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.

On the 18th (Thu), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Bongeunsa Temple. On the next day, admire the landmark architecture of Deoksugung, then appreciate the history behind Gwanghwamun Gate, and then appreciate the extensive heritage of Hwaseong Fortress.

Plan my trip to Seoul with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.

San Francisco, USA to Seoul is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Pacific Standard Time to Korean Standard Time is 17 hours. Traveling from San Francisco in October, you will find days in Seoul are slightly colder (66°F), and nights are a bit warmer (65°F). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) early enough to drive to Sokcho.

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

Get in touch with nature at Ulsanbawi Rock and Sangjogam County Park. Get some cultural insight at Naksansa Temple and National Mountain Museum. Step out of Sokcho to go to Yanggu-gun and see The 4th Tunnel, which is approximately 1h 25 min away. Spend the 21st (Sun) exploring nature at Seoraksan National Park. Next up on the itinerary: Head underground at Geumganggul Cave, kick back and relax at Bongpo Beach, don't miss a visit to Dongmyeong Port, and gain interesting insight with Abai Village.

For reviews, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Sokcho visit planner.

You can 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. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Wed) so you can go by car to Andong.

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

Start off your visit on the 25th (Thu): get to know the fascinating history of Andong Hahoe Folk Village, steep yourself in history at Dosanseowon Confucian School, and then stop by Andong Gunja Village. On the next day, take a stroll through Andong Folk Village, then wander the streets of Museom Village, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Bongjeongsa, and finally contemplate the long history of Andong imcheonggak.

To find ratings, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Andong day trip planner.

Traveling by car from Sokcho to Andong takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In October in Andong, expect temperatures between 68°F during the day and 60°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Fri) 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.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Cheonmachong Tomb and Gyeongju Historic Area. Escape the urban bustle at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond and Gyeongju National Park. There's much more to do: examine the collection at Gyeongju National Museum, appreciate the history behind Seokguram, steep yourself in history at Oksanseowon Confucian Academy, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Bulguksa Temple.

To see photos, reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Gyeongju vacation website.

Traveling by car from Andong to Gyeongju takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In October, daily temperatures in Gyeongju can reach 68°F, while at night they dip to 60°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Tue) so you can drive to Busan.

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

Beomeosa Temple and Choryang Catholic Church will appeal to history buffs. Escape the urban bustle at Gwangalli Beach and Songdo Beach. The adventure continues: stroll around UN Memorial Cemetery, take in the views from Gwangandaegyo Bridge, get great views at Taejongdae, and take a stroll through Busan National University Daehak-ro.

To find more things to do, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Busan online day trip planner.

Traveling by car from Gyeongju to Busan takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In October, daytime highs in Busan are 72°F, while nighttime lows are 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.

Step out of the city life by going to Daepo Haean Jusangjeolli Cliff and Hallim Park. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Hyeopjae Beach and Mysterious Road (Dokkaebi Road). Step out of Seogwipo with an excursion to Hamdeok Beach in Jeju--about 1h 10 min away. There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Yakchunsa Temple, examine the collection at Teddy Bear Museum Jeju, take in the dramatic natural features at Hwangwooji Coast, and have fun at Jeju World Cup Stadium.

For other places to visit, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Seogwipo tour site.

Traveling by flight from Busan to Seogwipo takes 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) to allow enough time to fly back home.