Tight Travellers

By tighttravellers, May 2026

Now then. Thinking about travelling to South Korea? This is how we would spend the perfect week in South Korea as tight travellers.

As always, you should start by booking the cheapest flights with SkyScanner. This will likely take you to Seoul, so let’s start there.

Before we do, make sure to check out Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit South Korea for tips on getting around and saving them pennies!

Seoul – 4 Days

Seoul is the perfect place to start your 7-day trip, and you can definitely cross out a lot of your ‘must do’ activities.

Get yoursen acquainted with the cuisine by trying the famous Jeju black pork at one of the many Korean BBQ’s, ‘av a gander in’t market and have some Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Gimbap (similar to Sushi), Korean Fried Chicken, and finally finishing with Hotteok (sweet pancake).

There are many free or cheap activities in Seoul, these were some of our favourites:

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
2. Jogyesa Temple
3. N Seoul Tower
4. Bongeunsa Temple
5. Myeongdong Shopping Street

Do a day trip to the famous DMZ (de-militarised zone) to learn about the history and look out over North Korea.

And make sure to ‘av a proper gander over yonder in Seoraksan National Park.

Cheap places to stay in Seoul

• Hotel Soo
• Nook Inn
• Grace Motel

Busan – 2 Days

Next, head to Busan for a reyt variety. From vibrant villages with rich history to scenic coastal towns; this city is definitely worth a visit!

Here are some of our favourite free or cheap activities while you’re there:

1. Jagalchi Market
2. Gamcheon Culture Village
3. Igidae Coastal Trail
4. Gwangalli Beach
5. Haeundae Blueline Park – Cheongsapo Station

Cheap places to stay in Busan

• Lien Hotel Haeundae
• LALA VIANCO BUSINESS Hotel
• OSOSO Busan

Gyeongju – 1 Day

Gyeongju, also knows as the ‘museum without walls’. Visit the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and immerse yoursen in traditional Hanok Culture.

Here are some of our favourite free or cheap activities:

1. Daereungwon Tomb Complex
2. Seongdong Market
3. Woljeonggyo Bridge
4. Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond
5. Hwangnidan-gil Street

This can be done as a day trip from Busan if you’re short on time.

Cheap places to stay in Gyeongju

• Minihotel Poongdaengi
• MTM Family Hotel
• Gyeongju Hotel Check-in Bulguk

If you’re more outdoorsy, consider swapping one of the above with-

Jeju

Experience a different side to South Korea, and South Korean Culture on Jeju island; famous for The Haenyeo (traditional female free-divers), dramatic landscapes, and the Olle Trails to explore these landscapes.

Here are some of our favourite free and cheap activities:

1. Hike Hallasan, South Korea’s largest peak
2. Hyeopjae Beach
3. Walk 1 of the 27 Olle Trails
4. Hongjodangoe (Coralsand beach)
5. Seongsan Ilchulbong

Cheap places to stay in Jeju

• Tamara Jeju hotel
• Cheonjiyeon Crystal Hotel
• Backpacker’s Home

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