South Korea 1 Week / 7 Day Itinerary – Seoul, Gyeongju & Busan

How to spend one week in South Korea? There is so much to see in South Korea  that 7 days isn’t really enough – but if you’re short on time, this 7 day South Korea itinerary includes old and new, cities and culture, temples and other things to do.

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Gwangjang market, Seoul 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary
Gwangjang Market, Seoul

Starting in Seoul (or Busan), our one week Korea itinerary includes 3 of the countries best cities – if you have longer, you could always add on Jeonju between Busan and Gyeongju or fly to Jeju Island for a few days.

With suggested stops, accommodation and transport trips, this is our ultimate South Korea one week itinerary for 2025.

Busan 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary
Haeundae Beach, Busan

You might like – 40 best things to do in South Korea >


South Korea checklist

We love using agoda.com, expedia.com and booking.com for researching and booking all our hotels, and Hostelworld for booking hostels.

For booking tours, transfers and SIM cards we recommend Get Your GuideViator, Trazy or Klook.

For booking rental cars visit Discover Cars. For private drivers and taxis, check out our Transfer guide >

Check out our South Korea travel booking resources >

All set for South Korea? Do one final check with our Seoul first timers guide and our South Korea packing list

Seoul Transport

Public transport in South Korea is simple to use, but it is even easier (and sometimes cheaper) with a T-Money card (used nationwide) or a Climate Card (Seoul only).

In Korea, T-money cards are widely used plus there are several other transport card options including the Korea Tour Card, the Discover Seoul Pass and Visit Busan Pass.

The main ways to get around South Korea are by subway, bus, train or taxi / driving. T-Money cards are prepaid cards that can be used on most public transport and you tap on / tap off as you use them. Read our guide on how to buy and top up a T-Money card and Climate Card >

Make sure you have a SIM card or eSim when you arrive – read our South Korea SIM guide >

Finally, be sure to download all the necessary Seoul transport apps – here are our 30 most recommended South Korea travel, transport, translation and useful apps >

Join our Facebook South Korea Travel Planning and Tips Group!
Need help with your itinerary or have any South Korea related questions? Head on over to our friendly and active Facebook group with over 110,000 members!
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Or if you just want to see more of our South Korea photos, follow our South Korea Facebook page >

Where to stay

Our 7 day South Korea itinerary starts in Seoul and finishes in Busan but can easily be switched around as both have large international airports.

Seoul Accommodation

If it is your first-time in Seoul, we’d recommend reading our guide to all the Seoul neighborhoods to see which is best for you.

We’d recommend Myeongdong as a place to stay as it is central, with lots of night-life and restaurants, a good transport network and most importantly, lots of hotel choices.

Check out our guide to all the best Myeongdong hotels to suit all budgets >

Myeongdong, Seoul 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

We also often stay in Euljiro, currently referred to as Seoul’s trendiest neighborhood by the Korean Tourism Office. It is within walking distance of Myeongdong, has its own eateries and awesome alley’s of bars to explore plus the hotels are often cheaper.

For great night-life and food, you may also want to consider staying in Hongdae or Gangnam or for a quieter time but still central, Insadong or Ikseon-dong.

Gyeongju Hotels

We list a couple of highly recommended hotels in our Gyeongju guide >

Busan Accommodation

We have a guide to the best Busan neighborhoods and accommodation guide here >

In Busan, we usually stay in Seomyeon for the night-life, food and inexpensive hotels, or for a beach break, we stay at Haeundae or Gwangalli (hotels in beach neighbourhoods are usually a little more expensive than hotels in the city).

Busan beach, 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

You might like – South Korea SIM and eSIM guide and prices >


7 Day South Korea Itinerary

In our South Korea itinerary, we’ll provide suggested times and locations in a logical order but feel free to change around the days / timings based on the weather (some are outdoor activities) or your likes and preferences.

A summary of our 7 day Korea itinerary is as follows:

  • Days 1 to 3 – Seoul
  • Days 4 & 5 – Gyeongju
  • Day 6 onwards – Busan

If you have a few more days planned (e.g. 10 days in South Korea), we’d suggest spending a night or two in Jeonju in between Gyeongju or Busan – or fly to Jeju Island for some tropical time and amazing natural wonders.


Day 1 in Seoul

Bukchon Hanok Village – Morning

One of the most popular things to do in Seoul, Bukchon Hanok Village is a historic hillside neighbourhood that is home to dozens of traditional houses (“hanok”, that date back to the Joseon dynasty). You can also hire historic hanboks to wear around the village.

Read more in our Bukchon Hanok Village guide >

Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

Check out this Seoul traditional clothes and hanbok rental on Klook or check out our guide to using a professional photographer for a hanbok photoshoot.

Afterwards, walk 10 minutes to one of Seoul’s most famous cafes, Cafe Onion Hanok.

cafe onion, Seoul 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary
Cafe Onion Hanok

Dongdaemun

A 15 minute subway ride, Dongdaemun has many historical and cultural attractions, but is best known for its massive budget malls and traditional markets that sell clothing, accessories and electronics, some of which are open 24 hours a day.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

We’d recommend spending some time at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), containing a design museum (certain exhibitions are free), the design lab and a conference center, plus a handful of shops, restaurants and cafes.

Read our Dongdaemun area guide >

Gwangjang Market – Lunch Stop

Gwangjang Market is Seoul’s most famous food market, a myriad of market street food stalls selling some of the best food you’ll taste in Seoul (or anywhere in South Korea).

gwangjang market, Seoul 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

Gwangjang Market has bags of character, from the numerous (and competitive) stallholders who beckon you over to the huge array of awesome and authentic street food available.

Be sure to also visit the famous Netflix Knife-cut noodle lady in Gwangjang Market or try one of famous dessert shops in Seoul, Abebe Bakery.

Abebe Bakery

Afternoon

Cheonggyecheon Stream Walk – Mid Afternoon

One of the best walks in downtown Seoul any time of day, the Cheonggyecheon is a downtown public park and stream walk that is lit up and open 24 hours.

You can walk it from Gwangjang Market all the way down to Deoksugung Palace or turn off to Seoul Plaza or Myeongdong.

Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

Visit HiKr Ground K-pop Experience

At HiKr Ground (located next to Cheonggyecheon stream), you can recreate your own K-pop video in themed sets like the coin laundry from ‘Permission to Dance’ from BTS (don’t worry, you don’t need any coins)!

HiKr Ground, Seoul 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

The free Korean culture space has various K-Pop exhibitions and video screens showing famous videos as well as a mini “K-Pop museum” on the second floor.

Jeongdong Observatory / Royal Deoksugung Palace

From HiKR Ground, continue your walk along Cheonggyecheon stream towards the giant sea-shell sculpture. Turn left and head towards City Hall Seosomun building – the free to visit Jeongdong Observatory is on the 13th floor.

Jeongdong Observatory 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

Evening

Myeongdong

For your first night in Seoul, explore one of the most popular shopping and restaurant districts, Myeongdong – a lively and vibrant neighbourhood popular with locals and tourists alike. A retail mecca by day and bustling street food destination by night, Myeongdong has many things to do and see.

Myeongdong 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

Shopping in Myeongdong is also amazing with the recently opened Olive Young Myeongdong Global Store, a 12 storey Daiso plus you’ll go nuts for the ‘HBAF’ flavoured almond stores.

Make sure in Myeongdong on an empty stomach; the side streets are awash with restaurants galore (like Kyoja), enjoy the famous Myeongdong night market or a whole street dedicated to fried chicken and beer establishments – heaven.

Fancy catching a show? Go and see the very funny NANTA Cooking comedy show, suitable for all ages.

Myeongdong 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary
olive young 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

Day 2 in Seoul

Morning

Ikseon-dong Hanok Village

Your second day in Seoul starts in Ikseon-dong, a historic and happening neighbourhood packed full of cute cafes, tea-houses and beautiful bakeries. There are lots of brunch places and other things to do in our Ikseon-dong area guide >

Ikseon-dong Hanok Village 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

To get to Ikseondong, take Seoul Subway lines 1, 3 or 5 and alight from Jongno 3-ga Subway Station.

Insadong

Just a 5 minute walk from Ikseon-dong, Insadong is one of Seoul’s most popular neighbourhoods and shopping streets with a historic heart – start your visit by walking along Insadong Cultural Street, the main street lined with shops, restaurants and food carts.

From traditional tea-houses hidden down back alleys and ancient pagodas to modern shopping centres and even retro vinyl LP bars, Insa-dong has got it going on.

Insadong 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary
Shin Old Teahouse (Sinyet chatjip)
Insadong 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary
Ssamzigil 

Afternoon

Seoul Royal Palaces

A short stroll from Insadong brings to two of the best known Seoul Royal Palaces – Changdeokgung Palace and Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Gyeongbokgung Palace 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary
Gyeongbokgung Palace

If you only have time for one Royal Palace, we’d recommend the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in the 1390s and the largest and most majestic Royal Residence in Seoul – admission is free with hanbok hire.

Try to time your visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace with the changing of the Palace Royal Guard at 2pm (also at 10am) – it is very theatrical but the costumes and instruments are stunning.

Evening

Hongdae at night or catch a baseball game

Hanging out in Hongdae is a happy way to spend your second night in Seoul. There are so many things to do in Hongdae from street performers to sharp shooting, 24/7 karaoke to Korean photo booths.

hongdae 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary
Hongdae

Hipster Hongdae is where all the cool kids, cafe connoisseurs and craft beer geeks hang out – there is something to suit all budgets and tastes, from thrift stores to late night theatre, K-Pop stores to tranquil parks.

hongdae 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary
Hongdae

The best way to reach Hongdae is to take the subway line 2 (dark green) to Hongik University Station, and take exit 9. It is just a short walk to the main shopping area.

Alternatively, if you are in Seoul between April and September, you might want to catch a Seoul baseball game over at Jamsil Station in east Seoul. There are games most nights (except Mondays) – check out our Seoul baseball guide >

baseball seoul 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary
Baseball at Jamsil Stadium

Day 3 in Seoul

For your final day in Seoul, choose between a third day exploring in and around the city or take a day-trip.

We’ve written this guide to the most popular day trips from Seoul >

Perhaps the most common excursions from Seoul are:

Option 1 – DMZ Tour Half Day Tour

DMZ tour is a must visit when in Seoul and a solemn reminder of the current division in the country.

DMZ Tour 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

The DMZ is the heavily controlled border separating North Korea and South Korea – DMZ tours from Seoul have various border elements you can visit including the Third Tunnel, Freedom Bridge and the Dora Observatory where you can peer into North Korea using powerful binoculars.

DMZ Tour 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

We’ve written this guide to all the different types of DMZ tours from Seoul but most start very early (usually between 6am and 7) with pick-ups in Myeongdong, Dongdaemun and Hongik University and drop you off back in Seoul around mid afternoon.

Option 2 – Nami Island / Garden of Morning Calm

Another day-trip from Seoul, Nami Island is home to wonderful woodland walks along the river, beautiful landscapes and an incredible array of wildlife including hundreds of wild rabbits.

nami island 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

Popularised by a starring role in the romantic K Drama ‘Winter Sonata” (there is even a commemorative statue of the characters), Nami Island has dozens of cafes and other attractions to enjoy, from zip lines to boat hire.

Here is our detailed Nami Island ultimate guide with all the things to do >

nami island 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

If you are doing a Nami Island tour, many of the group tours also visit the Garden of Morning Calm. With 30 gardens to explore and cute cafes overlooking gorgeous green spaces, South Korea’s The Garden of Morning Calm is one of the most incredible arboretums in the world – read our guide >

Option 3 – Stay in Seoul

MorningEunpyeong Hanok Village

One of Seoul’s most sublime suburbs, Eunpyeong Hanok Village feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city – and yet it is only a short bus ride away.

Eunpyeong Hanok Village 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

Eunpyeong Hanok Village has cute cafes, tranquil temples, nature walks, museums plus beautiful views of Bukhansan Mountain; several K-dramas have been filmed in this hanok village including ‘Somebody’ (Netflix), ‘The Third Marriage’ and ‘Moving’.

Read our Eunpyeong Hanok Village with a recommendation for an amazing rooftop cafe >

LunchNamdaemun Market and Kalguksu Alley

Take the bus back into downtown Seoul and explore Namdaemun Market, a sprawling shopping area frequented by locals and tourists alike in search of bargains.

Grab lunch at Lunch at Kalguksu Alley, a densely packed indoor strip of food stalls hidden away in the depths of Namdaemun Market.

Kalguksu Alley 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary
Kalguksu Alley

A hotpotch of bibimbap and knife-cut noodle dishes, Kalguksu Alley has around 20 to 25 different stalls, generally all run by elderly ladies (ajummas) who take great pride in their food and service.

From prices to etiquette, here is our guide to eating at Kalguksu Alley >

Sungnyemun gate / Changing of the Guards

Just a couple of minutes walk from Namdaemun Market and Kalguksu Alley, Sungnyemun is one of the main gates that was once part of the historic Fortress Wall that encircled Seoul (parts of the city still have the wall).

See the changing of the guards at 1pm, 1.40pm, 2.20pm, 3pm and the closing ceremony each day at 3.30pm.

Sungnyemun gate / Changing of the Guards 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

Evening

After night 1 in Myeongdong and night 2 in Hongdae, we have a couple of choices for your third night in Seoul – the bright lights of Gangnam or Seoul’s trendiest neighborhood, Euljiro.

Option 1 – Euljiro

Hello to ‘Hipjiro’ – better known as Euljiro and Seoul’s current trendiest neighbourhood, this once industrial area is now home to some of the city’s coolest cafes and bars, plus alley upon alley of delicious food. Read our Euljiro guide >

Euljiro 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary
Euljiro

Option 2 – Gangnam

Gangnam style! Although arguably most famous outside of Seoul as the title of Psy’s global K-pop hit, Gangnam in Seoul has a unique identity of its own and is an ideal place to stay spend a night.

Gangnam is a trendy district and an urban utopia of high-end shopping and choice cultural spots. It also has some of the best bars and night clubs in Seoul. Read our Gangnam guide >

gangnam 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary
Gangnam near Gangnam subway station

You might like – Our guide to Seoul with kids >


Day 4 – Seoul to Gyeongju

Gyeongju is one of South Korea’s best preserved ancient cities with the most temples, pagodas and former palaces anywhere in the country.

Very different from the big cities of Busan and Seoul, Gyeongju is a marvellous mix of old and new South Korea and once the capital of the Korean Silla Dynasty – for every cool coffee shop, there is a historic hanok house or centuries old site.

Gyeongju 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

How to get to Gyeongju from Seoul

The best way to reach Gyeongju from Seoul is by bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal. The journey takes 3.5 hours. Book your Seoul to Gyeongju bus ticket on Klook >

Alternatively you can reach Gyeongju from Seoul by taking the high-speed KTX train from either Seoul Station or Yongsan Station to Gyeongju Station.

Please note Gyeongju Station is located quite far from the city center so we recommend taking the bus. The journey takes around 2.5 hours. Book your Seoul to Gyeongju KTX train ticket on Klook >

Afternoon

Given the 2.5 to 3.5 hour journey, chances are you’ll check into your hotel and then explore from mid afternoon onwards.

We recommend staying local for the first afternoon and checking out these Gyeongju sites:

Woljeonggyo Bridge

Spanning the Nakdonggang River, the original Woljeonggyo Bridge was built over a thousand years ago in the 8th century but sadly burnt down – this new version was built in 2018 and is the largest wooden bridge in Korea.

Woljeonggyo Bridge 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village

Take a step back in time at Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village, a historic hanok chock full of live demonstrations, cute cafes and courtyards plus one of the best places to pose in hanbok dress.

Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

Originally established in the 7th century and recreated over the years, this small but sublime slice of South Korea life from yesteryear is one of the most popular things to do in Gyeongju – better yet, it is free admission.

Dongbu Historic Area

This is the stretch of Gyeongju that encompasses Cheomseongdae Observatory, the Tomb of King Nameul, Wolji Pond, Gyerim Forest plus lots of natural beauty spots. It is a designated area of historic conservation, to help preserve all of Gyeongju’s historic Silla Kingdom sites.

Dongbu Historic Area 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

Check out these Gyeongju tours and activities with Viator, Get Your Guide and Klook.

EveningGyeongju Hwangnidan-gil / Poseok-Ro

The best place in Gyeongju for restaurants, Korean snacks, cute coffee shops and souvenir shopping, Hwangnidan Street is a curious mix of historic hanok style buildings and modern shops and restaurants.

Gyeongju Hwangnidan-gil / Poseok-Ro 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary

Popular for tourist hanbok rentals and golf buggy rentals, this is a lovely place to stroll around at night in Gyeongju, trying tasty Korean tidbits or fun desserts like the 10 Won cheese coins. We had dinner at Daewha Mandu here and it was really good.

Several of the coffee shops along Gyeongju Hwangnidan-gil have second stories and terraces looking out over the Gyeongju and street below so it is a great place for a sunset sip or dalgona at dusk.


You might like – 20 things to do in Gyeongju >


Day 5 – Gyeongju

Morning – Bulguksa Temple

Start day 5 by taking the bus to Bulguksa Temple, one of Gyeongju’s most popular and beautiful temples, with thousands of tourists and local worshippers visiting every day.

Bulguksa Temple 7 day 1 week South Korea itinerary
Bulguksa Temple

Built in the 8th century with an idyllic hillside and forest setting, Bulguksa Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit when in Gyeongju – it is also only a short bus ride out of town from the main bus terminals.

From what to see at the temple to which buses to get to it, check out our guide to Bulguksa Temple >

Many visitors combine a trip to Bulguksa Temple with Seokguram Grotto, as they are easily connected by bus (bus number 12).

Seokguram is a remote hillside Buddhist temple carved out of Tohamsan mountain and looking out towards the sea. Also a UNESCO World Heritage site, Seokguram Grotto was built in the 8th century.

AfternoonDonggung Palace and Wolji Pond (Anapji)

Originally built in the 7th century, South Korea’s second palace has been rebuilt several times over the last few centuries, centred around the huge Wolji Pond (the reflections of the buildings lit up at night look amazing). The lake blossoms into life with lotus flowers in the summer months.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (Anapji) Gyeongju

Established in 679AD, Donggung was the main banquet and ceremonial site for important South Korea events and important visitors.

Many other building remains have also been found in this area over the years – the latest incarnation of Donggung Palace was restored in the 1980s.


Check out this Gyeongju Hanbok Rental Experience or a private professional photoshoot in Gyeongju


Geumgwanchong / Gold Crown Tombs

Dating back to the 5th century and one of the oldest parts of Gyeongju, this is an underground burial tomb which looks like giant grassy domes from the outside.

Geumgwanchong / Gold Crown Tombs Gyeongju

We’d recommend visiting the Geumgwanchong / Gold Crown Tomb interiors as it is free to visit and the museum gives a really good background on the history and significance of the tombs, plus has cabinets full of items found inside the mounds.

Geumgwanchong / Gold Crown Tombs Gyeongju

Evening – Jungang Night Market (open from Thursday to Sunday)

So far we’ve only talked about historical parts of Gyeongju, but much fun and fine food is to be had at Jungang Market, the main market place for Gyeongju locals.

Jungang Night Market Gyeongju

It becomes Jungang Night Market in the evenings, and has around 60 or so food stalls, selling everything from cheesy lobster to flame grilled beef.

Jungang Night Market also offers a 12,000 Won 4 food sampler. You buy a tray and can try tasters from four different stalls (but the queues were big).


Day 6 – Gyeongju to Busan

South Korea’s second biggest city Busan is bustling, blessed with beachside activities, hipster hangouts and 24/7 entertainment – there are so many things to do in Busan.

Not only can you enjoy Busan’s most beautiful beaches but there is so much sublime street food and Busan at night is a magical place.

From free aerial drone shows on the beach to sunset cruises and craft beer bars, there is something to suit all budgets and tastes in Busan.

How to get from Gyeongju to Busan

To get to Busan from Gyeongju, the quickest way is by KTX train (high speed railway) which takes around 30 minutes. Book your Gyeongju to Busan tickets on Klook or trip.com.

However, the Gyeongju to Busan bus is a much cheaper option and still less than an hour between the two – check out our Gyeongju to Busan bus guide >

As you’ll likely be arriving in Busan early, you can either leave your bags in a station locker until later or leave them at your hotel until check-in.

P.S. If you want to see lots of attractions in Busan or are spending a few days here, we highly recommend buying a Visit Busan Pass, which has free admission to 40 attractions for one fixed price. Read out Visit Busan Pass review here >


You might like – Things to do in Busan with kids >


MorningHaedong Yonggungsa Temple (optional)

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is described as the ‘most beautiful temple in Korea’ with stunning panoramic views of the sea and surrounding coastline.

Incredibly popular (especially with coach groups), the original Haedong Yonggungsa temple was built in the 14th century but later destroyed by bombing and rebuilt in the 1930s.

During celebrations and religious festivals like Buddha’s birthday, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is adorned with lots of bright lanterns across all its paths and roofs making it even more beautiful.

P.S. You need to get a bus / taxi to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple  – so if you’ve arrived in Busan later than mid morning, you might want to skip this and go straight to…

Haeundae

Jump on the Metro to Haeundae. Easily one of Busan’s best beaches and one of South Korea’s most colourful coastal getaways, Haeundae Beach has a whole lot going on.

From beachside bars to charming coastal walks, sand festivals to sublime panoramic views, there are a lot of things to do in Haeundae Beach.

We’d suggest spending half a day as there is so much to do. Haeundae highlights include:

The beach itself 
With its vast ocean views, sprawling sandy beach and towering skyscrapers immediately behind, Haeundae Beach is world-class (it reminds us of the skyscraper sea coast-line in Gold Coast, Australia).

Haeundae Blue Line Park (Beach Train and Sky Capsule)
Experience one of the world’s greatest (and most Instagrammable) ocean facing railway journeys.

Read our guide to Haeundae Blue Line Park, and you can book Haeundae Blue Line Park tickets with Klook.

BUSAN X the SKY
For the best panoramic views of Haeundae Beach and the Busan coastline, head up to the 100th floor of Busan X the Sky, a newly constructed mixed use skyscraper that at over 400 metres high, is the tallest building in Busan and the second largest tower in South Korea (after the Lotte World Tower in Seoul).

It is included as part of the Visit Busan Pass and be sure to have some brews with views in the world’s tallest Starbucks on the 99th floor.

Haeundae Food Alley / Haeundae Traditional Market
For a great lunch, head to Haeundae Traditional Market, a couple of blocks back from Haeundae Beach.

From tteokbokki to tempura, squid to mandu, you’ll find lots of fine South Korean street food, plus given there are so many restaurants who all want your custom, prices at Haeundae Traditional Market are very reasonable.

Read more in our guide to Busan’s Haeundae Traditional Market >

EveningGwangalli Beach

From Haeundae, take the bus to Gwangalli (or you can even do a long coastal walk between the two like we did one day).

From traditional temples to waterside parks, fantastic festivals to weekly aerial drone shows there are a lot of things to do in Gwangalli Beach, and of course it is great for sunbathing or a sunset stroll.

Even if you aren’t a fan of beach fun and frolics, Gwangalli Beach is still worth a visit, especially at night. There are dozens of cool coffee shops and beachside bars with ocean views; the locals in Gwangalli Beach really know how to have a good sunset session. It also has lots of Busan craft beer bars.

Gwangalli highlights include:

Gwangalli M Drone Show (free)
Busan’s Gwangalli Beach is the place to be every Saturday night with the weekly Gwangalli M Drone display over the night sky.

Millac The Market
Overlooking the harbor at Gwangalli Beach with huge bay windows facing towards the ocean and Millak Port, Millac the Market is a popular Gwangalli food market and contemporary cultural space.

Gwangandaegyo Bridge / Diamond Bridge
This is one ‘lit’ bridge – literally, Gwangandaegyo Bridge (AKA Gwangan Bridge) has the world’s largest set of LED lights and sound equipment; it shines so bright it has been nicknamed Busan’s Diamond Bridge.


Day 7 – Busan

For the last day of our 7 day South Korea itinerary, we’re visiting Busan’s most colourful neighborhood, getting very ‘fishy’ plus finishing your trip with a big blow-out in Busan’s Seomyeon district.

Gamcheon Cultural Village

If you are only going to do a handful of things in Busan, make sure you visit Gamcheon Cultural Village – it is easily one of the most visited places in Busan, and probably the most Instagrammed place in Busan too given how colourful it is.

Brightly painted terraced dwellings, labyrinth alley-ways and maze-like backstreets are all part of the charm.

Not to mention cute coffee shops galore, several of which have incredible rooftops that provide postcard perfect panoramic views of Gamcheon Culture Village and Busan Port.

Formerly a mundane mountainside area where refugees settled after the Korean war, houseproud tenants initially painted their roofs and walls in bright colours and others followed suit.

We’d recommend at least a couple of hours here – read our full guide to Gamcheon Cultural Village including the best viewpoints, which buses to take plus lots of photo points like The Little Prince and the BTS murals.

Jagalchi Fish Market

Take the bus from Gamcheon to Busan’s Jagalchi Fish Market, South Korea’s biggest seafood market. Unlike other fish markets, the stalls and counters are just inside the complex.

There are dozens of stalls outside all with their own seating areas, vying for your attention and custom – and we are talking seriously fresh (so fresh, you can eat dishes like octopus whilst the tentacles are still wriggling).

Although predominantly a day-time activity, many of the interior stalls and restaurants within Jagalchi Fish Market are open until early evening.

Jagalchi Fish Market also allows you to purchase your own fresh fish on the ground floor (or via the stalls outside) and then have it cooked by one of the restaurants on the upper levels. From here, walk on over to BIFF Square.

Tip – there is a roof terrace at Jagalchi Fish Market that is free to visit and offers views of Busan port and the hillside towns and villages.

BIFF Square and Nampo District

Busan is world famous for its annual Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), held every October. BIFF Square in Nampo-dong has become the epicenter of this cinematic celebration and this is one of the most popular things to do in Busan.

We have a guide to BIFF Square and Nampo District which includes Busan’s best hotteok, the famous Goraesa Fishcake Eomuk shop and several markets.

EveningSeomyeon

For the last night of our 7 day South Korea itinerary, we’re heading to Busan’s heart and soul, Seomyeon and Jeonpo.

From the epicenter of coffee culture and cute cafes in Busan through to superior shopping and many night delights, Seomyeon is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Busan.

Offering Busan’s best craft beer bars to BTS photo spots, colourful cake shops to beautiful bakeries, Seomyeon and Jeonpo is THE place to hang out in Busan. It is also very popular with students and teens (especially along ‘Seomyeon Young Street’).

Seomyeon and Jeonpo highlights include:

Seomyeon Pojangmacha Street / Pojangmacha stalls
Head to the night-life district of Seomyeon in Busan at night to enjoy an epicurean experience in these street-tents, open until the wee small hours.

Jeonpo Cafe Street
Packed with cute coffee shops, pretty patisseries and blissful bakeries, Seonmyeon’s Jeonpo Cafe Street is in fact several small streets with dozens of aesthetically awesome artisan cafes, popular with students and young couples (you’ll see lots of selfie snaps going on).

Seomyeon Young Street
The main outdoor shopping area in Seomyeon, this is where all the cool kids hang out day and night – it is similar to Hongdae in Seoul.

Seomyeon Nightlife
Seomyeon is the mecca for late night entertainment in Busan, a hustling and bustling area packed full of clubs, street performers, craft beer bars and restaurants that stay open until very late – you can also find late night shopping here too.

Seomyeon Food Alley
Hidden behind Seomyeon Metro Station, you find lots of Korean restaurants offering a variety of South Korean foods, including knife-cut noodles and Jokbal, a speciality Busan dish of braised pig trotters. There is even a dedicated area in Seomyeon called Jokbal Alley.

And that concludes our 7 days in  South Korea itinerary. If you have longer in Busan, check out our 90+ best things to do in Busan guide or check out the other Busan beaches like Songdo, Songjeon and Dadaepo.


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