First trip to South Korea

Hi everyone,

I’m embarking on my first trip to Asia, starting with South Korea.

I’ll be traveling with my 15-year-old daughter, who came up with the idea...

We’ll be there from July 15th to 22nd.

I’ve currently planned to stay in Seoul from the 15th to the 19th, then head to Busan from the 19th to the 21st. We need to be back in Seoul on the evening of the 21st because our flight is at 10 AM on the 22nd.

I love modern cities, but for a first trip to Asia, I’d also like to see some traditional sights. Do you think Busan is a good idea?

I’m considering staying in Gyeongju instead and spending two days in Busan...

What do you think?

Maybe another city in a different region of Korea?

Thanks for your help

Hi there,

Gyeongju is absolutely stunning, yes (I’m not objective—it’s my favorite spot in Korea). And there’s so much to see! What else do you plan to visit in Busan? The city is really spread out, so if you focus on sights that are more or less on the same side of town, two days in Busan is totally doable.

Are you renting a car or using public transport for everything?

Hi,

We haven’t planned much for Busan yet—I mentioned that staying in Gyeongju might be better...

I don’t think I’ll rent a car. Do you think that’s a good idea?

I’m worried about struggling with a car in Seoul...

Or maybe rent one to leave Seoul for the second leg of the trip?

My daughter also mentioned Suncheon—is that better than Busan and Gyeongju?

Thanks for your help

You want to stay in Gyeongju but go to Busan? That’s gonna be tricky... it’s pretty far. Suncheon has a lagoon (really beautiful when the weather’s nice), but it’s on the opposite side of Busan in the southwest. You definitely don’t need a car in Seoul. Over a few days, using public transport, it’ll be quite a workout to do both Busan and Gyeongju. If you’re after traditional vibes, prioritize Gyeongju.

I'm wondering if I might end up renting a car on the morning of the 19th to leave Seoul until we return to Seoul on the evening of the 21st.

I'm also thinking about leaving Seoul on the afternoon of the 18th instead, to get an extra night in Gyeongju.

Personally, I’d go to Gyeongju without hesitation, but my daughter would still like to see Busan. I’ll try to show her the most beautiful photos of Gyeongju to convince her otherwise :)

Thanks

Hello,

I replied to some points in your other post.

In Seoul, you’ll obviously do everything by subway.

For a trip like this, you don’t need to rent a car. And don’t forget the international driving permit—it’s mandatory if you decide to drive. I think you can get it quickly in Belgium, unlike in France.

You can go to Gyeongju or Busan by KTX train (the equivalent of the TGV). I also really like Gyeongju (evening and night walks among the tumuli and Anapji is great) and it would let you see two sides of South Korea. If it fits your timing, you could take the train from Gyeongju to Busan and make it a triangular trip.

Thanks for your reply, and sorry for the delay in responding—I practically had no time this week...

After thinking it over, I’ve decided on the following itinerary:

Seoul from the 15th to the morning of the 19th (landing at 9 AM) Gyeongju from the 19th to the morning of the 22nd (flight from ICN at 11:30 AM)

I’m considering spending a day in Busan, probably on the 21st, so my daughter can see it, but personally, Gyeongju appeals to me more. I also think Seoul will already be a very big city, and I’d like to see some traditional sights...

We’ll take advantage of our two days to visit Bulguksa Temple and the grotto.

We’ll likely rent a car, which will let us spend our last night in Gyeongju instead of having to go back to Seoul.

I know we won’t see everything—I’m fully aware of that—but for a first trip to Asia and South Korea, this will give us a little taste.

In Seoul, I’ve chosen Insadong as our base. Is that a good idea?

My daughter would like to do the DMZ tour. Is it worth it?

Thanks for your answers!

Thanks! !

Hello,

Thanks for your reply, and sorry for the delay—this week I’ve barely had time to respond

I’ve been there!

After thinking it over, I’ve settled on this itinerary:

Seoul from the 15th to the morning of the 19th (landing at 9 AM) Gyeongju from the 19th to the morning of the 22nd (flight departs ICN at 11:30 AM)

Good compromise.

I’m considering maybe spending a day in Busan, probably the 21st, so my daughter can see it, but personally, Gyeongju appeals to me more. I also feel like Seoul will already be a huge city, and I’d love to see something more traditional...

You can just keep that day open and decide on the spot. You can always take a round-trip train to Busan or keep exploring Gyeongju and its surroundings. Renting bikes in Gyeongju is super easy and a great way to get around.

We’ll take advantage of our two days to visit Bulguksa Temple and the cave.

The cave is small, but Bulguksa is quite large. The whole area is really nice and feels very rural.

Don’t miss Anapji Pond at sunset and at night.



We’ll probably rent a car—it’ll let us spend our last night in Gyeongju instead of having to go back to Seoul.

Where and when would you rent the car? Just to get to Gyeongju? There’s no need—the KTX train takes about 2h15.

If I’ve got this right, your return flight leaves Incheon at 11:30 AM on the 22nd? If so, you’ll need to be at the airport by 8:30 AM. Gyeongju to Incheon Airport is a 4-hour drive, not counting potential traffic jams, which can be pretty bad.

Gyeongju to Incheon International Airport (ICN)

It’d be better to take a late KTX train back the same evening. And since you need to be at the airport by 8:30 AM, you should spend your last night in a hotel near ICN.

We won’t be able to see everything—I’m fully aware of that—but for a first trip to Asia and South Korea, this’ll give us a little taste.

You’ll love it, and you’ll leave with stars in your eyes, wanting to come back for longer. I’ve been there! 😉

Hope the weather’s nice during your trip and that the humidity isn’t too bad.

In Seoul, I’ve chosen Insadong as our base—is that a good idea?

Great neighborhood! Close to major attractions, good metro access, and tons of restaurants and hotels.

My daughter would like to do the DMZ tour—is it worth it?

Just so you know, you have to book an organized tour, and the JSA is currently closed. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of these tours, but the DMZ is one of the must-see things in Seoul.

Thanks for your answers!

Thanks!

You’re welcome! And please share your story when you get back. I’m not going back until September for my 4th trip, and I need to hold out until then! 😉

Don’t miss Anapji at sunset and at night.

Thanks for the info, I’ll add it to my list :)

Where and when would you rent the car? To go to Gyeongju? No point—the KTX train takes about 2h15.

If I’ve got this right, your return flight leaves Incheon at 11:30 AM on the 22nd? If so, you need to be there 3 hours early, so by 8:30 AM. Gyeongju to Incheon Airport = 4 hours by road, not counting traffic jams, which can be bad.

Gyeongju to Incheon International Airport (ICN)

Better to take a late KTX train the same evening. And if you really need to be at the airport by 8:30 AM, spend your last night in a hotel near ICN.

True, I’ll admit I didn’t factor in the time difference between driving and the KTX. We’ll leave Gyeongju on the evening of the 21st to spend the night in Seoul, not far from the station. I’ll check the schedules to make sure we’re at ICN by 8:30–9:00 AM at the latest.

You’ll love it, and you’ll have stars in your eyes, wanting to go back for longer. I felt the same way ;)

I hope so! I’m a huge fan of the American West and the U.S. in general, so this trip was inspired by my daughter—I’m really heading into the complete unknown...

Hope the weather’s nice during your trip and that it’s not too humid.

We’ll deal with it—didn’t have much choice between school and work schedules... We’ll adapt like always :)

Just so you know, you have to take an organized tour, and the JSA is closed right now. Personally, I’m not a fan of these tours, but the DMZ is one of the must-see spots in Seoul.

Yeah, I saw that. I’ll keep it in mind depending on my daughter’s mood and how we feel when we’re there.

My pleasure, and please share your story when you get back! I’m not going back until September for round 4, so I need to hold out until then ;)

Of course—I always give feedback to people who take the time to help me and share valuable tips.

Hello,

Indeed, I admit I didn’t consider the time difference between driving and the KTX. We’ll leave Gyeongju on the 21st in the evening to spend a night in Seoul, not too far from the station. I’ll check the schedules to be at ICN by 8:30–9:00 AM at the latest.

Staying near Seoul Station is a great solution. The next morning, you can easily take the train to Incheon Airport. I’ve stayed one night at Hotel Manu, for example, which isn’t far from the station.

Seoul Station to Hotel Manu Seoul

I hope so—I’m a huge fan of the American West and the U.S. in general. This trip was inspired by my daughter, so I’m really heading into the complete unknown.

I love the U.S. too and have been going regularly since 1985.

South Korea has so many advantages:

- A small country but packed with things to see. Either you stay a long time, or you make multiple trips (this is my 4th in September).

- One of the safest countries in the world.

- Trains, buses, domestic flights, and car rentals (international driver’s permit required) make getting around easy.

- Cost of living is reasonable for us.

- Culture, national parks, and mountains for hiking, plus the sea for relaxing or surfing. There’s something for everyone.

- Warm welcome and kindness from locals.

- Lifestyle, K-pop, etc.

- Cleanliness, respect, and good manners.

- English is generally understood, but having a translator app on your phone is often helpful.

- Korean cuisine—just watch out for spices if you’re sensitive. A Korean barbecue with *somaek* (rice alcohol soju mixed with beer) is just *wow*.





- Guaranteed culture shock.

If I had to mention a downside:

- Watch the climate. Winters are cold with snow, and summers are hot—sometimes *very* hot—with high humidity (June and July see heavier rains). Spring and autumn are ideal, though it can be a bit chilly. It was -1°C in Seoul this morning, for example.

- Keep an eye on geopolitics, hoping the northern neighbor doesn’t get too worked up or follow other world leaders’ examples 😉

Of course, I always give feedback to those who take the time to help and share valuable advice.

No problem—don’t hesitate if you need anything.

Hello,

Seven days on-site is quite short, but you’ll get a good overview.

With so little time, I think you should focus on Busan and Seoul.

I really like Gyeongju, but if you factor in travel time to Seoul and Busan, plus Busan and Gyeongju and then back to Seoul, it’s a lot of "lost" time.

From Seoul to Busan, take the train—it’s fast, comfortable, and less paperwork than driving.

There’s already plenty to do in these two cities.

Seoul: The "must-sees" will take you 2-3 days (more if you opt for the DMZ). You could also spend a day at Suwon Fortress. A nice change of scenery. If you have extra time, some agencies offer "day trips" to Seoraksan Park. I absolutely love this area. That said, the day will be intense (2-hour drive each way), but you’ll get a great taste of what the Korean mountains have to offer.

Busan: I love it! A totally different side of Korea that’s really fun to explore. And there’s so much to do in Busan. Gamcheon Culture Village, of course, the temples (especially Haedong Yonggungsa), the markets, hikes, and beaches. Don’t miss the drone show "Mr. Drone Light Sow Busan" every Saturday—it’s really cool!

Happy planning, and don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything.

Fabien

Hello,

Thank you so much for this valuable information. I’m taking notes for our upcoming trip.

Best regards,

Hello,

I just got back from two weeks in South Korea. I was traveling with a baby, so the pace was a bit slower. - 8 nights in Seoul - 2 nights in Gyeongju - 3 nights in Busan

I wouldn’t change my itinerary at all. You could probably do all this faster without a young child. If you have luggage, I’d recommend taking the bus. It’s pure luxury—super practical and comfortable.

Don’t hesitate if you have any questions.

Hi there,

I hope you enjoyed your short stay despite the heavy rain these past few days.