Seoul and Busan are two of the most popular destinations in South Korea, offering visitors a unique blend of ancient history and modern urbanism. Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a bustling metropolis with a rich cultural heritage, while Busan, located on the southeastern coast of the country, boasts stunning beaches and scenic landscapes. In this blog, we’ll provide a suggested 4-day itinerary for exploring Seoul and a 3-day itinerary for exploring Busan.
Seoul 4-Day Itinerary
Check Out Hassle-Free Tours to Explore Seoul!
- Seoul City Tour Bus Ticket
- Mastering Seoul in 1 Day Group Tour
- Seoul Private City Tour – 1 Day Private Van Tour from Seoul/ICN
- Seoul Custom Private City Tour – Pick up from Incheon Airport
Day 1: Historical and Cultural Sites
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Start your day by visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most famous palace in Seoul. You can catch the changing of the guard ceremony at the palace gate. Don’t forget to stop by Gwanghwamun Square and Cheonggyecheon Stream as well!
[Top Things to Do at Gyeongbokgung Palace]
- Gyeongbokgung / Deoksugung Palace Half Day Tour
- Korean Palace Tour
- Modern Hanbok Rental & Photoshoot at Gyeongbokgung Palace
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In the afternoon, head to Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean neighborhood with well-preserved houses from the Joseon Dynasty. The village is located in the heart of Seoul and offers a glimpse into traditional Korean life.
[Top Things to Do at Bukchon Hanok Village]
- Bukchon Hanok Village Walking Tour
- Traditional Knot Ornament Making Experience in Bukchon Hanok Village
- DIY Mother-of-Pearl Experience in Bukchon Hanok Village
- Seoul Kimchi Making Class in Bukchon Hanok Village
- Write Your Name in Korean Calligraphy in Bukchon Hanok Village
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Next, explore Insadong, Samcheongdong, and Ikseondong, three historic neighborhoods in Seoul, each with its own unique character and charm.
Insadong is located in the heart of Seoul and is known for its traditional Korean arts and crafts. The neighborhood is lined with galleries, antique shops, and tea houses, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
[Top Things to Do in Insadong]
- Make Your Own Stamp in Insadong
- Insadong Half Day Walking Food Tour
- Korean Calligraphy & Hanging Scroll Making Class
Samcheongdong is a quaint and charming neighborhood, known for its traditional architecture, narrow alleys, and boutique shops. Visiting the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA) is highly recommended to art lovers.
Ikseondong is a hidden gem in Seoul, located just north of Insadong. It’s a historic neighborhood that has recently been revitalized with trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops. The neighborhood’s traditional Korean houses (hanok) have been beautifully restored, making it a popular destination for photographers and Instagrammers. Ikseondong is also known for its nightlife, with many bars and street foods opening up in the area in recent years.
[Top Things to Do in Ikseondong]
Day 2: Modern Seoul
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Start your day at Lotte World, an amusement park that features indoor and outdoor rides and attractions. You can also stop by Lotte World Aquarium, which is inside the Lotte Mall. In the evening, head to the Lotte World Tower, the tallest building in South Korea, for stunning views of the city at night. Don’t forget to walk around Seokchon Lake Park and enjoy cafe hopping at Songnidan-gil Street!
[Top Things to Do in Jamsil]
- Lotte World Discount Ticket
- Lotte World & Aquarium Combo Discount Tickets
- Lotte World Indoor Ice Rink Discount Ticket (+ Folk Museum)
- Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Discount Tickets
- Korean School Uniform Rental near Lotte World
- Korean Traditional Dessert Making Class in Jamsil
- Traditional Korean Beverages Tasting & Drawing Class in Jamsil
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Then visit COEX Mall, one of the largest underground shopping malls in Asia, spanning over 85,000 square meters and featuring over 300 stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. It’s also adjacent to the COEX Aquarium, which is a popular tourist attraction. The Starfield Library, a famous Instagrammable library located in the COEX Mall, is a must-visit destination for book lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike.
[Top Things to Do in Samseongdong]
- COEX Aquarium Discount Ticket
- Gangnam 1 Day Tour: Starfield Library + Lotte Aquarium + Seoul Sky Observatory & more
- VAUNCE Trampoline Park Seoul Samseong Center Discount Ticket
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End your day by exploring the Gangnam district, the heart of modern Seoul with high-end fashion shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
[Top Things to Do in Gangnam]
- Neon Sign Making Class in Gangnam & Hongdae
- K-pop Dance Lesson in Gangnam
- Make Your Own K-pop Recording in Gangnam
- [Trazy Local Host] Seoul Food & Nightlife: Discover Hidden Gems of Gangnam
Day 3: Food and Culture
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Begin your day with a traditional Korean breakfast at Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Korea, with a history dating back to the early 20th century. The market is particularly famous for its bindaetteok, a type of savory Korean pancake made with ground mung beans, meat, and vegetables, which is often considered a quintessential Seoul street food.
[Best Ways to Explore Gwangjang Market]
- Seoul Night Group Tour: Gwangjang Market + Changgyeonggung Palace + Naksan Park
- Night Food Tour in Euljiro
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Next, visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), a futuristic landmark designed by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. You can stop by Dongdaemun Market, which is famous for its wide selection of clothing, accessories, and textiles at affordable prices.
[Best Ways to Explore Dongdaemun]
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In the evening, head to Myeongdong, a bustling shopping district that is famous for its street food and shopping. You can try some Korean delicacies like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes). Also, visit N Seoul Tower, the landmark of Seoul, and admire a panoramic view of the city.
[Top Things to Do in Myeongdong]
- Cookin’ NANTA Show Seoul Discount Ticket
- Shooting Range in Myeongdong
- Gaggum Hair Dream Hair Salon in Myeongdong
- Park Jun Beauty Lab Hair Salon in Myeongdong
- O HUI & Whoo Spa Beauty Care Package
- Women’s Mud Massage & Sauna Experience in Myeongdong
[Best Ways to Enjoy N Seoul Tower]
- N Seoul Tower Observatory Ticket
- N Seoul Tower Namsan Cable Car Weekdays Round-trip Ticket
- Han River Cruise & N Seoul Tower Half Day Tour
Day 4: Day trip to the DMZ
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On the last day, take a day trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which is the border between North and South Korea. The DMZ is a heavily guarded and fortified area that serves as a buffer zone between the two countries. You can take a guided tour of the area and learn about the history of the Korean War.
[Best Ways to Visit DMZ]
- DMZ Half Day Tour – Experience One of the Deepest Tragedies in Korean History
- DMZ Tour with DMZ Gondola from Seoul
- DMZ & Ganghwa Island 1 Day Tour from Seoul
- DMZ Tour + Q&A Session with a North Korean Defector
- Paju / Gimpo / Cheorwon DMZ 1 Day Tour from Seoul
- DMZ Private 1-Day Tour from Seoul
- Seoul ↔ DMZ Shuttle Bus
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After your day trip to DMZ, visit one of the Han River Parks, which are located along the banks of the Han River, which flows through the heart of the city. These parks provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and offer a variety of activities and attractions for locals and tourists alike.
[Find Out Fun Activities on Han River]
- Han River E-land Ferry Cruise (Day & Night)
- Han River Boat / Yacht Ride (Join-in/Private)
- Han River Kayaking / Paddle Boarding / Windsurfing
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Celebrate your last night in Hongdae, a neighborhood known for its youthful energy, creative atmosphere, and lively nightlife. The area is particularly popular among young people, artists, and musicians, and is a hub for the local indie music scene.
[Top Things to Do in Hongdae]
- Make Your Own Custom Ring/Bracelet/Necklace in Hongdae
- Make Your Own Cosmetics (Skincare products/Lipsticks) near Hongdae
- Seoul Nightlife Tour: Pub Crawl
[Best K-beauty Services in Hongdae]
Busan 3-Day Itinerary
Check Out Hassle-Free Ways to Travel to Busan from Seoul!
- Korail Pass (KR Pass) Unlimited KTX & Train Rides
- Express Bus Ticket Reservation: Seoul ↔ Busan/Daegu/Gyeongju/Jeonju/Gwangju/Sokcho/Gangneung
- Visit Busan in 1 Day from Seoul (Round-trip KTX tickets included)
Check Out 1 Day Tour Packages in Busan!
- Busan City Tour Bus Discount Ticket
- Busan City 1 Day Tour (+ Yacht Tour option)
- Busan Day & Night Full Day Group Tour
- Busan 1 Day Private Tour (Van/Minibus/Big Bus)
- Busan Instagram Spots 1 Day Small Group Tour
Day 1: Beaches and Temples
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Start your first day in Busan by visiting the Beomeosa Temple, a beautiful Buddhist temple located in the foothills of Mount Geumjeongsan. The temple is famous for its beautiful architecture and tranquil surroundings. Take some time to explore the temple grounds, which include several buildings and shrines.
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Enjoy your afternoon at Haeundae Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Korea. This beautiful beach is over 1.5 kilometers long and is a great place to relax, sunbathe, and take a dip in the ocean. After spending some time at the beach, head to the nearby Sea Life Busan Aquarium, which is home to over 35,000 sea creatures, including sharks, rays, and dolphins.
[Best Ways to Enjoy Haeundae Beach]
- Haeundae River Cruise Discount Ticket
- Busan Marine Yacht Tour (Join-in/Private)
- Private Yacht Rental in Haeundae, Busan
- Busan Premium 1 Day Tour with Haeundae Sky Capsule & Beach Train
- Charter Your Own Crewed Yacht – Busan Marine City
- Sea Life Busan Aquarium Discount Ticket
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In the evening, head to Gwangalli Beach, known for its stunning night views of the Gwangan Bridge. The beach is also famous for its fine sand and clear blue water, making it a great spot for swimming and water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing.
[Must-do Activities & Tours at Gwangalli Beach]
- Busan Gwangalli Beach Paddle Boarding (SUP)
- Busan Ultimate Night Yacht Tour with M Drone Show
- Busan Luxury Yacht Tour
Day 2: Markets and Landmarks
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Begin your day by exploring Jagalchi Market, the largest seafood market in Korea. Jagalchi Market is known for its wide variety of fresh seafood, including fish, squid, octopus, clams, and more. It is located near other popular attractions in Busan, such as Gukje Market and BIFF Square.
[Special Tours & Activities at Jagalchi Fish Market]
- Jagalchi Fish Market & Korean Food Market Tour with a Local Chef in Busan
- Private Korean Food Master Cooking Class with a Local Chef in Busan
[Check Out More Cooking Classes in Busan]
- Traditional Korean Food Cooking Class in Busan
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class & Market Tour with a Local Chef
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Next, visit the Busan Tower, a symbol of Busan’s urban development. The tower is located in Yongdusan Park, which also features an observatory, a museum, and a cultural center. You can witness a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the city.
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Finally, explore the Gamcheon Culture Village, a colorful village built on a hillside. Known as the “Manchu Picchu of Busan”, the village was originally a shantytown, but in recent years it has been transformed into a popular tourist destination and a hub for the local arts scene.
[Best Ways to Explore Gamcheon Culture Village]
Day 3: Nature and Relaxation
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In the morning, take a scenic walk along the Taejongdae cliffs, a beautiful natural landmark overlooking the ocean. The park features several hiking trails, a lighthouse, and a beautiful beach.
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Then head to Oryukdo Sunrise Park and Oryukdo Skywalk, two popular attractions located in the Nam-gu district of Busan. Oryukdo Sunrise Park is located on a cliff overlooking the ocean and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Oryukdo Skywalk is a glass-bottomed walkway that extends out from a cliff and offers visitors stunning views of the ocean and surrounding coastline.
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End your trip in Busan at the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a seaside temple with stunning views of the ocean. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, which combines traditional Korean temple design with elements of the natural surroundings, such as the rocky cliffs and the sea.
Check Out More Itinerary Blogs on Trazy!
- Seoul Trip 5-Day Itinerary
- Seoul Trip 10-Day Itinerary
- Jeju Island Trip 3-Day Itinerary
- Busan Trip 3-Day Itinerary
- Seoul & Jeju Island Triop 7-Day Itinerary
Seoul and Busan offer visitors a wide variety of experiences, from exploring historical and cultural sites to relaxing on beautiful beaches. For more travel tips on your Korea trip, check out Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop!