In October, I had the chance to spend a week exploring South Korea with my friend Maria. It was my first time there, while Maria had been once before and loved it. The decision to go was as spontaneous as it was exciting; we had been sharing travel videos, saw one of South Korea, and just said, “Let’s go!”
Day 1: Arriving in Seoul
Maria and I met at Incheon Airport (ICN) — I flew in from Tokyo, and she from the States. First up was customs, which was surprisingly smooth. For U.S. travelers, you simply fill out a form on the plane. After meeting, we made a classic first stop at a 7-Eleven, which is essential for any South Korean adventure. At these stores, you can pick up a T-Money card to use on the country’s efficient trains and buses, and if you’re mainly staying in Seoul, check out the Seoul Tourist Card for city-exclusive discounts.
We had split our week into three main parts: starting in Seoul, heading to Busan for the weekend, and wrapping things up back in Seoul. Our Airbnb was conveniently located near Seoul Station, making it easy to catch the AREX train from the airport. After a quick check-in, we were in the mood for Korean BBQ, which was amazing and just steps from our place. Afterward, we took a peaceful nighttime stroll by the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a scenic spot featured in many K-dramas.
Day 2: Exploring Seoul’s Highlights
The next morning, we explored Myeong-Dong, where Maria was eager to try a Michelin-starred restaurant she’d read about. Myeongdong Kyoja Main Restaurant didn’t disappoint with its simple but delicious menu and fast-paced service. This spot is perfect for a meal in between shopping the bustling streets of Myeong-Dong.
Then it was off to Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁), a must-see for its grand architecture, vibrant colors, and historical significance. Walking around the palace grounds, we saw locals and tourists dressed in hanbok, traditional Korean attire, taking photos. Tickets were about $6 USD.
Nearby, we visited the National Museum of Korean Contemporary Art, with outdoor exhibits that include beautiful flower fields — ideal for photos!
In the afternoon, we strolled through Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming neighborhood of traditional Korean houses. We took a relaxing tea break at Bidam Bukchon, a peaceful cafe amidst the activity.
Later, we came across Gong-Gan, a minimalist bar known for its thoughtfully curated cocktails, each with a backstory. It’s a great spot for unique drinks and conversation.
Day 3: Seoul Food Tour
One of my favorite Seoul experiences was a food tour we booked through Viator. Food tours are perfect for sampling local cuisine with guidance, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the dishes. This one spanned five hours, introducing us to a variety of flavors and street food.
Days 4-5: Weekend in Busan
We took a train from Seoul to Busan, stocking up on snacks from the train station’s many vendors. Our accommodation was in the Haeundae Beach area, an ideal location with lots of things to do within walking distance. Although the weather was rainy for most of our visit, we still managed to have a memorable time.
Our first evening, we explored the downtown area of Haeundae. The next morning, we found Tago Coffee, a cute cafe with great matcha and seasonal lattes. We then enjoyed a walk along the beach, which turned out to be the nicest weather we had in Busan.
A highlight was the Sky Train at Blueline Park, offering coastal views as it travels from Blueline Park to Songjeong.
Once in Songjeong, we tried Suminine, a seafood restaurant with a DIY twist, you grill the seafood yourself! Think Korean BBQ but with scallops and eel, plus all sorts of sides. It was a hilarious learning experience, as the staff had to help us grill our food properly.
We also visited one of the many photo booths you’ll find throughout Korea, which are set up like small studios where you can choose props, poses, and frames. It’s a fun, affordable souvenir.
On one rainy day, we visited SpaLand, a well-known bathhouse in Busan. If you haven’t been to a Korean spa, it’s an experience worth trying! SpaLand offers various pools, saunas, and relaxation rooms, and the environment was perfect for unwinding. They even have a ramen station for snacks.
Haeundae’s traditional market is a cozy spot with vendors selling everything from seafood to snacks. It’s lovely for a morning or evening walk.
Our last evening in Busan, we went out in Seomyeon, an area full of bars, cafes, and shops. We spent a great night at Devil’s Dice, a board game bar where each group has a private room. It was the perfect way to end our time in Busan.
Days 6-7: Back to Seoul
Back in Seoul, we stayed at the Fairmont Ambassador, which offered a bit of luxury as we wrapped up our trip. For our final night, we had a nightcap at the Han River, a popular spot often seen in K-dramas. With soju, snacks from a nearby 7-Eleven, and the city lights, it was a perfect way to savor our last evening.
On our last day, we explored Seongsu, a trendy shopping area full of cafes, flagship stores, and hidden shops. For fashion lovers and those into skincare, this area is a dream. We found a quaint pottery shop that sold charming, affordable ceramics, a great spot for souvenirs.
South Korea is an amazing destination full of vibrant neighborhoods, incredible food, and smaller places waiting to be enjoyed. Even if you don’t have a detailed itinerary, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do and see just by wandering around. I’ll definitely be back to explore more and share more tips for navigating this beautiful country!