7 Days in South Korea | An Efficient Itinerary | Seoul, Busan, Jeju

7 Days in South Korea | A Quick and Efficient Itinerary | Seoul, Busan, and Jeju

South Korea has so much to offer that it would be impossible to see and do everything in just seven days. But if that’s all the time you have, here’s an efficient itinerary to help you tick off the essentials:

• • Day 1: Fly to Seoul
  • Day 1–3: 3 nights in Seoul
  • Day 4: Visit Nami Island and take the train to Busan
  • Day 4–5: 2 nights in Busan
  • Day 6: Fly to Jeju. 1 night in Jeju
  • Day 7: Fly back from Jeju to Seoul. Fly out from Seoul.

About

South Korea

South Korea has always intrigued me. It seemed like a more passionate and expressive version of Japan, a country I loved visiting. Plus, accessibility from India was excellent, with visa requirements being relatively straightforward.

South Korean popular culture, such as K-pop and K-dramas, has gained immense global popularity, and many of us know about the country through these mediums. I immensely enjoyed the K-dramas—Signal, Squid Games, and Hellbound—and I’m always on the lookout for new South Korean thrillers to watch or read.

The South Korean beauty industry also has a unique and impressive reputation. Snakeskin and snail creams, anyone?

South Korea is a nation with a rich history and culture. It was ruled by the Joseon Dynasty for over 500 years before being colonized by Japan in 1910. After World War II, Korea was divided into two zones, which became separate states in 1948: North Korea (communist) and South Korea (capitalist). The Korean War of 1950–53 was a devastating conflict, but South Korea has since become a thriving democracy and one of the world’s leading economies.

If you’re looking to read a book before your visit, try Pachinko. Published in 2017, Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is an epic historical fiction novel following a Korean family who immigrates to Japan. The engaging book touches on Korean history, its culture, and the interplay of Korean and Japanese politics and norms. Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 (which I didn’t enjoy), and The Vegetarian (by Han Kang, yet to read) are other popular Korean books in translation.

South Korea has many places to visit, but first-time tourists should focus on Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island. It’s challenging but possible to pack all three into a 7-9-day itinerary.

Now diving into the cities…

Seoul

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is home to over 10 million people. Seoul is everything all at once. Old, new, traditional, modern. The city was once surrounded by massive stone walls, built in the 14th century by the Joseon Dynasty. Some sections of these walls still exist, hidden amidst the modern cityscape. Why is Seoul more than just a modern city? It has a unique culture that is both traditional and modern. The two blend perfectly, much like how iconic landmarks like the Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village play peekaboo with the looming skyscrapers of Gangnam and Hongdae. Also, don’t forget the delicious Korean cuisine (much of it is rice-based, so I love it), its bustling, vibrant markets, and how Seoul plays a supporting role in popular Korean dramas 🙂. In addition, the city boasts several cool shopping malls, e.g., the COEX Mall, which is home to an impressive library that houses over 50,000 books!

Seoul is a city teeming with boundless wonders. There’s always something new to discover just around the corner.

Busan

Busan is located on the southeastern coast of South Korea and has a population of about 3.4 million. It offers coastal landscapes and beaches (such as Haeundae and Gwangalli), in contrast to Seoul’s inland setting. Busan serves as South Korea’s primary port city, facilitating international trade and maritime activities. While Seoul is famous for its historical palaces and museums, Busan is a vibrant coastal city with seafood markets, the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, and a thriving film scene. The highly anticipated Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is held in Busan every year. I was lucky to visit Busan when BIFF was on. And being next to the sea, the city also enjoys milder winters and cooler summers compared to Seoul.

Jeju Island

Jeju Island, located off South Korea’s southern coast, enjoys visa-free entry for many nationalities (India included), making it a popular international tourist destination. It has a population of about 670,000 people. Jeju boasts some stunning landscapes. Hallasan Mountain, the highest peak in South Korea, is not only a breathtaking natural wonder but also the namesake of one of the country’s most delicious and potent soju brands (that I devoured :)). Jeju’s lava tubes and the Manjanggul Cave are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Also notable is Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, formed by a volcanic eruption. The island has something unique—Jeju Haenyeo, or the female divers who free-dive to collect seafood—a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The island has a pleasant climate, and delicious cuisine, and is a great place to chill after a hectic tour of Seoul and Busan.

When to Go

Overall

Spring (April to June) is the most popular time to visit South Korea due to its pleasant weather. Cherry blossoms typically bloom in April, creating stunning landscapes. If going in spring, consider visiting in May or early June to avoid crowds. South Korea experiences hot and humid summers (June to August), with monsoon rains in July and August. Beach destinations like Busan and Jeju Island are popular during this period. Festivals and outdoor events are abundant, but be prepared for the heat and the rain. Winter (December to February) is ideal for skiing and winter sports enthusiasts, but it can get pretty cold!

In Autumn

Autumn (September to November) offers mild temperatures and colourful autumn foliage, especially from mid-to-late October. There are plenty of festivals, too! Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving holiday in late September or early October, is a wonderful time to experience Korean traditions, but be prepared for crowds in most places you visit! Gaecheonjeol (National Foundation Day) is on October 3.

I visited South Korea in early autumn, drawn by the changing leaves and the many festivals, such as the Busan International Film Festival, the Andong Mask Dance Festival, and the Seoul International Fireworks Festival. The weather was perfect, with a denim jacket enough to ward off the evening chill.

Busan

On my first night in Busan, I stayed at Ibis Budget Ambassador on Haeundae Beach, which is a cost-effective option. Another good alternative on Haeundae Beach is Best Western. However, on day 2, I moved to the Arban Hotel in Seomyeon. Seomyeon turned out to be a much more vibrant area. It is Busan’s nightlife mecca, a commercial district packed with clubs, restaurants, and shops. Arban Hotel was fantastic, and I highly recommend it.

Jeju

Golden Daisy Hotel in Seogwipo.

The South Korean itinerary

Day 1–3: Seoul

Seoul is a massive city with lots to do. You could spend a lifetime exploring this city and still not see everything. But we are talking about fitting a whirlwind itinerary into a 7-day efficient South Korean itinerary. So here goes. Here are the places you cannot miss in Seoul. This includes ancient palaces, homes, and markets juxtaposed with modern architectural marvels, palatial homes reeking of riches, and multi-storied structures.

Note: The Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays, while most of the other historical sites are closed on Mondays.

Seoul City Tour

I took the Seoul City Tour (Full Day) and cannot recommend it enough. A typical Seoul city tour takes you through Seoul’s grand palaces, beautiful parks, bustling markets, and popular neighbourhoods.

Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Buddhist Temple is the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is located in the heart of Seoul, near the Insadong neighbourhood. The temple was founded in the late 14th century during the Goryeo Dynasty, but it was destroyed in a fire in the 16th century. It was rebuilt in the 17th century, but it was again destroyed in a fire during the Japanese colonial period in the early 20th century. The temple was finally rebuilt in its current form in 1938. Jogyesa Buddhist Temple is also known for its annual lantern festival, which is held in celebration of Buddha’s birthday. During the festival, the temple grounds are decorated with thousands of lanterns.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the grandest of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces. Founded in 1395 by King Taejo, it served as the main royal residence for centuries. The palace complex, with its iconic Geunjeongjeon Hall and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, set against the backdrop of Bukhansan Mountain, reflects traditional Korean architectural marvels. During the Japanese occupation, Gyeongbokgung was partially destroyed, and its significance was suppressed. However, a remarkable restoration project began in the 1990s, aiming to resurrect its former glory. The palace is open from 9 AM to 6 PM, and closed on Tuesdays. Don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony, a glimpse into royal culture. When Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesdays, Changdeokgung Palace is usually visited.

Your tour operator will spend a large part of the morning in the palace, starting with the change of guard and staying on to take a tour around the massive palace grounds.

Pass by the Blue House, the former residence of the Korean President and the most beautiful government building in the Jongno District of Seoul.

Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower

Namsan Park is a large park located in the heart of Seoul. It offers stunning views of the city and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. It is home to the N Seoul Tower, a 600-meter-tall tower offering stunning views of the city. You can reach it by cable car or an electric bus.

Namdaemun Market

Opened in 1964, Namdaemun Market is the first largest traditional market in Korea, with various goods in store, such as children’s, men’s, and women’s wear. It is open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM and is a great place to try local street food and buy deeply discounted stuff. It is situated near the Great South Gate, which was an entrance to Seoul’s old city.

Insadong

Insadong is a traditional Korean neighbourhood known for its art galleries, souvenir shops, and cafes. It is a great place to wander around and soak up the atmosphere of Seoul. Tour operators usually stop here for the group to have lunch.

Other localities not covered by the tour but significant

Myeongdong

Myeongdong is a busy shopping district known for its high-end department stores and street markets. It is a great place to find souvenirs and electronics and savour local street food. However, it can get crowded and touristy. Most first-time tourists stay here.

Bukchok Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village located in the heart of Seoul, next to Insadong. It is home to hundreds of Hanok houses, which are traditional Korean houses with wooden frames and tiled roofs. The village is located on a hilltop, offering stunning views of the city. It’s a great place for photos, especially if you are wearing a Hanbok.

Gangnam

Gangnam was immortalised by PSY’s famous song, and I have been yearning to see it ever since. The district was also a part of the Oscar-winning movie Parasite. Gangnam, once a humble area with farmland, has transformed into a hub of commerce and culture over the years. Interestingly, more than half of all Korean entertainment companies are in Gangnam, making it a hub for the entertainment industry. Gangnam has also served as a backdrop for many movies and TV shows.

To explore Gangnam, take exit 2 from the Apgujeong Rodeo Station. From there, you can visit K-Star Road and Cheongdamdong Road, which are known as the Beverly Hills of South Korea. As you walk along this route, you’ll come across the 3-meter-tall PSY GangnamDol in front of the Galleria Department Store. There are also seventeen more GangnamDols (basically, a compound word of ‘Gangnam’, ‘idol, and ‘doll’) of famous music groups like Super Junior, EXO, Girl’s Generation, and Bangtan Boys in that area. Walking along this route will lead you to the entertainment district, which includes JYP Entertainment and Cube Entertainment. If you want to explore further, you can take a train or walk (over an hour) to Samseong (World Trade Center) Station on Line 2. There, you can visit Bongeunsa Temple, the Gangnam Style monument, Coex Aquarium, and Starfield Coex Mall. To see Lotte World, you can take another train to Jamsil Station and enjoy a 15-minute walk to reach the destination.

I did this myself, but you can also take a fun tour like this one.

DMZ

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a strip of land dividing North and South Korea, established after the Korean War armistice in 1953. It spans approximately 160 miles along the 38th parallel, serving as a buffer zone. The easiest way to see DMZ is through an organised tour. A tour gives you access to sites that you cannot visit on your own. This DMZ Tour is a must-do. DMZ tours are the most popular day tours from Seoul and there are several good ones, like this, this, and this. Take your pick.

Alas, my scheduled tour coincided with a marathon, resulting in its cancellation. Since I was determined to visit the DMZ, I decided to go on my own. A DMZ Peace Train, operated by Korail, once traversed the Gyeongui Line, connecting Seoul Station and Dorasan Station. Dorasan Station lies on the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, which formerly linked North and South Korea and has since been restored. However, at the time of my visit, the DMZ Peace Train appeared to be inactive.

How to visit the DMZ on your own:

1. Take a subway train from Seoul Station to Munsan Station (it takes about an hour). I took the 10:22 train.
2. Take another subway train from Munsan to Imjingak (This is a 10-minute journey. The train from Munsan to Imjingak departed within ten minutes of my arrival in Munsan, and I assume this is standard. There are only two to three departures to Imjingak per day on weekdays, with a few more on weekends.)
3. Walk to Imjingak Peace Park from Imjingak Station (10 minutes on foot)
4. Look around the park
5. Take the Imjingak Peace Gondola.

What you can see in the DMZ on your own:

• Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park. The park has various points of interest, including | Museums: The Freedom Bridge Museum, the Imjingak Peace Museum, and the DMZ Museum | Monuments: The Freedom Bridge, the Bridge of No Return, and the Imjingak Pavilion | Unification Park: A park dedicated to the hope of Korean reunification | North Korea Center: A centre that provides information about North Korea
• Imjingak Peace Gondola is a 1.5-kilometer ride over the Imjin River and the Civilian Control Line to go to the northernmost tip of the South. Operates from 9 AM to 6 PM (Weekends) and 10 AM to 6 PM (Weekdays), and costs ₩11,000 for standard cabins and ₩14000 for the crystal (glass bottom) cabins. Is it worth doing? Whether or not the Imjingak Peace Gondola is worth doing depends on your interests and budget. The gondola ride is relatively short (about 10 minutes), but it is a unique way to see the DMZ. It is also a good way to get a sense of the scale of the DMZ and the proximity of North and South Korea. You also get to see Camp Greaves on top, which is otherwise hard to get to. If you are not taking an organised tour, you can go for the gondola ride.

What you will see as part of a DMZ tour:

• Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park
• Dora Observatory
• The third infiltration tunnel
• Dorasan station

If the DMZ Peace Train is running, I guess you can do all of the above yourself, too.

DMZ vs. JSA: The Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) is a strip of land that runs along the border between North and South Korea. The JSA (Joint Security Area) is a small area within the DMZ where North and South Korean forces stand face-to-face. JSA tours were closed after an American soldier crossed the border into North Korea without authorisation.

Odusan Unification Observatory is another site you can visit on your own and use binoculars to get a close look at North Korea. However, it is hard to get there. By car: Take the Gyeongui Expressway to Paju IC, then follow the signs to Odusan Unification Observatory. By public transportation: Take the Seoul Subway Line 3 to Geumchon Station, then take bus 900 to the Observatory.

Note: Carrying your passports is essential for both the tour and the do-it-yourself Gondola ride.

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Nami Island, Petite France, and Garden of Morning Calm

Nami Island, Petite France, and the Garden of Morning Calm are three popular tourist destinations located in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province. Nami Island is a man-made island in the Han River. It is known for its beautiful scenery, including its willow trees and the Metasequoia Road. The island is a popular spot for couples and is often featured in Korean dramas. Petite France is a French-style village inspired by the works of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. It is home to several small shops, cafes, and restaurants. The village is also a popular spot for weddings and photoshoots. The Garden of Morning Calm is a botanical garden with over 5,000 different types of plants. It is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the scenery. The garden is also home to several art installations. All three are within a short drive of each other and from Seoul and can be visited in a day as part of a tour.

Since I had limited time, I visited only Nami Island on my own, and I was so glad I didn’t miss it! It is a beautiful, lush fairy-tale island where you can easily spend hours. There are amusement options, landscaped gardens and trees, biking and boating options, and wonderful installations at every corner. It is a truly unique and aesthetically pleasing park. On the day I went, the island was crowded because it was National Foundation Day (the end of Chuseok).

Located 80 kilometres from Seoul, Nami Island can be reached in approximately one hour and a half via the ITX train from Cheongnyangni Station or Yongsan Station in Seoul. Direct shuttle buses are also available. Upon arriving at Gapyeong station using the ITX from Yongsan or Cheongnyangni, a bus (₩8000 return) or taxi (₩5200 one-way) can be taken to Gapyeong Wharf (10 minutes) for ferry tickets to the island. The ferry ride itself is a brief 5 minutes. For those seeking to store luggage, lockers are readily available next to the Gapyeong ticket counter. This is just one of the many conveniences found throughout Korea, where self-serve lockers are a common sight in all stations.

If visiting Nami Island, arrive early to avoid the crowds and rent a bike or take the ferry to get around the island quickly. The island is open 8–9 PM every day. Entry is ₩16,000 (including ferry fee). More information is here.

Day 4-5: Busan

Train to Busan

This had to be a part of the itinerary given the iconic movie Train to Busan. Train to Busan is a 2016 South Korean zombie thriller film directed by Yeon Sang-ho. The film follows Seok-woo (Gong Yoo), a workaholic fund manager who takes his young daughter Su-an (Kim Soo-an) on a train journey to Busan to visit her mother. On the way, a zombie virus breaks out and quickly spreads throughout the train. Seok-woo and Su-an must fight for their survival as the train speeds towards Busan, the only city that has not yet been overrun by the zombies.

Yay for Busan!

Busan Sightseeing

I took this fantastic tour and couldn’t be happier. Here are the places it went to:

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a Buddhist temple perched on a rocky cliff on the coast of Busan, South Korea, is one of the country’s most iconic and picturesque landmarks. The temple was built in the 14th century and is known for its stunning views of the East Sea and its unique architecture. Visitors can explore the temple’s many halls and pagodas, including the main hall, which is dedicated to the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

Songjeong Station is the terminus of the Haeundae Blue Line Park, but it is also the start of another popular tourist destination, the Songjeong Beach Train. Tickets cost ₩14000 per head, and you can sit on a beach-facing seat as the train travels along a 4.8-kilometre track, passing through several different neighbourhoods. However, fun as it sounds, the vista is not great to look at overrun, as it is with ramshackle restaurants.

Cheongsapo is a coastal town that boasts the women divers of South Korea (a rare sight here, more visible in Jeju) and delectable seafood. The town is home to two iconic red and white lighthouses, which are a popular tourist attraction. The lighthouses were built in the early 1900s to guide ships into the harbour. In addition, you can walk the Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk, a glass bridge that offers panoramic views of the sea.

Huinnyeoul Culture Village and Gamcheon Culture Village: Cultural villages essentially offer multiple photo opportunities and snack places. Gamcheon fared better than Huinnyeoul for me. Gamcheon was originally built in the 1950s as a refugee camp for people who had been displaced by the Korean War. In the 2000s, the village was transformed into an art project by local artists and volunteers. The artists painted the houses in bright colours and added murals and sculptures to the village.

Pass through Gwangalli Beach and Gwangandaegyo Bridge.

Busan Film Festival

It was a sweet coincidence that the Busan Film Festival was being held during my visit to Korea. I decided to put in a visit to Busan around the time of the festival and managed to get tickets to the opening ceremony and the screening of Because I Hate Korea. Tickets for the festival go on sale online a few days in advance, but they sell out almost immediately. However, it’s worth checking the website until the very end, as cancellations are allowed about an hour and a half before the screening. We managed to snag tickets to the opening ceremony for a surprisingly reasonable price. The opening ceremony was a great event, and we had excellent seats and a great vantage point to watch the red carpet event, the opening ceremony itself, and the screening that followed.

Overall, the Busan Film Festival was a highlight of my trip, and I would highly recommend it to anyone traveling to Korea in October. The festival ran from October 4–14, 2023.

Website

Day Trips from Busan

If you can squeeze in day trips from Busan, nothing like it. Below are two possibilities.

Gyeongju: Gyeongju is known as the “City of Silla” because it was the capital of the Silla Kingdom for over 1,000 years, from the 7th to the 10th centuries. The Silla Kingdom was one of the three major kingdoms of Korea, and Gyeongju was a centre of culture and learning during this time. Gyeongju is a 15-minute train ride from Busan. The 700 bus from the Gyeongju KTX station takes you to all the Gyeongju Historic Areas, such as the Royal Tombs, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Bulgasaka Temple, and Seokguram Grotto. If you have more time, you can also visit the Gyeongju Yangdong Folk Village, a traditional Korean village that is over 600 years old!

During my visit, the Andong Mask Dance Festival was in full swing, taking place from October 2 to 9. Andong is conveniently connected to Seoul by KTX and to Busan by bus, making it an ideal day trip destination. The festival happens near the train station, while Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a short taxi or bus ride away.

Optional: Day 6: Jeju

How to Go

Both Busan and Seoul are connected by convenient hour-long flights to Jeju. It especially works out to be efficient if you do this on the last day of your trip so that you can just fly out of Jeju and fly back home, avoiding a night in Seoul. However, note that the flight from Jeju lands at Gimpo Airport, and the travel time from Gimpo Airport to Incheon Airport is 45 minutes via an hourly connecting bus.

What to Do

Jeju tour operators offer trips that explore the east, south, and west of Jeju Island. Of the three, the eastern route is the most popular due to its UNESCO sites. These include the Hallasan Mountain Natural Reserve, the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, and the Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone. All three are part of the ‘Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes’, the first UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in South Korea. YEHA provides tours of each circuit on different days and is well-reviewed and reasonably priced.

Good to Know

Once You Land: Airport Transfer, SIM Card, Currency

You can get all of it as soon as you land at Incheon Airport. There are multiple options for SIM cards to pick from. A 7-day only-data SIM costs ₩35,000, or USD 26.

How to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul Downtown: The fastest and most convenient way to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul Downtown is by AREX express train, which takes about 45 minutes. You can also take an airport bus, which is more convenient, stops at several places, and may stop closer to your hotel, but is also more expensive.

AREX train

• Express train: 9,500 won/adult or 7,500 won/child, takes 45 minutes
• All-stop train: 4,150 won/Terminal 1 Station or 4,750 won/Terminal 2 Station, takes 1 hour. I took this on my way back to the airport. You can pay with a T-Money card.

Airport Limousine Bus

• Stops at several places in Seoul
• Goes mostly empty and is convenient to get into when you land in Seoul
• More expensive than AREX
• Kiosks are available to purchase tickets. You can also pay with a T-Money card.

Is the Korail Pass worth it?

The Korail or Korea Rail Pass, is a convenient and cost-effective way for foreign visitors to explore the country’s extensive rail network. Two types of passes are available:

• Consecutive Pass: This pass is valid for 3 or 5 consecutive days, starting on the chosen commencement date.
• Flexible/Select Pass: This pass allows holders to choose 2 or 4 days within a 10-day period to travel.

For this itinerary, a 2-day select pass was sufficient. For a single adult, the 2-day select pass costs ₩121,000 (USD 90). but with the 2–5 person saver scheme, it costs ₩111,000 (USD 83). A normal one-way KTX train ticket from Seoul to Busan costs ₩59,800 (USD 44). Therefore, the pass is of slight value. However, you can do some clever combinations with it to save money. For example, take the KTX to visit Nami Island in the morning and go to Busan in the evening. Or take day trips from Busan to Gyeongju or a KTX from Seoul to Andong and back. If you stack multiple KTX journeys in a day, you can make good use of the pass. Additionally, holders of the Korail Pass are entitled to reserve up to two seats per day. However, there is no limit on the number of unreserved or standing tickets that can be used. This means that pass holders can still travel on trains even if all reserved seats are taken.

You must carry a printed-out Korail Pass and have a valid passport to travel on a Korail-operated train. I don’t know why a printout is necessary, but it’s the case right now. I was not carrying a printout on my first journey, and while I was allowed to travel without penalty, I was advised to get a printout from the hotel where I was staying for my next journey.

Rules here.

Using the T-money Card

It’s ironic, though, that the prepaid T-Money card can only be reloaded with cash.

How to see the Seoul Fireworks Show

The Seoul International Fireworks Festival is less a spectacular fireworks show than a cultural phenomenon. Locals bring their picnic mats, wares, better halves, and kids and set up space at least three hours before to get the best vantage point. I went to Ichon Hangang Park, hoping for a smaller crowd than Yeouido Hangang Park, where the main event happens, but over 300,000 people showed up at Ichon. It was a struggle to get a good view, and I was ensconced in waist-high Kans grass, with weeds covering my feet and insects crawling all over them. I was also dangerously close to the river. But what a show it was! This year’s festival was themed “Lights of Tomorrow” and had a thrilling display of pyrotechnics by teams from Korea, China, and Poland. The festival happens each year at different times—either at the end of September or early October.  The show started at 7:25 PM and lasted for over 20 minutes before resuming at 8:10 PM to go on until 8:30 PM. After that, it was a struggle to get to the hotel, navigating the throngs of crowds.

How to see: It is a fantastic, breathtaking show, if only you get the right location. The most popular (and thus crowded) place to see the fireworks is Yeouido Hangang Park. To get to the park, get off at Yeouido Station (Line 5) at 6:30 PM and walk. There will be many people, and some stops become non-functional after 4 or 5 PM, so it is best to go early. Many people place mats at Yeouido Park since 1 PM. Aside from Yeouido Hangang Park, the fireworks can also be seen in other areas of Seoul. Some of the best areas to view the fireworks festival include the restaurants of the 63 Building, Sayuksin Park, Namsan Park, Seonyudo Park, Ichon Hangang Park, and Nodeul Island.

Walking Directions in Seoul

Nanta: a Unique Circus Show

A cooking circus that’ll have you laughing, clapping, hooting, and maybe even throwing stuff at the actors on stage! This innovative (albeit occasionally slapstick) show is a whirlwind of drumming, gymnastics, dance, music, magic, and cooking, all done with kitchen utensils. The show changes every few minutes to keep you on your toes. I watched Nanta after a full day of sightseeing, and the pace and composition of it kept me from dozing off. Even the children were having a blast! There was so much laughter. Members of the audience were called up on stage to participate, and I was surprised at how well they did, starting to wonder if they were actors in disguise! The show was not cheap (at USD 35 per person for 3rd-row centre seats), but it was worth every penny. Nanta is a great hour and a half spent in Seoul’s vibrant, touristy, and sinful-snacks-filled Myeongdong Street. So if you’re looking for a fun and unique experience in Seoul, I highly recommend Nanta!

Book here.