Trip to South Korea and Japan September/October

From Ulsan, you can visit famous places nearby.

Gyeongju : 1000 year old Silla dynasty capital
Andong : famous for mask dance and folk village
Haeinsa temple : famous for world heritage wood printing
Daegu : 3rd largest city in Korea
Busan : 2nd largest city in Korea, famous for beaches
Tongyyeong, Namhae.... : Marine national park

You can check lots of information from below site.

english.visitkorea.or.kr

We spent a week on Jeju Island which is between Korea and Japan and another week on Kyushu.....so yes, it is possible to do a week in each place although you look like you will be on mainland South Korea. Jeju is lovely if you can fit that into your itinerary. [http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/jeju-island.html] They call it Honeymoon Island or the Hawaii of Korea. Then fly to Fukuoka and take the bullet train and buses. Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Mt Aso, Takachiho Gorge, ......there is a lot to see around Kyushu including a day or 2 in Fukuoka. See [http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/around-kyushu.html ]

What are your interests and where are you going to enter/exit Japan? Also what is your budget which will determine how far and fast (shinkansen or not) you can travel around Japan? Hard to recommend anything without this info.

By ferry you'd likely end up at Fukuoka/Hakata, by flights there are more options.

With about one week in Japan and generic interest, I usually recommend a mix of old and new. Kyoto+Tokyo (about 3 days each plus something extra) is an obvious choice for such an itinerary.

If you are on a tight budget, you might want to reduce travel costs. You could still do "newold", for instance Osaka+Kyoto (if entering at Fukuoka or Kansai International airport) or Tokyo+KamakuraNikko (if entering at Tokyo).

Thanks All who have replied. Will investigate suggestions above further. Have spoken to a couple of people who have made suggestions as well - so all helpful

Budget is going to be a mixture of mid range, but Im as Im travelling alone, Im quite laid back so happy to budget it as needs be! In Korea its likely that I will stay in Seoul for two - three days, then head to Ulsan, and then onto Busan to cross into Japan by ferry. I figure if I can enter at Fukuoka, I can get the train to Hiroshima first, then Kyoto, and then possibly if time allows Tokyo.

Jeju island sounds amazing - will have to see if I can fit it in!

Thanks for your help.