16 days in South Korea Itinerary

One of east Asia's major cultural and financial centers, Seoul boasts five World Heritage Sites and a huge selection of museums, temples, shrines, palaces, parks, gardens, and glass-and-steel skyscrapers.

Pack the 5th (Mon) with family-friendly diversions at Lotte World. The adventure continues: explore the galleries of Gyeongbokgung Palace, admire the landmark architecture of Changdeokgung Palace, admire the masterpieces at Seoul Arts Center, and take a stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village.

To find photos, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, read our Seoul online driving holiday planner.

Auckland, New Zealand to Seoul is an approximately 14.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) to Korean Standard Time (KST) is minus 3 hours. Plan for much colder temperatures traveling from Auckland in February, with highs in Seoul at 5°C and lows at -4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Jeonju.

If you're a gastronomy enthusiast, you should consider a trip to Jeonju, a city hailed for its cuisine and food festivals.

On the 8th (Thu), explore the engaging exhibits at Jeonju National Museum, don't miss a visit to Hakindang, then don't miss a visit to Jeonju Hanok Village, and finally make a trip to Jeonju Hanok Living Experience Center.

To find maps, reviews, and tourist information, use the Jeonju online tour itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Seoul to Jeonju takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 6°C in February, and nighttime lows around -2°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Gyeongju.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the Republic of Korea, Gyeongju combines a rich cultural heritage with mountain and coastal scenery.

On the 9th (Fri), get in on the family fun at Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park, then contemplate the long history of Bulguksa Temple, and then explore the activities along Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.

To find more things to do, maps, and tourist information, read our Gyeongju trip planner.

Traveling by car from Jeonju to Gyeongju takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Traveling from Jeonju in February, plan for a bit warmer nights in Gyeongju, with lows around 4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Fri) early enough to drive to Busan.

The country's second city, Busan has often been referred to as South Korea's summer capital.

On the 10th (Sat), examine the collection at Busan Museum, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Haedong Yonggungsa, then kick back and relax at Haeundae Beach, and finally observe the fascinating underwater world at SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: get engrossed in the history at Bokcheon Museum, get outside with Gwangalli Beach, and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

To see ratings, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Busan trip planner.

Getting from Gyeongju to Busan by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. When traveling from Gyeongju in February, plan for somewhat warmer days in Busan, with highs around 10°C, while nights are slightly colder with lows around 0°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Sun) early enough to catch the flight to Jeju.

The main town on the largest of Korea's islands, Jeju, has a volcanic landscape protected by UNESCO. The World Heritage-listed volcanic island includes the country's highest peak, sets of impressive lava tubes and columns, and several crater lakes.

Get out of town with these interesting Jeju side-trips: Seogwipo (Gasiri Wind Power Plant & Seongsan Ilchulbong). The adventure continues: walk around Sarabong Park, let the kids burn off some steam at 9.81 Park, go for a walk through Handam Coastal Trail, and explore the fascinating underground world of Manjanggul Cave.

For more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Jeju trip planner.

You can fly from Busan to Jeju in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train, taxi, and ferry. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Sat) early enough to catch the flight back home.