South Korea’s an awesome place to visit if you’re into a mix of buzzing cities, history, great food, nature, and K-culture. A 10–14 day trip gives you plenty of time to check out a few different regions without feeling rushed.
10-Day Itinerary
Days 1–4: Seoul
- Visit historic palaces like Gyeongbokgung.
- Explore neighborhoods:
- Myeong-dong for cosmetics and street food
- Hongdae for cafés and nightlife
- Bukchon Hanok Village for traditional architecture
- Take in city views from N Seoul Tower.
- Try Korean BBQ, fried chicken, tteokbokki, and bibimbap.
Days 5–6: Gyeongju
- Known as the “museum without walls.”
- Visit:
- Bulguksa
- Seokguram Grotto
- Ancient royal tombs and traditional villages.
Days 7–8: Busan
- Relax at Haeundae Beach.
- Explore colorful Gamcheon Culture Village.
- Visit Jagalchi Market for fresh seafood.
- Walk along the coast at Haedong Yonggungsa.
Days 9–10: Return to Seoul
- Shop for souvenirs.
- Visit museums or enjoy a Korean spa (jjimjilbang).
- Take a day trip to DMZ if you’re interested in modern Korean history.
If You Have 14 Days
Add:
- Jeju Island for beaches, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes.
- Seoraksan National Park if you enjoy hiking.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April–May): Cherry blossoms and comfortable weather.
- Autumn (September–November): Cool temperatures and colorful foliage.
- Summer: Hot and humid, but ideal for beaches.
- Winter: Great for skiing and winter festivals
THE COST TO BE WARNED ABOUT AND TO BE SEEN!!
The overall cost depends on when you travel, how long you stay, and your travel style. Assuming you’re departing from Edmonton, Alberta and spending 10 days in South Korea, here are realistic estimates in Canadian dollars (CAD).
| Expense | Budget | Mid-range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round-trip flights | C$1,200–1,800 | C$1,400–2,000 | C$2,000–3,500+ |
| Hotels (9 nights) | C$450–900 | C$900–1,800 | C$2,000–4,000+ |
| Food | C$250–400 | C$500–800 | C$1,000+ |
| Transportation | C$100–200 | C$150–300 | C$300–500 |
| Attractions & tours | C$150–300 | C$300–600 | C$600–1,000+ |
| Shopping & souvenirs | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Estimated Total (excluding shopping)
- Budget traveler: C$2,200–3,600
- Mid-range traveler: C$3,300–5,500
- Comfortable/luxury traveler: C$5,900–10,000+
Ways to Save Money
- Travel during the shoulder seasons (April–May or September–November) for pleasant weather without peak holiday pricing.
- Book flights 2–5 months in advance.
- Stay near subway stations rather than in the busiest tourist areas.
- Eat at local restaurants, food courts, and markets—excellent meals can often cost C$8–20.
- Use the KTX train and public transit instead of taxis for longer journeys.
Sample Mid-Range 10-Day Budget
- Flights: C$1,600
- Hotels: C$1,300
- Food: C$650
- Transportation: C$220
- Attractions: C$400
- Miscellaneous: C$330
Estimated total: about C$4,500
If you’re planning a 2-week trip, adding destinations like Jeju Island or spending more time in Busan and Gyeongju, a comfortable mid-range budget is typically C$5,000–6,500 per person, including flights.
Estimated Budget (per person)
- Budget: C$90–150/day
- Mid-range: C$180–300/day
- Luxury: C$350+/day
Transportation
- Purchase a rechargeable T-money transit card for buses and subways.
- Use the high-speed KTX train to travel between Seoul, Gyeongju, and Busan.
- Public transportation is reliable, clean, and easy to navigate.
Must-Try Foods
- Korean BBQ
- Bibimbap
- Japchae
- Samgyeopsal
- Tteokbokki
- Dakgalbi
- Hotteok
- Bingsu
- Korean fried chicken
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