Plan the perfect 14-day South Korea itinerary in December! Explore Seoul, Gangwon-do, Damyang, Busan, and Jeju with detailed travel directions, local food recommendations, and the best winter activities.
14-Day South Korea Itinerary in December Summary Table
| Day | Location | Key Activities | How to Get There | Nearby Food Recommendations |
| Day 1 | Seoul (Gyeongbokgung) | Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, National Folk Museum | Incheon Airport → AREX to Seoul Station → Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung | Tosokchon Samgyetang, Insadong Street Food |
| Day 2 | Seoul (Insadong & Gangnam) | Explore Insadong for traditional shops, head to Gangnam for modern shopping | Line 3 to Anguk Station (Insadong); Line 2 to Gangnam Station | Jajangmyeon in Insadong, Korean BBQ in Gangnam |
| Day 3 | Seoul (Namsan Seoul Tower) | Visit Namsan Seoul Tower for panoramic views, winter shopping in Myeongdong | Line 2 to Euljiro 1-ga → Namsan Cable Car | Namsan Market (Bibimbap, Kimchi Stew) |
| Day 4 | Gangwon-do (Yongpyong Resort) | Enjoy skiing and winter sports at Yongpyong Resort | KTX to Pyeongchang Station, then local bus/taxi to the resort | Dakgalbi (Spicy stir-fried chicken) at the resort |
| Day 5 | Gangwon-do (Seoraksan) | Winter hike at Seoraksan National Park | Local bus/taxi from Yongpyong to Sokcho, then bus to Seoraksan | Sokcho Fish Cakes, Grilled Squid at Sokcho Fish Market |
| Day 6 | Gangwon-do (Sokcho) | Explore Sokcho Beach and Abai Village | Easy taxi or bus ride from Sokcho City Center | Dakgangjeong (Sweet crispy fried chicken) |
| Day 7 | Jeju Island (Hallasan) | Fly to Jeju Island, winter hike at Hallasan Mountain | Gimpo Airport to Jeju, bus or taxi to Hallasan | Jeju Black Pork BBQ |
| Day 8 | Jeju Island (Jungmun & Seopjikoji) | Explore Jungmun Resort area, visit Seopjikoji for coastal views | Taxi or bus from Jeju City (40 minutes) | Abalone Porridge |
| Day 9 | Jeju Island (Manjanggul & Coastal Road) | Visit Manjanggul Cave, drive along Woollim Coastal Road | Taxi or bus from Jeju City (1 hour) | Jeju Tangerines, Jeju Oysters |
| Day 10 | Jeju Island (Udo Island) | Take a ferry to Udo Island, explore beaches and scenic spots | Bus to Seongsan Port, ferry to Udo Island | Udo Peanut Ice Cream |
| Day 11 | Travel to Busan (Haeundae Beach & Gamcheon Culture Village) | Take the KTX from Seoul to Busan (2.5 hours). Visit Haeundae Beach, then explore the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village known for its artistic murals. | KTX from Seoul Station to Busan Station (2.5 hrs). From Busan Station, take Line 2 to Haeundae Station. | Haeundae Market (Fish Cakes, Seafood Pancakes) |
| Day 12 | Jagalchi Fish Market & Gwangalli Beach | Explore Jagalchi Fish Market for fresh seafood, then stroll along Gwangalli Beach with views of Gwangan Bridge. | Take Line 1 to Jagalchi Station for the fish market, then taxi to Gwangalli Beach. | Sashimi and Grilled Fish at Jagalchi Fish Market |
| Day 13 | Taejongdae & Oryukdo Skywalk | Visit Taejongdae for dramatic cliffside views, then enjoy the scenic walk on the Oryukdo Skywalk. | Take a bus or taxi from Busan city center to Taejongdae. | Busan’s Specialty Sweets (Mochi and Street Snacks) |
| Day 14 | Relax in Busan & Departure | Spend a relaxing final day in Busan, exploring local markets, shopping at Centum City, or enjoying a quiet moment at a beach café before departure. | Taxi or bus to Gimhae Airport for your flight. | Busan Specialty Gimbap, Korean Street Food |
Day 1-3: Seoul. 14-Day South Korea Itinerary in December
Day 1: Arrival in Seoul & Gyeongbokgung Palace
Start your trip in the capital city with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of Korea’s most iconic palaces. Snow-covered grounds and the grand palace structures create an enchanting winter atmosphere.
How to get there: From Incheon International Airport, take the Airport Railroad (AREX) to Seoul Station, transfer to Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5).
Nearby food recommendations:
Tosokchon Samgyetang: Famous for ginseng chicken soup (Samgyetang), a perfect dish for cold weather.
Insadong Street Food: Try hotteok (sweet pancakes) and odeng (fish cakes) in the nearby streets.
Day 2: Explore Insadong and Gangnam
On Day 2, head to Insadong for traditional culture and then explore the modern, bustling district of Gangnam.
Insadong: Known for its traditional tea houses, art galleries, and shops selling unique souvenirs. A must-try is Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) at Insadong Myeongdong Jajang.
Gangnam: Famous for high-end shopping, Garosugil for trendy cafes, and COEX Mall for an underground shopping experience.
How to get there:
Insadong: From Gyeongbokgung Station, take Line 3 to Anguk Station (Exit 6).
Gangnam: From Insadong, take Line 3 to Apgujeong Station, then transfer to Line 2 at Gangnam Station.
Nearby food recommendations:
Myeongdong Street Food: Try tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), mandu (dumplings).
Korean BBQ in Gangnam: Samwon Garden is highly recommended for Galbi (Korean BBQ short ribs).
Day 3: Namsan Seoul Tower & Winter Shopping
End your Seoul visit with a trip to Namsan Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city, and then enjoy some winter shopping.
How to get there: From Gangnam, take Line 2 to Euljiro 1-ga Station (Exit 5), and then take the Namsan Cable Car to the tower.
Nearby food recommendations:
Namsan Seoul Tower’s restaurant offers delicious dishes with great views. For a more casual option, try Namsan Market for bibimbap (mixed rice) or kimchi stew.
Day 4-6: Gangwon-do.14-Day South Korea Itinerary in December
Day 4: Skiing at Yongpyong Resort
Gangwon-do is famous for its ski resorts, and Yongpyong Resort is one of the best in South Korea. The resort offers a variety of slopes for all skill levels.
How to get there: From Seoul, take a KTX train to Pyeongchang Station (about 2.5 hours). Then, take a local bus or taxi to the resort.
Nearby food recommendation
Enjoy a hearty winter meal of Dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) at the resort’s restaurants, or warm up with Hot Pot.
Day 5: Seoraksan National Park
After skiing, visit Seoraksan National Park, one of Korea’s most scenic spots, especially stunning with the snow-covered mountains.
How to get there: From Yongpyong, take a bus or taxi to Sokcho. From Sokcho, take a local bus to Seoraksan National Park.
Day 6: Explore Sokcho
- Key Activities: Visit Sokcho Beach and the Abai Village, known for its North Korean refugee roots.
- How to Get There: Easy taxi or bus ride from Sokcho city center.
- Nearby Food: Sokcho seafood dishes, try Dakgangjeong (sweet crispy fried chicken).
Day 7-10: Jeju Island – 14-Day South Korea Itinerary in December
Day 7: Arrival in Jeju Island & Hallasan Mountain
- Key Activities: Fly from Seoul (Gimpo Airport) to Jeju Island. Visit Hallasan Mountain, Korea’s highest peak, and enjoy the winter hike and scenic views.
- How to Get There: Gimpo to Jeju flight (1-hour flight). From Jeju City, take a taxi or bus to Hallasan.
- Nearby Food: Jeju Black Pork BBQ (Donsadon).
Day 8: Jungmun Resort & Seopjikoji
- Key Activities: Visit Jungmun Resort, a coastal area known for its luxury hotels and beaches. Then head to Seopjikoji, a beautiful coastal area perfect for photos.
- How to Get There: From Jeju City, take a taxi or bus (40 minutes) to Jungmun Resort, and continue on to Seopjikoji.
- Nearby Food: Seafood (abalone porridge at seaside restaurants).
Day 9: Manjanggul Cave & Woollim Coastal Road
- Key Activities: Explore Manjanggul Cave, one of the world’s longest lava tubes, then drive along the scenic Woollim Coastal Road.
- How to Get There: Take a taxi or bus from Jeju City (1 hour to Manjanggul Cave).
- Nearby Food: Jeju Tangerines, Jeju Oysters.
Day 10: Udo Island
- Key Activities: Take a ferry to Udo Island, known for its serene beaches, perfect for a winter stroll.
- How to Get There: From Jeju City, take a bus to Seongsan Port and take a ferry to Udo Island.
- Nearby Food: Udo Peanut Ice Cream.
Day 11-14: Busan – 14-Day South Korea Itinerary in December
Day 11: Travel to Busan (Haeundae Beach & Gamcheon Culture Village)
- Key Activities: Take the KTX from Seoul to Busan (2.5 hours). Visit Haeundae Beach, then explore the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village, famous for its murals and artistic vibe.
- How to Get There: KTX from Seoul Station to Busan Station. From Busan Station, take Line 2 to Haeundae Station.
- Nearby Food: Haeundae Market (fish cakes, seafood pancakes).
Day 12: Jagalchi Fish Market & Gwangalli Beach
- Key Activities: Explore Jagalchi Fish Market and enjoy fresh seafood, then take a walk along Gwangalli Beach with views of Gwangan Bridge.
- How to Get There: Take Line 2 to Jagalchi Station for the fish market, then head to Gwangalli Beach by taxi.
- Nearby Food: Sashimi and Grilled Fish at Jagalchi Fish Market.
Day 13: Taejongdae & Oryukdo Skywalk
- Key Activities: Visit Taejongdae for dramatic cliffside views, then walk the Oryukdo Skywalk for stunning coastal views.
- How to Get There: Take a bus or taxi from Busan city center to Taejongdae.
- Nearby Food: Busan’s Specialty Sweets (Mochi and street snacks).
Day 14: Relax in Busan & Departure
- Key Activities: Enjoy a relaxing day in Busan before departing for your flight. Explore local markets, shopping centers, or visit Centum City for last-minute shopping.
- How to Get There: Travel to Gimhae Airport for departure.
- Nearby Food: Busan Specialty Gimbap (rolled rice).
Conclusion
This 14-day South Korea itinerary in December provides you with a perfect mix of winter adventure, cultural exploration, and delicious food. With each destination offering unique experiences, from Seoul’s vibrant streets to Jeju’s scenic beauty, your winter holiday in South Korea will be unforgettable.