have been preserved, which makes Gyeongju a place to learn. It’s definitely a great spot to add to your 2 week South Korea itinerary!

How to get to Gyeongju from Golgulsa Temple

There’s a high chance you passed through Gyeongju to reach Golgulsa Temple. If you arrived at Golgulsa Temple by bus, then you can simply follow the same way back to the city. Head to the Andong bus stop (a 15-minute walk) and then wait for a 150 / 100 / 100-1, it should take around 50 minutes to get to Gyeongju city.

What to do in Gyeongju

There are many things to do in Gyeongju as part of your places to visit in South Korea itinerary – for a more in-depth guide check out of 11 Best Things to do in Gyeongju with lots of details about visiting the city.

Woljeonggyo Bridge

This beautiful bridge was built during the Unified Silla period (AD 676-935). It was burned down after this time frame and in April 2018 it was rebuilt. It’s now considered the biggest wooden bridge in South Korea. It’s also free to visit, like most things in Gyeongju.

Daereungwon Tomb Complex

An interesting way to spend your 2 weeks in South Korea is to visit Daereungwon Tomb Complex – an ancient burial site with 23 tombs. Cheonmachong Tomb is the most famous as you can see inside the tomb! There’s a lot of information and artefacts inside. The complex is 3000 won for entry.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

In the Silla Kingdom times, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond was an important palace and banquet hall for guests. It was abandoned in 1935 when the Silla Dynasty ended. However, in 1963, South Korea listed the palace as a historical site and it was beautifully renovated.

The best time to visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond is after sunset as the Palace glows up gold! It’s a magical place to see on your 2 week South Korea itinerary.

Cheomseongdae

Add Cheomseongdae to your South Korea itinerary if you want to see one of the oldest astronomical observatories in Asia! It was built in the kingdom of Silla and used exactly as an observatory – to collect information on the galaxy. Check out Gyerim Forest if you’re in the area, it’s a great spot for sunsets.

Hwangnidan-Gil

This trendy street is filled with the coolest shops, the cutest cafes, teahouses and more! It’s one of the best places to find clothes and snacks in Gyeongju.

Check out our list of 11 Best Things to do in Gyeongju with a 2-day itinerary included! 

Where to stay in Gyeongju

We recommend staying in Hwangnam-dong and Noseo-dong. These areas are both close to many great sites in Gyeongju and there will be options for any budget. Bomun Tourist Complex area is also a good place to stay if you’re visiting Gyeongju World!

Doobaki Guesthouse $-$$ – Dorms & Private Rooms – We highly recommend Doobaki Guesthouse, it suits every traveller and there’s a big common area with a kitchen, games and the cutest cat! – Find here on Booking.com!

Dorandoran Guesthouse $-$$ – This guesthouse is also in a great location in Gyeongju and includes complimentary breakfast. – Find here on Booking.com!

Where to eat in Gyeongju

Top Market (Grocery Store) – Vegan instant ramens, bread, fruits & veggies!
Baru $-$$ – A little out of the city centre, but a great spot for Vegan Korean food!

Day 8 – 11 | Busan

Busan is another must on your South Korea itinerary 14 days route! It’s the perfect spot to spend a few days and experience the city by the sea. There are many markets, skyscrapers and hikes to do here. Let’s explore more on your 2 weeks in South Korea itinerary!

How to get to Busan from Gyeongju

The best way to get from Gyeongju to Busan is by KTX or Bus – We recommend getting the bus because the Bus station is in the centre of Gyeongju, whilst the train station is a bus ride away. The bus will drop you off at one of Busan’s 4 bus terminals, and you can use public transport to make your way to your accommodation. It takes less than 1 hour by bus.

What to do in Busan

Here are a few of the best things you can do in Busan to fill 3 days! Some of the best places to visit in South Korea are located in this city, including amazing beaches! Check out the Visit Busan Pass if you plan to do a lot of activities in Busan.

Gamcheon Culture Village

Another must-visit on your 14 day South Korea itinerary is Gamcheon Culture Village! It’s also one of the best places to visit in South Korea and Busan.

Gamcheon Village has come a long way since the Korean war when it was populated with some of Busan’s poorest residents. After a time, the Tourism Board of South Korea chose to bring the village to life with art and soon after it became a beautiful attraction with cute cafes and trendy shops.

It’s free to enter – but you can buy a map for 2000 won which helps you find your way through the maze-like village.

Igidae Coastal Walk

If you’re looking for a long coastal walk for your 2 week South Korea itinerary, Busan is the place to be. The Igidae Coastal Walk will last between 1-3 hours and you don’t have to commit to the whole length as there’s many exit and entry points.

The walk itself is breathtaking with views of Busan, the ocean and wildlife along the way. A fun free activity on the north side of the walk is the Oryukdo Skywalk – a glass bridge with views of the rocks and ocean.

Nampo-dong

A short bus ride away from Gamcheon Culture Village is Nampo-dong – one of the coolest areas of Busan. There are many things to do in this area, including markets, bars, restaurants and shopping!

• Markets in Nampo – Jagalchi Fish Market & Gukje Market
• Gwangbokdong Food Street – The street food in Nampo comes alive at night!
• Biff Square – Another spot for street food and the annual film festival

Sunset at Lotte Department Building

The best spot for free views of Busan! Head to the Lotte Department Building and go up to the highest floor, from there you will find the garden and rooftop with views of all of Nampo and the iconic Busan Tower. It’s another great idea for your 2 week South Korea itinerary.

Also check out a visit to Lotte World in Seoul and Busan – one of South Korea’s best theme parks!

Busan Tower

Busan Tower is very famous for making up the Busan skyline. The views are very beautiful from the tower but similar to the department building. The entry price is 12,000 won to go up the tower.

Evening in Seomyeon

Seomyeon is the central hub of Busan, it’s well-connected to all transport and you’ll definitely pass through here a few times on your trip. The area is filled with food, shops and even arcade games for you to spend a great evening on your South Korea route.

Another evening activity is the Busan Night Tour to see the magical Illumia Park.

Haedong Yonggung Temple

On your South Korea route, head to Haedong Yonggung Temple – a temple located on the amazing coast of Busan. It was built during Goryeo Dynasty in 1376 and it’s known to be one of the most beautiful temples in South Korea. It’s also free to enter!

It’s easy to reach Haedong Yonggung Temple by public transport such as metro and bus. It takes around 1 hour from Seomyeon. Use NaverMaps for the exact directions.

Relax at Haeundae Beach

Also on the east side of Busan is Haeundae Beach – one of the most popular beaches in Busan! Depending on the season, you’ll have different experiences at the beach. In the summer there’s many crowds but the opportunity to see festivals such as the sand festival!

There’s a long seafront to walk along with many restaurants and you can enjoy this in any season! Also check out the Haeundae Markets too! Check out BUSAN X the SKY for incredible views from the skyscrapers in Haeundae! Find tickets on Klook here.

3 Day Busan Itinerary Breakdown: Day 1 – Gamcheon Village & Nampo / Day 2 – Temples & Beaches / Day 3 – Coastal Walk & Seomyeon

We also have a very detailed 3-Day Busan Itinerary if you want to know how to plan your days!

Klook.com

Where to stay in Busan

We recommend staying in Seomyeon if you have a few days in Busan as it’s well-connected to all the great things to do in the city. There’s enough going on to enjoy your evenings after a day of exploring. Other areas to stay in are Nampo, Haeundae and Gwangan.

Dynamic Guesthouse $-$$ (Seomyeon) – Feel like a local and stay in an apartment block in Seomyeon! Located on the 36th floor are two penthouse apartments split into rooms – one of the coolest places we’ve stayed in! Find Dynamic Guesthouse on Booking.com here!

Plea De Blanc Hotel & Residence $-$$ (Haeundae) – A great place to stay during summer in South Korea. Find Plea Blanc Hotel & Residence on Booking.com here!

Where to eat in Busan

Dajeon $ (Seomyeon) – Some of the best bibimbaps!
Soban Vegan Restaurant $ (near Gamcheon) – Go here for the vegan fried chicken!
Doko – Dosi Nongga Cafe $-$$ (Seomyeon) – Bakery with vegan options!

Day 11 – 13 | Jeonju

On your last few days before heading back to Seoul, take the time to explore Jeonju – another great weekend trip away from Seoul! Back in 892 to 936, Jeonju was the capital of the Hubaekje Kingdom. We’ll show you why Jeonju is worth a visit and the best things to do in this lovely city.

How to get to Jeonju from Busan

Using public transport is the best way to get from Busan to Jeonju! We recommend taking the bus as it’s direct compared to the train. Head to Busan Central Bus Terminal and catch a bus heading to Jeonju, it should take around 3 hours.

Sometimes these buses can be busy and sell out, so if you want a certain bus make sure to book online (if you have a Korean number) or book ahead on your first day in Busan at the same station.

The bus is direct and drops you off at Jeonju Bus Terminal. From the bus terminal, you can take another bus to the traditional Hanok village. Use Naver Maps to double-check your directions!

Alternatively, you can take the train, however, you’ll need to change at Osong Station and it takes almost around the same time as a bus (which is usually cheaper!)

What to do in Jeonju

Jeonju is a very popular spot for locals so you’ll find a lot of souvenirs, cute cafes and you can even rent these tricycle-style vehicles to get around the city. Renting a hanbok is another popular activity here as every spot is so photographable! Jeonju is definitely worth a stop during your 2 weeks in South Korea, even if it’s for just one night.

Explore Jeonju Hanok Village

At this point, you would have seen many hanok villages on your 2 week South Korea itinerary. You don’t definitely won’t be bored of them at this point as the one in Jeonju has the largest hanok village in South Korea! It’s ultimately one of the main reasons Jeonju is a popular visit.

Explore the village in your own time and there are many cafes and teahouses around to spend some time.

Also look at 25+ Best South Korea Travel Tips: What to Know Before Visiting!

Jaman Mural Village

Another beautiful village to explore is the Mural Village just to the east of the hanok village. Since the Korean War when the buildings were rather dull, Jeonju decided to revamp them! Art such as colourful murals have made this place an attraction and even galleries have now opened in the area.

Gyeonggijeon Shrine

Gyeonggijeon Shrine is important in Jeonju and South Korea as it holds the portrait of King Tae-jo – the inventor of the Joseon dynasty. There are actually a few portraits of King Taejo that are preserved here. It’s an interesting spot to visit on your 2 week South Korea itinerary.

Nambu Market

This market is big! It’s possible to find almost anything here from food to household items and clothes to souvenirs. There’s a night market every Friday and Saturday, but it’s also open during the daytime all week.

Jeondong Cathedral

Right next to the traditional Hanok village is the Old Cathedral of Jeondong – an important Catholic church in Jeonju! It was built in honour of Roman Catholics who lost their lives in the Joseon dynasty. The church was designed by Priest Poinel, who also designed Seoul’s Myeongdong Cathedral. They look quite similar too!

See the views from Omokdae

A short hike up this hill will reward you with views of the hanok village and part of Jeonju city in the background. It’s totally worth it at any time of day or season!

Where to stay in Jeonju

The best place to stay in Jeonju is around Jeonju Hanok Village. It’s very popular to stay in a traditional hanok when visiting Jeonju – and that’s exactly what we did! When browsing the internet we found many options for anyone’s budget and luckily found Jungdam that fit our budget.

Jungdam $-$$ – Right in the heart of the traditional Korean village. Jungdam is a hanok home split into many rooms for guests to come and enjoy the experience. They provide the best Korean breakfast in the morning – even suitable for vegans! Find here on Booking.com!

Where to eat in Jeonju

Jeonju is the birthplace of bibimbap! Try bibimbap from any restaurant in Jeonju to feel the authentic touch. If you’re after vegan options, here’s what we recommend!

Plantica $-$$ – The best Korean-inspired sandwiches with cakes & drinks!
Pool $-$$ – Great spot for vegan Japanese food in Jeonju!

Day 14 | Seoul

Now you’re back in Seoul for the last night of your 2 week South Korea itinerary! After an incredible trip, you can tick off a few things you didn’t get a chance to do. Maybe revisit a favourite restaurant or neighbourhood? It’s completely up to you!

We spent our last day playing arcade games in Hongdae and eating at Osegye Hyang $ (Insadong) – Our favourite traditional Korean vegan restaurant in Seoul (location)!

How to get to Seoul from Jeonju

The best way to get from Jeonju to Seoul is by bus or train! Again, we recommend the train as it’s a little less expensive and only takes 2 hours and 40 minutes. You can buy your bus tickets as soon as you arrive in Jeonju at Jeonju Bus Terminal. When you arrive in Seoul, there will be many public transport options for you to grab to get to your accommodation!

Interested in getting a Korea Rail Pass? Check out tickets on Klook for a demonstration on how to book tickets and an easy way to receive your pass!

Where to stay in Seoul before leaving

For your last night in Seoul, you can choose anywhere that’s close to a metro line that gets to Seoul Station. If it’s available you can stay in the same place as your first time in Seoul or pick a new neighbourhood! Hongdae is another great place to stay as you can get the AREX Express from Hongik Univ Station.

Hostel Tommy $-$$ (Insadong) – We still recommend Hostel Tommy as his hospitality was amazing! It’s a great spot for 5 nights or 1 night in Seoul. It has easy connections to the airport via the metro and Seoul Station. Find the link to Booking.com here – Hostel Tommy Booking.com

2 Weeks in South Korea Itinerary Breakdown

Seoul – 5 nights, Golgulsa Templetsay – 1 night, Gyeongju – 2 nights, Busan – 3 nights, Jeonju – 2 nights & Seoul – 1 night!

Other Places To Visit in South Korea

Jeju Island – Jeju Island is the best vacation for those living in South Korea. It’s filled with nature, hikes and fresh air! You can reach Jeju island by flight from Seoul or Busan. It’s highly recommended to rent a car or motorbike whilst you’re here as the transport can take a while. However, if you have 4-5 days on the island it’s totally possible to have a great time with public transport. (We’d love to visit Jeju Island in the future on another South Korea trip!)

Seoraksan National Park – Another great escape from Seoul is Seoraksan National Park (Sokcho). It’s possible to visit here on a 2 week South Korea itinerary. If you’d like to fit it into this South Korea route, take off 1 night in Seoul and travel by bus early morning on one day and late afternoon the following day. The hikes here are pretty impressive, but possibly not for beginners.

Want to be a more sustainable traveller? Check out our 18 Great Eco Friendly Travel Products guide!

How do I plan a 2 week trip to South Korea?

Now that you’ve read our 2 week South Korea itinerary, it’s time to truly start planning your trip! Start with focusing on what you really want to get out of your Korea trip.

As entry requirements are still around, please double-check if you’re eligible to enter the country! Also, check if you’re eligible for a visa in South Korea. Other than that, if you use this exact 2 weeks in South Korea itinerary, the first step:

• Check for any national holidays on your date of visit (check here!)
• Quick check if places of interest are open (sometimes things are closed on Mondays!)
• Book your flights (check prices here!)
• Book your accommodation (book here!)
• Book your templestay (book here!)
• Book any trains you want to take (book here and take a look at the Korea Rail Pass)

Is 2 weeks in Seoul enough?

Yes! 2 weeks in South Korea is the perfect amount of time to see the best places to visit in the country. We’ve created our 2 week South Korea itinerary at a good pace, so you don’t have to rush around every 2 days. We wanted to minimize our flights at the time, which is one of the reasons we didn’t visit Jeju Island, however, it’s totally possible on a 2-week trip!

Must-Try Foods in South Korea (Vegan edition!)

• Bibimbap (rice bowl with veggies!)
• Vegan Korean Fried Chicken (vegan chicken coated in a sweet bbq like sauce)
• Gimbap (similar to sushi)
• Tteok-bokki (rice cakes in a spicy tomato like sauce)
• Kimchi (there are many vegan-friendly versions around Korea)
• Baked Sweet Potato (the best street snack, sometimes covered in sugar)

We also have a Vegan in South Korea Guide – Best Restaurants & Snacks (2024)!

How much to budget for 2 weeks in South Korea?

We visited South Korea knowing it should be less expensive than the UK – and it is! It’s also slightly less expensive than in Japan. Here’s our average daily budget for 2 weeks in South Korea – South Korea Travel Costs (2024).

How can you save extra money? Choose restaurants that aren’t so expensive, shop at convenience stores more often and stay in private rooms in hostels! Take buses over trains (although maybe treat yourself to one!)

Check out our 10 Best South Korea Budget Tips + Travel Costs (2024)!

What to pack for 2 weeks in South Korea?

This really depends on the season that you visit – if it’s winter, bring thermals, gloves and a hat. If it’s summer you may want to bring a raincoat or umbrella! Here are a few we can’t travel without:

• Stainless Steel Water Bottle – Our metal water bottles have been our side throughout it all! They are easy to clean and are better than plastic! Bring one along for your 2 week South Korea itinerary.
• Worldwide Travel Adaptor – The number one plug to have when travelling to different countries. It has one international plug and 4 USB slots to charge your gadgets at the same time.
• Amazon Basics Packing Cubes – We always travel with packing cubes and even use them at home!
• Anker Power Bank – A portable charger is always useful for those journeys around South Korea!
• Rain Mac in a Bag – A lightweight raincoat to help with tropical rain or light spring rain, we also have a backpack cover to stop our clothes from getting wet in our backpacks.
• Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit – GorillaPods are a great little tripod to carry on a South Korea trip, they’re lightweight and can fit in a carry-on bag. They capture some of the best photos when there’s no one around to take a photo of you. We love our Joby GorillaPod and use it for our Sony A600. There’s also a version for a phone – Joby Phone Tripod.
• Osprey Farpoint 40l Backpack – One of Dan’s favourite pieces of gear, perfect for long or short journeys. Better yet, it’s aeroplane carry-on compliant!

What to do after visiting South Korea

Japan – Whilst you’re in this area of the world, why not visit South Korea’s neighbour – Japan! You can find flights from Seoul or Busan that take you straight into many amazing areas of the country. Check out our Ultimate 2 week Japan Itinerary (2024) The Best Places!

South East Asia – This region of the world is filled with budget-friendly locations with beautiful beaches, mountains, culture and more! After South Korea, you may want to visit Thailand and have a relaxing vacation.

More South Korea guides:

• 5 Day Seoul Itinerary – Best Things To Do (2024)
• Staying in Golgulsa Temple: The Best Templestay in Korea (2024)
• 25+ Best South Korea Travel Tips: What to Know
• 3 day Busan Itinerary: What to do in Busan (2024)
• 11 Best Things to do in Gyeongju: Itinerary (2024)
• Ultimate South Korea Bucket List: 20 Best Things To Do
• Vegan in South Korea Guide – Best Restaurants & Snacks (2024)
• All our South Korea posts!

That’s the end of our Ultimate 2 week South Korea Itinerary: Best Places (2024)! Have the best trip to South Korea and if you need any more help planning – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

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