East Asia Two Weeks Itinerary: South Korea, Taiwan and Japan
East Asia Essentials: Seoul, Busan, Taipei, Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo
An epic 15-day adventure through some of East Asia’s most exciting destinations! Explore the bustling streets of Seoul and Busan, soak up the culture and history of Taipei and Kyoto, experience the futuristic cityscape of Tokyo, and much more! This itinerary will take you on a journey through three diverse and fascinating countries: South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. Get ready to fire up your wanderlust, eat amazing food, and make unforgettable memories on this trip of a lifetime!
Days 1-2: Seoul, South Korea
Day 1:
Start your day by visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most iconic attractions in Seoul. Built in the 14th century, the palace was the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. You can explore the different buildings, including the throne hall, banquet hall, and royal living quarters. Be sure to also visit the National Folk Museum of Korea, located within the palace grounds.
After your visit to the palace, head to nearby Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming traditional Korean neighborhood filled with hanok (traditional Korean houses). You can wander the streets and admire the architecture, and even try on traditional Korean clothing, called hanbok, for a fun photo opportunity.
In the afternoon, head to Namsan Tower, a landmark tower atop Namsan Mountain reachable by cable car that offers stunning panoramic views of the city, and also several attractions and restaurants to explore.
Day 2:
Take a nice morning stroll exploring the bustling Myeong-dong neighborhood, a popular shopping and entertainment district. You can find everything from cosmetics and skincare products to street food and souvenirs.
After shopping, visit the nearby Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul. Be sure to try some Korean street food, such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), and hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes).
In the evening, dive into one of Seoul’s vibrant neighborhoods for nightlife, such as Hongdae or Gangnam. Hongdae is known for its indie music scene, street performances, and clubs, while Gangnam is known for its upscale bars and clubs.
Days 3-5: Busan, South Korea
Day 3:
The train ride to Busan from Seoul is about 2h15m. If you try to take an early ride, you can start your day by visiting Haeundae Beach, one of Busan’s most popular and picturesque beaches. You can walk along the beach or rent a parasol and lounge chair to relax and soak up the sun. Nearby, you can also visit Busan Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in South Korea.
In the afternoon, head to Busan Tower, a landmark tower that offers stunning panoramic views of the city. You can take the elevator to the top of the tower to enjoy the view, and there is also a museum and observation deck to explore.
Day 4:
The day starts at the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village, also known as the “Santorini of the East”. This hillside village is filled with brightly painted houses and narrow alleyways and offers great views of the city. You can wander the streets, visit art galleries and cafes, and even make your own souvenir at the village’s craft workshops.
After visiting Gamcheon, go to Beomeosa Temple, a historic Buddhist temple located in the foothills of Geumjeongsan Mountain, which can be accessed by cable car. The temple was first built in the 7th century and has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. You can explore the different halls and buildings, and enjoy the serene surroundings of the temple.
Day 5:
Start your day by visiting Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a very special seaside temple located on the cliffs of the East Sea. The temple was first built in the 14th century and offers stunning ocean views. You can explore the different buildings and statues, and even try some temple food at the on-site restaurant.
In the afternoon, you can go to one of Busan’s other attractions, such as Jagalchi Fish Market or Gukje Market, to experience the local culture and cuisine. Jagalchi Fish Market is the largest seafood market in South Korea, and you can try fresh seafood at one of the on-site restaurants. Gukje Market is a traditional market with a variety of goods, from clothing to food to electronics. Be sure to try some of the local street food, such as hotteok (sweet pancakes) and ssiat hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with seeds).
Days 6-8: Taipei, Taiwan
Day 6:
There are flights available that can take you from Busan straight to Taipei in about 2h30m. If you take an early morning flight, you can begin Taipei with a sky-high experience, by visiting Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world and a landmark of Taipei. You can take the elevator to the observation deck on the 89th floor for panoramic views of the city. There are also shops, restaurants, and an indoor observatory on the lower floors of the building.
After your visit to Taipei 101, head to the nearby Elephant Mountain for a hike and even better views of the city. The hike is moderate in difficulty and takes about 30 minutes to reach the top. Be sure to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.
In the evening, visit Shilin Night Market, one of Taipei’s most famous and lively night markets. You can find a variety of food, from stinky tofu to fried chicken cutlets, as well as games and souvenirs.
Day 7:
You can have a relaxing morning at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a national monument and a symbol of Taiwan’s democracy. The hall is dedicated to Chiang Kai-shek, the former President of the Republic of China, and features a large square and gardens. You can also visit the museum inside the hall to learn more about Taiwan’s history.
After your visit to the memorial hall, head to Longshan Temple, one of Taipei’s oldest and most famous temples. The temple was first built in the 18th century and features a mix of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements. You can explore the different halls and courtyards, and even make a wish at the wishing pond.
In the afternoon, visit the trendy Ximending neighborhood for shopping and entertainment. You can find a variety of shops, from local boutiques to international brands, as well as restaurants and cafes. Be sure to also check out the street performers and live music.