10 days · KTX
South Korea in 10 days
South Korea in 10 days: Seoul, Busan and Gyeongju by KTX. Palaces, coast and history without map overload.
Seoul anchors; the south is by train
In 10 days: Seoul (4–5), Gyeongju (1–2) and Busan (3). Jeju is another trip (flight). Don’t stack Seoul + Busan + Jeju + DMZ + ski in one short arc.
When
Apr–May / Sep–Oct
Cherry blossom or foliage; ideal weather. Book KTX and hotels.
Jun–Aug
Humid heat and rainy spell (jangma). Air-con is your friend.
Dec–Feb
Dry cold winter; good museums and ondol. Fewer people on the coast.
Budget / day
US$70–150
Hotel
US$25–45
Food
US$15–40
KTX/metro
US$120–230
Total
10 days
Practical
KTX & T-money
Book KTX on Korail/app. T-money for metro/bus. Wi‑Fi and offline maps help with transfers.
Where to stay
Seoul: Jongno/Myeongdong/Hongdae · Gyeongju centre · Busan Haeundae or Nampo.
Etiquette & queues
Quiet metro. Shoes off in traditional temples. Book popular restaurants.
Food
Bibimbap · BBQ · market street food · café culture. Spice level: ask mild if needed.
Tips
One Seoul night neighbourhood
Hongdae, Ikseon or a pojangmacha — the city changes after 20:00.
Jeju “on the side”
It deserves 3–4 nights. In 10 days with Seoul+Busan, save it for another trip.
Tissue & cash
Carry tissues; some public toilets lack them. Cards almost everywhere; coins for kiosks.
Only Myeongdong shopping
It’s a useful axis, not the country. Alternate palaces, rivers and coast.
Checklist
South Korea on TripMatches
Build Seoul–Gyeongju–Busan, share nights and align KTX vs neighbourhood days with your group.
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