Seoul
The capital of Korea offers a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity. One of the most famous sights is the N Seoul Tower with a viewing platform offering a magnificent 360-degree view of the city.
Visit the National Museum at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, or Insa-dong Palace and learn about traditional Korean culture. The Bongeunsa Buddhist temple, the Hanok village of Namsangol, and the Tongin market are some of the most famous sights of Seoul.
The demilitarised zone (DMZ) is a unique but still very interesting attraction.
Explore the area that separates North and South Korea on a half-day tour and learn more about the Korean War. Visit the 'Bridge of Freedom', the Third Attack Tunnel and the railway station that connects North and South. You can also get a glimpse of isolated North Korea from the Dora Observatory. Including return transfer, entrance fee and tour guide, this excursion costs only 35 euros per person.
You will stay at the Hongdae Lazy Fox Hostel in Seoul for 15 euros per night in a six-bed dorm.
Danyang
We continue our journey and go to Danyang. Here, you pay about 10 euros for a train ticket from Seoul. The mountain village spreads a unique atmosphere and offers a wide range of cultural activities. Danyang is also the starting point for excursions to Guinsa Temple. The vast temple complex is located in the middle of the Sobaek Mountains and is one of the most impressive sights of South Korea.
The exhausting ascent is rewarded with a breathtaking view over the valley and the surrounding mountain peaks. Explore the narrow alleys, stairways, and detailed facades of the Buddhist building, and even book a Guinsa retreat or temple stay to get to know the Korean culture. You can stay at the Danyang Dodam Hostel in a 6-bed dorm for 19 euros In Danyang.
Daegu
You’ll travel by train and bus to Daegue for about 15 euros. You can take the Palgongsan cable car from Daegu to the top of the neighbouring mountain and admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
At 820 metres above sea level, there are numerous viewing platforms, walking paths and photo spots to discover. The 1,500-year-old Donghwasa Temple, which houses the most giant stone Buddha statue in the world, is also close to the Palgongsan cable car. The landmark of the city is the E-World 83 Tower. Visit one of the restaurants and cafés in the 83-storey building or enjoy the panoramic view from the observatory on the 77th floor.
Explore the Haeinsa temple complex, visit the Woobang Tower Land amusement park as well as the traditional Seomun market. At Empathy Dongseongro Guesthouse, an overnight stay in an eight-bed dorm costs 17 euros.
Namwon
You go by bus from Daegue to Namwon for about 10 euros. The city on the Yocheon River offers numerous cultural hotspots such as the Manbok-Saji temple complex, built around 1059 AD, the Chunhyang Shrine, and the traditional Gwanghallu Garden. You also have access to the Jiri-San National Park.
This was the first national park in South Korea and is named after the second-highest mountain in South Korea, which is therefore considered to be one of the holy mountains. Samseonggung Shrine on the slopes of Jirisan was created in honour of the three mystical founders of the first kingdom on the Korean Peninsula.
In addition to almost 5,000 animal and plant species, Korea's only bear population can be found here. The Asian black bear was already considered extinct until 2001 when a group of 20 black bears was discovered in Jirisin National Park. At Maum Hotels and Backpackers, an overnight stay in Namwon costs 15 euros (double room).
Busan
A bus will take you from Namwon to Busan for 14 euros. In the second largest city of South Korea is the largest shopping centre in the world, the Shinsegae department store Centum City. You will also find many cosy cafés, hip bars and a lively nightlife on Dalmaji-gil street.
Try Busan's famous beef ribs "Haeundae galbi" and many other Korean dishes in the many traditional restaurants. Visit the Chalgalchi market near the port, famous for its vast selection of fresh fish, and experience the early morning fish trade.
Enjoy the sun and relax on one of the many city beaches or explore the islands of Oryukdo and Dongbaekseom. You pay 20 euros per night for an overnight stay in a six-bed dorm at Travelight Hostel Busan.
Gyeongju
Next stop is Gyeongju. You can reach the old capital of the thousand-year-old Silla dynasty by bus for about 5 euros. Gyeongju is also called the 'Museum without a Roof' because of its countless cultural treasures and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides the magnificent palaces of Silla, you should also visit the temple Bulguksa, which is considered to be the most representative temple of the Silla period.
The Seokguram Grotto, the tomb complex Cheonmachong with 23 impressive royal tombs and the temple Golgulsa are also worth seeing.
This temple is primarily known for the Buddha statue Maaeyeoraejwasang, which is over 4 meters high, and for a temple stay program, where you can learn the meditative martial art Seonmudo. A night in a six-bed dorm costs 16 euros at the Blue boat Hostel Gyeongju.
Ulleungdo Inseln
You can reach the Ulleungdo Islands by bus and ferry for about 55 euros. The archipelago was formed by volcanic eruptions and is known for its impressive natural landscape of rocks and cliffs. The centre of Ulleungdo is the peak of Seonginbong, from which you have one of the most remarkable views of the whole island.
Visit the small fishing villages in the bays of the island, make a round trip and hike to impressive field formations like the Elephant or Lion Rock. You can also take a ferry to the neighbouring island of Jukdo and visit the sunrise observatory Naesujeon. A hike to the three-level Bongnae waterfall is also recommended. On Ulleungdo, you should book an Airbnb apartment (from 20 euros per night).
