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.

Gyeongbokgung Palace and National Museum of Korea will appeal to museum buffs. Changdeokgung Palace and Cheonggyecheon Stream are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Get out of town with these interesting Seoul side-trips: Paju (The Third Tunnel & DMZ). Next up on the itinerary: wander the streets of Insadong, make a trip to N Seoul Tower, and admire the natural beauty at Namsan Park.

To find reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Seoul trip builder .

Auckland Central, New Zealand to Seoul is an approximately 15.5-hour combination of flight and train. You'll gain 3 hours traveling from Auckland Central to Seoul due to the time zone difference. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Auckland Central in October, with highs in Seoul at 22°C and lows at 21°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Wed) so you can go by car 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. Keep things going the next day: take in the natural beauty of Cheoksan Foot Spa Park, hike along Ulsanbawi Rock, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Naksansa Temple, and finally wander the streets of Abai Village.

To find where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Sokcho day trip planning site .

You can drive from Seoul to Sokcho in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Seoul in October, Sokcho is slightly colder at night with lows of 18°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Andong.

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

On the 20th (Sat), wander the streets of Andong Gunja Village (Historic Site of Ocheon), then contemplate the long history of Dosanseowon Confucian School, then get to know the fascinating history of Andong Hahoe Folk Village, and finally steep yourself in history at Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy.

To find traveler tips, photos, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Andong trip itinerary planner .

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

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Bulguksa Temple and Cheonmachong Tomb. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Gyeongju National Museum and Anapji Pond. Spend the 23rd (Tue) exploring nature at Gyeongju National Park. The adventure continues: contemplate the long history of Cheomseongdae Observatory, appreciate the extensive heritage of Tongiljeon, appreciate the history behind Seokguram, and don't miss a visit to Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond.

To find maps, photos, ratings, and tourist information, use the Gyeongju vacation planning site .

Drive from Andong to Gyeongju in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In October, daytime highs in Gyeongju are 23°C, while nighttime lows are 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.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Beomeosa Temple and UN Memorial Cemetery. Get some historical perspective at Haedong Yonggung Temple and Choryang Catholic Church. There's much more to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Haeundae Beach, enjoy the sand and surf at Gwangalli Beach, relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, and make a trip to Gwangandaegyo Bridge.

For traveler tips, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Busan trip tool .

Getting from Gyeongju to Busan by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and subway; or take a train. In October, plan for daily highs up to 26°C, and evening lows to 15°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Fri) early enough to travel to Seogwipo.

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

Get in touch with nature at Hyeopjae Beach and Hamdeok Beach. Step off the beaten path and head to Jeongbang Waterfall and Hallim Park. There's much more to do: explore the striking landscape at Daepo Haean Jusangjeolli Cliff, kick back and relax at Yongmeori Beach, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Yakchunsa Temple, and see the interesting displays at Alive Museum.

To find photos, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Seogwipo trip planner .

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