26 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.

You'll explore and learn at Grevin Museum and Seodaemun Prison History Hall. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Jogyesa Temple and Leeum Art Museum. Next up on the itinerary: make a trip to Bongeunsa Temple, see the interesting displays at Trickeye Museum Seoul, pause for some serene contemplation at Myeong-dong Cathedral, and buy something for everyone on your list at Times Square Mall.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Seoul online driving holiday planner.

Tel Aviv, Israel to Seoul is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Israel Standard Time (IST) to Korean Standard Time (KST) is 7 hours. Traveling from Tel Aviv in May, Seoul is little chillier at night with lows of 16°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Mon) to allow enough 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.

Naksansa Temple and Woljeongsa Temple will appeal to history buffs. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Gyeongpo Beach and Ojukheon. There's much more to do: head outdoors with Jeongdongjin Beach, browse the eclectic array of goods at Gangneung Jungang Market, and get curious at Jeongdongjin Time Museum.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, read our Gangneung trip itinerary maker.

Getting from Seoul to Gangneung by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Thu) to allow time 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Andong Hahoe Folk Village and Traditional Cultural Contents Museum. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Rock-carved Standing Buddha and Andong Folk Village. And it doesn't end there: take in the views from Weolyeonggyo Bridge, see the interesting displays at Andong Soju Museum, and stop by Sinsedong Mural Village.

For maps and other tourist information, use the Andong trip maker tool.

Getting from Gangneung to Andong by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. In June, daytime highs in Andong are 23°C, while nighttime lows are 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Sun) to allow time to fly 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Hyeopjae Beach and Woljeongri Beach. Appreciate the collections at Haenyeo Museum and Lightning Museum. Get out of town with these interesting Jeju side-trips: Seogwipo (Jeongbang Waterfall, Segowipo Maeil Olle Market, &more). Spend the 16th (Fri) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. Next up on the itinerary: enjoy the sand and surf at Hamdeok Beach, take in the pleasant sights at Handam Coastal Trail, take in nature's colorful creations at Hallim Park, and Head underground at Ssangyong Cave.

For photos, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Jeju online trip maker.

Getting from Andong to Jeju by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Sun) early enough to catch the flight to Busan.

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

Visit Beomeosa Temple and Gyeongju Hyanggyo for their historical value. Shop till you drop at Doshi Galery and Paradise Duty Free Shop. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Busan: Gyeongju (Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, Gyeongju National Museum, &more). There's still lots to do: walk around UN Memorial Cemetery, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, enjoy the sand and surf at Songdo Beach, and get outside with Dadaepo Beach.

To find reviews, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Busan trip itinerary planning tool.

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. In June, plan for daily highs up to 30°C, and evening lows to 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 25th (Sun) to allow enough time to fly back home.