I’d be happy to help plan a 30-day trip to South Korea on a budget! Here’s a sample itinerary:
Day 1-3: Arrive in Seoul, check into budget accommodation (cost: around $20-25 per night)
- Travel method: Fly into Incheon International Airport, then take the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) or a bus to your hotel (cost: around $10-15 for the AREX, or $10-12 for a bus)
- Activities: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and explore the city.
Day 4-6: Take a train to Busan
- Travel method: Take a KTX train from Seoul to Busan (cost: around $50-60 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Busan Tower, Gamcheon Culture Village, and take a hike to Jangsudae Beach.
Day 7-9: Take a train to Jeju Island
- Travel method: Take a flight or ferry from Busan to Jeju Island (cost: around $80-90 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Hallasan National Park, Seongsan Ilchulbong, and take a hike to the Manjanggul Lava Tube.
Day 10-12: Return to Seoul
- Travel method: Take a flight or ferry from Jeju Island to Seoul (cost: around $80-90 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Namsangol Hanok Village, Namsan Tower, and explore the city.
Day 13-15: Take a train to Gyeongju
- Travel method: Take a KTX train from Seoul to Gyeongju (cost: around $50-60 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and take a hike to Tumuli Park.
Day 16-18: Take a train to Andong
- Travel method: Take a KTX train from Gyeongju to Andong (cost: around $50-60 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Hahoe Folk Village, Dosan Confucian School, and take a hike to Mount Biro.
Day 19-21: Take a train to Suwon
- Travel method: Take a KTX train from Andong to Suwon
(cost: around $50-60 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon Hwaseong Museum, and take a hike to Paldalsan Mountain.
Day 22-24: Take a train to Daegu
- Travel method: Take a KTX train from Suwon to Daegu (cost: around $50-60 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Dalseong Park, Daegu National Museum, and take a hike to Apsan Mountain.
Day 25-27: Take a train to Jeonju
- Travel method: Take a KTX train from Daegu to Jeonju (cost: around $50-60 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Jeonju Hanok Village, Gyeonggijeon Shrine, and take a hike to Mount Mudeung.
Day 28-30: Return to Seoul
- Travel method: Take a KTX train from Jeonju to Seoul (cost: around $50-60 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Seoullo 7017, Korea House, and do some last-minute shopping.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and can be adjusted to your preferences. Prices and activities may vary depending on the season, please check the current situation before planning your trip. Also, please note that the cost of accommodation, food, and other personal expenses are not included in this budget. Some additional activities you could consider are visiting the Gyeongju National Museum, the Seonamsa Temple or taking a Korean cooking class. It’s important to book accommodations and transportation ahead of time as it can save you money and also make sure you have a place to stay. Also, It is important to note that getting around South Korea can be cheaper by using local transportation such as buses and trains instead of flying.