15 days in South Korea Itinerary

The main town on the largest of Korea's islands, Jeju has a volcanic landscape protected by UNESCO. The World Heritage-listed volcanic island includes the country's highest peak, sets of impressive lava tubes and columns, and several crater lakes.

Take a break from the city and head to Manjanggul Cave and Hallim Park. Change things up with these side-trips from Jeju: Seogwipo (Seongsan Ilchulbong & Gwangchigi Beach). There's much more to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Hamdeok Beach, stroll around Sarabong Park, tour the pleasant surroundings at Gwakji Gwamul Beach, and hunt for treasures at Dongmun Market.

For maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Jeju trip planner.

Seattle, USA to Jeju is an approximately 17.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Pacific Standard Time to Korean Standard Time, which is usually a 17 hour difference. In September, Jeju is a bit warmer than Seattle - with highs of 78°F and lows of 73°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 3rd (Sun) early enough to catch the flight to Busan.

The country's second city, Busan has often been referred to as South Korea's summer capital.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Mon): enjoy the sand and surf at Gwangalli Beach, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Haeundae Beach, and then observe the fascinating underwater world at SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium. Here are some ideas for day two: see the interesting displays at Busan Museum, then browse the eclectic array of goods at Jagalchi Market, then walk around Yongdusan Park, and finally take some stellar pictures from Taejongdae.

For where to stay, reviews, photos, and tourist information, go to the Busan visit planning site.

You can fly from Jeju to Busan in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry, taxi, and train. Traveling from Jeju in October, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be little chillier in Busan, with lows of 56°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Sokcho.

Tourism in Sokcho mostly revolves around the local national park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Wed): explore the striking landscape of Seoraksan National Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the natural beauty of Cheoksan Foot Spa Park, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Ulsanbawi Rock, then admire the sheer force of Biryong Falls, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Naksansa Temple.

For more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, read Sokcho journey planner.

Getting from Busan to Sokcho by car takes about 5 hours. Other options: do a combination of flight, train, and bus; or take a bus. Traveling from Busan in October, expect nights in Sokcho to be about the same, around 60°F, while days are slightly colder, around 66°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Thu) early enough to drive to Seoul.

One of east Asia's major cultural and financial centers, Seoul boasts five World Heritage Sites and a huge selection of museums, temples, shrines, palaces, parks, gardens, and glass-and-steel skyscrapers.

Get outdoors at Bukhansan National Park and Cheonggyecheon Stream. And it doesn't end there: take an in-depth tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, admire the natural beauty at Namsan Park, admire the striking features of Deoksugung, and ponder the world of politics at Seoul City Hall.

For reviews, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Seoul trip itinerary maker.

Drive from Sokcho to Seoul in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 66°F in October, and nighttime lows around 65°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Mon) early enough to fly back home.