Introduction to South Korea and South Korea itinerary 14 days on budget : Geography: South Korea is located in East Asia, on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. It is surrounded by the Sea of Japan to the east, the East China Sea to the south, and the Yellow Sea to the west. The country has a total area of 100,210 km² and a population of 51 million people.
Capital: Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea, located in the northwest part of the country.
Climate: South Korea has a humid continental and humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and dry, while summers are hot and humid. The country is affected by the monsoon season, with heavy rains in the summer and early autumn months.
Language: The official language of South Korea is Korean, with Hangul being the writing system. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and many young people speak the language fluently.
Culture: South Korean culture has a rich history and is heavily influenced by Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Shamanism. The country is known for its traditional dance, music, and art forms. South Korea is also famous for its pop culture, with K-pop, K-dramas, and K-beauty being popular exports.
Economy: South Korea is the fourth largest economy in Asia and the 11th largest in the world. The country has a highly developed economy and is a leading producer of electronics, automobiles, steel, and shipbuilding. South Korea is also a major exporter of petrochemicals, textiles, and machinery.
Tourism: South Korea is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year. The country is famous for its ancient historical sites, modern cities, and scenic natural beauty. Popular tourist attractions include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jeju Island, Namsan Tower, and the Jeju Loveland theme park.
Overall, South Korea is a fascinating country with a rich history, diverse culture, and modern economy. Its mix of traditional and modern elements makes it a unique and exciting destination for travelers.
South Korea Itinerary for 14 Days on a Budget
Day 1: Arrival in Seoul
- Arrival at Incheon International Airport
- Check in at budget hotel in the city center
- Explore the city by visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Insadong street
Day 2: Seoul
- Visit Namsan Tower for a panoramic view of the city
- Explore the bustling Myeong-dong shopping district
- Visit the historical Changdeokgung Palace and its secret garden, Biwon
Day 3: Seoul
- Take a day trip to the traditional Korean village of Suwon to see Hwaseong Fortress
- Visit the Korean Folk Village, a living museum showcasing traditional Korean lifestyle
Day 4: Seoul to Busan
- Take a KTX train to Busan
- Check in at budget hotel in the city center
- Explore Busan’s famous beaches, Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach
Day 5: Busan
- Visit Gamcheon Culture Village, a colorful hillside neighborhood
- Explore the traditional markets of Jagalchi Fish Market and Gukje Market
- Visit the iconic Busan Tower for a panoramic view of the city
Day 6: Busan to Jeju Island
- Take a flight to Jeju Island
- Check in at budget hotel
- Visit the Manjanggul Lava Tube, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Day 7: Jeju Island
- Explore the scenic Jeju Olle Trail, a network of hiking paths around the island
- Visit the Jeju Folk Village Museum, showcasing traditional Jeju Island life
- Take a sunset stroll along the beautiful Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak
Day 8-9: Jeju Island
- Visit the iconic Jeju Loveland, a park filled with over 140 sculptures of love and sex
- Explore the Jeju Teddy Bear Museum and Jeju Glass Castle
- Visit the Seongeup Folk Village, a traditional Jeju Island village
Day 10-12: Jeju Island to Gyeongju
- Take a flight to Gyeongju
- Check in at budget hotel
- Explore the ancient city of Gyeongju, visiting historical sites such as the Anapji Pond, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the Royal Tumuli Park
Day 13-14: Gyeongju to Seoul
- Take a KTX train back to Seoul
- Explore the city, visiting the Namsangol Hanok Village, Deoksugung Palace, and the bustling Namdaemun Market
- Last day for shopping and final farewells before departing for home.
Note: Budget-friendly accommodations, street food, and public transportation can be utilized throughout the trip to keep costs low. This itinerary offers a mix of cultural, historical, and scenic attractions for an immersive and affordable experience in South Korea.
Expense Plan for South Korea Itinerary for 14 Days on a Budget
- Accommodations:
- Budget hotels or guesthouses, averaging $30-$40 per night per person.
- Book in advance to get the best deals.
- Consider sharing a room with friends or traveling companions to save on costs.
- Transportation:
- KTX train from Seoul to Busan, averaging $50 one way.
- Domestic flight from Busan to Jeju Island, averaging $100 one way.
- Domestic flight from Jeju Island to Gyeongju, averaging $100 one way.
- KTX train from Gyeongju to Seoul, averaging $50 one way.
- Use of public transportation such as buses and subway for sightseeing within cities, averaging $5-$10 per day.
- Food:
- Street food, traditional market food and budget restaurants, averaging $5-$10 per meal.
- Korean cuisine such as bibimbap, bulgogi, and kimchi stew are widely available at affordable prices.
- Snacks and drinks can be purchased from convenience stores and vending machines for $2-$5 each.
- Attractions:
- Admission fees for tourist attractions, averaging $5-$10 per site.
- Some popular attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Namsan Tower offer free admission on certain days.
- Tour packages or guided tours can be considered for convenience and cost savings.
- Miscellaneous:
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, and other items, averaging $30-$50 per day.
- Travel insurance, averaging $5-$10 per day.
Total Estimated Cost: $1500-$2000 per person for 14 days, depending on personal spending habits and exchange rates.
Note: This is an estimated cost based on average prices and is subject to change depending on individual preferences and the cost of living in South Korea at the time of travel. This budget plan can be adjusted as needed to accommodate personal preferences and travel styles.