Culture guide
Seoul · South Korea
South Korea Travel Guide
The Korea guide: Seoul and Busan, the KTX, the BBQ economy and the DMZ logistics.
9 min read · 7 days · Updated September 12, 2026
- south korea
- travel guide
- Destination
- Seoul, South Korea
- Duration
- 7 days
- Best time
- Mar-May
- Style
- Culture · Food · History
- Daily budget
- 100 USD
South Korea is East Asia's quiet value champion: world-class subways, BBQ at burger prices, palaces with hanbok-free entry, and a countryside of temples and mountains an hour from everywhere. Seoul and Busan anchor the classic week.
Planning figures: Seoul ~$100/day, Busan ~$85. The KTX connects them in 2h40 — no flights needed.
What this guide covers
The Classic Week
Seoul and Busan, one week.
Day 1
Seoul — palaces
Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon, Ikseon-dong.
Day 2
Seoul — markets
Gwangjang, Mangwon, the tower.
Day 3
Seoul — DMZ or deep
The booked tour or the museums.
Day 4
Seoul — Hongdae
Shopping, BBQ, busking.
Day 5
KTX to Busan
Gamcheon, Haeundae, seafood.
Day 6
Busan — coast
Yonggungsa, Jagalchi, Gwangalli.
Day 7
Departure
PUS or the KTX back.
Where to Go
Seoul (4 days) covers palaces, markets, the youth districts and the DMZ. Busan (2) adds beaches and the fish market. Jeju is the island escape; Gyeongju the ancient capital; Andong the folk heartland.
- Classic: Seoul 4 → Busan 2 → Jeju 1–2.
- Culture deep: Gyeongju + Andong + Hahoe.
Getting Around
The KTX high-speed rail and the superb metro systems make cars unnecessary. T-money cards cover city transit; Korail tickets sell same-day.
Food & Etiquette
BBQ is the social anchor — staff grill, banchan refills free. Pour drinks for others; receive with two hands. Tipping doesn't exist.
What to know before you go
Money
- Seoul ~$100/day, Busan ~$85 at planning figures.
- Blossom and foliage weeks book 2–3 months out.
When
- April and October are the beautiful windows.
- The monsoon runs late June–July.
Turn this guide into a trip
The trip planner opens pre-filled with Seoul — adjust the dates and interests to fit your trip.
Plan around this destination
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Ready-made trips
Frequently asked questions
Seoul or Busan first?
Seoul — it's the hub and the deeper city. Busan finishes the week by the sea.
Can I do the DMZ on my own?
No — licensed tours only, booked 1–2 weeks ahead, passport in hand.
Is Korea expensive?
No — about $100/day in Seoul at planning figures, cheaper than Tokyo across the board.