18 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.

Step out of the city life by going to Sangumburi Crater and Gwakji Gwamul Beach. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Jeju: Seogwipo (Halla Mountain, Seongsan Ilchulbong, &more). And it doesn't end there: enjoy the sand and surf at Hyeopjae Beach, delve into the lush surroundings at Bijarim Forest, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Saebyeol Oreum, and browse the eclectic array of goods at Dongmun Market.

To see maps, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Jeju journey planner.

Perth, Australia to Jeju is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Perth to Jeju. When traveling from Perth in October, plan for a bit cooler days in Jeju, with highs around 24°C, while nights are somewhat warmer with lows around 23°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Wed) to allow enough time to fly to Busan.

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

Visiting Haeundae Beach and Songjeong Beach will get you outdoors. For shopping fun, head to Jagalchi Market or Haeundae Market. Next up on the itinerary: kick back and relax at Gwangalli Beach, get a taste of the local shopping with Shinsegae Dept. Store Centum City, browse the eclectic array of goods at Gukje Market, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Beomeosa Temple.

To find maps, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, use the Busan trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Jeju to Busan takes 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, expect a bit cooler with lows of 15°C in Busan. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) early enough to travel to Changnyeong-gun.

Although many Changnyeong-gun tours revolve around its distinctive cultural legacy that dates back to the early Three Kingdoms period, there are still plenty of things to do for those pursuing great outdoors.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Sun): don't miss a visit to Kanryongsa, then trek along Hwawangsan Mountain, and then identify plant and animal life at Upo Wetland.

To see maps, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Changnyeong-gun day trip site.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Busan to Changnyeong-gun. Expect a daytime high around 25°C in October, and nighttime lows around 14°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sun) to allow enough time to travel 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.

On the 22nd (Mon), explore the activities along Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, get to know the fascinating history of Tongiljeon, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Bulguksa Temple, and finally steep yourself in history at Seokguram. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the striking landscape of Gyeongju National Park.

For traveler tips, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Gyeongju tour planning website.

Explore your travel options from Changnyeong-gun to Gyeongju with the Route module. Plan for a bit warmer nights when traveling from Changnyeong-gun in October since evenings lows in Gyeongju dip to 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Tue) so you can fly to Sokcho.

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

On the 24th (Wed), explore the striking landscape of Seoraksan National Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 25th (Thu): hunt for treasures at Sokcho Central Market, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Naksansa Temple, then take in the dramatic scenery at Biryong Falls, and finally trek along Ulsanbawi Rock.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Sokcho trip planning website.

Fly from Gyeongju to Sokcho in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in October, and nighttime lows around 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (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.

Gyeongbokgung Palace and Cheonggyecheon Stream will appeal to history buffs. Spend the 28th (Sun) exploring nature at Bukhansan National Park. And it doesn't end there: get a taste of the local shopping with Myeongdong Shopping Street, wander the streets of Bukchon Hanok Village, admire the landmark architecture of Changdeokgung Palace, and admire the natural beauty at Namsan Park.

For where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Seoul tour itinerary planner.

You can drive from Sokcho to Seoul in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in October, and nighttime lows around 21°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sun) so you can fly back home.