3 weeks in Korea: What to do?
South Korea is a destination that is attracting more and more travellers. With its futuristic skyscrapers, Buddhist temples, breathtaking natural landscapes and delicious cuisine, the country has something for everyone. Whether you're a solo traveler in search of adventure, a group of friends ready to discover a new culture, or a family looking to share memorable moments, this program is designed for you. Follow our guide to make the most of your 3 weeks in Korea and not miss out on any of the treasures it contains.
Week 1: Immersion in the dynamic capital of Seoul
Day 1-3: Discovering the historic heart
SeoulA metropolis where past and present coexist harmoniously. Start your journey by immersing yourself in Korean history.
Day 1 :
Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Visiting time 2 to 3 hours
- Opening hours Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays)
- Access Subway line 3, Gyeongbokgung station, exit 5
- Details Visit Seoul's grandest royal palace, watch the changing of the guard at 10.00 am and 2.00 pm, and stroll through the gardens.
Afternoon: Hanok village of Bukchon
- Visiting time 2 hours
- Access 15-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Details Stroll through this traditional district of wooden houses, discover craftsmen's workshops and enjoy panoramic views over the city.
Evening : Rue Insadong
- Visiting time 1 to 2 hours
- Access Metro line 3, Anguk station, exit 6
- Details Enjoy a traditional dinner and store for handicrafts.
Day 2 :
Morning: Jogyesa Temple
- Visiting time 1 hour
- Access Metro line 3, Anguk station, exit 6
- Details Buddhism: immerse yourself in Buddhist spirituality with a visit to this iconic temple in the heart of the city.
Afternoon: National Museum of Korea
- Visiting time 2 to 3 hours
- Opening hours Open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (closed on Mondays)
- Access Metro line 4, Ichon station, exit 2
- Details Discover the country's history through a rich and varied collection.
Evening : Nanta's show
- Show time : 1h30
- Reservation Recommended in advance
- Details : Enjoy this comical, musical culinary show, ideal for all ages.
Day 3 :
- Day: Namsan Park and Seoul's N Tower
- Visiting time 3 to 4 hours
- Access Metro line 4, Myeongdong station, then funicular or bus no. 02
- Details The top: Climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the city, especially at sunset. Stroll through Namsan Park and enjoy the fresh air.
Day 4-5: Modern Seoul and shopping
Day 4 :
Morning: Myeongdong district
- Visiting time 2 to 3 hours
- Access Subway line 4, Myeongdong station, exit 6
- Details Shopping paradise, it's the ideal place to buy Korean cosmetics and enjoy street food.
Afternoon: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
- Visiting time 2 hours
- Access Subway lines 2, 4, 5, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park station, exit 1
- Details Admire this futuristic work of architecture and explore the design exhibits.
Evening: Dongdaemun night market
- Visiting time 2 hours
- Opening hours Open until 5am
- Details Open all night for a unique shopping experience.
Day 5 :
Day: Gangnam district and COEX Mall
- Visiting time 4 to 5 hours
- Access Metro line 2, Samseong station, exit 5 or 6
- Details Explore the chic Gangnam district, visit COEX Mall, one of Asia's largest underground shopping malls, and don't miss the Starfield Library.
Evening : Show at the Lotte World Tower
- Visiting time 2 hours
- Access Metro line 2, Jamsil station, exit 1 or 2
- Details Climb to the top of the tower for a breathtaking night view.
Day 6-7: Nature and relaxation
Day 6 :
- Day: Bukhansan National Park
- Visiting time 6 to 8 hours (all day)
- Access Metro line 3, Gupabal station, then bus 34, 704 to park entrance
- Details Hiking in the mountains, discovering hidden temples and enjoying nature. Don't forget good shoes and water.
Day 7 :
Morning: Cheonggyecheon River
- Visiting time 1 to 2 hours
- Access Subway line 5, Gwanghwamun station, exit 5
- Details Stroll along this rehabilitated waterway in the heart of the city, a popular place to relax.
Afternoon: Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
- Visiting time 2 hours
- Access Metro line 3, Anguk station, exit 1
- Details Discover the contemporary Korean art scene.
Evening : Itaewon district
- Visiting time Until late at night
- Access Subway line 6, Itaewon station, exit 1
- Details Enjoy the lively nightlife, international restaurants and trendy bars.
Week 2: Culture and traditions in the provinces
Day 8: Departure for Gyeongju
- Transport :
- Medium KTX train from Seoul to Singyeongju
- Duration Approx. 2h15
- Cost Approx. KRW 40,000 (€30)
- Opening hours Frequent trains from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Afternoon: Settling in Gyeongju
- Details Take a bus or cab to downtown from Singyeongju station.
Day 9-10: Gyeongju, the museum city
Day 9 :
Morning: Tumuli Park
- Visiting time 2 hours
- Opening hours Open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Details Visit the hilltop royal tombs and learn more about the Silla dynasty.
Afternoon: Cheomseongdae Observatory and Anapji Pond
- Visiting time 2 hours
- Details The Anapji Pond: Discover one of Asia's oldest astronomical observatories and stroll around the Anapji Pond, magnificent at sunset.
Day 10 :
- Day: Bulguksa temple and Seokguram cave
- Transport :
- Medium Local bus (lines 10 or 11) or cab
- Duration Approx. 30 minutes
- Visiting time 4 to 5 hours
- Opening hours Open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Details The Bulguksa temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture. Continue to the Seokguram cave to admire the Buddha statue.
- Transport :
Day 11: Departure for Andong
- Transport :
- Medium Intercity bus from Gyeongju to Andong
- Duration Approx. 3 hours
- Cost Approx. KRW 15,000 (€11)
- Opening hours : Several departures per day
- Afternoon: Settling in Andong
- Details Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or explore the city center.
Day 12: Andong and Hahoe village
Morning: Hahoe Folk Village
- Transport :
- Medium Local bus no. 46 from Andong bus station
- Duration Approx. 50 minutes
- Visiting time 3 to 4 hours
- Opening hours Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Details Discover this unspoilt village where traditional houses are still inhabited. Possibility of renting hanboks (traditional clothing) for total immersion.
- Transport :
Afternoon: Andong Mask Museum
- Visiting time 1 hour
- Details Learn more about the tradition of masked dancing and the different types of Korean masks.
Day 13: Departure for Jeonju
- Transport :
- Medium Intercity bus from Andong to Jeonju
- Duration Approx. 3h30
- Cost Approx. KRW 20,000 (€15)
- Opening hours : Several departures per day
- Afternoon: Settling in Jeonju
- Details Hanok village: Enjoy the rest of the day strolling through the Hanok village.
Day 14: Jeonju, capital of gastronomy
Day: Hanok Village in Jeonju
- Visiting time All day
- Details Jeonju: Lose yourself in the cobblestone streets, visit local museums, take part in handicraft workshops and taste Jeonju's famous bibimbap in one of the many traditional restaurants.
Evening: Jeondong Cathedral and Gyeonggijeon Pavilion
- Visiting time 1 to 2 hours
- Details Admire the cathedral's western architecture and discover the pavilion housing the royal portraits.
Week 3: Busan coastal getaway and Jeju Island
Day 15: Departure for Busan
- Transport :
- Medium Intercity bus from Jeonju to Busan
- Duration Approx. 3h30
- Cost Approx. KRW 23,000 (€17)
- Opening hours : Several departures per day
- Afternoon: Settling in Busan
- Details Enjoy Gwangalli beach at the end of the day.
Day 16-17: Busan, between sea and mountains
Day 16 :
Morning: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
- Transport :
- Medium Metro line 2 to Haeundae, then bus no. 181
- Duration Approx. 1 hour
- Visiting time 2 hours
- Details An exceptional temple by the sea, ideal for spectacular photos.
- Transport :
Afternoon: Haeundae Beach
- Visiting time 2 to 3 hours
- Details Korea's most famous beach: relax on Korea's most famous beach, enjoy the cafés and water sports.
Evening : Centum City district and Spa Land
- Visiting time 2 to 3 hours
- Details Shopping at Shinsegae Centum City, the world's largest department store, and relaxing at Spa Land, a top-of-the-range jjimjilbang (Korean sauna).
Day 17 :
Morning: Jagalchi fish market
- Visiting time 2 hours
- Access Metro line 1, Jagalchi station, exit 10
- Details The largest fish market in the country, where you can sample fresh seafood.
Afternoon: Gamcheon Culture Village
- Visiting time 2 to 3 hours
- Access Metro line 1, Toseong station, exit 6, then Saha bus 1-1
- Details Explore this colorful hilltop village, nicknamed the "Santorini of Korea".
Evening : Tour of Busan
- Visiting time 1 hour
- Details Climb up for a panoramic view of the illuminated city.
Day 18: Departure for Jeju Island
- Transport :
- Medium Domestic flight from Busan to Jeju
- Duration Approx. 1 hour
- Cost Approx. KRW 50,000 to 80,000 (€38 to €60)
- Opening hours Frequent flights all day long
- Afternoon: Settling in Jeju
- Details Renting a car is recommended for exploring the island in total freedom.
Day 19-21: Jeju Island, the Pearl of the South
Day 19 :
Morning: Mount Hallasan
- Visiting time 5 to 7 hours for complete ascent
- Details Climb Korea's highest peak for a panoramic view. Plan to leave early in the morning and check weather conditions.
Afternoon: Manjanggul cave
- Visiting time 1 hour
- Opening hours Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Details Explore one of the world's longest lava tunnels.
Day 20 :
Morning: Jeongbang Falls
- Visiting time 1 hour
- Details The waterfall: Admire one of the few waterfalls in the world to plunge directly into the sea.
Afternoon: Chemin d'Olle
- Visiting time 2 to 3 hours
- Details Hiking: Hike along these coastal paths to discover the island's natural beauty. Choose from several routes to suit your level.
Evening: Seogwipo night market
- Visiting time 1 to 2 hours
- Details The restaurant: Taste local specialties and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Day 21 :
Morning: Udo Island
- Transport :
- Medium Ferry from Seongsan port
- Duration 15-minute crossing
- Visiting time 4 to 5 hours
- Details Rent a bike or scooter to tour this picturesque little island.
- Transport :
Afternoon: Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)
- Visiting time 1 to 2 hours
- Details Climb this volcanic cone for a breathtaking view of the ocean.
Evening: Return to Jeju City and departure
- Transport :
- Medium Domestic flight to Seoul or Busan for your international flight
- Details : Plan to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.
- Transport :
A journey from 3 weeks in Korea will enable you to discover the cultural, historical and natural wealth of this captivating country. From the hustle and bustle of Seoul to the serene landscapes of Jeju Island and the historic treasures of Gyeongju, each stage of this itinerary will offer you memorable experiences. Whether you're traveling alone, with friends or family, South Korea will amaze you with its diversity and hospitality. Don't wait any longer, pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Land of the Morning Calm!
For French nationals, a tourist stay of less than 90 days does not require a visa.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
Although English is spoken in tourist areas, it can be useful to learn a few basic Korean phrases. Visit translation applications and conversation guides can also be very useful in facilitating communication.
Your budget will depend on your travel style. On average, allow between €1,500 and €2,500 per person for accommodation, meals, transport and activities. Costs can be reduced by opting for youth hostels and eating out in local restaurants. You can calculate your budget directly on our page dedicated to the budget for Korea
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