The Complete Guide to Planning Your South Korea Itinerary

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Create your perfect South Korea itinerary with this comprehensive guide sharing Korea’s best destinations, things to do, places to stay, and more!

As a former English teacher who lived and taught in South Korea for two years, I was able to see and experience so many corners of the country. From our countless weekends spent in Seoul and Busan, road tripping to rural destinations, and even our hiking adventures to some of the country’s most exciting national parks, I’m an expert when it comes to the best places to see in South Korea. 

So with all my local expertise and countless adventures around this beautiful nation I’ve come to regard as my second home, I’ve put together a comprehensive ultimate guide so you can create the best itinerary for you.

Without further ado, here’s what I recommend to my fellow travelers looking to see the best attractions in South Korea in one week, ten days, or two weeks!

Read More: 25 Exciting Things to Buy in South Korea 

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Table of Contents: Itinerary for South Korea

Things to Know Before Visiting South Korea
Best Places to Visit in South Korea
South Korea Itinerary Examples
Things to Do in South Korea
Building Your Own Korea Itinerary
Seoul
Busan
Jeju Island
Gyeongju
Other Places to Add to Your South Korea Itinerary
Things to Eat in South Korea
How Much Does it Cost to Travel to South Korea?
Public Transportation in South Korea
Cultural Tips for Travel in South Korea 

Things To Know Before Visiting South Korea

Do you need a visa to enter South Korea?

Those who qualify for the tourist visa waiver to enter South Korea (Americans, Canadians, EU citizens, etc – I’m looking at you), no need to apply for the  K-ETA. This electronic waiver should be filled out at least 72 hours prior to your arrival or you won’t be able to enter. 

Is Travel in Korea Safe?

1000% percent yes, traveling in Korea is completely safe, and makes for a great place for solo female travel in Asia. 

If you’re worried about the North, the media in western countries likes to sensationalize the tensions between North and South Korea. These tensions have existed since the Korean War in the 1950s and always ebb and flow. Right now, North Korea is nothing to worry about for the everyday tourist. 

As far as petty theft and general safety walking about, South Korea has a very low crime rate, and during my two years living there, I never once felt unsafe or uncomfortable walking around. It’s so chill that I’ve seen Koreans literally leave their phones and wallets on the bar unattended for a smoke break. 

Now, crime can happen anywhere, so you should always continue to maintain your wits about ya, but just know Korea is safer than America. I promise. 

I recommend checking out your home countries travel alerts before heading out to stay up to date with current happenings. For my fellow Americans, check it out here.

How much time is needed to visit Korea?

At minimum one week in South Korea is needed, but ideally two weeks in South Korea is even better and allows you to see the best of this beautiful country. Even with two weeks, you’ll only be able to scratch the surface, because you could easily spend one full week ticking off everything to do in Seoul.

Best Time to Visit Korea

South Korea experiences all four seasons – winter, spring, summer, and fall. Summer is arguably the best time to visit Korea, but spring and fall ain’t too shabby either. 

Spring in Korea means beautiful cherry blossoms, which have a short blooming window of typically just two weeks. While the blooming season changes depending on the weather, it’s usually from late March to mid-April. And fall sees the trees turn vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red and summer’s humidity fades away.

If you happen to visit in the winter, don’t forget your hat and mittens, and peep this list of fun things to do in Korea in the winter.

A Snapshot: 10 Best Places to Visit in South Korea

Here’s a quick breakdown of some of Korea’s top places to visit. I go into more detail about them below. For even more exciting places to see, check out my handy guide below sharing the most Instagrammable places (aka beautiful places to see in Korea).

1. Seoul
2. Busan
3. Jeju Island
4. Seoraksan National Park
5. Jeonju
6. Daegu
7. The DMZ
8. Gyeongju
9. Boseong Green Tea Fields
10. Temple stay

Read More: 101 of the Best Instagram places in Korea

Classic South Korea Itineraries

South Korea may be a small country, but there are truly a million ways to experience this wonderful nation. And depending on who you are as a traveler and your interests, your itinerary likely will look much different from mine! 

Here are some different ways you could fill a South Korea itinerary:

One week in Korea (day tripper): All things Seoul + nearby day trips
One week in Korea (big cities): Seoul – Busan
10 Days in Korea (culture connoisseur): Seoul – temple stay – Gyeongju – Jeonju 
Two weeks in Korea (classic Korea): Seoul (+ nearby day trips) – Jeju Island – Busan
Two weeks in Korea (nature lovers): Seoul – Seoraksan NP – Jeju – Boseong Green Tea Fields
Two weeks in Korea (off the beaten path): Seoul – Daegu – Namhae Island – Boseong Green Tea Fields

Read More: 2 Weeks in Korea Itinerary

The Best Things to Do in South Korea 

There are so many incredible things to do in South Korea that it can be overwhelming to decide what you want to do in a short visit. So I’ve compiled a general list of the best things to do in Korea to help narrow your planning! 

• Plan for an overnight temple stay at one of Korea’s excellent temples to see how the monks live.
• Hike one of Korea’s national parks like Seoraksan and Bukhansan (even better to see in fall when the colors change).
• Visit a traditional market for street food and souvenirs.
• See the lush tea fields in Boseong or experience a traditional tea ceremony or tea house.
• Rent a hanbok (traditional dress) and wear it into one of Seoul’s palaces.
• Eat and enjoy Korean BBQ, which is more than just a meal and a whole experience.
• Get a nude scrub at a Jjimjbang/traditional Korean bathhouse.
• Shop for Kbeauty; stores like Innisfree, Skinfood, Etude House, The Face Shop, etc. 
• Time your visit to see Korea’s beautiful flowers: cherry blossoms and lotus flowers in spring, cosmos in summer, and muhly grass in fall
• Go to a unique Korean festival; Boryeong Mud Festival, Jindo Sea Parting Festival, Daegu Chimac (Chicken and Beer), Daegu Lanterns for Buddha’s birthday (amazing), Busan International Film Festival 

Read More: Best Day Trips from Seoul 

A DIY Perfect Korea Itinerary

This run down of some of the best destinations in the county and everything you need to know about them, should help you plan your perfect itinerary for korea.

2-4 Days in Seoul

No visit to South Korea is complete without spending some significant time in Seoul. The capital city has so many different districts and areas to explore, each with their own unique atmosphere and style! 

Seoul is best known for its towering skyscrapers juxtaposed beautifully against traditional Korean buildings known as hanoks. The city, although spread out, is quite walkable, and well connected by an intricate network of metros and buses. 

Below I share some of the best things to do in the city, but I also have a three day Seoul itinerary for those seeking something more specific.

10 Best Things to Do in Seoul

1. The 5 palaces of Seoul 

Gyeongbokgung is the main and most impressive! You must try to see the changing of the guards at 10 am and 2 pm. Entrance is only 3,00 won and the palace is open every day except for Tuesday. Rent a hanbok before you enter for a classic Seoul experience.

Changdeokgung is the second oldest and most popular palace amongst tourists and has a beautiful secret garden I recommend travelers visit! But you must book a garden tour in advance. 

The others are not very noteworthy for first-time visitors, but if you’d like to learn more, check out which Seoul palace is best for you!

2. Cheonggyecheon Stream / Gwangjang Traditional Market

Cheonggyecheon Stream is a beautiful urban recreation area that runs about 7 miles from City Hall. Walk by art murals along the stream on your way to try delicious Korean street food at Gwangjang Traditional Market – Seoul’s oldest market. 

You must try the mung bean pancakes, kimchi dumplings and build your own bibimbap while you’re there! SO good! 

3. Namdaemun Market 

Namdaemun is the largest and oldest traditional market in Seoul and is home to some of the best street food carts in the city. This is another important market to add to your Seoul bucket list!

4. Inwangsan Mountain

Inwangsan is a small mountain reaching a height of 338 m on the outskirts of Seoul. The hike is fairly easy and follows along the ancient fortress walls of the city. I really enjoyed the walk and the views of the city from the top are stunning!

5. Visit a Jjimjilbang 

This may not suit everyone’s fancy, but if you’re up for putting yourself out there, consider visiting a traditional Korean bathhouse. You enter the pool and hot tubs wearing only your birthday suit and can treat yourself to the famous nude scrub. I HIGHLY recommend all visitors experiencing a jjimjilbang in Korea if you have the courage!

6. Wander Bukchon Hanok Village 

This quaint neighborhood in the city has its blocks lined with beautiful and traditional hanoks (traditional Korean buildings). Residents have become annoyed at loud tourists and visitors, so please respect the locals who call Bukchon home and stay quiet and respectful of their space.

7. Shop for traditional Korean souvenirs in Insadong

Insadong is Korea’s traditional souvenir street that sells all of the best Korean souvenirs! It’s here you’ll also find traditional Korean tea houses, Tapgol (Pagoda) Park, art performances, and the cute Ssamziegil (쌈지길) Shopping Mall where the famous poop cafe resides. 

8. Climb to the top of Namsan Tower

Namsan Tower is Seoul’s most popular landmark located in Itaewon. Visitors can climb to the top of epic Seoul skyline views for just 11,000 won (about $11). I recommend visiting an hour or so before sunrise to enjoy both day and night views of the city!

9. Eat Korean BBQ and sip soju at a classic local joint

There’s something magical about cooking your own meat while getting tipsy on Korean soju! Head to the local favorite BBQ Meat Alley near Jongno Station 3 for a really cool experience eating amongst locals!

10. Spend a few hours in Insadong

Insadong is a charming neighborhood home to the city’s popular traditional shops, traditional tea houses and more. Buy traditional Korean souvenirsSsamziegil (쌈지길) Shopping Mall Tapgol (Pagoda) Park.

Other Things to Do in Seoul

Seoul is a huge city, so this mni list only scratches the surface of all of the fun and exciting things to do and see. Here’s a quick list of some of the more unique things to do:

• Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
• Trick Eye Museum – a museum with 3D art perfect for fun photo ops
• Nanta Show – a famous non-verbal, comedy cooking show that has fabulous reviews
• Walk the walls at the UNESCO Namhansanseong Fortress
• Eat at Gaeseong Mandu Koong, a Michelin restaurant that’s cheap and delish

Read More: 45 Absolute Best Things to Do in Seoul, Korea

Where to Stay in Seoul

The best areas to stay while visiting Seoul are Myeongdong, Itaewon, and Hongdae. 

• Myeongdong is in downtown Seoul and is best characterized by its neon signs, tall buildings, and fabulous shopping scene. 
• Itaewon is known for its international scene and is where some of the city’s best parties and bars can be found. 
• Hongdae is a university district that has a lively art and street performer scene, plus nice brunch and bar spots.

Best Seoul Hotels and Hostels

• G Guesthouse Itaewon: A social hostel in Itaewon (party central) a short walk from the subway with a rooftop
• L7 Myeongdong by Lotte and L7 Hongdae by Lotte: Super stylish and fun hotels in Myeongdong with a rooftops, swimming pools (rooftop in Hongdae), and excellent views
• Hanok Guesthouse (affordable) and Nuile Stay (luxury): Are two beautiful hanok guest houses that offer the unique experience of staying in traditional wooden Korean buildings. They are both conveniently located near Gyeongbokgung Palace.

2-3 Days in Busan

Busan is quite a lovely place! Located along the coast, Korea’s second-largest city offers ocean views, vibrant atmosphere and great nightlife. It’s definitely a must-visit place on any one week trip to Korea and is super easy to get to from Seoul via train (KTX fast train 3 hours, slow train 5 hours) or bus. 

7 Best Things to Do in Busan

Here are some of the best things to do in Busan.

1. Gamcheon Culture Village 

Gamcheon Culture Village is an Insta famous village that has rainbow buildings staggering along oceanside cliffs. There are also cute cafes, restaurants, and photo opportunities scattered around the neighborhood and it’s one of Busan’s unique destinations!

2. Jagalchi Fish Market

Jagalchi Fish Market is a traditional market where vendors come to sell their freshly caught seafood and fares. Even if you don’t like fish, I recommend taking a walk to see this cultural side of Korea.

3. Lotte Department Store Observation Deck

While most tourists pay to visit the Busan Tower for bird’s eye views of the city, the best-kept secret is probably the free observation deck at the Lotte Department Store. Go there instead for even better views that include the tower for free!

4. Seomyeon ‘Downtown’ Area

Seomyeon is Busan’s downtown area and is a great spot for cafe hopping, hip and trendy restaurants and popping clubs and bars in the evening! Here’s where the action happens.

5. Haeundae Beach

Haeundae Beach is Busan’s largest and busiest beach. As soon as the weather warms up, crowds flock to enjoy sitting in the sun and taking a swim in the ocean. Behind the beach, you’ll find a busy pedestrian street with convenience stores, bars and restaurants that make for a fun day of beach day drinking. 

6. Songdo Beach / Amnam Park

For my friends who like to go hiking, I highly recommend checking out the trails along the coast at Amnam Park. You’ll find coastal views, boardwalk trails and peace in nature here. The trail starts at Songdo Beach!

7. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Also known as the water temple, Haedong Yonggungsa is a very picturesque temple in Busan that sits along the ocean shore in Busan. Entrance to Korea’s temples are free and open year-round. Be sure to come early to miss the massive crowds.

Where to Stay in Busan

The best areas in Busan to stay for visitors are Seomyeon and Haeundae.

• Seomyeon is the heart and soul of Busan and acts as the city center. While many of the main attractions to see in Busan are not in this district, Seomyeon is a vibrant area to stay filled with the city’s best nightlife, popular restaurants and cutest cafes.
• Haeundae is the beachfront district that’s known for its more chill vibe. It’s best for those looking to spend their days at Haeundae beach, and the area also has great restaurants and shopping.

Best Busan Hotels and Hostels

• Guesthouse Dear Moon: A highly rated hostel with a cozy lounge area and outdoor terrace not far from the Busan International Market.
• MAMA Guesthouse Haeundae: Walking distance to the beach, community kitchen, affordable rates for private rooms
• Arban Hotel: A stylish, mid-range hotel in the heart of Seomyeon with a rooftop bar and onsite restaurant
• Park Hyatt Busan: A luxury high-rise hotel with phenomenal views of the Busan harbor and a nice afternoon tea offering

2-4 Days in Jeju Island

Jeju Island is touted as the ‘Hawaii of Korea’, and boasts some beautiful hikes and beaches as well as some unique attractions. Many people love to go to Jeju for a long weekend of relaxation. If you’d like to visit Jeju while traveling in Korea, I recommend looking into and booking a flight well in advance to ensure you get a good price and a seat! Koreans often book flights right as they’re released.

Best Things to Do on Jeju Island

• Hike the islands many Olle Trails that circle the island (Olle 8 and 10 are two popular and beautiful ones).
• Climb Korea’s tallest mountain: Hallasan.
• Soak up some sunshine at Jungmun Saekdal and Gwakji Beach.
• Go underground and see the world’s largest lava tube: Manjanggul.
• Venture to Seongsan Ilchulbong, a volcanic crater with ocean views.
•  Watch the Jeju Women Diver Show do their thing at the volcanic crater.
• Eat local Jeju treats like hallabong (sweet oranges), green tea everything, and fresh seafood.
• Chase waterfalls and see Jeju’s popular Cheonjeyeon Falls and Jeongbang Falls.
• See the large Buddha statue at Sanbanggulsa Temple.
• Take goofy pics at Loveland, a sex themed park.

Where to Stay on Jeju Island

• Mir Guesthouse: A hostel with eye-catching architecture and decor in the heart of Jeju. This guesthouse offers both dorm and private accommodation.
• Wooyeon Handong Private Pension: An airy and cozy pension (guesthouse) not far from Pyeongdaeri Beach.
• Ventimo Hotel & Residence Jeju: a modern and high end hotel in the city center of Jeju City.

1-2 Days in Gyeongju

Gyeongju’s nickname is “Museum without walls” and it’s Korea’s original capital city. This traditional city today is home to many important landmarks that date back over a thousand years. This charming small town is about an hour bus ride away from Busan or 35 minute KTX fast train away from Busan.

Best Things to Do in Gyeongju

• Visit Bulguksa Temple.
• Go back in time to the Yangdong Folk Village.
• Explore the iconic Donggung Palace + idyllic Wolji (Anapji) Pond.
• See the famous Seokguram Grotto.
• Cheomseongdae Observatory is an astronomical tower that’s believed to be the oldest standing in the world.
• Marvel at how old the Cheonmachong Tomb, a burial site of a royal from the ancient Silla kingdom dating back to the 5-6th-century.
• Ride scooters around Bomun Lake.

Read More: A Weekend in Gyeongju, Korea

Where to Stay in Gyeongju

Gyeongju is a pretty small town, so it’s ultimately best to stay in the heart of the city. Here are some recommended places to stay in Gyeongju.

• Maison Mini Hotel: a bright and airy hotel under $50 a night.
• Dorandoran Guesthouse: a cozy guesthouse in a beautiful traditional Korean hanok
• Lahan Select Gyeongju: a luxurious yet reasonably priced hotel overlooking Lake Bomun

8 More Note-Worthy Places to Visit in South Korea

Although the above are some of the main spots people visit in Korea, here are some other places to see in Korea!

1. Jeonju

Located just a 1.5 fast train ride from Seoul, a visit to the beautiful Jeonju Hanok Heritage Village is a great day trip from the city. Come and explore the traditional wooden Korean homes and indulge in some banchan (Korean side dishes) and cute cafes.

2. The DMZ

The DMZ, or Korean Demilitarized Zone, is the border between North and South Korea, created as a buffer zone at the end of the Korean War. Since the war is technically still ongoing – although no true military fighting occurs today – this area is a politically charged separation between the two countries. 

As tourists, you can come visit the DMZ, JSA (The Joint Security Area where meetings are held), and other historic sites in the area. I recommend checking out some books about North Korea before you go there for a bit of historical perspective!

Things to note for tours to the DMZ:

• It departs from Seoul and starts early in the morning (the tour we did specifically met at 7:00 am and we got back around 3:00 pm).
• Koridoor is one of the best rated and priced options but there are other companies to choose from.
• Be sure to book months in advance to get the spot that works best for you.
• Check for updates as tensions between South Korea and North Korea are ALWAYS changing, which can cause availability of certain spots.
• You need your passport for the tour – don’t forget it!
• You should wear more conservative clothing and take caution to follow the rules when visiting the border.

3. Daegu

Daegu was my home away from home during my time in Korea, so it holds a special place in my heart. While there aren’t a whole lot of exciting things to do in Daegu for tourists, actually living in Daegu as an expat wasn’t half bad! 

But if you happen to have 2 weeks in Korea or more, a stop in Daegu wouldn’t be a bad addition to your itinerary. You’ll want to wander the downtown streets of Dongsongro, hike Palgongsan, see Gatbawi (stone buddha statue), and munch on some makchang!

Read More: 28 Things to Do in Daegu, South Korea

4. Andong

Andong is another famous cultural town in Korea, home to an old traditional hanok village. I only recommend visiting Andong if you have a strong interest in Korean culture, or you happen to have a lot of time to visit and travel around the country.

5. Seoraksan National Park

If you’re a nature buff looking for a day filled with beautiful nature + hiking, Seoraksan National Park is a must! There are hiking trails and things to do for people of all ages and abilities, so it’s great for everyone. 

The best way to get to Seoraksan National Park for those who aren’t renting a car is by bus or by private tour/transfer.

Some of the park’s top sights include:

• Biseondae Valley – an easy trail for all levels
• Ulsanbawi iconic view – a moderate/difficult hike with a lot of stairs, but worth it if you’re up for the challenge. Takes 2-3 hours round-trip.
• Geumganggul Cave – a moderate and very steep, but short, hike to a cave carved into the steep face of the mountain. Offers amazing views and the cave is occupied by a monk
• Daecheongbong Peak – the highest in the park. Only if you have the time and are an avid hiker. This hike can take the better part of a day to complete depending on the trail.
• Cable Car
• Sinheungsa Temple

6. Namhae Island

A cute little coastal/island county located in the south, a visit to Namhae is best as a weekend road trip. Explore the local beaches, enjoy the coastal drives and check out the German and American villages! 

Read More:  A Weekend Guide – Namhae Island, Korea

7. Any of Korea’s Best Hikes

As a nation, about 70% of South Korea is covered in mountains. So it’s no wonder that the nation’s pastime is hiking! If you’re as into hiking as I am, I recommend making time for a hike or two during your visit. Seoraksan is definitely a hiking haven that should be visited, but other noteworthy hikes in South Korea include Bukhansan, Daedunsan, and Palgongsan.

Read More: An Ultimate Bucket List for Hiking in South Korea 

8. Boseong Green Tea Fields

If you have time in your Korea itinerary, The Boseong Green Tea Fields are beautiful! If you happen to be visiting in May – August, it’s the best time to visit. It’s a bit of a remote destination and not necessarily easy to get to, so I recommend renting a car to go there. Don’t miss out on the green tea ice cream and green tea bibimbap. 

Read More: A Complete Guide to Korea’s Boseong Green Tea Fields

Best Things to Eat in Korea

If there’s one thing I miss about living in South Korea, it’s the delicious food. Here are some can’t miss dishes while you’re visiting the Land of the Morning Calm. 

Here’s a survival food guide with my must-try list of Korean dishes and their Korean names.

• Samgyupsal (삼겹살): grilled pork belly, a staple at Korean BBQs
• Bulgogi (불고기): thin marinated slices of beef or pork, cooked over an open fire. Delish!
• Bibimbap (비빔밥): mixed rice and veggies with egg and kimchi. Get yours in a hot stone bowl for delicious crispy rice (dolsot bibimbap / 돌솥 비빔밥)
• Dak-galbi (닭갈비): spicy stir fry with chicken, cabbage, rice cakes, sweet potatoes and more
• Kimchi (김치): fermented cabbage served on the side of every meal
• Tteok-bokki (떡볶이): spicy, stir-fried rice cakes
• Soju (소주): distilled, rice alcohol ranging from 10 – 50% (usually 15% in restaurants). I recommend trying the original, apple, or grapefruit flavor!
• Maekju (맥주): beer! Cass and Hite are classic, cheap, light Korean beers to try
• Somaek (소맥): a cocktail of beer + soju, a very popular way of drinking the two! About 1 shot of soju per 8 oz of beer.
• Makgeolli (막걸리): a milky-white, rice wine that’s about 6-9% alcohol content. They are original and flavored too!
• Hotteok (호떡): sweet, Korean pancake sold on the street. Very popular in the winter and my favorite Korean treat!
• Gimbap (김밥): Korean style ‘sushi’, rolled rice and seaweed with veggies, and various meats and other ingredients. 

The list of delicious traditional Korean foods to try is never-ending. For a more in-depth guide, check out this helpful guest post by my dear friend Ivan covering everything you need to know for ordering Korean food in Korea.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel to South Korea?

South Korea isn’t the most budget-friendly destination in the world, but once you get out of Seoul, the cost of travel in Korea is pretty reasonable compared to many Western countries.  

This is a very rough estimate to give you a ballpark figure of what things cost in South Korea. There are many ways to cut costs and a million ways to spend money, but in hopes of being a help, here’s an average that includes necessities and modest padding for additional travel needs. 

Budget for South Korea Travel on the Cheap: $100/day recommended
Budget for South Korea Travel Without Restrictions: $150-$250+/day recommended

If you’re on a strict budget and skip the drinking, shopping, and western meals you can likely do it for less than $100/night. But for a good time and nice accommodation I recommend about double. 

• Accommodation: For a cheap hostel, you can expect to find a bed anywhere from 20,000 – 30,000 ($17 – $25) per night. A mid-range hotel runs about $50-$100+ per night. 
• Food: An average meal in Korea can be found for about 5,000-10,000 won ($4.30 – $8.50), and that’s for Korean food. Something western or non-Korean can run you double or more. 
• Transport: Fast trains are the most convenient way to get around but the most expensive, and the train between Seoul to Busan is about $50.
• Nightlife: Cocktails ain’t cheap and are usually about $8-$10 a pop, plus some nightclubs charge a cover fee.
• Attractions: National landmarks in Korea actually have relatively cheap entrance fees (Gyeongbokgung Palace is only about $3 to enter), but private attractions like a visit to the Korean spa can be $7-$20+.

Public Transportation in South Korea

How to take the train in Korea

The train is the best way to get around Korea. There are a few train options – KTX (fastest train, most expensive), SRT (fast train, slightly cheaper), ITX (medium speed train, slightly cheaper), Mugunghwa (slow train and cheapest)

You can buy a Korail rail pass but it may not be worth it if your week in South Korea doesn’t involve the train enough. Be sure to calculate the total price of the individual routes on your itinerary compared to the cost of the rail pass before purchasing.

How to take the bus in Korea

Buses are affordable and plentiful. Between popular destinations buses typically leave every hour. Less frequently for less popular areas.

• Kobus is the website for bus information and ticket reservations but it’s only in Korean. The English site BusTago shows the schedule but doesn’t allow tickets to be purchased. You can also purchase tickets on the Korean website BusTerminal.
• You can also pick up any bus tickets in person at the bus terminals which I honestly think is the easiest way!.

Read More: How to Buy Bus Tickets in Korea

Cultural Tips for Travel in South Korea 

Before you venture to South Korea, learning a bit of social etiquette and cultural norms is super important. Especially because Respect is a big thing in South Korea!

I have shared some of the most important cultural travel tips for Korea below so you can be the best visitor you can be! 

• Use two hands when giving something, receiving something, pouring drinks, and shaking hands. Two hands means placing your two hands together, or placing one hand on your forearm as your other hand accepts or gives. This goes for paying for something too!
• Bowing when saying hello, goodbye, and thank you is a great way to show respect. Especially when greeting someone older than you.
• Take your shoes off when you enter someone’s home and for many traditional shops and restaurants.
• Use your chopsticks respectfully (no stabbing) and don’t place them upright in a bowl of rice.
• Use low voices and be quiet while riding public transportation.

If you’re interested in diver deeper into Korean culture, another fun way to prepare is to watch movies or read books about South Korea! Some of my favorite Korean texts include the novel Pachinko and In Order to Live, which is actually about a woman who escapes North Korea, but you gain insight into how South Korea handles the situation. 

Phew, that was a lot of information. Obviously it’s not possible to do every single thing on this list, but I hope it offers some inspiration in your South Korea travels. If you’re really determined and do manage to see and do everything – give me a shout! You deserve a traveler of the year award 😉 

Read More: South Korea Travel Tips

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There you have it! An ultimate guide to creating your very own perfect South Korea itinerary!