Exploring South Korea on a Tight Budget: A 7-Day Travel Itinerary
South Korea is a country that is steeped in rich history and culture. With its bustling cities, picturesque landscapes, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals, it’s a destination that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. However, many people shy away from visiting South Korea because of the perception that it is an expensive destination to visit. This could not be further from the truth, though. In this article, we’ll show you how to explore South Korea on a tight budget by outlining a 7-day travel itinerary that covers some of the best destinations that the country has to offer.
Day 1 – Seoul: The Capital of South Korea
Seoul is the perfect starting point for your journey through South Korea, and the best part is that you can explore the city for free. The first stop should be Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is a majestic palace that was built during the Joseon Dynasty. The palace is open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm, and you can explore it for free. You can also visit the nearby National Palace Museum of Korea, which has a collection of artifacts that date back to the 14th century.
Your next stop should be the Bukchon Hanok Village, which is a traditional Korean village with beautiful hanok houses. You can wander around the village to explore the architecture and lifestyle of the people who lived here in the past. In the evening, visit the Namsan Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city from its observatory deck. If you are on a budget, you can hike up to the tower instead of taking the cable car.
Day 2 – Jeju Island: The Hawaii of South Korea
Jeju Island is a volcanic island that is located off the southern coast of South Korea. It’s a popular destination among Koreans and international travelers alike. Start your day by visiting Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is known for its magnificent sunrise views. From there, head to the nearby Seopjikoji, which is a picturesque coastal area with beautiful rock formations.
Next on the list is the Jeju Folk Village Museum, which is a recreated traditional Korean village. You can learn about the history and culture of Jeju Island by visiting the various exhibits and trying out some hands-on activities. End your day by visiting the Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, which is a 22-meter high waterfall that cascades into a clear pool. Entrance to all of these destinations is less than 10,000 KRW each.
Day 3 – Gyeongju: The Ancient Capital of Korea
Gyeongju is a city with thousands of years of history, and it’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Korean history and culture. Start your day by visiting the Bulguksa Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best examples of Korean Buddhist architecture. From there, head to the Seokguram Grotto, which is a stone temple that is located on the slopes of Mt. Toham. Both of these sites are accessible via bus for less than 5,000 KRW.
In the afternoon, visit the Gyeongju National Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the Silla Dynasty. The museum is free to enter and is a great way to learn about the history of Gyeongju and Korea. End your day by visiting the Tumuli Park, which is a large park that has more than 20 tombs from the Silla Dynasty. Entrance to the park is only 3,000 KRW per person.
Day 4 – Busan: The Port City of South Korea
Busan is a bustling port city that is known for its beautiful beaches, abundant seafood, and lively markets. Start your day by visiting the Gamcheon Culture Village, which is a colorful hillside village with art installations, cafes, and shops. Admission to the village is free, and you can easily spend a few hours exploring the area.
In the afternoon, head to the Haeundae Beach, which is one of the most popular beaches in Korea. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas for a nominal fee, or you can simply enjoy the sand and sea. In the evening, visit the Jagalchi Market, which is one of the largest fish markets in Korea. You can sample a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes for less than 10,000 KRW per person.
Day 5 – Andong: The Traditional Village of Korea
Andong is a small city that is known for its traditional architecture and cultural heritage. Your first stop should be the Hahoe Folk Village, which is a well-preserved traditional village that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. You can explore the village on foot and learn about the various aspects of traditional Korean life. Entrance to the village is 3,000 KRW per person.
In the afternoon, visit the Andong Folk Museum, which has exhibits on the culture and traditions of the region. The museum is free to enter and is a great way to learn about the history of Andong. End your day by visiting the Woryeonggyo Bridge, which is a unique wooden bridge that spans the Nakdong River. The bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a great place for a romantic stroll.
Day 6 – Suwon: The Fortress City of Korea
Suwon is a city that is located only an hour away from Seoul by train, and it’s a great day trip destination. The first stop should be the Hwaseong Fortress, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best examples of Korean fortress architecture. You can walk around the fortress walls and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding area. Entrance to the fortress is only 1,000 KRW per person.
In the afternoon, visit the Suwon Museum, which has exhibits on the history and culture of Suwon. The museum is free to enter and is a great way to learn about the city’s past. End your day by visiting the Korean Folk Village, which is a recreated traditional village with beautiful houses and cultural exhibits. Entrance to the village is 15,000 KRW per person.
Day 7 – Korean Food Tour
Your final day in South Korea should be reserved for a culinary tour of the country. Start your day by trying out some Korean street food, such as tteokbokki, kimbap, and hotteok. These dishes can be found at street food stalls throughout the country and cost only a few thousand KRW each.
In the afternoon, visit a traditional Korean restaurant to try some more elaborate Korean dishes, such as bulgogi, bibimbap, and samgyupsal. These dishes can be found at mid-range restaurants and cost around 10,000 KRW per person.
As you can see, it’s possible to explore South Korea on a tight budget. With some careful planning and a sense of adventure, you can experience the best that the country has to offer without breaking the bank. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey through South Korea.
