21 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.

Seoul is known for sightseeing, shopping, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: take an in-depth tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, stroll through Changdeokgung Palace, take some stellar pictures from N Seoul Tower, and don't miss a visit to Bukchon Hanok Village.

To find where to stay, ratings, maps, and tourist information, read our Seoul road trip planning tool.

Nashville, USA to Seoul is an approximately 19-hour flight. The time zone changes from Central Standard Time to Korean Standard Time, which is usually a 15 hour difference. While traveling from Nashville, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in Seoul, ranging from highs of 75°F to lows of 57°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Mon) early enough to travel to Gongju.

Gongju, also spelt Kongju, is a city in South Chungcheong province, South Korea.HistoryGongju was formerly named Ungjin and was the capital of Baekje from AD 475 to 538. Start off your visit on the 23rd (Tue): take in the spiritual surroundings of Musangsa Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Gapsa temple, and then steep yourself in history at Busosanseong Fortress. Keep things going the next day: take in the spiritual surroundings of Magoksa Temple, see the interesting displays at Gongju National Museum, and then make a trip to Gongju Gongsanseong Fortress.

To see maps, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, use the Gongju online visit planner.

Explore your travel options from Seoul to Gongju with the Route module. Plan for little chillier nights when traveling from Seoul in May since evenings lows in Gongju dip to 51°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Wed) early enough to travel 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Seogwipo (Seongsan Ilchulbong, Cheonjiyeon Falls, &more). There's lots more to do: explore the fascinating underground world of Manjanggul Cave, head outdoors with Hyeopjae Beach, enjoy the sand and surf at Hamdeok Beach, and hike along Jeju Olle Trail Routes.

To see reviews, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Jeju online vacation maker.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Gongju to Jeju. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Mon) early enough to fly to Sokcho.

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

Start off your visit on the 30th (Tue): explore the striking landscape of Seoraksan National Park. Keep things going the next day: take in the natural beauty of Cheoksan Foot Spa Park, get outside with Ulsanbawi Rock, then admire the sheer force of Biryong Falls, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Naksansa Temple.

For maps, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Sokcho online trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by flight from Jeju to Sokcho takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry, train, and bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 31st (Wed) early enough to catch the flight 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.

Start off your visit on the 1st (Thu): examine the collection at Gyeongju National Museum and then contemplate the waterfront views at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. On the 2nd (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: look for all kinds of wild species at Gyeongju Bird Park, take in the spiritual surroundings of Bulguksa Temple, and then pause for some photo ops at Seokguram.

To find reviews, photos, maps, and tourist information, read Gyeongju trip itinerary website.

You can fly from Sokcho to Gyeongju in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 60°F in May, and nighttime lows around 60°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Fri) so you can drive to Busan.

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

Busan is known for sightseeing, beaches, and shopping. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: enjoy the sand and surf at Haeundae Beach, stroll around Busan Citizens Park, make a trip to Nakdong Estuary Eco Center, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Haedong Yonggungsa.

For more things to do, traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Busan online attractions planner.

Traveling by car from Gyeongju to Busan takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. When traveling from Gyeongju in June, plan for somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Busan: temperatures range from 79°F by day to 66°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Tue) early enough to fly back home.