Korea 5-Day Free Travel Guide
2 cities |
21 attraction(s) |
total distance 385
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day1: Seoul
5 attraction(s) ·
4 km
1
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the first palace built in the early days of the Joseon Dynasty, with a history of 600 years. It was once a grand palace and now showcases delicate beauty. Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces and features unique architecture such as Geunjeongjeon Hall and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. In addition, there are the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum where visitors can explore and experience. Gyeongbokgung Palace is open to the public and there is a ticket office at the entrance of Gwanghwamun. Visitors can also watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and take photos with the guards, immersing themselves in Korean classical culture.
The name Gyeongbokgung means "great blessings and prospering the nation," reflecting the early aspirations of the Joseon Dynasty. It was completed in 1395 and at its peak had over 390 buildings. During the Japanese invasion in the late 16th century, Gyeongbokgung Palace was burned down and remained abandoned for 273 years. It was restored during the reign of King Gojong but suffered significant damage during the Japanese colonial period, with some buildings demolished and replaced by the Government-General Building. After Korea's independence, Gyeongbokgung Palace gradually underwent restoration, with the completion of the restoration project of Gwanghwamun Gate in 2010. There are also guided tours available in Chinese, departing from the inside of the Geunjeongmun Gate at four designated times.
1
km
2
Blue House, the presidential office and political center of South Korea, gets its name from its unique blue tiled roof. Located in a beautiful area, Blue House is highly regarded among foreign tourists. To visit Blue House, one must apply in advance on the website and once approved, visitors must follow the staff's instructions. Photography is only allowed in designated areas and visitors are not allowed to bring food or record videos. Additionally, foreign tourists must carry their passports when visiting Blue House.
1
km
3
삼청동
Samcheong-dong is located on the east side of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. It is a neighborhood filled with traditional Korean houses and modern cultural vibes. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was a residential area for high-ranking officials, leaving behind many traditional Korean houses. In the 20th century, the Korean government implemented regulations to prohibit the demolition of these houses, leading to strengthened maintenance and preservation efforts, as well as the ban on constructing high-rise buildings. This has made Samcheong-dong the area that best represents traditional Korean architecture, living environment, and traditional village scenery.
Since the 21st century, many businesses such as cafes, traditional tea houses, art galleries, museums, traditional restaurants, international dining establishments, clothing stores, jewelry shops, and leather goods stores have settled in the vicinity of Samcheong-dong, attracting a growing number of visitors. Together with nearby Gahoe-dong, Samcheong-dong boasts a total of 342 art galleries, 669 art galleries, 226 hotels, 3,157 jewelry stores, 54 traditional tea houses, and countless food shops. Therefore, when you step into this area for the first time, the astonishing unique scenery will pique your great interest, and it is impossible to visit all the attractions in just 3-4 hours.
1
km
4
Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the most representative places to experience traditional Korean residential culture. Here, you can feel the authentic living atmosphere as it is a residential area. Therefore, when you visit here as a tourist, please keep quiet so as not to disturb their daily lives. Of course, taking photos here is also an excellent choice. If you want to find the eight major attractions of Bukchon and take beautiful pictures, don't worry about getting lost because there are ground signs to guide you to the best shooting spots. The services here are very thoughtful and convenient for tourists.
2
km
5
Bustling shopping area offering a wide array of traditional food items, plus clothing & souvenirs.
Day2: Seoul
4 attraction(s) ·
8 km
1
Ewha Womans University is one of the world-famous women's universities, attracting many foreign tourists with its beautiful campus and charming Ewha girls. The scenery here is colorful, with enchanting maple leaves in autumn and blooming cherry blossoms in spring. The entire campus is surrounded by greenery, with ancient teaching buildings coexisting harmoniously with trees, giving people a lively and beautiful feeling. There are many stone school buildings like those in fairy tales, quiet little gardens, campus avenues lined with ginkgo trees, and beautiful and captivating faces, making it hard for people to leave. The whole campus is filled with a faint romantic and aesthetic atmosphere, and a moment's stay here will be refreshing. The school also arranges campus tours led by students, and there are many unique shops and restaurants nearby, making it a great place for a leisurely stroll and to experience campus life.
3
km
2
"Gentleman's Dignity" is a wonderful Korean drama, with many scenes filmed around Hongik University (홍익대학교). The art department of Hongik University is one of the most famous in Korea, therefore, the surrounding cultural atmosphere is very rich. There are often artistic performances and shows on the streets, and there is also a lively street culture in the late night. In addition, the nightclubs here are also very popular, so if you want to experience the carnival atmosphere of young people, you are welcome to come and experience it. In addition, there are many delicious restaurants and fashionable young clothing stores here, if you want to travel on a budget, Hongik University area is a very worthwhile place to visit.
2
km
4
Polished high-rise lodging offering a 24/7 pantry, a bar & a garden terrace, plus a fitness room.
Day3: Seoul
4 attraction(s) ·
5 km
1
Opened in 1980, this iconic tower offers panoramic views of the city & a revolving restaurant.
1
km
2
Namsan has an elevation of only 265 meters and is located in the center of Seoul. Despite its low height, it has always been a popular leisure spot for Seoul citizens. From the mountain top, one can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding area, including various attractions such as an octagonal pavilion, N Seoul Tower, an ocean aquarium, and a fountain. On the halfway up the mountain, there are facilities such as Namsan Library. It is convenient to visit, as one can either take a cable car or walk up the stairs. Namsan, N Seoul Tower, Huigyeongdong, Taegeukdang Road, Jeongdong-gil Street, Jeonunsa Temple, Itaewon, and Hyanwonjeong Pavilion are all accessible by walking up the mountain. In addition, driving around is also a popular way to explore. Namsan Park has always been a place of great historical significance. On top of the mountain, one can still see the well-preserved beacon tower, which represents the original state of Namsan and was the center of the capital's defense. From the 479.7-meter-high N Seoul Tower, one can not only enjoy the beautiful view of Seoul, but also overlook the sea in front of Incheon. The revolving restaurant is particularly special, as one can taste delicious food while enjoying Seoul's night view. In addition, Namsangol Hanok Village, consisting of five traditional Korean houses, is also one of the popular attractions for tourists.
3
km
3
DDP is a design plaza that combines traditional historical architecture with cutting-edge modern technology. It covers an area of 62,692 square meters, with a building area of 25,104 square meters and a total area of 86,574 square meters, consisting of 3 underground floors and 4 above-ground floors. In addition to Seoul City Wall and Two-Block Gate (265m² 8,030 square meters), the park also includes buildings such as Dongdaemun History Museum, Dongdaemun Relics Exhibition Ground, Dongdaemun Sports Memorial Hall, event halls, and design galleries. DDP offers various exhibitions and activities such as Seoul Architecture Culture Festival, BANWOOJUNG Show, Hera Seoul Fashion Week, Farmers' Market, etc. Visitors can participate in on-site or group tours, or freely explore using the free audio guide, or participate in children's programs such as design playground and regular workshops. The main facilities of DDP include Art Center, Cultural Center, Design Center, Dongdaemun History Culture Park, and Harmony Square. The Design Market is a multi-purpose market that offers cultural products, experiential activities, and shop-in-shop services, aiming to enhance the vitality of the surrounding commercial area.
1
km
Day4: Busan
4 attraction(s) ·
18 km
1
Expansive beach with lively crowds & convenient access to a variety of hotels, cafes & restaurants.
4
km
2
Popular, curved golden-sand beach lined with tiki umbrellas providing views of the Gwangan Bridge.
12
km
4
Jagalchi Market is the largest fish and seafood market in Korea, offering the freshest seafood daily. As one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Busan, it is a popular destination for foreign visitors. The enthusiastic ajummas (middle-aged women) in the market, speaking in their strong dialect, invite tourists to taste the seafood. The market showcases the charm of Busan. Every year in October, the Jagalchi Festival takes place here, featuring a variety of activities, including experiential events and cultural performances.
Day5: Busan
4 attraction(s) ·
9 km
1
태종대
Feel the refreshing scent of the sea as you close your eyes and let the silver-white waves wash over you. This beautiful masterpiece is created by the waves, wind, and the passage of time. When you open your eyes, the captivating scenery of Taejongdae unfolds before you, leaving you in a state of enchantment.
8
km
4
Haeundae Beach is a popular tourist destination with a long sandy beach and calm waters. The beach is approximately 1.5 kilometers long and 30-50 meters wide, with an average depth of 1 meter. It attracts visitors from both domestic and international travelers throughout the year, not just during the summer. Haeundae Beach also hosts various festivals and events, such as the Lunar New Year Moon Viewing Festival, the Polar Bear Winter Swim Festival, sand sculpture exhibitions, and the Busan Sea Festival. The beach area is also surrounded by a variety of attractions and amenities, providing a great vacation experience for visitors. Additionally, Haeundae Beach is considered one of the top eight beaches in South Korea and offers a free foot bath with hot spring water. It was featured in the 2009 movie "Haeundae," adding to its popularity.
