South Korea Family Itinerary - Fall 2026

Hello,

We’re planning a 17-day trip to South Korea in October 2026 with my husband and our daughters, who’ll be 9 years old.

I’d love to get your thoughts on our draft itinerary.

First, some key details:

1/ Jeju Island is a must for us. I’ve personally dreamed of going there for years after reading a novel about it. 2/ Our girls are used to road-trip style travel since they were born, so this kind of trip won’t be an issue for them. 3/ We plan to travel by train, except on Jeju where we’ll rent a car (we already have an international driver’s permit).

Itinerary:

Seoul: 1 arrival day at 10 AM + 4 full days Gyeongju: 2 days Busan: 3 days Jeju: 4 days Seoul: 2 days

Thanks for your feedback! Have a great day,

Sabrina

Hello,

You’ve done a great job on the plan, and you should also factor in travel times with schedules to try to maximize your days. Depending on train times and what you want to see, you could manage with 2 full days in Busan and add the extra time to Jeju, depending on what you’ve got planned. A car is definitely essential on Jeju to avoid relying on buses. Keep in mind there’s quite a bit to see on Jeju, and it’s not all in the same area, so plan for some back-and-forth to make the most of it. Udo, on the far east side, is a lovely getaway you could combine, for example, after watching the sunrise at Ilchulbong. There’s a big parking lot at the port.

Thanks so much for your quick reply @erjorme!

You're right, I'll check the train schedules once the itinerary is confirmed. I was waiting for feedback from the community to move forward.

And if I can, I'll add a night in Jeju. But since I've read everywhere that Busan is a big city and you need at least 3 days, I planned the itinerary that way.

Are there plenty of trains? And for Jeju, is it quick to get to the island from Busan?

In Jeju, would it be ideal to book 2 hotels? What are the best areas to stay?

Thanks a million!

Sure, I’ll check the train schedules once the itinerary is confirmed. I was waiting for feedback from the community to move forward.

This will give you a visual of your days based on the planned visits and your family’s pace.

And if I can, I’ll add a night in Jeju.

You could easily spend a week or even 10 days there.

But since I’ve read everywhere that Busan is a big city and you need at least 3 days, I planned the itinerary that way.

In 2 full days, starting early, you’ll see the essentials.

Are the trains frequent?

You can check the current schedules here to get an idea:

Book High-Speed Trains Around the World with Rail.Ninja

And for Jeju, is it quick to get to the island from Busan?

A 40-45 minute flight is the most practical option. You can rent a car at the airport—it’s very well organized. Then, take a flight from Jeju to Seoul in just about 50 minutes (note: only from Gimpo Airport, which is closer to central Seoul). There are flights from all airlines almost every 5 minutes.

For Jeju, should we plan for 2 hotels? That’s ideal, right? What are the best areas to stay?

It depends on what you’ve planned for visits. The western part is, in my opinion, the least interesting. You could stay in Jeju City and Seogwipo on the south coast. That’s what I did, with 3 nights in each place. Next time, I’d do the same but add 3 nights on the east side.

If you’re hiking in Hallasan Park, plan to stay nearby.

Thanks @erjome for all this info and for the train website—I’ll be able to check the schedules and refine my plans.

If I can add one more night in Jeju, I’ll do it without hesitation. I’ll look into what we can do there with kids this season to see where it’s best to stay. Ideally, I’d have liked a single base, but if we do 2 nights / 2 nights, it won’t be a disaster. I still can’t quite wrap my head around the distances on the island.

Also, if you’ve already visited Korea in autumn, I’d love to hear your favorite spots to see this season! I’ve heard Korea is stunning in October.

And your recommendations for must-do activities with kids 😊

Thanks!!

Hi there,

I’m starting to think about our itinerary for spring 2027 (still plenty of time ahead! :)), and I’d like to do a similar route, but with Danyang added after Seoul. What do you think of Danyang and Jecheon? Thanks!

I’ll look into everything we can do there with kids during that season to see where it’s best to stay. Ideally, I’d have liked a single base, but if we do 2 nights here and 2 nights there, it won’t be a disaster.

It all depends on what you want to see.

I still can’t quite grasp the distances on the island.

Since Google Maps doesn’t work well for driving routes, you can get an idea of distances with this site:

Rome2Rio: discover how to get anywhere in the world

Also, if you’ve already been to Korea in autumn, I’d love to hear your favorite spots to visit during that season! I’ve heard Korea is stunning in October.

Not yet during that season. Every time I’ve been was in spring and late summer.

And your recommendations for must-do activities with kids? 😊

It all depends on the kids’ ages and interests.

In Seoul, Lotte World is famous. In Busan, strolling through Gamcheon, visiting the Sea Life Aquarium, there are several skywalks, Blueline Park with a capsule ride, and on Jeju, Manjanggul Cave (though it’s currently closed—check again before your trip). The O’Sulloc Tea Plantation didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. The waterfalls in the south near Seogwipo are really nice. Hello Kitty Island is a safe bet and very local.

One thing’s for sure—after a first trip to South Korea, you’ll just want to come back. So no stress, you won’t be able to do everything, and you’ll return someday.

Haha, thanks so much for all these great tips!

Knowing us, we’ll definitely want to plan a second trip to explore more 😄 The hardest part is finding the time and money 😅

Can’t wait to be there!

Thanks again

Haha, thanks so much for all these precious tips!

You're welcome!

And knowing us, we’ll clearly want to plan a second trip to explore more 😄

Don’t worry, I’m already planning my 5th trip for next August/September ;)

The hardest part is finding the time and money 😅

Time isn’t always easy when you’re working, especially when you’re tied to school holidays.

For the budget on the ground, it’s much cheaper than in France. You can find affordable accommodations and eat for cheap. However, flights are where you need to find the best deal to keep costs down. For car rentals, I always go through Lotte Rent a Car. You can run a price simulation for now.

LOTTE RENT-A-CAR



Here’s their office at Seoul Airport.

Can’t wait to be there!

I totally get you!

Hi @erjome!

Yes, that’s exactly it—work and school holiday timing always make things a bit tricky since we know we’re limited on time.

I’m back with more questions!

After some other discussions, I’m a little torn between taking the train or renting a car.

From what I understand, a car is practical and cheaper than the train.

But the plan would be to rent it as soon as we leave Seoul since I imagine it’s better to use the subway in the city.

However, if we go to Jeju, things seem to get more complicated with car rentals. It sounds like we’d have to return it in Busan, pay an extra fee, and then rent another car on Jeju—is that right?

Can you confirm this, or do you have other experiences to share?

After Jeju, we wouldn’t have a car to get to Suwon, but I assume we can easily get there from Seoul’s arrival airport.

Another question that comes to mind: parking. With a car, is it easy to find parking in cities and at hotels? Are they paid?

As for hikes, if we want to include one in a park with beautiful temples and colors, which one would you recommend?

I’d read about Seoraksan Park, but it seemed too far for a day trip from Seoul if we don’t have a car at that point, right?

Also, about the idea of seeing the North Korean border—if we want to do something “less touristy,” I gathered that you’d need to go further north, so having a car would help. Though I’m still not sure how interested I am in this excursion, honestly. Especially with only 4 days in Seoul. If I take out 1 day for a hike and half a day to see the border, there won’t be much time left to explore the city.

What do you think?

Thanks!

Hello,

If I understand correctly, the car is convenient and inexpensive compared to the train.

But the idea would be to rent it as soon as we leave Seoul since I imagine it's better to use the subway in the city.

Yes, exactly.

However, if we go to Jeju, that’s where things seem to get complicated with the car rental... So, we’d have to return it in Busan, pay an extra fee, and rent another car in Jeju if I understand correctly.

Can you confirm this? Or do you have other experiences?

Yes. Make sure to confirm if there are drop-off fees and how much they are.

After Jeju, we wouldn’t have a car to get to Suwon, but I imagine we can easily get there from Seoul’s arrival airport.

There are two airports in Seoul. Flights from Jeju land at Gimpo Airport, which is closer to the city center.

Another question that comes to mind: parking. With a car, is it easy to find parking in cities and at hotels? Are they paid?

Yes, no problem parking at hotels, and I’ve never paid for it. You just need to select hotels that have parking. You might even discover the automatic parking system, like I often did.



Automated Parking Systems in Korea Explained | TikTok

As for hikes. If we want to include one in a park with beautiful temples and autumn colors, which one do you recommend?

It’s not in your initial itinerary. I really like Seoraksan Park in the northeast and Jirisan Park further south.

I’d read about Seoraksan Park, but it seemed too far for a day trip from Seoul if we don’t have a car at that point, right?

By car, it’s 2.5 to 3 hours minimum each way, depending on Seoul traffic. This park deserves at least a full day, ideally 2 or even 3 if you hike a lot. There’s plenty to do and see in the area, like stopping at Nami Island, Sokcho near the park, the DMZ in Goseong (my profile photo), and then following the east coast.

Next, about the idea of seeing the North Korean border—same thing, to do something “non-touristy,” I understood we’d need to go further north, so having a car. I’m still not sure about the interest in this excursion, to be honest... Especially with 4 days in Seoul. If I take out 1 day for hiking and half a day to see the border, there won’t be much time left to visit the city...

What do you think?

The most interesting DMZ is in the northeast at Goseong, but you need a car to get there. There are a few formalities to complete before arriving at the checkpoint, where the tension was very palpable when I was there. Very strict control of the completed papers, authorizations, passports, and your mobile phone, where you receive an SMS in case of an alert.

DMZ 박물관



Permit to place on the dashboard.



Your initial plan is great for a first trip given the time you have. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see and do everything. And as I’ve already said, after this trip, you’ll just want to come back, especially to explore the east coast.

Hi Erjorme, Thanks so much for your replies and help! Since a car isn’t necessary in either Seoul or Busan, I’m thinking we’ll take the train for the Seoul/Gyeongju/Busan leg. Plus, I saw that taking the ferry with a car isn’t straightforward, and it’d take more time than flying. We’ll definitely rent a car on Jeju, though. Now I’m wondering if we’d have time to add a night at Hahoe Historical Village to our itinerary. I think it could be a really interesting stop with the kids. It’d mean a bit more rushing since it’d only be for one night, and we’d need to arrive before the show at 2 PM if I understood correctly. But if it’s really worth it… Here’s how it’d look: Depart France on 10/14/26 Arrive in Seoul on the 15th Seoul: 15th–18th (4 nights) Hahoe Historical Village/Andong: 19th (1 night) Gyeongju: 20th–21st (2 nights) Busan: 22nd–24th (3 nights) Jeju: 25th–28th (4 nights) Seoul: 29th (1 night) Depart on the 30th What do you think? Thanks! !

Hello,

It’s not easy to add Hahoe without a car. You’ve got to factor in travel times, logistics, and fatigue to have at least half a day there.

Okay, thanks Erjome! Something to think about. Otherwise, renting a car for just 3 days between the end of Seoul and the start of Busan—worth it or not?

Thanks

Hi @erjome

I’m reaching out again because I’m looking at accommodations for Busan. We’ll be there for 4 nights. We’ll have a car! Just to recap, we’ll be there at the end of October with two 9-year-old kids.

What would you recommend, please? 4 nights in Seogwipo? 2 nights in Seogwipo + 2 nights in the east? (I get the impression that most of the major sites to visit are there) 2 nights in Seogwipo + 2 nights in the west?

If you have any city names to check out or even specific accommodations, I’d love to hear them!

Thanks in advance!

Hi Sabrina,

I assume you're looking for accommodation in Jeju, not Busan.

I recommend spending 2 days in Seogwipo and 2 days on the east side. Depending on your schedule, visit Udo Island. The west side has fewer points of interest. If you arrive in Jeju in the morning, you can head to Seogwipo via the west coast, making stops along the way. Alternatively, cutting through Hallasan Park is also an option.

During my last stay in Seogwipo, I stayed here:

JEJU BOM STAY - Prices & B&B Reviews (Seogwipo, Jeju Island)

Yeah, I meant Jeju, haha—thanks @Erjorme!

Love the idea of doing the west coast down to Seogwipo. Are the main sights on the west side mostly beaches, then?

Is 4 nights in Seogwipo not ideal?

Thanks for the accommodation tip—I’ll check it out! !

Yes, in the west there are a few beaches, Hallim Park, and the Osulloc tea plantation. Otherwise, staying only in Seogwipo is a good option.

Thanks! 😊

Hi Jérôme, I just read your messages with interest. My kids would love to go to Korea—they’re big into hiking. Which national parks would you recommend for them to enjoy that activity? Thanks in advance!

Hello,

Sorry, but what does NP stand for?

Good evening, NP: National Park. The activity would be hiking. PS: Maybe there aren’t any National Parks in Korea...

Hi there,

Seoraksan National Park in the northeast offers some great hikes. Hallasan on Jeju Island is really nice too. Jirisan in the south is less well-known but has some lovely walks. I really enjoyed these parks because they’re all so different from each other.

Thanks

Hi Jérôme,

Thanks so much for being so active on this forum! We’re a family of four with two teens leaving this Friday for three weeks in Korea. Our itinerary is set: Seoul Guinsa Temple Gyeongju Busan Jeju Island Seoul

We’ll be staying in the very south of Jeju Island, and that’s the part I’m finding trickiest to plan. We’ll be there for four nights, and toward the end of our trip, we’d love to relax near some beautiful beaches and see a waterfall too. What would you recommend?

Thanks a million! Virginie

Hi Virginie,

Great itinerary with all the must-sees!

Did you rent a car in Jeju? Are you spending all 4 nights there or just in the south? The south, especially around Seogwipo, is a good base—ideally paired with another one in the east and Jeju City. The western part is the least interesting.

Near Seogwipo, there are the Cheonjiyeon and Jeongbang waterfalls. These are very popular spots, so it’s best to go early.

For beaches (I only stop briefly), there’s Hyeopjae, Geumneung, and Hamdeok. Depending on your timing, Udo Island in the east is also nice, with some great beaches.

Don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything, and have a great trip!

Thank you sooo much for the reply! We finally got our international permit just in time, so we’re going to rent a car. We’ve decided to spend 4 nights in Seogwipo. Thanks for the tips, they’re great... Virginie

Renting a car is ideal. That way, you can enjoy the trip at your own pace without being dependent on buses.

The more I plan this trip, the more I can't wait to dive into the vibes of Korea.. You’ve mentioned several times that after a first trip to Korea, there’s only one thing you want—to go back! Since you’ve traveled a lot, what is it that’s kept your attention so much?

My first trip to South Korea dates back to 1998 when the country wasn’t yet buzzing with K-culture. While I enjoy it, I’m not such a K-pop fan that I only listen to it or attend concerts—though I will be going to BTS at Stade de France in Paris soon. I don’t watch K-dramas either, which also draw many travelers to filming locations. I’ve seen the country open up to tourism and evolve, but every trip remains a wonderful memory as I think about the next one.

The country has the advantage of being small but packed with things to see and do. Hiking is the main activity for Koreans, and there are countless trails all over the country. Renting a car (except, obviously, in Seoul) gives you total freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path spots where I sometimes don’t see any Westerners for days. Very often, even in hotels, English isn’t spoken, so a translator comes in handy.

You can easily spend a week in Seoul, dedicate 2 to 3 weeks to the East coast from the North Korean border to Busan, and just as much to the South down to Mokpo and the West, where both coasts have many great islands. Jeju, including Udo, deserves 1 to 2 weeks depending on how much hiking you do.

The big cities offer sleek architecture with historic sites right in the middle, where you can end up spending hours. It’s also a great opportunity for shopping—cosmetics, K-beauty, the latest tech gadgets, and trends...

Food is a huge part of discovering South Korea, and aside from dishes that might be too spicy for some palates, there’s no risk. What can I say about street food and markets... 😋 Also, be aware that some restaurants only serve offal. Some people don’t like it, so it’s best to know by translating the menu. All of this is washed down with the legendary soju, which is also mixed with beer to make somaek 😁

🇰🇷 How to drink Somaek? #soju #beer #recipe #kpop #kfood #korea #southkorea

Safety isn’t just a myth. People leave their belongings—phones and laptops—at restaurants and bars when they go to the bathroom or refill their drinks. Of course, use common sense, but there’s no problem in public transport. Pickpockets are more of an issue back home than there.

Koreans don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation if they speak even a little English. Sometimes just looking at your itinerary on your phone is enough for someone to approach and ask if you need help. In some areas, this is really useful—I’ve searched for restaurants I’d spotted, and they were hard to find.

I only find two downsides to South Korea. Unfortunately, it’s far, and you have to juggle the climate if you want to avoid winter cold, rain, and extreme heat. Personally, I now only go in March/April and September/October.

You’re going to love it in every sense of the word, sharing this experience with your family.

Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts when you get back.