How about a trip into an original, unusual, bright South Korea? If you do not know how to approach the planning of a trip, not a problem — our travel expert already taken care of and made for you a great route to make sure you love this country.
Seoul → Gapyeong County → Sokcho → Andong → Gyeongju → Busan → Jeju → Seoul
Days 1-4. Seoul
Noisy 10-million metropolis situated on the banks of the Han river, surrounded by scenic hills. Here live in harmony Eastern traditions and the latest technology: historic Royal palaces coexist with modern buildings.
To feel the atmosphere of Seoul, climb a skyscraper or mountain and take a view of the entire city. Go around some of the majestic palaces. Try Korean cuisine and tea. Stroll through parks and ride the most extreme ride. Look at the life of the business district and the traditional market.
The sights of Seoul, select a minimum of two days. On one day you can go to located near the town of gapyeong-gun.
In Seoul, we have selected for you the best hotels for three nights:
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Palaces Of Seoul
The modern state, the Republic of Korea from the XIV to the XIX centuries. was part of the Great state of Choson. This Royal dynasty left behind in Seoul Five Grand Palaces: Gyeongbokgung (Gyeongbokgung), Changdeokgung (Changdeokgung), Changgyeonggung (Changgyeonggung), Chengyun (Gyeonghuigung) and Deoksugung (Deoksugung).
Gyeongbokgung
Home of the palaces — Gyeongbokgung Palace (address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu). Start your acquaintance with the history of the Royal dynasty here. The Palace complex is huge: to get around the whole area, you will need a few hours. While working Palace depends on the season: in summer it is open from 09:00 to 18:30 in September-October and March-may and from 09:00 to 18:00, November to February — 09:00 to 17:00. The Palace is closed on Tuesdays. The ticket costs 3 000 won.
The Palace hosts free tours in English. You can come and join the group. Pre-registration is not necessary. Tours begin at 11:00, 13:30 and 15:30.
South of the Palace starts from Gwanghwamun square (Gwanghamun). It is meaningful to Seoul place and therefore crowded. On the square you will find the monuments to the Admiral Yi sun-sin and king Sejong.
At the end of the square you will see the Cheonggyecheon stream. In 2005, it equipped a large recreational area with walking promenades. Since then the place has become very popular for walks. Embankments located below the roadway and protected alleys.
After a walk along the waterfront to explore another Palace, the Changdeokgung.
Changdeokgung
Changdeokgung (address: 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu) is called the Eastern Palace, as it is located to the East of the main Gyeongbokgung. Be around the whole area for an hour will not work, especially if you want to stroll through the Secret garden. In the summer the Palace is open from 09:00 to 18:30 in September-October and February-may from 09:00 to 18:00 from November to January from 09:00 to 17:30. Monday — day off. Visit the Palace and garden will cost 8,000 won.
In the Secret garden can only be accessed in the group. Free garden tour in English will start in 11:30, 13:30, 14:30 and 15:30 and on to the Palace at 10:30 and 14:30.
Changgyeonggung
Changgyeonggung (address: 185, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu) is located next to Changdeokgung Palace — need to go a little to the East. In the summer the Palace is open from 09:00 to 18:30 in September-October and February-may from 09:00 to 18:00 from November to January from 09:00 to 17:30. Monday — day off. The ticket costs 1,000 Korean won.
To visit the rest of the palaces have to go back — Kinchigune and Deoksugung are located just South of the main Palace.
Kinchigune
Entrance to the Palace, Chengyun (address: 1-126, Sinmunno 2(i)-ga, Jongno-gu) is free. The Palace is open from 09:00 to 18:00 daily, except Mondays.
Deoksugung
Deoksugung (address: 99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu), you’ll find the following from Gyeongbokgung Palace on the street of Sejong-daero. If you want to visit all palaces in one day, go to the last. It is open from 09:00 to 21:00 every day except Monday. The ticket costs 1,000 Korean won.
The Village Bukchon Hanok Village
Another place without which a visit to the historical center of Seoul will be incomplete. Village (address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu) is situated on a hill to the North of the palaces of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. Here you can see traditional Korean houses, hanok (Hanok).
Located near Samcheong Park (address: 41, Waryonggongwon-gil, Jongno-gu). Especially good in the Park Golden autumn and in April, when cherry blossom.
Where to eat
Near Gyeongbokgung Palace, you can dine at the diner Jalppajin Memil (address: 41-1, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu) or Tosokchon restaurant (address: 5, Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu).
On the way from Gyeongbokgung to Chandakson can look at Imun Seolnongtang is the oldest restaurant in Seoul. It was opened in 1904 (address: 38-13 Ujeongguk-ro, Gyeonji-dong, Jongno-gu).
Next to the restaurant Si.Wha.Dam (address: 13, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu) try modern Korean cuisine.
Look at the nearby tea house Dawon (address: 11-4, Insadong 10-gil, Jongno-gu) and order a traditional Korean tea.
In Seoul developed culture of street-food. Go to try it to Gwangjang market (address: 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu). Here we like to eat local residents and tourists, around noisy and atmospheric, and street food — tasty and inexpensive. The market is open from 08:30 to 23:00 every day except Sunday.
Seoul City Hall
Start your acquaintance with the modern architecture of Seoul city hall (address: 110, Sejong-daero, Taepyeongno 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu). Asymmetrical building with a curved façade, which features avant garde architecture, is located near the Deoksugung Palace.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
An architectural masterpiece of the famous architect Zaha Hadid in the style of neopotism. In this place are the fashion shows. To get into the building free of charge. Around the building a public space where you can walk. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (address: 281, Sorry, ro, Jung-gu) is located near the station Dongdaemun History & Culture Park.
Dine nearby at the restaurant Honam Jip (address: 5, Jong-ro 40ga-gil, Jongno-gu).
N Seoul Tower
Then go to the Namsan Park (address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu). The nearest subway station Myeong-dong. On top of the mountain is located in the Park tower N Seoul Tower with a glass observation deck. An adult entrance ticket costs 10 000 won. To climb the mountain by cable way. A round-trip ticket costs 9 500 won.
Leeum Samsung Museum
South of Namsan Park is a complex of two museums, Leeum (address: 60-16, Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu). In the first, a traditional Korean art in the second — the work of contemporary Korean and foreign artists. The museums are from 10: 30 to 18:00 daily, except Monday. The ticket costs 10 000 won.
You can dine at Sigol Bapsang diner (address: 235, Itaewon-ro, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu).
Next, go to explore the city South of the Han river.
The Gangnam Area
Business district of Gangnam (Gangnam-gu) is the most densely populated in Seoul. The image of the area is reflected in the video Psy “Gangnam Style”. Near the Gangnam station view on the office building, Boutique Monaco (address: 397 Seocho-daero, Seocho 4(sa)-dong, Seocho-gu), and then go for a walk among the skyscrapers down the street Teheranno (Teheran-ro) — along the located homes with the most expensive real estate in the country.
At Samseong station (located in two metro stop away from Gangnam station) you can visit the huge underground shopping center COEX Mall Starfield (address: 513, Yeongdong-daero, Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu). In addition to shops, there is the aquarium.
If you find yourself in the North of the Gangnam area, don’t miss the small building Chungha Building (address: 100-32 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu) — the original example of modern architecture. The nearest station is Apgujeongrodeo.
Near the Gangnam station I advise you to look for delicious Korean food at Yeontabal restaurant BBQ Restaurant (address: 1317-16 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu).
Amusement Park Lotte World
World’s largest indoor amusement Park (address: 240, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu). You’ve got four floors of amusement rides in the indoor area of “Adventure” and island with rides outdoor “Magic Island”. The Park is open daily from 09:30 to 22:00. The ticket costs 55 000 won. Located at Jamsil subway station.
Near the amusement Park rises Lotte World Tower — the tallest building of Seoul (and the 5th tallest building in the world).
To the North-East of the amusement Park is the Olympic Park (address: 424, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu), built for the summer Olympic games in 1988. In addition to sports facilities in the Park you will find an artificial lake and sculpture Park.
Everland
For fans of extreme sports more suitable Everland (address: 199, Everland-ro, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do). It is located in and around Seoul. The Park is open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. Adult tickets cost 54 000 won. To get to the Park by bus or metro, the details you will find on the official website. The road will take 1-2 hours.
Gapyeong County
To reach Capena you can take the subway (journey takes 2 hours). The desired station — Gapyeong, located on the Gyeongchun line. You can take a train from Cheongnyangni station to Gapyeong station (journey takes 40 minutes). By car you get from downtown Seoul to Capena per hour.
3 main must-see in Gapyeong: island Us, the village of Petite France and Garden of morning calm.
Nami Island (Namiseom) island in the shape of a Crescent, which declared its cultural independence and became an informal mini-state Republic of Naminara. On Nami Island go to relax from the city fuss and to enjoy the nature. At any time of the year this place looks picturesque in the spring many tourists are coming here to watch the blooming trees. The entrance to the territory is 13 000 won.
Petite France is a theme Park with houses in the French style and a miniature attractions of France. In this place like to take photos against the backdrop of colorful buildings and next to the Little Prince. The entrance is 10,000 won.
The garden of morning calm (The Garden of Morning Calm) is a picturesque place for a stroll among the flowering plants, small waterfalls and pagodas. Especially nice garden in the morning mist. The entrance to the area is 9 500.
In order to have time to visit all the places, it is more convenient to go to the City by car. If you do decide to get here by public transport, between the main attractions there is a bus-Shuttle.
Days 4-5. Sokcho and seoraksan national Park
In the morning on the fourth day of the trip offer to go to seoraksan national Park, located near the city of Sokcho. Distance from Seoul — 200 km. can be Reached by bus. Station in Seoul — Seoul Express Bus Terminal. Journey time to 2.5 hours. By car you will get faster for 2 hours, you will immediately go to the national Park and not to enter the town.
Seoraksan national Park is located in mountainous terrain. The eponymous mountain — the third highest in the Republic of Korea. In the Park laid tourist routes passing through the beauty of nature: rocks, rivers, waterfalls. In the Park there are Buddhist temples and is a statue of Buddha. On top of Sogongwon can be reached by cable car (the ticket is 10,000 won). Entrance to the Park is 3,500 won.
Sokcho is a coastal city, famous for its beaches, proximity to the national Park and the demilitarized zone that separates the DPRK and the Republic of Korea.
To get to the demilitarized zone on the car, following the road signs. Before entering, you must buy a ticket and check in at the office — the way to it you will find the pointer to DMZ, written in large letters.
We have selected for you in Sokcho hotels for one night — one near the national Park and two in the city.
- Seoraksan Park Resort
- Sokcho Guesthouse
- Sokcho Marine Pension
Days 5-6. The village of hahoe and Andong
The next morning, offer to go to the village of hahoe, located near the city of Andong. To reach the city by bus with transfers. From Andon to the village buses are also available. The road in this case will take 5-6 hours. Suggest for this trip to rent a car on this road is approximately 3 hour (have to drive 300 km).
The traditional Korean village of hahoe was founded in the XVI century. It was built in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui, so the area has the shape of a Lotus. Here you can see traditional Korean houses and get acquainted with the art of local residents. The entrance to the village — 5 000 won.
15 kilometers from Andong is the temple complex of Pandions (Bongjeongsa). It was founded in the VII century. Temples of the complex are made of wood. Geuknakjeon temple is the oldest wooden structure in Korea.
We have selected for you in Andong hotels for one night or two in the city and one in the village (if you want to experience the local flavor and try to sleep on the futon):
- Goodstay Andong Park Hotel
- Goryeo Hotel
- Okyeon Jeongsa
Days 6-8. Gyeongju and Busan
On the fifth day, we offer you to travel to the city of Gyeongju. The distance between him and the Andon — 150 km, can be Reached by bus. Travel time — 1.5 hours. The same is the trip by car.
The city of Gyeongju was the capital of the old Korean state of Silla. The city has preserved the legacy of this era. The most notable samples: the monastery complex of Bulguksa temple (Bulguksa) and seokguram grotto (Seokguram), located within the national Park. The entrance to the temple and grotto are worth 5 000 won each.
The evening of the same day, travel to Busan, where we have selected for you hotels for two nights. The distance between Gyeongju and Busan is 90 km away, can be Reached by bus or car. The road in both cases is 1 hour.
- Hotel 25 Seomyeon
- Residence Mumum
Busan is the second largest city of the Republic of Korea and the main port. The city is famous for its beaches. And there you will find some great natural and cultural attractions.
Take a stroll along the main beach of Haeundae (Haeundae). It has a wonderful view of the city.
Visit the Temple of Pomos (Beomeosa), created in the VII century, and colorful cultural village Kumchon (Gamcheon Culture Village) located on the hill.
Suggest also to visit the natural Park of Chagonda (Taejongdae), famous for its cliffs and lighthouse.
In Busan, you should dedicate at least one day. And after offer to go to the Jeju island direct flight from Busan. The road will take one hour. The tickets for the desired date search on OneTwoTrip.
Days 8-10. Jeju Island
On a visit to the island, highlight the whole day and part of the next. From Jeju, the island’s capital, on a direct flight back to Seoul. The road will take just over an hour. Tickets for your date locate on OneTwoTrip.
Jeju island — a volcanic island and the main resort of the country. In the center of the island is the extinct volcano of Hallasan (Hallasan), the highest peak of the Republic of Korea. Around it is a national Park with Hiking trails, two of which lead to the top of the volcano. Entrance to the Park is free.
In the volcanic lava on the island formed Manjanggul cave (Manjanggul) — another attraction of Jeju island. It paved Hiking trail. The entrance is 2,000 won.
The main must-visit place on the island — an extinct volcano Seongsan Ilchulbong, or Sunrise Peak. As the name implies, in this place you need to go to meet the dawn. The volcano is situated on the East of the island. Its crater is a staircase, and the summit offers a magnificent view of the island and the peak of Hallasan. Entrance to the Park is 2,000 won.
We have selected for you in Jeju city hotels for two nights:
- Hotel Maple
- Hotel Tong Yeondong Jeju
- The Business Reve Hotel Jeju
Days 10-11. Seoul
Last day in Seoul. We have selected for you hotels for the last night:
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- D7 Suites
Expert advice
- In Seoul always large traffic jams, so getting around better on the subway. To avoid confusion in the stations, download the official app Subway Korea.
- Getting around the city very convenient to plan in the mobile maps app.me. To find these in the route space, is pre-download the map, and then use the application offline.
- As a gift from Seoul is to bring tea, ginseng, cosmetics, a fan and print Togan (Dojang Stamp).
- In Seoul it’s worth a try kimchi (kimchi) — a dish of sauerkraut, sundubu of jiga (soondubu jiggae) — stew in Korean, sallantin (seolleongtang) — beef soup, tapochki (ddukbokkie) — rice cakes, taktuk (dakjuk) is a dish of rice and chicken, annem tundak (yangnyeom tongdak) — chicken dish, captcha (japchae) noodles with vegetables, and for dessert, Korean cakes — hotok (hoeddeok).
- A few rules of etiquette: a traditional Korean greeting is a slight nod, a handshake is used less frequently; in Korea are not accepted displays of affection in public; give and accept things the Koreans have only two hands; tipping is not accepted.
- Currency of the Republic of Korea — the South Korean won (100 won equals approximately 6 ₽).
- To plan travel around the country on public transport is convenient using the service of Rome2rio.