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-   -   2 weeks solo travel to South Korea (https://www.fodors.com/community/asia/2-weeks-solo-travel-to-south-korea-1732660/)

ellis2013 Sep 6th, 2025 07:22 AM

2 weeks solo travel to South Korea
 
I haven't used Fodors for years, but would like input on a trip I am planning. So NOT trip report, which was the only drop-down 🙃
I will be flying in and out of Seoul, which I have visited a few times, but not solo. I have never taken tours, but thought it might be more engaging while traveling alone. A fully planned tour is too expensive, so I am looking at doing the domestic transport, hotel and day tour bookings online.

I would welcome suggestions for MUST DO from your experiences.

My first draft plan is:

*3 days including arrival in Seoul with a few days tours for things I have not done!
* Train to Gyeongju. 3 days Full 11 hour day tour on day after arrival.
*Fly to Jeju or train to Mokpo first ( looking into a bespoke tour of the Shinan archipelago) 3 days
* Fly or train to Seoul 3 days with 2 more tours including cooking class!


shelemm Sep 6th, 2025 08:38 AM

It's easier to make suggestions if you tell us how many nights you plan in each location.

I prefer Busan to Seoul, and the train ride is pretty short, so I think you can get that in. Busan is like the San Francisco of Korea, where the mountains plunge right down into the sea.

ellis2013 Sep 7th, 2025 06:15 AM

Hi David. Actually I did give the number of days in each city in the forum post/question Two Weeks..." . I will have a look at Busan. I considered having several days in Seoul just because it's relatively familiar to me, but still holds many tour options.

shelemm Sep 7th, 2025 07:24 AM

When you say 'days' I have no idea if you are including day of arrival and/or departure. Are those full days? For example, it takes two nights somewhere to have one full day. If you tell us how many nights you will spend somewhere, it gives a clearer picture.

And I don't know who David is....

ellis2013 Sep 8th, 2025 08:23 AM

Advice please on 2 weeks solo travel to s korea
 
Apologies for the mis-identification and thank you for your patience. I haven't booked flights yet. I am waiting to see if I can reconnect with an old friend in Seoul. So, Seoul days may be rearranged or dropped. All suggestions appreciated.

Here is a more detailed first draft plan:
  1. Arrival day to Seoul in the afternoon. Night tour of eating and drinking on Viator.
  2. Free day in Seoul
  3. Seoul small group tour all day
  4. Seoul to Gyeongju by train. Hotel for 2 nights
  5. Gyeongju full day tour
  6. Gyeongju taxi to Pohang Airport to fly to Jeju (unless I can get private tour of archipelago out of Mokpo)
  7. Jeju 3 full days
  8. Fly to Seoul afternoon
  9. 4 full days Seoul (Seoul cooking tour and all day tour outside of Seoul plus a free day)
  10. Fly home
Thanks again for your help.

Heather

shelemm Sep 8th, 2025 12:48 PM

Since you don't have your flights yet, you can always fly into Seoul and out of Busan (or the other way around).

mikefs Sep 18th, 2025 06:45 PM


Originally Posted by ellis2013 (Post 17678000)
Apologies for the mis-identification and thank you for your patience. I haven't booked flights yet. I am waiting to see if I can reconnect with an old friend in Seoul. So, Seoul days may be rearranged or dropped. All suggestions appreciated.

Here is a more detailed first draft plan:
  1. Arrival day to Seoul in the afternoon. Night tour of eating and drinking on Viator.
  2. Free day in Seoul
  3. Seoul small group tour all day
  4. Seoul to Gyeongju by train. Hotel for 2 nights
  5. Gyeongju full day tour
  6. Gyeongju taxi to Pohang Airport to fly to Jeju (unless I can get private tour of archipelago out of Mokpo)
  7. Jeju 3 full days
  8. Fly to Seoul afternoon
  9. 4 full days Seoul (Seoul cooking tour and all day tour outside of Seoul plus a free day)
  10. Fly home
Thanks again for your help.

Heather

Since you plan to spend around 6 days in Seoul, consider visiting nearby city like Suwon. Spend 1 one day there visiting Suwon fortress, Everland, or Korean folk village, among others. Even in Incheon you can also go interesting places like Songdo, Wolmido, or China Town.


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