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.

Kids will enjoy Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. Pack the 14th (Sun) with family-friendly diversions at Lotte World. There's lots more to do: take some stellar pictures from N Seoul Tower, wander the streets of Myeongdong Shopping Street, get a taste of the local shopping with Namdaemun Market, and admire the masterpieces at National Folk Museum of Korea.

To find maps, ratings, photos, and tourist information, go to the Seoul driving holiday planning tool.

Tokyo, Japan to Seoul is an approximately 5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and ferry; or do a combination of car and ferry. Expect a daytime high around 28°C in May, and nighttime lows around 16°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Suwon.

The city of Suwon lies close to the country's capital, and brings in visitors on day trips, mainly to see its old city walls.

On the 15th (Mon), get in on the family fun at Korean Folk Village.

To see reviews, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Suwon trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Seoul to Suwon takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a subway. Expect a daytime high around 28°C in May, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Jeonju.

If you're a gastronomy enthusiast, you should consider a trip to Jeonju, a city hailed for its cuisine and food festivals.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Tue): steep yourself in history at Gyeonggijeon Shrine, then examine the collection at Royal Portrait Museum, then make a trip to Jeonju Hanok Village, and finally steep yourself in history at Omokdae and Imokdae. Keep things going the next day: take an in-depth tour of Donghak Revolution Memorial Hall, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Jeondong Catholic Church, then steep yourself in history at Pungnammun Gate, and finally contemplate the long history of Jeonjuhyanggyo Confucian School.

To see more things to do, ratings, photos, and tourist information, use the Jeonju visit app.

Traveling by car from Suwon to Jeonju takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In May, daily temperatures in Jeonju can reach 25°C, while at night they dip to 14°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Thu) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Thu): pause for some photo ops at Seokguram and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Bulguksa Temple. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 19th (Fri): contemplate the long history of Gyeongju Hyanggyo, then see the interesting displays at Gyeongju National Museum, then contemplate the waterfront views at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, and finally contemplate the long history of Cheomseongdae Observatory.

To see where to stay, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Gyeongju day trip planner.

Traveling by car from Jeonju to Gyeongju takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. When traveling from Jeonju in May, plan for a bit cooler days and a bit warmer nights in Gyeongju: temperatures range from 18°C by day to 18°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Busan.

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

Bring the kids along to Haeundae Beach and Taejongdae. The adventure continues: kick back and relax at Gwangalli Beach, hunt for treasures at Jagalchi Market, take in the spiritual surroundings of Haedong Yonggungsa, and take in the views from Gwangandaegyo Bridge.

For more things to do, photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Busan trip maker app.

You can drive from Gyeongju to Busan in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. When traveling from Gyeongju in May, plan for a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Busan: temperatures range from 28°C by day to 16°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Tue) so you can catch the flight to Jeju.

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.

Attractions like Manjanggul Cave and Seongsan Ilchulbong make great kid-friendly stops. Explore Jeju's surroundings by going to Seogwipo (Gasiri Wind Power Plant, Jeongbang Waterfall, &more). There's much more to do: kick back and relax at Hamdeok Beach, make a trip to Mysterious Road (Dokkaebi Road), step off the mainland to explore Udo, and take in the pleasant sights at Handam Coastal Trail.

To see photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Jeju itinerary planning app.

Fly from Busan to Jeju in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train, taxi, and ferry. On the 26th (Fri), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.