South Korea is a vibrant and dynamic country that is renowned for its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural beauty. From the bustling city of Seoul to the picturesque countryside, there are plenty of places to explore and things to do. This 15 day itinerary of your trip to South Korea, including visa details, public transportation, places to visit, where to eat (including vegetarian options), and the estimated cost of the trip.
15 day itinerary of your trip to South Korea
Day 1: Arrival in Seoul Upon arrival in Seoul, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own. You can start with the popular district of Myeong-dong, which is known for its street food and shopping.
Day 2: Seoul Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of Seoul’s most famous landmarks, and take a tour of the palace grounds. Afterward, head to Bukchon Hanok Village to explore the traditional Korean homes and architecture. In the evening, head to the Namsan Tower for panoramic views of the city and sunset.
Day 3: Seoul Visit the popular district of Gangnam, which is known for its luxury shopping and nightlife. Visit the COEX mall, the largest underground mall in Asia, and enjoy some Korean barbecue for lunch. In the evening, head to the Han River for a river cruise.
Day 4: Seoul Visit the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), which is the border between North and South Korea. You can take a tour of the Joint Security Area, where you can stand in North Korea while being guarded by South Korean soldiers. In the afternoon, return to Seoul and explore the trendy district of Hongdae.
Day 5: Busan Take a train from Seoul to Busan, which takes approximately 3.5 hours. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and explore the Haeundae Beach area.
Day 6: Busan Visit the Gamcheon Culture Village, which is known for its colorful houses and street art. In the afternoon, visit the Beomeosa Temple, a Buddhist temple that dates back to the 7th century.
Day 7: Busan Visit the Jagalchi Fish Market, which is one of the largest seafood markets in South Korea. In the afternoon, head to the Gukje Market for some shopping.
Day 8: Gyeongju Take a train from Busan to Gyeongju, which takes approximately 1 hour. Check into your hotel and visit the Cheomseongdae Observatory, which is the oldest surviving observatory in East Asia.
Day 9: Gyeongju Visit the Seokguram Grotto, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous Buddhist shrines in South Korea. Afterward, visit the Bulguksa Temple, which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important temples in South Korea.
Day 10: Jeju Island Take a flight from Gyeongju to Jeju Island, which takes approximately 1 hour. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and visit the Jeju Folk Village.
Day 11: Jeju Island Visit the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a volcanic crater that offers stunning views of the island. In the afternoon, visit the Manjanggul Cave, which is one of the largest lava tube caves in the world.
Day 12: Jeju Island Visit the Hallasan National Park, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a natural wonder of Jeju Island. Take a hike up to the peak of Mount Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea, for breathtaking views of the island.
Day 13: Seoul Take a flight from Jeju Island back to Seoul, which takes approximately 1 hour. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own.
Day 14: Seoul Visit the Namsangol Hanok Village, which is a traditional Korean village that showcases the culture and architecture of Korea’s past. In the afternoon, visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, which is a unique complex designed by Zaha Hadid and home to various exhibitions and events.
Day 15: Departure from Seoul Spend your last day in Seoul exploring the city on your own, visiting any spots you may have missed earlier in your trip. In the evening, head to the airport for your flight back to Delhi, India.
Public Transportation: South Korea has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and subways. The transportation system is affordable, reliable, and easy to use. T-money cards are recommended for use on public transportation as they can be used on buses, subways, and taxis.
Where to Eat: South Korea is known for its delicious cuisine, including Korean barbecue, bibimbap, and kimchi. For vegetarian options, try traditional Korean dishes like japchae (stir-fried noodles) or bibimbap with no meat. Some vegetarian restaurants in Seoul include Ose Gye Hyang and Balwoo Gongyang.
Cost of the Trip: The cost of the trip can vary depending on the season, accommodations, and activities chosen. As a rough estimate, the cost of the trip for one person can range from INR 1,50,000 – INR 2,00,000, including flights, accommodations, food, and transportation.
Visa Details: Indian passport holders need a visa to enter South Korea. You can apply for a tourist visa online or at the South Korean embassy in Delhi. The processing time for a visa is typically 3-4 working days, and the cost is approximately INR 2,500.
Here is the link to apply for a South Korea visa from India: https://www.visa.go.kr/
Steps for the South Korea tourist visa application process for Indian citizens: (15 day itinerary of your trip to South Korea)
- Gather all required documents: The first step is to gather all the required documents for the visa application, including your passport, visa application form, photographs, flight tickets, hotel bookings, travel itinerary, and bank statements.
- Fill out the visa application form: Fill out the South Korea visa application form accurately and completely. You can fill out the form online or by hand.
- Pay the visa fee: Pay the visa fee at the time of submitting your application. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
- Submit your application: Submit your application at the Korean embassy or consulate in India. You can submit your application in person or through a travel agent.
- Wait for processing: After submitting your application, wait for the processing time to complete. The processing time for a South Korea tourist visa is usually 5-7 working days.
- Collect your visa: Once your visa is approved, collect your visa from the embassy or consulate. Make sure to check your visa details carefully, including the validity dates, number of entries, and restrictions.
Note: It is recommended to apply for your South Korea tourist visa well in advance of your planned travel date to avoid any delays or complications.
Conclusion – 15 day itinerary of your trip to South Korea
South Korea is a beautiful and unique country that offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This 15-day itinerary takes you through some of the country’s top destinations, including Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, and Jeju Island. With its delicious cuisine, excellent public transportation, and friendly people, South Korea is a great destination for travelers looking for a unique and memorable experience.