25 days in South Korea Itinerary

One of east Asia's major cultural and financial centers, Seoul boasts five World Heritage Sites and a huge selection of museums, temples, shrines, palaces, parks, gardens, and glass-and-steel skyscrapers.

Change things up with a short trip to Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon (about 1h 5 min away). Pack the 26th (Fri) with family-friendly diversions at Lotte World. There's much more to do: take in panoramic vistas at N Seoul Tower, get engrossed in the history at National Museum of Korea, take a stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, and take in nature's colorful creations at Namsan Park.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Seoul vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

Zurich, Switzerland to Seoul is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time (CET) to Korean Standard Time (KST), which is usually an 8 hour difference. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Zurich in August; daily highs in Seoul reach 35°C and lows reach 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Tue) so you can fly to Jeju.

The main town on the largest of Korea's islands, Jeju, has a volcanic landscape protected by UNESCO. The World Heritage-listed volcanic island includes the country's highest peak, sets of impressive lava tubes and columns, and several crater lakes.

Venture out of the city with trips to Seogwipo (Seongsan Ilchulbong, Gasiri Wind Power Plant, &more). Spend the 3rd (Sat) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. And it doesn't end there: explore the fascinating underground world of Manjanggul Cave, take in the exciting artwork at The Islander, head off the coast to Udo, and head outdoors with Hamdeok Beach.

To find reviews, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Jeju trip planner.

Getting from Seoul to Jeju by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of train, taxi, and ferry; or do a combination of car and ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) early enough to fly to Busan.

The country's second city, Busan has often been referred to as South Korea's summer capital.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Busan: Ulsan (Taehwagang National Garden & Sinbulsan Falls Recreational Forest) and Gyeongju (Gyeongju National Museum & Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond). Next up on the itinerary: kick back and relax at Haeundae Beach, walk around Yongdusan Park, hunt for treasures at Jagalchi Market, and get outside with Gwangalli Beach.

To find maps, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Busan attractions planner.

You can fly from Jeju to Busan in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry, taxi, and train. Traveling from Jeju in September, expect a bit cooler with lows of 21°C in Busan. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Tue) to allow time to fly back home.