◆ KoreaTripHub
← Korea itineraries
🗺️

5 Days in Korea: Seoul + Busan Itinerary

🗓️ 5 days🔄 Updated August 2026

The best of both cities — two days in Seoul, the KTX down to Busan, and the coast, temples and markets of the south.

Five days is enough for Korea's two biggest cities. Spend two days in Seoul, then take the KTX high-speed train (~2h40) to Busan for beaches, a hillside art village and Korea's best seafood, before heading back.

  1. Day 1Seoul — palaces & Bukchon
    Morning

    Gyeongbokgung Palace + the changing of the guard (hanbok = free entry). · 🗺️ map

    Afternoon

    Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong. · 🗺️ map

    Evening

    Myeongdong street food and shopping. · 🗺️ map

  2. Day 2Seoul — modern & views
    Morning

    Hongdae cafes and shops. · 🗺️ map

    Afternoon

    N Seoul Tower for the skyline. · 🗺️ map

    Evening

    Gwangjang Market or a Han River park. · 🗺️ map

  3. Day 3KTX to Busan — the coast
    Morning

    KTX from Seoul Station to Busan (~2h40). Book a seat ahead on weekends. · 🗺️ map

    Afternoon

    Haeundae Beach and the Blueline Park sky capsule. · 🗺️ map

    Evening

    Gwangalli Beach for the Gwangan Bridge light show. · 🗺️ map

  4. Day 4Busan — village, market, temple
    Morning

    Gamcheon Culture Village — the pastel hillside neighbourhood. · 🗺️ map

    Afternoon

    Jagalchi Fish Market and BIFF Square street food in Nampo-dong. · 🗺️ map

    Evening

    Haedong Yonggungsa, a rare seaside temple, at golden hour. · 🗺️ map

  5. Day 5Back to Seoul / departure
    Morning

    Last-minute Busan beach or cafe, then KTX back to Seoul (or fly home from Gimhae). · 🗺️ map

    Afternoon

    If flying from Incheon, allow time for the AREX/airport transfer. · 🗺️ map

Good to know

  • Book KTX seats in advance for weekends and holidays (Korail Talk app / letskorail.com).
  • Busan is spread out — its subway plus Kakao T taxis cover most of it.
  • Two nights in Seoul + two in Busan keeps you from over-packing/unpacking.

Book this trip

🏨 Hotels in Seoul ↗🏨 Hotels in Busan ↗🎟️ Tours & tickets ↗

ⓘ Some links here are partner links — if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only list services we'd point a friend to.

🏨 Where to stay in Seoul →🏨 Where to stay in Busan →

Travel facts are checked against official sources with a verification date. Prices, schedules and visa rules change — always confirm at the linked official source before you travel.