10 Days - Seoul, Gyeongju and Busan

Hi, looking to travel in Nov this year with 2 friends, all late 20s. I'm looking to balance shopping, culture, history and food as we all have differing interests. Are we missing anything, should we cut back anything etc.? Where would be best for us to stay in Seoul based on this - Myeong-dong seems like it may be too busy and packed for my liking but one of the girls loves shopping so might be good for her? Is there anywhere that balances this?

Seoul Days 1–5

Day 0

• Arrive Seoul

Day 1: Jongno

• Morning: Changdeokgung Palace
• Lunch: Gwangjang Market
• Afternoon & night: Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, Insadong

Day 2: Jongno & Jung

• Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Afternoon: Bukchon Hanok Village, Seochon
• Late afternoon & night: Hongdae

Day 3: Yongsan

• Morning: DMZ tour
• Afternoon: N Seoul Tower (sunset)
• Night: Itaewon OR Hannam-dong

Day 4: Seongsu & Gangnam

• Morning: Seoul Forest, Seongsu-dong
• Afternoon: Gangnam
• Night: Myeong-dong

Day 5: Songpa

• Morning: Lotte World
• Afternoon: Seokchon Lake
• Night: Jamsil/Songpa

Gyeongju Days 6–7

Day 6: Gyeongju East

• Morning: Seoul → Gyeongju transfer
• Afternoon: Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto
• Night: Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, Woljeonggyo Bridge

Day 7: Gyeongju Central

• Morning: Daereungwon Tomb Complex
• Afternoon: Cheomseongdae Observatory, Gyeongju National Museum
• Night: Hwangridan-gil

Busan Days 8–9

Day 8: Busan Central

• Morning: Gyeongju → Busan transfer
• Mid-morning: Gamcheon Culture Village
• Afternoon: Jagalchi Fish Market, Gukje Market
• Night: BIFF Square

Day 9: Busan East Coast

• Morning: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
• Afternoon: Haeundae Beach, Sky Capsule/coastal railway ride
• Night: Gwangalli Beach

Seoul Day 10

Day 10: Mapo

• Morning: Busan → Seoul transfer
• Afternoon: Hapjeong-dong, Mangwon Market, Han River
• Night: Flight home