What to see in South Korea: a 10-day itinerary for K-Drama and K-Pop fans

If you grew up with K-Dramas or never miss a K-Pop comeback, South Korea will feel familiar from the moment you land. In this guide we tell you what to see in South Korea with a 10-day itinerary that combines palaces, K-Pop neighborhoods, K-Drama settings, the DMZ and the Busan coast.

We suggest a day-by-day route designed for a first trip, with explanations of each place, practical tips so you don't waste time, and shorter and longer versions if you have a different number of days. We also tell you what to eat, how to get around between cities and how to behave so you make a good impression on Koreans.

Itinerary overview

The logic is simple: you start in the capital, where most of what you want to see is, take two day trips from Seoul and then head south, with a stop for history in Gyeongju before finishing by the sea in Busan.

Before you start: arriving in Seoul

Most flights from the Americas arrive at Incheon Airport, on the outskirts of Seoul. From there you can get to the city on the AREX airport train, by airport bus or by taxi. After such a long flight, arrival day doesn't count as a sightseeing day: drop off your bags, go out for a bite near the hotel and go to bed early to adjust to the time zone.

Three things to sort out when you land

• Mobile data: activate your eSIM so you have maps and a translator from the very first minute. We explain it in our eSIM and Global66 guide.
• T-money card: buy it at a convenience store and top it up for the subway, buses and taxis.
• Map app: download NAVER Maps, which the Korea Tourism Organization recommends for getting around and which is available in English.

Seoul: the capital of the Korean Wave

Seoul is a huge city where Joseon dynasty palaces, alleys of traditional houses, skyscrapers, food markets and neighborhoods that never sleep all coexist. Four days let you see it without rushing; if you can stay five, even better.

Day 1 · Gyeongbokgung in hanbok

Start with the most iconic: rent a hanbok, the traditional Korean outfit, and enter Gyeongbokgung Palace, where admission is free if you're dressed in one. Don't miss the changing of the guard at the main gate. In the afternoon, Changdeokgung Palace and its secret garden.

A few details to make the day perfect. The changing of the guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate takes place at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and lasts about twenty minutes. Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesdays, so if your day 1 falls on a Tuesday, swap it with day 2. And for free admission to apply, the hanbok must have a top with a crossed collar and a bottom, either a skirt or pants; outfits that look like costumes may be turned away. The rental shops around the palace know these rules well.

In the afternoon, at Changdeokgung, the big draw is its secret garden, a forest with pavilions and ponds that the kings used to rest far from court life. It's one of the most peaceful spots in central Seoul. End the day walking along Gwanghwamun Square, with the statues of King Sejong, creator of the Korean alphabet, and Admiral Yi Sun-sin.

Day 2 · Bukchon and Insadong

The Bukchon neighborhood preserves hundreds of traditional houses (hanok) along sloping alleys: walk quietly, because people live there. Very close by, Insadong is the street of crafts, tea and souvenirs.

Go to Bukchon early, when there are fewer visitors and the light is softer for photos. In Insadong, step into a traditional teahouse to rest your feet and try a ginger or citrus tea. If you're still in the mood for alleys, the small neighborhood of Ikseon-dong, with hanok turned into cafés and shops, is just a few minutes away.

Day 3 · Modern Seoul

Cross the Han River to Gangnam, the neighborhood from the famous song, and the Starfield Library in the COEX mall. In the afternoon, Korean skincare shopping in Myeongdong and sunset at N Seoul Tower, with the city lit up at your feet.

The Starfield Library, with its giant bookshelves, is one of the most shared photos in Seoul. In Myeongdong, let yourself be tempted by the free samples and the street food stalls that appear as evening falls. And at N Seoul Tower, on Namsan Mountain, look for the famous love locks that so many K-Drama couples have left on screen.

Day 4 · Hongdae and Korean nightlife

Hongdae, the university neighborhood, is the young heart of Seoul: street performers dancing K-Pop choreographies, merch shops, themed cafés and karaoke rooms (noraebang). Wrap up with Korean barbecue.

Arrive in the afternoon and stay into the night, when the neighborhood fills up. Street dance crews usually draw big crowds on weekends. A noraebang with friends is almost a must: you rent a private room by the hour and sing without shame, because nobody else can hear you.

Seoul for K-Pop fans

If K-Pop is the reason for your trip, Seoul will give you much more than one day. These are the keys to enjoying it.

Neighborhoods and shops

Hongdae is the neighborhood of street dance and merch shops; Myeongdong is packed with skincare stores featuring idol images everywhere; and the Gangnam area is home to several of the big entertainment agencies and merchandise stores. Many shops carry albums, photocards and official products that are hard to find outside Korea.

Fan etiquette

Going to see an agency building is part of the trip for many fans, but remember that these are workplaces. Take your photos from outside, don't block entrances and don't expect to see anyone: idols have schedules and routes that aren't public. Respecting their space is the best way to show you're a true fan.

Concerts and music shows

If you want to see K-Pop live, check concerts and events for your travel dates well in advance, because tickets for the most popular groups sell out fast. Keep in mind that many sales happen on Korean platforms and that there are sometimes special allotments for foreigners. If you can't get tickets, the Hongdae and Myeongdong neighborhoods, with music everywhere, still give you a good dose of K-Pop.

More places in Seoul if you have time to spare

If you have an extra day in the capital, or if you'd rather swap an activity on the itinerary, these are good alternatives.

Deoksugung and Cheonggyecheon Stream

Deoksugung Palace, right downtown, mixes traditional pavilions with Western-style buildings, and the walk along its stone wall is one of the loveliest in the city. Very close by, Cheonggyecheon Stream runs through central Seoul with a waterside path, perfect for a walk at dusk, when it lights up.

Seongsu-dong, the trendy neighborhood

Old factories and workshops turned into cafés, design shops and pop-up stores for Korean brands. It's the place to see what's becoming trendy in Seoul, and one of young Koreans' favorite spots to spend the afternoon.

The Han River parks

The banks of the Han River are lined with parks where Koreans go to ride bikes, have picnics and order fried chicken delivery at night. It's a very local experience, very K-Drama, and practically free.

Lotte World Tower and Jamsil

In the Jamsil area stands Lotte World Tower, the tallest skyscraper in the country, with an observation deck, a large mall and an aquarium. Next door is the Lotte World amusement park, a good option if you're traveling with kids or simply love roller coasters.

The Seoul of K-Dramas: places you'll recognize

Many K-Dramas are filmed in real places you can visit. Each series has its own locations, but these settings show up again and again:

A tip: before the trip, jot down your favorite scenes from your favorite dramas. On a group trip, the guide takes you to the best-known locations, and it's always more exciting when you recognize the exact spot.

Day trips from Seoul

Two days outside the city show you another side of Korea: the nature of the romantic dramas and the history of the peninsula's division.

Day 5 · Nami Island, a K-Drama setting

Nami Island became famous with the drama Winter Sonata and is still one of the most romantic places in the country: tree-lined paths, the river and landscapes that change with every season.

You get there by ferry from the pier, which gives the visit a sense of adventure. In spring everything is green, in autumn the paths turn gold and red, and in winter, with snow, it looks straight out of a drama scene. Wear comfortable shoes, because the best way to explore it is on foot or by bike.

Day 6 · The DMZ

The Demilitarized Zone between South Korea and North Korea is a unique visit for understanding the peninsula's recent history. You can only go with an authorized tour and you must bring your passport.

It's a different kind of outing from the rest of the trip: more reflective, with observation points, tunnels and memorials that explain how the country was divided. Follow the instructions of the guides and staff, especially about where you can take photos. And don't forget your passport: without it you can't get in.

For many people, the DMZ ends up being the most thought-provoking visit of the whole trip, and it's best to go in with that mindset. After days of palaces, shopping and K-Pop, seeing the border up close helps you understand why recent history weighs so heavily on Korean identity. Access conditions can change depending on the situation in the area, so confirm your tour a few days ahead.

Gyeongju and Busan: history and sea

The second part of the trip takes you to the southeast of the country, at a calmer pace than Seoul.

Day 7 · Gyeongju, the museum without walls

The ancient capital of the Silla kingdom is full of temples and royal tombs. Bulguksa Temple and the burial mounds of Daereungwon park are the must-sees.

Gyeongju is best enjoyed without hurrying, walking or biking between its parks. Besides Bulguksa and Daereungwon, the Cheomseongdae observatory and Wolji Pond, next to Donggung Palace, are very photogenic, especially when they light up at dusk. If you love history, this is where you realize Korea is much more than the modern city you see in the series.

Days 8 and 9 · Busan

By KTX train from Seoul you reach Busan in about two and a half hours. Explore Haeundae Beach, the colorful village of Gamcheon, the Jagalchi fish market and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, built on the rocks facing the sea.

Split the two days like this: one for the seaside, with Haeundae, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and an evening on Gwangalli Beach with its lit-up bridge; and another for port-side Busan, with Gamcheon in the morning and Jagalchi Market at lunchtime. At Jagalchi you can pick out fish and seafood and have them cooked for you at the restaurants upstairs.

Very close to the market is the Nampo area, with shopping streets, street food stalls and the square dedicated to the Busan film festival, one of the most important in Asia. Busan has a more relaxed pace than Seoul, and its people are known for being direct and warm: it's the perfect place to slow down at the end of the trip.

Day 10 · Heading home

Return flight from Busan or back to Seoul, depending on your ticket.

If your international flight leaves from Incheon, plan your timing carefully: the KTX back to Seoul, the transfer to the airport and arriving early. It's often best to return to Seoul the night before and take the chance to do some last-minute shopping.

How to get around between cities

The high-speed train is the backbone of this itinerary. The KTX reaches a top speed of 330 km/h and departs from Seoul, Yongsan and Cheongnyangni stations; the SRT, another high-speed train, departs from Suseo station toward Busan. The Seoul–Busan line carries more passengers than any other in the country.

How to buy tickets

According to the Korea Tourism Organization, tickets go on sale one month before departure, starting at 7:00 a.m., on the Korail website and app, at ticket windows and at station machines. Buying online lets you choose your seat. On long weekends and holidays, book as soon as sales open.

Is the Korail Pass worth it?

The Korail Pass is a pass for international travelers with options of 2 to 5 days of use within a ten-day period, with unlimited travel in standard class. It isn't valid on the SRT or the subway. For this itinerary, with only a few long legs, compare the price of the pass with individual tickets before deciding. We help you run the numbers in how much it costs to travel to South Korea.

What to eat in South Korea

• Korean barbecue (samgyeopsal): pork grilled at the table, with lettuce and sauces.
• Bibimbap: rice with vegetables, meat and egg.
• Tteokbokki: rice cakes in spicy sauce, the street food classic.
• Korean fried chicken with beer (chimaek).
• Hotteok: a sweet filled pancake, perfect in winter.

Markets to eat at

Seoul's Gwangjang Market is famous for its food stalls: mung bean pancakes, mini kimbap and dishes you eat sitting on a bench, elbow to elbow with locals. In Busan, Jagalchi Market is the temple of seafood. Both are ideal for trying a lot while spending little.

Table etiquette

In Korea it's very common to share dishes in the middle of the table, and the small side dishes (banchan) are usually refilled at no charge. Wait for the eldest person to start eating, don't stick your chopsticks upright in your rice, and if someone pours you a drink, accept it with both hands. If spicy food isn't your thing, ask first: some dishes are quite spicy, although for many Mexican palates that's a welcome challenge.

Alternative versions of the itinerary

Not everyone has ten days. Here's how you can adapt the route:

If you only have 7 days

Focus on Seoul and Busan. Do the four days in Seoul, choose between Nami Island (if K-Dramas are your thing) or the DMZ (if you're interested in history) and head down to Busan by KTX for the last two days. It's an intense trip but a very complete one.

If you have 14 days

With two weeks you can add Jeju Island, with its volcanic landscapes and beaches, or the city of Jeonju, famous for its hanok village and for bibimbap. You can also keep one or two free days in Seoul to go back to your favorite neighborhoods or go shopping without watching the clock.

What to see in Korea by season

The same itinerary changes a lot depending on when you travel. These are the key ideas; you'll find the month-by-month detail in our guide to the best time to visit South Korea.

• Spring: cherry blossoms fill the palaces, the Han River and Nami Island. It's the season for the most romantic photos, and also one of the busiest.
• Summer: heat, humidity and the monsoon. Busan and its beaches take center stage; in Seoul, plan the palaces early and save the museums and malls for the hottest hours.
• Autumn: the most pleasant weather and fall colors at the palaces, Nami Island and the mountains. For many travelers, the best time for this itinerary.
• Winter: very cold, but fewer tourists, light displays and, with luck, a snowy Nami Island, just like in Winter Sonata. Street hotteok tastes better in the cold.

If you can, avoid the dates of Chuseok and Lunar New Year, when Koreans travel to their hometowns, transportation fills up and many businesses close.

Culture and etiquette: how to make a good impression in Korea

• Greet people with a slight bow of the head; an "annyeonghaseyo" (hello) and a "kamsahamnida" (thank you) open many doors.
• Give and receive with both hands business cards, money or gifts, especially with older people.
• Speak quietly on the subway and don't sit in the seats reserved for seniors, pregnant women or people with disabilities.
• Take off your shoes when you see shoes at the entrance of a home, a hanok or some traditional restaurants.
• Respect residential neighborhoods like Bukchon: don't go into courtyards or make noise.
• Ask before photographing people, especially at markets.

She's not a megaphone-and-flag guide. Her job is to make sure you don't have to handle the logistics of a country you don't know, so you can focus on taking it all in.— Viajeterapia

What to expect on day one

Your first day in Korea is usually a mix of tiredness and excitement. After such a long flight, your body takes time to adjust to the time zone, so don't plan anything demanding for the afternoon you arrive. Go for a walk near the hotel, pop into a convenience store to see the variety of snacks and ramen, have a simple dinner and sleep. The next day you'll be ready for the hanbok and the palaces.

Also get ready to be surprised by how clean, safe and orderly everything is. The subway is punctual, stations have signs in English and Koreans will usually help if they see you're lost, even if their English isn't always fluent. A translator app on your phone will save you in any situation.

Another common surprise is the number of cafés, shops open late and services designed to make life easier: convenience stores everywhere, clean public restrooms and Wi-Fi in many places. Use that first walk to locate the subway station closest to your hotel and a convenience store you can count on: you'll use them every day.

What this itinerary is like on a group trip

Everything you've seen in this guide can be done on your own, but it requires organizing bookings, trains, tickets and schedules. On our group trips to South Korea you travel with a small group, a Spanish-speaking guide and everything coordinated: you just focus on enjoying the palaces, the locations from your dramas and the food. We depart with as few as 5 people.

If you're traveling without a companion, don't worry: many of our travelers arrive alone and leave with friends. We tell you about it in what it's like traveling solo but never alone. And if you still have questions, check out whether organized group travel is safe or look at photos of our travelers.

We were born so that no one who dreams of seeing the world stays home for lack of someone to go with.— Catalina Quenaya, founder of Viajeterapia

Tips for your trip to Korea

• Check whether you need the K-ETA in our guide to entry requirements for South Korea.
• Get a T-money card when you arrive for the subway, buses and shops.
• Download a Korean map app: in Korea, Google Maps doesn't give complete walking directions.
• Choose your season wisely: see the best time to visit Korea.
• Work out your budget for South Korea.
• Wear very comfortable shoes: you walk a lot in Seoul, and Bukchon and Gamcheon have hills.
• Pack a light suitcase with room for shopping: our list of what to pack for a trip to Asia will help.
• Plan your palace visits avoiding Tuesday at Gyeongbokgung.

In summary

Ten days in South Korea are enough to experience the best of the country: Seoul's palaces dressed in hanbok, the alleys of Bukchon, the modern Seoul of Gangnam, the energy of K-Pop in Hongdae, the Nami Island of the K-Dramas, the history of the DMZ and Gyeongju, and the sea in Busan. With fewer days, stick to Seoul and Busan; with more, add another island or city and some free days.

If you want to experience this route with a Spanish-speaking guide and a group that loves the same things you do, check out our Seoul · K-Drama · K-Pop group trip or write to us to find out about dates and availability.

Frequently asked questions about what to see in South Korea

Sources consulted