K-DRAMA DREAMS TO REALITY: A DIY SOUTH KOREA ESCAPE

How I planned a 10-day trip to South Korea without a travel agency

Like most Indians, my sister and I fell in love with South Korea during the lockdown, thanks to endless K-drama binges. With her being a huge BTS fan, the dream only grew stronger, until we finally decided to turn it into reality.

Last year, I took charge of planning a 10-day DIY trip covering four cities - Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju and Pohang.

We landed at Incheon International Airport on Day 1 and settled near Insadong, where we spent a relaxed evening soaking in the Seoul vibe.

Day 2 was all about tradition. Wearing Hanbok (booked via Klook), we explored Gyeongbokgung Palace, followed by a spontaneous visit to Gwanghwamun Square. We wrapped up the day at Myeongdong Shopping Street with street food and shopping.

On Day 3, we visited Namsan Seoul Tower for stunning views and love locks, followed by an emotional visit to the War Memorial of Korea. The evening ended at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, known for its futuristic design and light shows.

Day 4 took us to Busan via KTX. We explored BIFF (Busan International Film Festival) Square and Yurari Square.

Day 5 was packed with a visit to Gamcheon Culture Village, café Magnate (belongs to BTS member Jimin’s father), and a capsule ride at Haeundae Blueline Park.

Day 6 was a guided day trip to Gyeongju covering Yangdong Folk Village, Bulguksa Temple, Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Hwangnidan-gil, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, and Woljeonggyo Bridge.

Day 7 was a K-drama dream in Pohang—visiting Pohang Space Walk and Homigot Sunrise Plaza and one of the Hometown Cha Cha shooting locations.

Day 8 brought us back to Seoul, staying in Gangnam, where we experienced Korea’s

Liberation Day, watched the drone show and celebrations by the Han River.

Day 9 included visit to BTS office Hybe, Gangnam Hand statue, Starfield COEX Mall, its iconic library, aquarium, and K-Star Road.

On our final day, we visited Compose Coffee (endorsed by BTS’ V) and returned to Myeongdong for last-minute shopping.

Travel Tips:A T-money card is essential for transport. Use Naver Maps as Google Maps doesn’t work accurately. We relied mostly on buses and metros to save costs. Most of the activities and day tours were booked via Klook.

Approx Cost per person: Flights: ₹50–60K | Stay: ₹20K | Food: ₹10–12K | Activities: ~₹20K | Shopping: Depends on your budget

Planning it ourselves made the journey even more memorable and worth it.