Spending 7 days in South Korea is enough for a first visit exploring the top two cities of Seoul and Busan, while also allowing you to have 1–2 days to visit the charming Jeju Island or traditional Gyeongju.
In this article, we've carefully selected four 7-day South Korea itineraries to help you plan a wonderful journey. With our tailor-made tour service, each itinerary can be customized based on your preferences.
Itinerary 1: 7-Day Classic South Korea (Most Chosen)
This 7-day itinerary is perfect for a first visit to explore the best of South Korea in Seoul, Gyeongju, and Busan. You would experience plenty of authentic activities to get a fast understanding of the country.
- 3 nights in Seoul
- 1 night in Gyeongju
- 2 nights in Busan
Begins your adventure in Seoul. Visit ancient Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village while wearing a traditional hanbok, meander around Myeongdong, sample local delicacies at Gwangjang Market, and engage in a cooking class. With your private guide accompanying you, you would discover many stories about the city.
Then, travel to Gyeongju to delve deeper into South Korean history. You'll discover some UNESCO World Heritage sites of Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, which have stood a thousand years, and spend a night at a traditional Hanok hotel to experience authentic Korean-style accommodation.
Finally, travel to Busan by KTX (Korea Train Express). Experience the cultural atmosphere of Haedong Yonggung Temple with its stuuning sea views, and "Korean Machu Picchu" at Gamcheon Culture Village.
Our South Korea travel expert would tailor-made a private tour for you based on your preferences and requirements.
Itinerary 2: 7-Day South Korea Itinerary For Families with Teenagers
This 7-day South Korea itinerary is ideal for families traveling with teenage kids as it caters to many kids' interest in K-pop. Your whole family could also participate in many family-friendly activities that every family member would enjoy. Plus, you won't have to change hotels frequently.
- 4 nights in Seoul
- 2 nights in Busan
You'll start in Seoul to delve into history, culture, and food. Here are some carefully-selected experiences in Seoul for your inspiration — our travel advisor would customize your selection of activities based on your preferences.
- Engage in a private K-pop dance class to learn your kids' favorite songs and shoot your K-pop dance video like a real idol.
- Explore the tunnels of the DMZ. Your private guide would provide you with storytelling insights into the history of the Korean War and answer all of your questions.
- Spend a night's stay at a classic Hanok hotel to sleep on cozy tatamis in a family room. A Hanok hotel typically has 5–15 rooms and they easily become fully booked, so we suggest that you make a reservation at least 3 months in advance.
- Try your hand at making kimchi in a local home and sample it along with other Korean foods as your lunch.
Complete your family trip in Busan. You could take an efficient KTX (Korea Train Express) from Seoul. Feed seagulls at the sandy Haeundae Beach, sample street food at BIFF Square, and explore the city at your own pace.
If you have other requirements, contact us and our South Korea travel expert can make it happen.
Itinerary 3: 7-Day Essence of South Korea with Jeju Island
- 3 nights in Seoul
- 1 night in Busan
- 2 nights on Jeju Island
With this 7-day South Korea itinerary, you would explore the major highlights of Seoul and Busan. Wander around the historical landmarks, enjoy a memorable night at a Hanok hotel, meander through the modern districts, and savor various authentic Korean cuisines.
Fly to Jeju Island as your final stop, an attractive island formed by volcanic activity, is filled with amazing natural wonders and unique culture. Hike at Seongsan Ilchulbong ('Sunrise Peak') to enjoy sunrise or sunset, explore the best-preserved Manjanggul lava tube, appreciate a performance by the ama ('sea women') divers using traditional methods to catch seafood, and make traditional pottery with the help of a skilled teacher.
Our travel expert would carefully design each private tour to cater to your unique interests and requirements.
Itinerary 4: Immersion in South Korean Folk Culture and Historical Heritage
If you want to get a deeper understanding of South Korea's history and culture, then this 7-day itinerary should help to satisfy your curiosity.
- 3 nights in Seoul
- 1 night in Andong
- 2 nights in Gyeongju
Embark on your journey in Seoul. Accompanied by a private guide, you would explore Gyeongbokgung palaces, N Seoul Tower, go hiking in Bukhansan, and enjoy a cooking class to taste Korean food.
Andong is famous for its folk culture. You would have the chance to enjoy the unique mask dance performance at the Hahoe Folk Village, one of the best-preserved traditional villages in South Korea. And create your own mask at the Hahoe Mask Museum.
Finish your trip in Gyeongju, known as a "museum without walls". You would have enough time to explore ancient sites, such as Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Donggung Palace with Wolji Pond with a guided tour. What's more, you could learn about the old art of papermaking at Hanji Factory and experience Korean accommodation at a Hanok hotel.
Contact us for more suggestions based on your interests.
How Much Does a 7-Day Trip in South Korea Cost?
US$400–500 per person per day is the typical cost for a private tour with 4-star hotels, based on a family of 3–5 people. This includes a private guide, private car, full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, all intercity transport within Japan, and handpicked 4-star hotels.
Therefore, the total cost for 7 days in South Korea is about US$2,800–3,500 per person (international flights are not included).
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.