If you want to explore South Korea more deeply and have a more comprehensive experience, a 2-week trip would be ideal for your first visit. This time frame allows you to discover everything at a more relaxed pace and enjoy some free time.
You could also consider a 2-week cross-border trip to enrich your vacation with a wider view of the Far East: spend 1 week in South Korea and another week exploring the highlights of a neighboring country, such as Japan or China.
In this article, we've handpicked three 2-week South Korea itineraries to help you plan a once-in-a-lifetime special and stress-free journey. We would customize any itinerary idea you like based on your preferences.
1. 14-Day Classic South Korea Itinerary (for Families or Couples)
This 14-day South Korea itinerary explores the best of the country's popular cities at a slow pace. You could enjoy authentic activities, discover traditional villages, experience the beauty of nature, and savor some leisure time later in the trip.
- 4 nights in Seoul
- 1 night in Sokcho
- 2 nights in Gyeongju (a day trip to Andong)
- 2 nights in Busan
- 3 nights on Jeju Island
- 1 night in Seoul
Start your trip in Seoul — a capital with a mix of history and modernity. It boasts popular attractions, such as Myeongdong shopping area, traditional Bukchon Hanok Village, and iconic N Seoul Tower. Your trip would include abundant interactive experiences that are suitable for families and couples. For example:
- Take a Korean cooking class to learn how to make kimchi and other dishes.
- Explore the DMZ tunnels to gain insights into the Korean War. Your guide would share a lively explanation of the history and answer all of your questions.
- Wear a hanbok to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace. You would have a chance to enjoy watching the ceremonial changing of the guard in traditional costumes.
Next, head to Sokcho to explore Seoraksan National Park. Whether you prefer hiking or taking a cable car to witness the strange rocks and majestic mountains, this place is great for adventures that are suitable for all ages.
Take a day trip to Andong before you arrive in Gyeongju. Enjoy an exclusive mask dance performance and mask-making experience at Hahoe Folk Village. With a guided tour in Gyeongju, you could explore many sites that have thousands of years of history, such as Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.
Staying at a classical-Korean-style Hanok hotel is a must-do in Gyeongju. You could have a more immersive experience than in other cities due to its well-preserved traditional atmosphere. A typical Hanok hotel offers 5–15 rooms and they're booked up quickly. We recommend booking at least 3 months in advance.
Subsequently, travel to Busan via the efficient KTX (Korean Train Express). Highlights include Haedong Yonggung Temple with charming sea views, the "Korean Machu Picchu" — Gamcheon Culture Village, and indulging in the freshest seafood at Jagalchi Market.
End with a trip to Jeju Island. Visit the natural wonders, such as Manjanggul lava tube, Hallasan Mountain, and Seongsan Ilchulbong ('Sunrise Peak'). What's more, you could appreciate the island's unique culture by watching Haenyeo divers catch seafood in their traditional way and explore Seongeup Folk Village. Return to Seoul to depart from South Korea.
Our South Korea travel expert would tailor-made a private tour for you based on your preferences and requirements.
2. 14-Day Itinerary in Off-the-Beaten-Path South Korea
With this 14-day itinerary, you would have a fulfilling adventure in South Korea, exploring the well-known cities of Seoul, Gyeongju, and Busan as well as three hidden gems — Sokcho, Suncheon, and Jeonju.
This itinerary offers you the chance to delve into South Korea's early history and culture, hike a mountain to see the charming scenery, enjoy the beauty of wetlands, and taste mouthwatering Korean cuisine in traditional villages.
- 4 nights in Seoul
- 1 night in Sokcho
- 2 nights in Gyeongju
- 2 nights in Busan
- 2 nights in Suncheon
- 1 night in Jeonju
- 1 night in Seoul
Highlights of this trip include discovering the DMZ and its tunnels near Seoul, visiting historical sites that have been inhabited for thousands of years, spending a night in a classic Hanok hotel in Gyeongju, and sampling authentic Korean cuisine in one of the earliest Hanok villages in Jeonju.
In addition to exploring historical and cultural sites, you would also discover South Korea's beautiful natural scenery. You could hike or take a cable car to enjoy the stunning hilltop view at Seoraksan National Park in Sokcho. Embark on a sightseeing cruise to observe rare birds and stroll across the wide reedbeds at Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve. Also, enjoy some beach time at Haeundae Beach in Busan.
If you are thinking of a trip to South Korea, we'd like to create a wonderful trip based on your needs and interests.
3. 2-Week Highlights of South Korea and Japan Itinerary
South Korea and Japan are famous for their K-pop culture and anime respectively, making them popular destinations for families with teenage kids. 2 weeks is perfect for exploring the must-sees of these neighboring countries in one trip.
To have more acclimatization, we suggest that you start your oriental culture trip in more-reserved South Korea and then travel to more-intense Japan. This way, you could gradually enhance your experience as Japan offers a wider range of experiences to discover.
- 4 nights in Seoul, South Korea
- 2 nights in Busan
- 2 nights in Osaka, Japan
- 2 nights in Kyoto
- 1 nights in Hakone
- 3 nights in Tokyo
During your first week, in South Korea, you would visit the top two cities of Seoul and Busan. Groove with your kids at a private K-pop dancing class and film a video, explore the DMZ tunnels to learn about Korea's wartime history, learn how to prepare Korean cuisine at a cooking class, and feed seagulls at sandy Haeundae Beach.
In the second week, you would cover the highlights of Japan in Osaka, Kyoto, Hakone, and Tokyo. All of these cities are conveniently connected by Shinkansen bullet trains. Attractive family-friendly activities include immersing yourself in a ninja experience with ninja outfits in Osaka, feeding deer in Nara, staying at a ryokan with an onsen in Hakone, and purchasing uniquely-Japanese products at the Pokémon Center in Tokyo.
How Much Does 2 Weeks in South Korea Cost?
US$400–500 per person per day is the typical cost for a private tour with 4-star hotels. This includes a private guide, private car, full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, all intercity transport within South Korea, and handpicked 4-star hotels.
Therefore, the total cost for 2 weeks in South Korea would be about US$5,600–7,000 per person (international flights not included).
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
