Korea Itineraries: 3, 5 and 7-Day Plans for a First Trip (2026)

These plans give a realistic order for each day: what to see in the morning, afternoon and evening, how long the rides between stops take, and what you will spend. Each plan groups nearby sights so you ride the subway between areas, not between every stop. Opening hours and fares were checked in October 2026.

Choose a plan

1. Seoul in 3 days. Palaces and Bukchon, Myeongdong and Namsan, then Hongdae and Seongsu. Best for a first visit or a stopover.
2. Seoul in 5 days. The same core plus old markets, a lighter arrival day and a day trip to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.
3. Seoul and Busan in 7 days. Four days in Seoul, a morning KTX, and two and a half days in Busan.

Start here

1. Check your entry requirements in the entry checker.
2. Pick a plan by the number of full days you have. Count the arrival and departure days as half days.
3. Move days around so palaces do not fall on their closing days (table below).
4. Book anything with timed tickets: the Changdeokgung Secret Garden tour, Blue Line Park in Busan, and KTX seats on weekends.
5. Estimate your costs in the budget guide.

Closing days to plan around

If a palace's closing day is a public holiday, it opens that day and closes on the next weekday instead.

Pacing tips

• Two or three areas a day. Every subway transfer adds walking and waiting time. Times in these plans are door-to-door estimates; check live times in map apps.
• Arrival day. The AREX train from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station takes 43–66 minutes, depending on train and terminal, before you even reach your hotel. Plan only a short walk on day one; see Incheon Airport to Seoul.
• Transit card first. Buy and top up a T-money card at the airport. A subway ride costs ₩1,550 by card for the first 10 km.
• Late nights. Check the 막차makchaLast train time in your map app before a late dinner across the city.
• Rain plan. Swap an outdoor day for the National Museum of Korea (free, open on Mondays), DDP or COEX.