23 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Bukhansan National Park and Gwanghuimun Gate. Gyeongbokgung Palace and DMZ Haemaru Village will appeal to history buffs. Take a break from Seoul with a short trip to The Third Tunnel in Paju, about 1h 25 min away. And it doesn't end there: admire the landmark architecture of Changdeokgung Palace, wander the streets of Insadong, appreciate the extensive heritage of Cheonggyecheon Stream, and stop by Bukchon Hanok Village.

To find where to stay, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, use the Seoul trip maker.

San Francisco, USA to Seoul is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 17 hours traveling from San Francisco to Seoul. When traveling from San Francisco in October, plan for slightly colder days and a bit warmer nights in Seoul: temperatures range from 66°F by day to 65°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Sokcho.

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

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Sangjogam County Park and The 4th Tunnel. Take a break from the city and head to Seoraksan National Park and Ulsanbawi Rock. Step out of Sokcho to go to Yangyang-gun and see Naksansa Temple, which is approximately 30 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: Head underground at Geumganggul Cave, enjoy the sand and surf at Cheonjin Beach, and head outdoors with Bongpo Beach.

To see reviews, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Sokcho trip itinerary planning website.

Drive from Seoul to Sokcho in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. Traveling from Seoul in October, Sokcho is little chillier at night with lows of 60°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Thu) early enough to drive to Andong.

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

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Fri): get to know the fascinating history of Andong Hahoe Folk Village, then contemplate the long history of Dosanseowon Confucian School, and then take a stroll through Andong Gunja Village. Here are some ideas for day two: take a stroll through Andong Folk Village, take a stroll through Museom Village, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Bongjeongsa, and finally steep yourself in history at Andong imcheonggak.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Andong trip itinerary planning site.

You can drive from Sokcho to Andong in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In October, daily temperatures in Andong can reach 68°F, while at night they dip to 60°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Sat) to allow time 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.

Get a sense of the local culture at Cheonmachong Tomb and Cheomseongdae Observatory. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Gyeongju Historic Area and Yangdong Folk Village. There's much more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Bulguksa Temple, contemplate the waterfront views at Bomun Lake, make a trip to Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village, and steep yourself in history at Royal Tomb of Queen Seondeok.

To find reviews, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, read our Gyeongju trip itinerary builder.

Traveling by car from Andong to Gyeongju takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. October in Gyeongju sees daily highs of 68°F and lows of 60°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Tue) 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.

Get a sense of the local culture at Beomeosa Temple and Busan Gamcheon Culture Village. Step out of the city life by going to Gwangalli Beach and Songjeong Beach. Next up on the itinerary: explore the different monuments and memorials at UN Memorial Cemetery, enjoy the sand and surf at Haeundae Beach, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Choryang Catholic Church, and make a trip to Yongdusan Park.

For where to stay, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Busan trip builder app.

Getting from Gyeongju to Busan by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. In October, daily temperatures in Busan can reach 72°F, while at night they dip to 56°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Sat) so you can fly to Seogwipo.

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

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Daepo Haean Jusangjeolli Cliff and Hyeopjae Beach. Escape the urban bustle at Sangumburi Crater and Yongmeori Beach. Explore Seogwipo's surroundings by going to Jeju (Hallim Park, Hamdeok Beach, &more). And it doesn't end there: take in the spiritual surroundings of Yakchunsa Temple, examine the collection at Teddy Bear Museum Jeju, take in the dramatic scenery at Cheonjiyeon Falls, and explore the striking landscape of Halla Mountain.

To see traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Seogwipo online trip planner.

You can fly from Busan to Seogwipo in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train, ferry, and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Thu) so you can fly back home.