Japan + Korea trip late December to early January – Seoul or Busan/Gyeongju for a historical K-drama lover?

Hey everyone!

I’m traveling solo to Japan from late December to mid-January, and since I’m a huge fan of historical Korean dramas, I figured I’d take the opportunity to visit South Korea while I’m out there.

Originally, I was planning to visit Busan and Gyeongju – especially Gyeongju because I’ve read it’s like an open-air museum and perfect for history lovers. But now I’m second-guessing that plan… I’m not sure when I’ll get the chance to come back to Korea again, so I’m wondering if I should go to Seoul instead.

So here’s my question: As someone who loves historical dramas and traditional Korean culture, would Seoul be more worth it than Busan/Gyeongju? Or should I stick with the original plan to soak up the history in Gyeongju and coastal vibes in Busan? Also, if I do go to Gyeongju, would it still be worth squeezing in a short stop in Seoul?

And if you have any other must-see places in Korea for historical drama lovers, I’d love your recommendations!

Thanks in advance