9 days in Seoul & Busan 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.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. Head to Myeongdong Shopping Street and Namdaemun Marketfor plenty of shopping. Pack the 9th (Fri) with family-friendly diversions at Lotte World. There's much more to do: wander the streets of Insadong, appreciate the extensive heritage of Cheonggyecheon Stream, brush up on your military savvy at The War Memorial of Korea, and get great views at N Seoul Tower.

For photos, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Seoul trip itinerary builder website.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Seoul is an approximately 9.5-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone difference when traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Seoul is 1 hour. Expect colder temperatures when traveling from Kuala Lumpur in December; daily highs in Seoul reach 3°C and lows reach -5°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Fri) so you can catch the flight to Busan.

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

Escape the urban bustle at Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Bulguksa Temple and Beomeosa Temple. When in Busan, make a side trip to see Gyeongju National Museum in Gyeongju, approximately Gyeongju away. Next up on the itinerary: visit Busan Gamcheon Culture Village, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, meet the residents at SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Haedong Yonggungsa.

To find other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, read our Busan trip maker.

Traveling by flight from Seoul to Busan takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Seoul in December, things will get a bit warmer in Busan: highs are around 10°C and lows about 0°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Tue) to allow enough time to fly back home.