South Korea: From Seoul to Busan in 10 Days

Seoul: Palaces, Neon and Street Food

Seoul hit us with its energy from the very first second. Gangnam is everything K-pop promises: glass skyscrapers, cosmetic shops on every corner and LED screens the size of buildings.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is stunning: 330 buildings within a walled 14th-century complex. We rented hanboks (traditional outfits) and entry was free. The guard changing ceremony is mesmerizing.

Myeongdong at night is a street food festival: tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (brown sugar-filled pancakes) and Korean fried chicken that rivals the best in the world.

Bukchon Hanok Village preserves traditional Korean houses with views of the modern skyline. The juxtaposition of old and new defines Seoul perfectly.

DMZ and the Divided History

We visited the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), the world's most tense border. The North Korean infiltration tunnel is claustrophobic and fascinating. From Dora Observatory we could see North Korea with binoculars.

The JSA (Joint Security Area) at Panmunjom is surreal: the blue buildings where negotiations take place literally sit on the dividing line. We technically stepped on North Korean soil.

The experience is emotional and necessary to understand the Korean Peninsula. Military guides share stories you won't find in books.

Back in Seoul, Itaewon welcomed us with international bars and the best fusion food. South Korea goes from the most serious to the most fun in a single metro ride.

Busan: Beaches, Temples and Markets

The KTX (bullet train) took us from Seoul to Busan in 2.5 hours. Korea's second city has its own personality: more relaxed, more coastal, more wild.

Haedong Yonggungsa temple, built on cliffs overlooking the sea, is the most spectacular temple we've seen in Asia. Waves crash beneath golden Buddhas at sunrise.

Jagalchi fish market is a sensory overload: live seafood that you choose and they prepare on the spot. We tried live octopus (sannakji) and tuna sashimi that melted in our mouths.

Haeundae Beach is Korea's most famous. The Haedong Trail boardwalk over the cliffs offers views that rival the Amalfi Coast.

Practical Tips and Budget

**Best time:** April-May (cherry blossoms) and September-November (spectacular autumn).

**Budget per person (10 days):** - International flights: €400-700 - Accommodation (hotels and guesthouses): €350-600 - KTX and transport: €100-180 - Meals and street food: €150-300 - Entries and activities: €60-120 - T-money card (transport): €30-50 - **Estimated total: €1,090-1,950**

**Essential tips:** - T-money card works on metro, bus and convenience stores - Download Papago (Korean translator) and Naver Maps (Google Maps doesn't work well) - Jimjilbangs (Korean saunas) are a must-do experience for €8-15 - WiFi is free and ultrafast practically everywhere - Tips are NOT given in Korea, it's considered rude