I had the opportunity to go on a backpacking trip around South Korea for 2 weeks with my journey beginning in Seoul and ended on Jeju Island. My experience here was incredibly unexpected with my first few days, attending an unplanned city-wide parade, celebrating Buddha's birthday.
I then hopped on a train and explored the beautiful nature of this country from north to south and spend the last few days relaxing on Jeju Island.
I had an incredible time there and I want to share my itinerary with you here. From the lush green forest of Seoraksan National Park to the vibrant culture of Seoul, here is a 2-week backpacking South Korea itinerary for solo travelers with all the information you need to plan an epic trip here.
South Korea Itinerary Map
| ☀️ Day 1-3: | Seoul |
| ☀️ Day 4-6: | Sokcho - Seoraksan National Park |
| ☀️ Day 7-8: | Gyeongju |
| ☀️ Day 9-12: | Jeju Island |
Two Weeks Itinerary in South Korea
Day 1 - 3: Seoul (4 nights)
Seoul is a vibrant city that deserves your full attention, especially if you visit during the family month (May) and want to see the city's streets lit with lanterns and people coming out to enjoy the Buddha's birthday celebration.
If you stay at the hostel I suggested above, you will already be in the middle of everything. Fifth of May is Children's Day, and in the evening, you can go for a walk around the Hongdae Street to absorb the city's vibe. All the young people in Seoul like to hang out on the streets of Hongdae, especially during Children's Day when all the streets are filled with food trucks and activities for the youth to enjoy.
I spent several hours here in the evening, trying all kinds of street food and enjoying the live performances scattered throughout the streets.
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The next day, wake up early and enjoy a delicious breakfast and coffee at the Travel Maker restaurant, an excellent place to satisfy your cravings for a proper western breakfast.
Once you are up and ready, take a metro to the Gyeongbokgung Palace and explore the heart of Korean culture. If you are there during Children's Day, the entrance is free, and there will be many performances for you to see. Another reason to go in May!
There were plenty of sights to see in the palace. You could spend around half a day just walking around, taking nice photos of all the parks and temples in this palace. Gyeongbokgung is one massive palace!
Walk a little further north, and you will find the Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional village perfectly located on the slope of a hill. This is a good place to get a feel for what a traditional village is like in South Korea.
In the evening, go to Insadong and find yourself a nice dinner. If you are there long enough on the evening of May 8th, you should see the Buddha's birthday celebration parade starting to go through the shopping street of Insadong. Follow them as they will lead you to where the celebration is being held.
Note: The location may change each year, so please ask your hostel where to see the parade on the 8th of May.
While following the parade, you would see plenty of performances that can keep you occupied for hours.
Once you arrive at the stage, the Buddha's birthday concert will begin, and all you have to do now is dance with everyone. It was very fun to see the locals and foreigners enjoying themselves on the streets like this!
The next morning, you can change it up a little bit and go have a coffee and some pastries at Cafe Comma, a book-loving cafe located here.
After enjoying a good coffee, take the metro and explore the Gwangjang Market: a food market with all the wildest food you could imagine. Make sure you try the live octopus. It doesn't look attractive, but it is delicious, I promise!
There are also plenty of foods to try here, so spend some time exploring what you want and then find a seat and start pointing at all the food you want to consume. If you would like to try South Korean food and are not sure where to begin, I highly recommend going on a food tour instead, where a local guide will guide you through the interesting cuisine of South Korea. Even better, you can also learn more about South Korea's cuisine by attending a cooking class, which should help you understand why the foods are so delicious here.
Once you are full, take a metro to Dongdaemun Market and do some shopping. Or, if you are not into shopping, make your way to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and admire the architecture and the design space they have there.
You can also go to the Museum of Modern Art and check out the art scene of Seoul, or visit a temporary exhibition that always seems to be going on there.
If you have a day to spare, I would recommend that you go on a day trip and hike the Bukhansan National Park, just north of Seoul. On a clear day, you will be able to admire the view of the city from above.
Of course, if you are interested in visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that lies on the border between North and South Korea and learning a bit more about the history of the conflict, there are many daily organized trips you can join that will guide you through the area on a half-day trip.
Day 4 - 6: Sokcho - Seoraksan National Park (2 - 3 nights)
Sokcho is a good base for you to launch yourself into the wilderness of Seoraksan National Park. The city is also near the coast, so you can enjoy some fresh seafood while you are there.
Hiking is the reason why I was in Sokcho, and Seoraksan National Park offers many options to choose from for both day hikers and overnight hikers alike. From Sokcho, you can take bus number 7 or 7-1 early in the morning to beat the crowds, purchase the park ticket, and begin hiking the Ulsanbawi rock.
Ulsanbawi Rock is one of the most well-known rocks in Seoraksan, and from up there, you can see all over the national park and even the city of Sokcho itself. The view is impressive and totally worth the hike.
The hike itself is quite easy at first but gets steep halfway in and continues to be steep until you reach the top. It took me 4-5 hours round trip, so starting with this trail early allows you to do another impressive trail in the same day, which is the waterfall trail.
The waterfall trail is another half-day trail you can do, and while I found the waterfall itself to be mediocre, the observatory lookout point is one of the best lookout points I've seen. It made the waterfall trail worthwhile.
Once you are at the waterfall, there will be stairs going up to the observatory deck, which would take around 45 minutes more. So, all in all, it should take about 3-5 hours for a round trip. Trust me, the observatory deck is definitely worth the last stretch!
If you are there during the right season, some other cool trails may also open up, allowing you to try a full-day trail through the park if you have an extra day in Sokcho.
Where to Stay in Sokcho?
Day 7 - 8: Gyeongju (2 nights)
After a few days of hiking in Seoraksan, you will need a few days of rest, and Gyeongju is a good place for that. Gyeongju is an old capital city, and you will be able to see many historical remnants such as traditional villages, temples, and structures all over the city.
Spend a day walking around all the burial sites, such as the Daereungwon Complex, and the ancient temples of Gyeongju while admiring the history of the place.
Walk a little further south from the burial site, and you will find the oldest astronomical instrument in the Far East: the Cheomseongdae Observatory.
Within that park, you can walk south to find a nice traditional village where you can indulge yourself in their homemade food and snacks that they sell in front of their houses.
At night, visit Donggung Palace and enjoy the beautiful light work and reflection of the temple above the Anapji pond.
You should be hungry by now, so walk back to the city and head to the area west of the main train station. This area is where the cool kids like to hang out, and you will be able to find many cool restaurants to visit.
Day 9 - 12: Jeju Island (4 nights)
Jeju Island is where all the adventures are at. With easy access to volcanoes, stunning beaches, and several hiking trails, the island is turning into the adventure capital of South Korea.
First day, if the weather permits, go off into the mountains early in the morning and summit the 1950m high mountain Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea. The trail is 9km one way, and it should take you at least 5 hours, so do prepare accordingly.
The next day, head to the main bus terminal and take a bus to Seogwipo, another big city in the south of the island, and explore the stunning rock formation of Oedolgae.
There are a few small hikes you can do at Oedolgae Rock, so spend a few hours there exploring all the cool volcanic rock formations along the coast.
Once you are done, take a bus and head west to Jusangjeolli Cliff. Jusangjeolli is a collection of stone pillars that have piled up along the coast, formed when the lava from Hallasan Mountain erupted into the sea.
Once you are done, take the bus back to Jeju and head to the Town Hall area. The area west of the Town Hall (across the main street) is where the cool kids like to hang out. You will be able to find plenty of food there to indulge yourself in.
Another day, another adventure. Today, we will explore the east coast of Jeju Island. From the city's main terminal, take a bus to Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak and start hiking up this massive volcano.
The hike itself only takes 15 to 30 minutes one way and goes straight up to the top. The view at the top offers both the view of the vast ocean and the island and its cities.
If you are there during mid-spring, it is also worthwhile for you to go further south and drop by Seopjikoji, a coastal area with a beautiful landscape. You will be able to get a view of the Seongsan Ilchulbong peak from afar.
Once you are done, make your way back to Jeju. But before you go back, stop at Hamdeok Beach and enjoy a nice cup of coffee or a beer at Del Mundo Cafe.
To end the trip in Jeju and South Korea the right way, make your way to the fish market (Jeju Dongmun Traditional Market) in Jeju. From this market, you can find all kinds of fresh fish, shells, and squids, and you can eat them right at the market. Simply go into one of the shops with seating and sit. They will ask you to choose the things you want to eat right from the fish tank, and then they will prepare them for you.
Most of them will be raw, though, but they were delicious even to those who don't like raw food (a few people I was there with loved it despite the fact).
Why go to South Korea?
I have always thought that the only thing South Korea had to offer was its popularized K-POP culture, but the more I explored the country, the more I realized how wrong I was.
South Korea is a country full of amazing natural reserves, technological advancements beyond belief, and an attractive traditional culture unlike any other country I have experienced.
And no, South Korea is nothing like Japan!
Even though South Korea is not exactly a big country, there are quite a few national parks you can explore, some within the proximity of Seoul.
Seoul is the kind of city that blends modern and traditional cultures together perfectly. Walking around the city is like walking through a melting pot of hundreds of years of tradition, surrounded by the future.
The people of South Korea may seem indifferent at first (like in all big cities), but the more you get to know them, the more you will see how nice they are.
When it comes to Korean food, you can't deny that Korean BBQ is something of a requirement to try before you leave the country. The smell of grilled beef, together with Soju, is something you will not forget. Not to mention all the weird food you can eat, like live octopus (which is really delicious!), and all the raw fish and shells you can eat fresh at the fish market.
How to Get to South Korea?
The best way to get here is to fly into Seoul. I would recommend you browse through Skyscanner or Expedia to find a cheap flight from where you live to Seoul that best fits your itinerary.
How to Get Around South Korea?
My preferred mode of transportation in South Korea is the bus because it is reliably fast, efficient, comfortable, and usually easily accessible from the main part of the city.
When you are taking a bus from a big city like Seoul, make sure you know where the terminal is because there are several terminals in Seoul, and all of them are in different parts of the city. My suggestion is to ask your hostel for the information before you plan anything, as they will know the best time and route to take.
For traveling around Seoul, the Metro is the way to go. The city is widely connected, and you can go almost anywhere with it. But one of the problems with South Korea is that Google Maps doesn't function fully due to some law enforcement, but you can use other local apps to navigate the city like: iPhone | Android.
In some cases, it might be better to fly instead; for example, you will save more time flying from the mainland to Jeju Island rather than taking an overnight cruise. It might even be cheaper if you book the flight in advance. There are plenty of cheap airlines you can buy from, such as Jeju Air, Air Busan, or even Korean Air sometimes.
When to Go to South Korea?
South Korea has very clear-cut seasons, and for most cases, each offers a unique perspective of the country. The summer (June to August) can be hot and humid. Winter (December to February) can be extremely cold but with less risk of rain. Autumn (September - November) is when the forests can turn reddish orange, and the best time of all is spring (March - May), when flowers bloom and festivals are in full swing.
I was there at the end of Spring (5th May), right in time for the family month with Children's Day followed by a Buddha's Birthday celebration. The streets became lit with lanterns and were full of colorful parades, traditional shows, and concerts. I would highly recommend you to go to Seoul during the Buddha's Birthday festival.
Which tourist SIM card is best for South Korea?
Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in South Korea without having to switch out your physical SIM card.
Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in South Korea:
South Korea has the fastest internet in the world. Yeah, that's right! In the world! I've tested it on a regular hostel WIFI, and it took 5 minutes to upload a 4 GB file. You will have absolutely no problem finding fast and reliable WIFI in South Korea. Every hostel has it, every cafe has it, everywhere you go, you will find it.
If you are the type of person who needs 24-hour internet access, you can get a local SIM card for cheap at the airport with unlimited data and no throttling. Yes! No throttling, no bullshit! I love this country!
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
Daily Budget
Traveling here will typically cost you more than visiting most other countries. You can expect to spend around $45 - $65 USD per day per person, including food, accommodation, and transportation.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
What to Pack for South Korea?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to South Korea:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
20 Comments
Thanks for the advice! Heading to Seoul to visit my daughter for 2 1/2 weeks and really would like to get out of town and see some natural sights! She will be off for 1 week so I was thinking Jeju.
Jeju is highly recommended! If you have a week, Jeju is where you should be. :) I was there like 6 days and loved it. You can spend at least 2 days minimum to explore the island. If you go slow, you can easily do it for a week.
Another recommendation for natural sights would be Seoraksan, Wonderful place to do hiking!
Thanks for yor article man. Very helpful!
No problem! I'm glad you found it useful!
How did you get fro Sokcho to Gyeongju?
I took a bus to Pohang and then a bus to Gyeongju. It can be done in a day if you start early (like i did) or you can take an overnight one. Ask the hostel you are staying in Sokcho for the latest schedule.
Hello, may i ask how do you get from Jeju city to Hallasan?
There's a bus running quite often to the trail head so no need to rent a car or hire a driver. :)
Wow~ Fantastic!!:) It's really so helpful. When I traveled to Seoul, Korea, I played with Korean local friends who are sooooo kind and really soooooo funny. I want to share the website http://tourmatekorea.kr ! Enjoy your Trip!:)
How did you get from Gyeongju to Jeju Island? It seems complicated and not as easy as taking a flight from Seoul direct, as
most people seem to do. Any advice for a first time traveler to South Korea? I plan to spend 6 days there. I will not be driving and I've heard that taking public transportation is very time consuming. Any thoughts are deeply appreciated. Great website by the way! Happy travels from one adventurer to another!