South Korea 7-Day Itinerary: Complete Day-by-Day Plan

South Korea 7-Day Itinerary 2026: Complete Day-by-Day Plan

A 7-day South Korea itinerary covers Seoul (3 days) + DMZ + Busan + Jeju Island — combining K-pop capital, ancient palaces, beaches, and volcanic landscapes.

Quick Itinerary Summary

A 7-day South Korea itinerary covers Seoul (3 days) + DMZ + Busan + Jeju Island — combining K-pop capital, ancient palaces, beaches, and volcanic landscapes.

7

Days

7

Day Plans

2026

Updated

South Korea 7-Day Itinerary: Day-by-Day Plan

Day 1

Seoul Arrival + Myeongdong

Land ICN, AREX train to Seoul Station. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong, Myeongdong street food. Sleep over jet lag.

Daily spend: $120-200/dayNote: 3 nights Hongdae or Gangnam

Day 2

Seoul Royal Tour + Bukchon

Changdeokgung + Secret Garden tour, Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong art galleries, evening Han River + N Seoul Tower.

Daily spend: $100-180/dayNote: Hanbok rental $20

Day 3

DMZ + Joint Security Area

Full-day DMZ tour (book 2-4 weeks ahead). 3rd Tunnel, Dora Observatory, JSA (step into North Korea!).

Daily spend: $200-280/dayNote: Tour $130-180

Day 4

KTX to Busan

2.5-hr high-speed train. Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village (Korean Santorini), Jagalchi fish market dinner.

Daily spend: $110-190/dayNote: KTX $55

Day 5

Busan Day + Fly to Jeju

Morning Beomeosa Temple + Songdo Beach. Afternoon flight Busan-Jeju (50 min). Sunset Seopjikoji.

Daily spend: $120-200/dayNote: Flight $40-80

Day 6

Jeju Volcanic Adventure

Sunrise Seongsan Ilchulbong (UNESCO), Manjanggul Lava Tube, Hallasan day-hike (or scenic drive), seafood at Jungmun Beach.

Daily spend: $130-220/dayNote: Drive island

Day 7

Jeju Morning + Departure

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, Loveland (if quirky), domestic flight to ICN, international flight home.

Daily spend: $100-180/dayNote: Buy Jeju oranges

Budget Breakdown

Style | Daily | Total Trip Cost
Budget | $80/day | $560 + $300 transit
Mid-Range | $160/day | $1,120 + $500 transit
Luxury | $350/day | $2,450 + $1,000 transit

Pro Tips for this itinerary:

Book DMZ tour 2-4 weeks ahead — passport name on manifest required

Korea Rail Pass for KTX (3-7 days flexible) — saves 30%+ if traveling Busan + Jeju

Jeju car rental requires international driver’s permit (IDP)

Korean food culture: side dishes (banchan) free + endless refills

Naver Maps + Papago (translation) — Google Maps limited in Korea

T-Money card for Seoul subway + buses (refundable at airport)

Planning your South Korea trip? See our South Korea travel guide, visa requirements, trip cost, packing list, or the Ultimate Bucket List.

South Korea 7-Day Itinerary FAQ

How much does 7 days in South Korea cost?

Mid-range $1,500-2,800 USD per person including flights + KTX + Jeju flight. Budget $1,000-1,500. Luxury $4,500+.

Is 7 days enough for South Korea?

Yes for highlights (Seoul + Busan + Jeju). Add 3-4 days for Gyeongju ancient capital + Andong folk village if Korean history interests you.

Should you visit Jeju in 7-day Korea trip?

Yes — UNESCO volcanic landscapes + beaches differ completely from mainland. Easy 50-min flight from Busan or Seoul.

Is DMZ tour worth a full day?

Yes — unique opportunity to step into North Korea at JSA. Heavy security + rules but unforgettable.

Seoul or Busan — which is better?

Seoul for K-pop + palaces + nightlife + size. Busan for beaches + casual + ocean + food. Both in 7-day trip.