Nilo 
South Korea in 7 days
Seoul’s palaces and Busan’s harbour
Seoul's palaces and national museum, the DMZ as a day trip, and Busan, with its fish market and hillside houses in rows.
- Days
- 3–4
- When
- Apr–Jun · Sep–Nov
- Per person/day
- Average 160,000–260,000 KRWMid-range · per person/day
Cost scope
Per person per day: accommodation, meals, urban transport, visits and a small allowance for extras. Flights excluded; larger purchases vary. Editorial estimate, not a quote.
- Days
- 2–3
- When
- Apr–May · Oct
- Per person/day
- Average 144,700 KRWMid-range · per person/day
Cost scope
Per person per day: accommodation, meals, urban transport, visits and a small allowance for extras. Flights excluded; larger purchases vary. Editorial estimate, not a quote.
Who it is for
For anyone who wants South Korea in a week, with street food, palaces, and a port city.
Not for anyone looking for a tropical beach, since Busan's coast is an urban one.
The strategy
Seoul comes first, with the Demilitarized Zone as a day trip. Busan closes the trip, less than three hours away by high-speed train.
What you will see
- Gyeongbokgung, Seoul. Joseon’s main palace, founded in 1395, destroyed during the 1592 invasion and rebuilt between 1865 and 1867, with further restoration since 1990.
- Jagalchi Market, Busan. Jagalchi includes the market building and fish stalls by Jung-gu’s harbour; it grew with traders and refugees from the Korean War.
Day by day
Seoul
- Day 1: One palace and the neighbourhoods of Jongno
- Day 2: The centre and Namsan, or a museum day
- Day 3: Jamsil and an afternoon in the south
- Day 4: Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) (day trip) · if you have more time
Busan
- Day 5: Nampo with a break; Gamcheon as an alternative
- Day 6: One coastal area, with a break and return
- Day 7: Choose one area: temple, remembrance or coast · if you have more time
