22 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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Jogyesa Temple and Banpo Hangang Park. Spend the 28th (Sun) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. There's much more to do: browse the exhibits of Gyeongbokgung Palace, take some stellar pictures from N Seoul Tower, make a trip to Gwanghwamun Square, and stroll around Naksan Park.

To see maps, traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Seoul trip tool.

Chicago, USA to Seoul is an approximately 16-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Central Standard Time (CST) to Korean Standard Time (KST) is 15 hours. In May, daily temperatures in Seoul can reach 75°F, while at night they dip to 57°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Gangneung.

A large coastal city, Gangneung has been historically separated from much of the country because of the long, stretching mountain range that runs parallel to the sea.

Kick off your visit on the 30th (Tue): steep yourself in history at Gangneung Seongyojang, contemplate the long history of Gyeongpodae, and then kick back and relax at Gyeongpo Beach. Keep things going the next day: kick back and relax at Sacheonjin Beach, take in the spiritual surroundings of Woljeongsa Temple, and then get a taste of life in the country at Daegwanryeong Yangtte Ranch.

To see more things to do, photos, ratings, and tourist information, use the Gangneung trip planner.

Drive from Seoul to Gangneung in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Sokcho.

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

Start off your visit on the 1st (Thu): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Seoraksan National Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: hike along Ulsanbawi Rock, Head underground at Geumganggul Cave, and then take in the natural beauty of Osaek Carbonated Hot Springs.

To see ratings, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Sokcho day trip planning tool.

You can drive from Gangneung to Sokcho in an hour. Another option is to take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Fri) so you can catch the flight to Suncheon.

Establishing a name for itself as "Korea's Ecological Capital," Suncheon sits nestled on the southwest coastline of the Korean peninsula, a haven of scenic beauty.

Start off your visit on the 3rd (Sat): browse the fresh offerings at Suncheon Aretjang Market, appreciate the extensive heritage of Nagan Eupseong Folk Village, then steep yourself in history at Okcheon Seowon, and finally steep yourself in history at Suncheon Hyanggyo. Keep things going the next day: walk around Jukdobong Park, don't miss a visit to Suncheon Open Film Set, and then admire the natural beauty at Suncheon Bay Garden.

To find more things to do, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Suncheon trip itinerary tool.

Getting from Sokcho to Suncheon by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and train. June in Suncheon sees daily highs of 68°F and lows of 66°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Sun) early enough to 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Woljeongri Beach and Saebyeol Oreum. Step out of Jeju with an excursion to Seongsan Ilchulbong in Seogwipo--about 1h 15 min away. And it doesn't end there: Head underground at Manjanggul Cave, kick back and relax at Sehwa Beach, head outdoors with Gimnyeong Seonsegi Beach, and step off the mainland to explore Udo.

Before you visit Jeju, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Getting from Suncheon to Jeju by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of taxi and ferry; or do a combination of train and ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Wed) to allow time to fly 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 8th (Thu), hunt for treasures at Andong Old Market, then take a stroll through Andong Gunja Village, and then wander the streets of Sinsedong Mural Village.

To see photos, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Andong online tour planner.

Traveling by flight from Jeju to Andong takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry and bus. In June, daytime highs in Andong are 68°F, while nighttime lows are 64°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Thu) early enough to 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.

Start off your visit on the 9th (Fri): identify plant and animal life at Gyeongju Bird Park, see the interesting displays at Gyeongju National Museum, then contemplate the waterfront views at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Gyeongju Hyanggyo. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Seoknamsa Temple, walk around Taehwa River Seepri Bamboo Grove, and then stroll around Ulsan Grand Park.

For reviews, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Gyeongju journey planner.

Drive from Andong to Gyeongju in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In June in Gyeongju, expect temperatures between 68°F during the day and 64°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sat) early enough to drive to Busan.

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

Step off the beaten path and head to Taejongdae and Hwangnyeongsan Mountain. There's still lots to do: head outdoors with Haeundae Beach, stroll around Yongdusan Park, step off the mainland to explore Oryukdo Island, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Haedong Yonggungsa.

To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Busan trip itinerary builder.

You can drive from Gyeongju to Busan in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. When traveling from Gyeongju in June, plan for somewhat warmer days in Busan, with highs around 79°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 66°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Wed) early enough to catch the flight back home.