23 days in Birmingham & Seoul Itinerary

Britain's second-largest city, Birmingham was known as the City of a Thousand Trades and the Workshop of the World in the Victorian era.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Birdland and Powis Castle and Garden. Get outdoors at Rutland Water and Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre. Venture out of the city with trips to National Trust - Chirk Castle (in Chirk), Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (in Wrexham) and Cotswolds Distillery (in Stourton). There's much more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Hereford Cathedral, get to know the fascinating history of Castle Combe Village, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Tewkesbury Abbey, and explore the historical opulence of Ludlow Castle.

To find maps, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Birmingham trip maker app.

If you are flying in from United Kingdom, the closest major aiports are Manchester Airport, Birmingham International Airport, East Midlands Airport and RAF Brize Norton. Expect a daytime high around 15°C in April, and nighttime lows around 4°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Mon) so you can travel to Seoul.

One of east Asia's major cultural and financial centers, Seoul boasts five World Heritage Sites and a huge selection of museums, temples, shrines, palaces, parks, gardens, and glass-and-steel skyscrapers.

Explore hidden gems such as National Museum of Korea and Gwanghwamun Gate. Head to Sinchon and Garosu-gilfor some retail therapy. Explore Seoul's surroundings by going to Eulwangni Beach (in Incheon), Nami Island (in Chuncheon) and Hwaseong Fortress (in Suwon). Spend the 3rd (Fri) exploring nature at Bukhansan National Park. And it doesn't end there: stroll through Cheonggyecheon Stream, contemplate the long history of DMZ Haemaru Village, buy something for everyone on your list at Times Square Mall, and don't miss a visit to Itaewon.

For photos, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, read Seoul trip planner.

Traveling by combination of train and flight from Birmingham to Seoul takes 18 hours. The time zone changes from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to Korean Standard Time (KST), which is usually a 9 hour difference. In May, Seoul is somewhat warmer than Birmingham - with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. On the 10th (Fri), you're off to home.