Taking a Korean vacation is easy and affordable. You can choose from a variety of destinations. From the Northeast coast to the northernmost province, you can choose a trip to suit your taste and budget. Busan is the best place to start your trip, with its abundance of cultural attractions. But if you want to see more of the country, you might want to head further north, to Jeju.
Busan to Gyeongju
If you’re planning a trip to the southern province of Gyeongju, you’ll need to find a way to get from Busan to Gyeongju on ONE day. Luckily, the city has an excellent train service. You can travel from Busan to Gyeongju on train in about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can get a car rental in Gyeongju. In either case, you’ll need a valid international drivers’ license. There are several rental companies in Korea, so it’s important to research the best deals.
In Gyeongju, you’ll find a charming old town crammed with ancient architecture and history. Lonely Planet calls the city Korea’s “Museum without walls.” You can cycle around the town, and take in the sights and sounds. You’ll also get to see the Cheomseongdae astronomical observatory, the oldest in Asia. Another highlight of Gyeongju is the Woljeong Bridge, a wooden structure nearly 1400 years old.
Busan to Sokcho
When planning a Busan to Sokcho Korea trip, it is important to consider the distance between the two cities. A direct bus from Busan will take about three hours, but you can also take a longer day trip. Several popular tourist attractions in Sokcho include the Cable Car ride to the top of Seoraksan Mountain, the Gwonggeumseong Fortress, and the seated bronze Buddha at Sinheungsa Temple. The white beach in Sokcho is another popular attraction that should not be missed.
Getting from Busan to Sokcho is easy and affordable when you take the express bus. The buses are equipped with leg rests and spacious coach seats. They also feature an on-board 1015-minute highway rest stop.
Busan to Jeju
When you plan a trip to Korea, you might consider travelling from Busan to Jeju. The distance from Busan to Jeju is about 292 miles (375 kilometers). Travel by land takes just over an hour. You can also take a train from Busan to Jeju. The total cost of a ticket is approximately 230 USD.
Busan is known for its delicious ssiat hotteok pastry, which is filled with honey and sugar. You may also want to visit the Haedong Yonggung Temple, which is located on the rocky coast. The temple is easily accessible through a front gate. Once inside, you’ll walk through a cave-like tunnel, past bamboo trees, and eventually arrive at the temple. The view from the temple is spectacular. Another must-see spot is the Taejongdae Natural Park, which has cliffs and a coastal park.
Gyeongju to Bulgaksa
You can make a Korea trip from Gyeongju to Bulgasa in two days by taking a bus. There are two routes, one counterclockwise and the other clockwise, each covering a similar distance. Tickets cost W1650 ($1.38) each and do not include transfer discounts. The route map is in Korean and each stop is announced. Buses run every 20 minutes between 6:40am and 9:40pm.
To get to Bulgaksa, you need to catch a bus from Gyeongju Station. The trip takes about 31 minutes. The bus will take you to Bulgaksa, which is 13 km away.
Sokcho to Bulgaksa
Located in the South of Korea, Sokcho is a three-hour bus ride from Seoul. From Sokcho, you can easily book a long-day tour, and choose from many popular attractions in the area. These attractions include Seoraksan National Park, with its Cable Car ride to the summit, the Gwonggeumseong Fortress, and the Sinheungsa Temple, where you can see a seated bronze Buddha. Sokcho is also a popular destination for travelers on a budget, as the town offers affordable accommodation.
If you’re interested in learning about Buddhist traditions, there’s a Temple Stay program that allows you to shadow a Korean monk for a day. The program gives you the chance to participate in daily chanting, 108 prostrations, and traditional tea ceremonies.
Han River to N Seoul Tower
The N Seoul Tower in Seoul is a popular spot for those looking to see the city from a bird’s-eye view. This observation and communication tower is located in the geographical center of Seoul and is 777 feet tall from base to top. From the top, you can see the entire city. It is also the first general radio wave tower in South Korea and continues to transmit signals to media outlets.
There are many options to get to N Seoul Tower by public transportation. One of the easiest and most convenient ways is to take a Namsan cable car. This is a short, eight-minute ride from the Chungmuro Station or the Dongguk University Station. You can also get on a city tour bus to see the sights in a more comfortable setting.
Day trip to Tongyeong
A Day trip to Tongyeong, the “Naples of Korea” is an excellent way to discover this enchanting coastal city. Surrounded by 150 islands, this southern region of Korea has a lot to offer. From the country’s longest cable car to a visit to a mural village, the city offers a variety of attractions. The city is also home to the country’s first gravity-fueled ride, the Luge.
Day trips to Tongyeong are also great opportunities to explore the area’s many geological formations. The town is home to a geological formation known as a geosceoreom. Its geological formations are so unique and varied, visitors are often surprised by their magnificence.