This South Korea itinerary 7 days plan splits a week between Seoul and Gyeongju: three days in the capital, a train south for two days of temples and royal tombs, then back to Seoul before you fly out. I live in Gyeongju and visit Seoul often for business and travel, so the plan is the one I would actually follow. Before the day-by-day, there are three choices that change the trip more than any single attraction.
Choice 1: how to get from Seoul to Gyeongju
Take the KTX. It is the best way, and it is about two hours. Two details catch people out. First, the KTX does not stop in downtown Gyeongju: it arrives at Gyeongju Station (called Singyeongju in older guides and some apps, renamed in December 2023), roughly 8 km west of the centre. From there, city buses 60 or 61 take around 30 minutes, and a taxi is reported at about 12,000 to 15,000 won and 15 minutes. Second, if you are travelling as a family, look for Korail’s four-person companion seats. In the past I used the family seats to save money, and today the equivalent is reported as discounts of roughly 15 to 35 percent for a group of four, but I cannot vouch for current rules, so check on Korail before you book. You can book in English on Korail’s official site or the Korail+ app.
Choice 2: car or public transport in Gyeongju
If cost and efficiency matter, a car is the easiest way to do Gyeongju, and it is what I use most of the time. With children it is not a close call: taking buses around the city with kids is a hassle. Without children, buses and walking work fine for the downtown sites, and the individual guides give the routes. If you plan to rent a car as a visitor, check the licence requirements with the rental company first.
Choice 3: where to sleep in Gyeongju
- Families or comfort: the hotels at Bomun Tourist Complex, plus the pensions and pool villas around it. There are plenty, though because it is a tourist area they run a little more expensive than in other regions.
- Travelling without children and watching costs: a guesthouse in the city centre, where most of them are. Access to the downtown sights is easy, and you can pick up current tips from other travellers.
The seven days
Day 1: Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon and Insadong
From Incheon Airport, take the Express Train or the all-stops AREX; the airport transfer guide compares them. Spend the day on the palace, the hanok lanes and an evening in Insadong. See Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon and the Insadong guide.
Day 2: Myeongdong, Namsan and Hongdae
Eat first in Myeongdong, go up Namsan in the afternoon, and finish with the street performers in Hongdae. See Myeongdong and Namsan and the Hongdae guide.
Day 3: A day outside Seoul
Nami Island is the easiest choice for a day trip, and the Han River parks are a good, relaxed alternative for an evening picnic.
Day 4: KTX to Gyeongju
Take a morning KTX, check in, and spend the afternoon at Daereungwon. After dark, walk to Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. The 20-spot first-timers guide lists fees and hours.
Day 5: Bulguksa, Seokguram and the bridge
Go early to Bulguksa, then up to Seokguram (this is where a car pays off), and end the day at Woljeonggyo Bridge, which is good at night. The food guide says what to eat.
Day 6: Back to Seoul, Dongdaemun and Gwangjang
Take a morning KTX back, then spend the afternoon at the Design Plaza and the evening at Gwangjang Market’s food alley. See Dongdaemun and Gwangjang Market.
Day 7: Departure
Keep it light: last souvenirs at a market, a coffee in a Jongno alley, then the AREX to the airport.
When to go
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable seasons for walking. For Gyeongju in autumn, see my autumn guide.
Transport details and fares come from published sources (October 2026) and can change. Confirm train discounts with Korail before you book.
Photos: Korea Tourism Organization (KTO).
Sources: Korail; Visit Korea; Gyeongju Tourism.