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Embark on an unforgettable journey through South Korea and Japan with our meticulously crafted 9-day itinerary. Get ready for a detailed plan and estimated expenses to fulfill your dream of conquering these two incredibly popular Asian destinations!
South Korea and Japan stand as beloved havens for travel enthusiasts, offering picturesque scenes of cherry blossoms and golden autumn leaves reminiscent of a movie. For those with limited travel time and a desire to explore both places simultaneously, consider weaving these enchanting locations into your travel narrative.
The geographical proximity of South Korea and Japan, just a short 2.5-hour flight away with incredibly affordable airfares, makes this Klook-recommended journey a must-try. Explore captivating tourist spots like Seoul and Busan in Korea, and Tokyo along with Osaka in Japan. Dive into Klook's review of the 9-day, 8-night adventure through South Korea and Japan right away!
Insider Tips for a 9-Day Expedition Across South Korea and Japan
Planning an extended trip across two countries requires meticulous detailing to save both time and travel costs. The complex transportation systems in these countries, coupled with a scarcity of English signage, emphasize the need for thorough research to enhance your enjoyment throughout the journey.
Essential Preparations for Your Journey at Least 1 Month in Advance:
1. Pre-book your flight tickets and hotels in both South Korea and Japan. Since you'll be moving across multiple locations, advance bookings will save you quite a bit. Check out affordable hotels in South Korea and Japan, and grab vouchers and exclusive deals from Klook to optimize your expenses!
2. For transportation in South Korea, get a T-money card for convenient payments. You can also use this card for shopping at convenience stores. Klook introduces a T-money and 4G sim combo available at Incheon Airport. Just land, exchange, and use right away!
3. In Japan, a 72-hour Tokyo subway ticket and JR Pass are sufficient for your journey. For this trip, as you move from Tokyo to Osaka, consider additional savings with Shinkansen tickets from Klook.
4. Next, pre-order a sim card or wifi for an exciting and well-connected journey. Both Korean 4G sim and Japanese 4G sim are available at Klook with fantastic prices.
(*) Vietnamese travelers need a tourist visa for entry into Japan and South Korea. Refer to Klook's guides on obtaining a South Korean tourist visa and Japanese tourist visa for more information!
Sample Itinerary for a 9-Day, 8-Night Journey in South Korea and Japan
Day 1: Busan - Gamcheon Culture Village - Songdo Skywalk
The flight from Vietnam to Busan, South Korea, will touch down early in the morning. Take the time to complete necessary procedures and check-in to your accommodation for a delightful first afternoon.
Gamcheon Culture Village
In the cool afternoon of Busan, visit the charming Gamcheon Culture Village - renowned for being the backdrop of popular reality shows like Running Man. The vibrant, colorful houses here are a distinctive feature of Busan.
Songdo Skywalk
As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll along the Songdo Skywalk. The glass-bottomed bridge adds an extra thrill to your movement, offering a daring experience. Located on the Songdo coast, enjoy dinner at the local market or nearby restaurants.
Day 2: Sky Capsule - Haeundae Beach - Huinnyeoul Coastal Village - Cheongsapo Lighthouse
Sky Capsule
Dedicate the entire morning of day 2 in Busan to explore famous landmarks. The Sky Capsule train is an excellent way to start your second day. The slow-moving train traverses beautiful landscapes and the azure coastline of Busan. Relax and enjoy the picturesque scenery, capturing memories with delightful photographs.
Haeundae Beach
After the train journey, Haeundae Beach with its fine golden sand is worth a visit. Explore the surrounding eateries and dining areas, taking time to savor lunch with a view of the azure sea.
Huinnyeoul Coastal Village
In the afternoon, visit the cultural village of Huinnyeoul, a filming location for famous movies like The Attorney (2013) and Nameless Gangster: Rules of Time (2011). Here, you'll find numerous Instagrammable spots popular among young enthusiasts, along with souvenir shops, cozy cafes, and charming bakeries. Take your time strolling through the village to enjoy the serene beauty of Busan.
Cheongsapo Lighthouse
Cheongsapo Twin Lighthouses, located near Haeundae Beach but less crowded, offer a peaceful spot for check-ins and photos. Close by, there's a spacious GS25 convenience store, where you can try Korean instant noodles with a sea view. Consider the 1-Day Busan Blue Line Capsule Train and Beach Train Tour from Klook for a convenient option.
Day 3: Arrival in Seoul - Gyeongbokgung Palace - Bukchon Hanok Village - Namsan Tower
Check out early from your hotel and hop on the KTX train to Seoul. In just around 3 hours, you'll arrive in the vibrant capital. Remember to pre-book your KTX tickets for a comfortable seat throughout the journey.
Gyeongbokgung - Bukchon Hanok Village
Gyeongbokgung, one of the four existing palaces in Seoul and the largest in size, captivates international travelers with its rich cultural and historical significance. Preserved and meticulously maintained, the palace, coupled with the experience of wearing Hanbok, adds an exciting dimension to your journey.
After exploring the palace, follow the guide to reach Bukchon Hanok Village, a haven of traditional Korean houses. The beautiful stone-paved streets, along with trendy cafes, offer numerous Instagrammable spots for you to enjoy.
Namsan Tower
Before the sun sets, swiftly head to Namsan Tower, the symbol of Seoul. You can choose between a bus or cable car. The bus stops at the park at the tower's base, while the cable car takes you directly to the top. According to Klook, you can take the bus to the base and walk through the scenic park, especially beautiful in autumn or cherry blossom season.
A must-do at Namsan Tower: lock your love padlock here. Pro tip: buy love padlocks from a convenience store beforehand for cost efficiency! After exploring the park, you can purchase tickets to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the illuminated Seoul skyline. Pre-book through Klook for better prices than at the ticket counter.
Day 4: Nami Island - Petite France - Garden of Morning Calm - Hongdae
Nami Island - Petite France - Garden of Morning Calm
If you're a fan of Korean dramas, especially Winter Sonata, then the famous Nami Island is a must-visit. Just a 2-hour train ride from Seoul, you can immerse yourself in the fresh, romantic atmosphere of the island. Legendary trees with changing foliage, fun activities, and biking trails attract tourists. Alternatively, simply relax on the grass, enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Klook Pro Tip: You can book a day tour to explore Nami Island - Petite France - Garden of Morning Calm on Klook to save travel time and fully enjoy the journey.
Explore Hongdae
After Nami, head to Petite France, designed as a French cultural village with colorful buildings, providing a distinctly European vibe. The Garden of Morning Calm, with its various flowers and vibrant plantations, is another fascinating destination to explore.
After returning to Seoul, spend your last evening in Korea exploring the liveliest and most vibrant district in the city - Hongdae. Renowned as the student quarter, it offers affordable eateries, entertaining games, and the chance to witness Korean youths dancing and singing. The area also features Korean-style photo studios, budget-friendly clothing shops, and quality skincare stores.
Day 5: Tokyo - Asakusa Shrine - Tokyo Sky Tree Observation Deck
On the morning of the fifth day, travel from Seoul to Tokyo, a quick 2.5-hour flight at surprisingly low prices starting from only 1.5 million VND. After checking in, take a short break and embark on your first exploration of Tokyo.
Asakusa Shrine
Asakusa Shrine is a must-visit in Tokyo, boasting ancient charm and deep cultural history. Many locals and tourists come here to seek peace and good fortune. For an enhanced and joyful experience, consider renting a traditional Kimono before entering the shrine for some stunning photos.
Tokyo Sky Tree Observation Deck
Tokyo Sky Tree
, a modern icon in the bustling city of Tokyo, offers a dazzling night view of the city from above. The 360-degree panoramic view provides a truly unique experience. Don't forget to take on the challenge of climbing the 600 outdoor steps to reach a height of 150m, earning yourself a certificate of 'courage' that money can't buy for everyone!
Day 6: Mount Fuji - Shopping in Shibuya
A visit to Japan wouldn't be complete without mentioning the iconic Mount Fuji. There are various activities to experience beforehand in a day tour to Mount Fuji from Tokyo on Klook. This tour allows you to save a considerable amount of travel time. Enjoy activities like flower viewing at Oishi Park, fruit picking in the orchard, taking a cable car to admire the panoramic view of Mount Fuji, and exploring the historic Oshino Hakkai village at the mountain's base.
Shopping in Shibuya
Dedicate the entire evening to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Shibuya - a place with numerous shops, famous eateries, and attractions in Tokyo. You'll be amazed by the bustling and vibrant energy here.
Day 7: Osaka Castle - Kuromon Market
There are several ways to travel to Osaka from Tokyo, as mentioned at the beginning of the article, Klook suggests using the Shinkansen for a fast and convenient journey. Simply book your train tickets on Klook and enjoy the scenic views along the way, and in no time, you'll have arrived in Osaka.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle always captivates visitors with its grandeur, precision, and meticulous preservation that transcends time in Japan. The magnificent white castle is a must-visit attraction in Osaka. When purchasing tickets on Klook, you can skip the queues and enter directly, very convenient!
Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market - often referred to as the kitchen of Osaka! Here, you can shop for souvenirs or indulge in exquisite cuisine such as takoyaki, grilled scallops, sushi & sashimi, and affordable oden.
Day 8: Sagano Railway to Kyoto - Exploring Arashiyama - Kiyomizudera - Fushimi Inari-taisha
From Osaka, you can explore the ancient capital Kyoto in a day. Kyoto is serene, ancient, and filled with traditional Japanese houses. In this journey, take the Sagano Kyoto train to admire the poetic beauty along the way, explore the cool Arashiyama bamboo forest regardless of the weather, and visit the iconic Torii gate at Fushimi-inari Taisha shrine. All these exciting experiences are part of the Sagano Kyoto Railway, Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera & Fushimi Inari-taisha Day Tour.
Day 9: teamLab Osaka - Umeda Sky Building - Solaniwa Onsen - Return to Vietnam
In the blink of an eye, it's the last day of your Korea and Japan trip. Let's capture those wonderful memories with Klook today.
teamLab Osaka
Renowned for their visually stunning and colorful installations, teamLab never fails to amaze. The teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka transforms from a botanical garden during the day to an art space at night, providing a unique experience whenever you visit.
Umeda Sky Building
Enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city from the observation deck at 170m above ground, like a floating garden in the sky - Umeda Sky Building offers you a complete Osaka cityscape. The unique architecture of the tower, along with a carefully curated selection of drinks at the 40th-floor café, will delight any traveler.
Solaniwa Onsen
Immerse yourself in the hot springs at Onsen, an activity you must try when in Japan. After a long journey, this is the perfect time for you to relax before returning to Vietnam. Solaniwa Onsen with exciting experiences like 9 types of hot spring baths - including outdoor baths. Don a Yukata, and this Klook recommended spot is a must-visit!
Estimated Cost of 9 Days and 8 Nights Trip to Korea and Japan
The costs provided here are references from Klook, compiled from various sources. They may vary depending on your travel dates, itinerary, flight tickets, the number of participants, and more.
Mục lục | Chi phí/người |
Vé máy bay Việt Nam - Busan | 3,000,000 VND |
Vé máy bay Seoul - Tokyo | 2,000,000 VND |
Vé máy bay Osaka - Việt Nam | 4,000,000 VND |
SIM 4G Hàn Quốc + thẻ T-money | 350,000 VND |
SIM 4G Nhật Bản | 709,246 VND |
Khách sạn tại Busan (2 đêm) | 2,500,000 VND |
Khách sạn tại Seoul ( 2 đêm) | 3,000,000 VND |
Khách sạn tại Tokyo (2 đêm) | 3,500,000 VND |
Khách sạn tại Osaka (2 đêm) | 2,000,000 VND |
Vé tàu Tokyo đi Osaka | 2,439,629 VND |
Vé tàu Busan đi Seoul | 1,200,000 VND |
Vé tàu điện ngầm Tokyo | 265,967 VND |
Nạp thẻ T-money | 500,000 VND |
Tour ngày tham quan Busan | 2,346,377 VND |
Vé vào tháp Namsan | 221,306 VND |
Thuê hanbok tại Gyeongbokgung | 424,907 VND |
Tour Đảo Nami - Petite France - Làng Ý | 1,044,564 VND |
Tour Ngày Núi Phú Sĩ, Cáp Treo Toàn Cảnh Và Hái Trái Cây Theo Mùa Từ Tokyo | 1,946,879 VND |
Thuê Hanaka Kimono Kèm Tạo Kiểu Tóc Ở Asakusa | 453,917 VND |
Vé Đài Quan Sát Tháp Tokyo | 212,774 VND |
Vé tham quan lâu đài Osaka | 105,536 VND |
Vé teamLab Planets Osaka | 281,428 VND |
Tour Ngày Đi Tàu Sagano Kyoto, Tham Quan Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera & Fushimi Inari-taisha | 1,758,925 VND |
Vé Vào Cửa Tòa Nhà Umeda | 265,967 VND |
Vé Vào Cửa Suối Nước Nóng Thermae-Yu Hotspring | 417,920 VND |
Chi phí ăn uống | 10,000,000 VND |
Chi phí khác | 5,000,000 VND |
Tổng chi phí | 49,945,342 VND |
Traveling to Korea and Japan offers countless exciting experiences, rich in history and culture. Klook has selected the most iconic and famous destinations in these two beautiful countries to introduce to you.
Don't forget to check out Klook Vietnam's Travel Blog for more insights into 2023 travel promotions, or guides like Cherry Blossom Season travel tips, 18 Best Shopping Spots in Seoul, and Autumn in Tokyo as picturesque as a painting. Explore new itineraries such as 7 Days 6 Nights Japan Travel Itinerary, 5 Days 4 Nights Japan Travel Itinerary, 6 Days 5 Nights Budget Japan Trip, 4 Days 3 Nights Budget Busan Trip from Seoul, and more...
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