Hello,
I'm planning a two-week trip for 6 family members (me, husband and adult kids/mates) to South Korea this coming October and would love to get advice on my proposed itinerary! We're hoping to hire a van/driver for the full trip, or alternatively for each city, and would very much appreciate any recommendations. If you have recommendations for a locally-based English-speaking trip operator who can help us with transportation/hotels, etc. we would welcome that as well.

Many thanks in advance!
NancyDay 1: Arrive Seoul

Day 2: Seoul

Day 3: Seoul/DMZ

Day 4: Day trip to Seoraksan - hike, overnight in Sokcho or in park(?)

Day 5: Back to Seoul

Day 6: Train from Seoul to Busan

Day 7: Busan

Day 8: Busan

Day 9: Busan/environs

Day 10: Train from Busan to Gyeongju

Day 11: Gyeongju, or back to Busan in evening of Day 10(?)

Day 12: Flight from Busan to Jeju

Day 13: Jeju

Day 14: Flight Jeju to Seoul

Day 15: Fly to States

This looks like a straightforward rundown out of a package tour. Not that it's a bad thing, mind you, but I am wondering if you have investigated the possibilities of what is in Korea? Especially if you wind up with a vehicle and driver, you can go anywhere!

Thanks for the reply. I agree, but with limited time and for our first trip to the country, I have been a bit uncertain about how to curate it without moving every day or two, which we'd rather not do. In reading over the prior trip reports, it seems that there is generally more enthusiasm for Busan and Gyeongju compared with some of the cities in the western areas. I have read both enthusiastic reports of Jeju Island and less enthusiastic reports. Would you recommend leaving out Jeju and focusing on some other part of the country that we can reach efficiently by car or train? I welcome your advice.

Thanks,

I didn't go to Jeju, so I have no opinion on it. I decided it wasn't worth the time commitment, and it seemed that Korea is filled with many coastal wonders without having to get on a plane. There's great coastal scenery in Busan. But I didn't go with six people, just me and two teenagers, so I understand just how complicated that can be. Have you done this before?

My initial thought was that there are more wonders near Gyoengju than you are accounting for. You could try to visit a traditional folk village in the area such as Yangdong. So you might want to add more time to Gyeongju and remove Jeju.

The problem with six people is that anytime you move around, it's a hassle. And I don't mean just from city to city but even within a city. The advantage of staying longer days in each place is that maybe, just maybe, you don't all have to go everywhere together everyday. For example, there is magnificent hiking accessible via subway in Seoul or Busan, but if not everyone wants to do that you could split up. For my taste, there is too much to do in Seoul to take time away to see the DMZ, however I do have to admit it sounds easy to marshall the troops onto a tour bus.

When we visited South Korea a few years ago it was on a bit of a whim as we are on a much longer trip through Asia to Australia and found ourselves with a couple of weeks to spare so planning was all a bit last minute as I recall. I do remember a couple of trip reports here by thursdaysd and kja to be particularly helpful and it would be worth searching for them here. Our own blog @ https://accidentalnomads.com/category/asia/south-korea/ covers some of the places we visited.

The public transport system, though initially somewhat bewildering, is effective and extensive so I am not sure how much added value a van and driver would add. Though there was only the two of us, so being a group of six , I suppose there could be some benefit? The subway in Seoul took some getting used to but there are apps that can help with that and once you get the hang of it, it is fine. TIP: Wherever you go check out which EXIT you need. Sometimes with a choice of 10, the wrong one can take you a long way from where you want to be!

Loved South Korea and in terms of less visited asian countries , I would put it up there with Taiwan.

When we went, the weather was not good so we didn't end up doing as much as we hoped, especially around Busan. That said, Seoul, Busan and Gyeongju make a great combo and I think you should be careful not to spread yourself too thinly. There is a huge amount to see and do in and around Seoul so don't shortchange it. I can imagine a car would be of any benefit there but maybe a couple of guided trips? We found our trip to the DMZ to be a very interesting experience and very well organised. A terrific insight into the geopolitical tensions which have plague the region for over half a century.

Thank you for the responses. Indeed, I have read the trip reports by thursdaysd and kja and your blog! All very informative. And thank you for the note about the subway exits. That is hugely helpful.

I am considering eliminating Jeju from the itinerary and adding to both Seoul and Gyeongju. It makes me a bit sad because Jeju Island is featured in SO many of the K-shows that sustained me through Covid that I was really looking forward to seeing it. But I do appreciate the need to have ample time in each city.

If Jeju is important to you, then by all means keep it on your itinerary. It's good to follow your inspiration.

One other thought: At the end of your trip, maybe you could book a ticket Jeju to the US (w/ Seoul connection). That way you could have an extra night in Jeju.

I am sure Seoraksan is very beautiful, but there is some magnificent hiking in Seoul and Busan.

The great thing about Busan is that it has some unique features: A ruined mountaintop fortress (there is a cable car that helps get you up), a rare seaside temple, a rare temple in the face of a cliff (not long but steep hike involved),and mountains that plunge down into the sea. Also, with the use of private transport, villages with restaurants that raise and serve ducks and goat. Dramatic seaside hiking/walking. And sprawling traditonal markets that go on for many blocks.

Ah, that is an interesting thought about routing back to the states from Jeju Island. I will look into that! I'm still leaning towards hiring a van/driver for day trips and transport to/from transportation hubs since there are so many of us. If anyone has a recommendation for such a service, I'd welcome it. Thanks.

Hello NancyLA,

I visited Busan last year. It is a lovely South Korean city worth visiting, rich with beaches, temples, and seafood. For transportation, hiring a van/driver for the full trip would be a convenient option, but it could be costly too. Better you can hire alternatively for each city or use public transportation, which is affordable and efficient in South Korea.

For your 3 day travel plan in Busan you can consider visiting Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Gamcheon Culture Village, Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach, Busan Museum of Art, Taejongdae Park, Jagalchi Market, BIFF Square, Beomeosa Temple, Yongdusan Park, Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) Museum, and Hwamyeong Night Market, all are the popular and must see locations in Busan.

Hi- did you finally decide on an itinerary and would you mind sharing it with me? We are also a family of 6, 4 old teens/young adults and parents, going in July to Korea. Looking for some adventurous things to do in South Korea, and we will be beginning in Gangneung and making our way back to Seoul.

I haven't done this ridge hike, but I think it is a world-class experience. It means taking a ferry to this island:

https://goo.gl/maps/uf4FekbaVK55DWWf7

Ivy Oliver - thank you for the Busan information.This is really helpful. And sorry for the delayed response; we've been away.

To the OpenRoadTravel poster, we are still working on the itinerary but below is the latest iteration. We welcome comments and suggestions. We are still planning a van/driver/guides for some destinations, but will be also using public trans in cities and trains to get to/from cities.

Day 1: Arrive SeoulDay 2: Seoul

Day 3: Seoul/DMZ

Day 4: Drive to Sokcho, visit city in afternoon

Day 5: Explore Seoraksan National Park

Day 6: Seoraksan hike in am/back to Seoul

Day 7: Seoul

Day 8: Train from Seoul to Busan

Day 9: Busan/environs

Day 10: Train from Busan to Gyeongju in am

Day 11: Gyeongju

Day 12: Back to Busan in am/Busan

Day 13: Day trip (to Geoje POW camp?)

Day 14: Busan/Train to Seoul

Day 15: Fly to States

Busan has a lot to offer. Mountains that plunge right down into the sea. A bustling port. Traditional markets that go on forever. A rare seaside temple. A rare temple built into a cliff. Hiking along rocky coastline. A cable car that goes up to the remains of a mountaintop fortress. Museums, certainly. The beach and Diamond Bridge at night. The world's largest department store! If I were to do a day trip form there, I might consider the gardens at Oedo Botania.