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Geunjeongjeon’s two gray tile roofs rise above a stone terrace at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul.

South Korea

Seoul's palaces and market food stalls, Gyeongju's royal tombs and temples, and Busan's beaches and fish market, linked by fast KTX trains down the peninsula.

Best timeApr to May, Sep to OctMoneySouth Korean won (KRW)PlugsType C and F, 220 VMain airportSeoul (SEL)
Approved by TravPa Editors, Nov 3, 2026
Geunjeongjeon, the throne hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, overlooks the stone courtyard in Seoul.
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Overview

Most first trips start in Seoul and then head south on the KTX. Seoul to Busan takes about 3 hours by train, and Gyeongju, the old Silla capital, sits on the same line, so it makes an easy one or two night stop on the way. Suwon's fortress is a simple day trip from Seoul.

Spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) are mild and the most comfortable for walking. Summer is hot and humid, with a rainy season from late June into July and typhoons possible in late summer. Winters are cold and dry, especially in Seoul.

When to go

BestGo with a plan
janColdfebColdmarMildaprBestmayBestjunMildjulRainyaugHotsepBestoctBestnovMilddecCold

Cherry blossoms usually open in Busan and Gyeongju in late March and in Seoul in early April, and autumn leaves color the palaces from late October. Book rooms early for both.

Every month in detail: weather and recent fares

Itineraries

Pale pink, blue and cream homes step up the wooded hillside of Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan.
Narrow lanes run between terraced homes in Gamcheon Culture Village, a hillside neighborhood in Busan.
Busan in 2 daysGamcheon Culture Village, BIFF Square, Gukje Market, Jagalchi Fish Market, Haedong Yonggungsa, Blueline Park, Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli BeachBalanced pace
Geunjeongjeon’s two gray tile roofs rise above a stone terrace at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul.
Geunjeongjeon, the throne hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, overlooks the stone courtyard in Seoul.
Seoul in 3 daysGyeongbokgung, Bukchon, Changdeokgung, Gwangjang Market, National Museum of Korea, Namsan, Myeongdong, Mangwon Market, Han RiverBalanced pace
Geunjeongjeon’s two gray tile roofs rise above a stone terrace at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul.
Geunjeongjeon, the throne hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, overlooks the stone courtyard in Seoul.
South Korea in 10 daysSeoul palaces, Bukchon, Namsan, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Gyeongju tombs, Bulguksa, Gamcheon Culture Village, Haeundae, Jagalchi Fish MarketBalanced pace

Where to stay

BusanNampo-dong for markets and the old port near Busan Station, Haeundae for the beach and east coast, Seomyeon for a central base.Best areas to stay in BusanHotels in Busan
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GyeongjuHwangnidan-gil and the tomb park for walking to the sights, Bomun Lake for resort hotels, and near Gyeongju Station only for a late train.Best areas to stay in GyeongjuHotels in Gyeongju
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SeoulJongno and Insadong for the palaces and old Seoul, Myeongdong for shopping and central transport, Hongdae for nightlife and a younger crowd.Best areas to stay in SeoulHotels in Seoul
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Getting around

  • KTX trains: KTX trains run from Seoul Station to Gyeongju and Busan, and tickets go on sale about a month ahead on the Korail website or app.
  • Korail Pass: Foreign visitors can buy a 2 to 5 day Korail Pass for standard-class trains, used within 10 days; it does not cover SRT trains or subways.
  • In Seoul and Busan: Both cities have large subway networks, and a rechargeable transport card such as T-money pays for subways and city buses.
  • Taxis: Metered taxis are easy to find, and Gyeongju's sights are spread out enough that a few taxi or bus rides save a lot of time.

Before you go

Travel insuranceHealth insurance from home often doesn't cover care abroad. Check what your plan includes, then compare travel cover for your dates.
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Phone dataKorean map apps such as Naver Map and KakaoMap give far better walking and transit directions than global map apps, so plan on mobile data from the day you land.How a travel eSIM works
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