18 days in South Korea Itinerary

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.

Appreciate the collections at Gyeongbokgung Palace and National Museum of Korea. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Changdeokgung Palace and Cheonggyecheon Stream. Get out of town with these interesting Seoul side-trips: Paju (The Third Tunnel & DMZ Haemaru Village). There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Insadong, take some stellar pictures from N Seoul Tower, and take in nature's colorful creations at Namsan Park.

For more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Seoul trip planner.

Auckland, New Zealand to Seoul is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. Traveling from Auckland to Seoul, you'll gain 3 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Auckland in October, expect Seoul to be a bit warmer, temps between 22°C and 21°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Wed) early enough to drive to Sokcho.

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

Start off your visit on the 18th (Thu): explore the wealth of natural beauty at 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, hike along Ulsanbawi Rock, thencontemplate in the serene atmosphere at Naksansa Temple, and finally visit Abai Village.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Sokcho online trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Seoul to Sokcho in 2.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Expect a bit cooler evenings in Sokcho when traveling from Seoul in October, with lows around 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Andong.

Sitting along either side of the Nakdong River, Andong maintains an unrivalled reputation as a center for Korean folk and cultural heritage.

Start off your visit on the 20th (Sat): visit Andong Gunja Village (Historic Site of Ocheon), contemplate the long history of Dosanseowon Confucian School, thenappreciate the extensive heritage of Andong Hahoe Folk Village, and finally contemplate the long history of Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy.

For traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Andong trip planning website.

Traveling by car from Sokcho to Andong takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. October in Andong sees daily highs of 23°C and lows of 18°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sat) so you can go by car to Gyeongju.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the Republic of Korea, Gyeongju combines a rich cultural heritage with mountain and coastal scenery.

Get some cultural insight at Gyeongju National Museum and Bulguksa Temple. Cheonmachong Tomb and Gyeongju Historic Area will appeal to history buffs. Spend the 23rd (Tue) exploring nature at Gyeongju National Park. There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at Cheomseongdae Observatory, appreciate the history behind Tongiljeon, explore the activities along Anapji Pond, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Seokguram.

To find where to stay, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Gyeongju attractions planner.

Traveling by car from Andong to Gyeongju takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In October, daily temperatures in Gyeongju can reach 23°C, while at night they dip to 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Tue) early enough to drive to Busan.

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

Visit Beomeosa Temple and Choryang Catholic Church for their historical value. Get in touch with nature at Gwangalli Beach and Songdo Beach. The adventure continues: stroll the grounds of UN Memorial Cemetery, enjoy the sand and surf at Songjeong Beach, take in the spiritual surroundings of Haedong Yonggung Temple, and take in the views from Gwangandaegyo Bridge.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, read our Busan route app.

Traveling by car from Gyeongju to Busan takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In October, plan for daily highs up to 26°C, and evening lows to 15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Fri) so you can travel to Seogwipo.

Jeju Island's second city, Seogwipo acts as a base for explorations of the island's south.

Step out of the city life by going to Hyeopjae Beach and Daepo Haean Jusangjeolli Cliff. Appreciate the collections at Alive Museum Jeju and Teddy Bear Museum Jeju. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Seogwipo: Jeju (Hallim Park & Hamdeok Beach). There's much more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Yakchunsa Temple, take in the dramatic scenery at Cheonjiyeon Falls, take in the dramatic natural features at Hwangwooji Coast, and enjoy the sand and surf at Yongmeori Beach.

To find other places to visit, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Seogwipo trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Busan to Seogwipo takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train, car, ferry, and bus. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Busan in October since evenings lows in Seogwipo dip to 23°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.