Here are 10 great day trips near Seoul that you can take anytime.
These are great for families, couples, friends, and solo travelers. Whether you want to explore the history of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, hike Bukhansan Mountain, or visit Yongin Everland, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you’re looking to get some fresh air on the weekend, why not take a trip to a place that’s lighthearted and refreshing, and discover something different from Seoul?
1. Yongin, Gyeonggi-do | A theme park and a traditional folk village in one!
With a population of 1 million, Yongin is one of the largest cities in Gyeonggi Province. Among its many attractions, Everland and Korean Folk Village are the most famous. Everland is a theme park with attractions for all ages and is divided into five themed zones: Global Fair, American Adventure, Magicland, European Adventure, and Zootopia. Each theme zone is decorated in a different atmosphere, making it a fun place to visit.
In particular, the buildings in the ‘Global Fair’ zone are built in the style of actual Eastern and Western architecture, allowing you to experience various cultures. In summer, the outdoor pool, Caribbean Bay, is also very popular. There are also plenty of souvenir shops selling delicious food and cute merchandise, so there’s something for everyone, regardless of age.
Yongin Korean Folk Village is the largest folk village in Korea. It is a Joseon-era village. The village was built by relocating and restoring actual houses from each province. It consists of more than 260 houses. These include both royal and commoner houses. The village also has gwanas, shrines, herbal medicine rooms, seonangdang, and fortune-telling houses. Why not take a trip back in time at the Korean Folk Village?
How to get to Yongin from Seoul
From the Bus Transfer Center at Seoul Station, you can take a local bus to Yongin or an intercity bus from the Express Bus Terminal to Yongin Bus Terminal. The cheapest option is the local bus. It takes about an hour and a half and 40 minutes each way.
Take the subway from Seoul’s Wangsimni Station on the Bundang Line and get off at Giheung Station. The trip takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes each way.
Gangnam Station Take the Shindangdang Line subway and get off at Sujichi-cheong Station. It takes about 30 minutes each way.
2. Suwon, Gyeonggi-do | Travel back in time
Suwon is only 30 kilometers from Seoul, making it an ideal day trip. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. This was in recognition of its historical and cultural value. There are many cultural experience programs such as animation viewing, Hwaseong Train, Gugukgung Palace experience, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace experience, and night tour ‘Moonlight Accompaniment’, so it’s worth checking out beforehand. It takes about three to four hours to visit.
Meanwhile, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is a large-scale castle. King Jeongjo built it in the 18th century for military defense purposes. It is the best preserved example of Korean castle architecture. The castle has a variety of walking trails of varying difficulty levels, making it a great place for history and architecture buffs, as well as people of all ages.
The main entrances are Paldalmun, Hwaseomun, Janganmun, and Changryongmun. All of these entrances have tourist information centers nearby. It’s a good idea to get a map. Most people start at the Paldal Gate, but there are plenty of other gates to explore, so feel free to plan your route. You can also sit in a beautiful pavilion in the middle of the castle and enjoy the views of Suwon’s past and present at the same time. We also recommend visiting the Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, located within the castle. The entrance fee to Suwon Hwaseong Castle is 1,000 won.
How to get to Suwon from Seoul
Take subway line 1 from Seoul Station and get off at Suwon Station. The trip takes about an hour each way.
Take the Nuriro train from Seoul Station and get off at Suwon Station. The trip takes about 34 minutes each way.
To save travel time, take the KTX high-speed train from Seoul Station to Suwon Station. It takes about 25-30 minutes each way.
3. Bukhansan National Park | Hiking in Nature
If you want to enjoy nature in the heart of Seoul, visit Bukhansan National Park. It is one of the most visited national parks in the world, attracting around 5 million visitors every year. The sheer rock formations of weathered granite and the valleys that flow through them are breathtaking.
While Bukhansan is beautiful in all seasons, some areas may be covered in snow during the fall and winter months, so be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. If you want to avoid the crowds of hikers, try to go early in the morning. If you need crampons, you can buy them at outdoor stores near Bukhansan National Park. There are several hiking trails with different levels of difficulty, so choose the one that suits your level of fitness.
Don’t miss Bukhansanseong Fortress, which has a 2,000-year history. Built in 132 during the Three Kingdoms period, it was partially destroyed and rebuilt during the Korean War, but most of the holy body remains in its original form. There are many other historical and cultural sites, temples, hermitages, and more to see.
How to get to Bukhansan National Park from Seoul
Take subway line 4 from Seoul Station and get off at Jilum Station (if you’re taking the Bokgungun hiking trail). The trip takes about 25 minutes each way.
From Seoul Station, transfer to Line 3 and get off at Gupabal Station (for the highest peak). From the station, take a bus to the start of the trail. (Approx. 20 minutes)
4. Gyeonggi North | DMZ Tour
Taking a tour of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a meaningful experience that you should do at least once. It’s so popular that 1.2 million people visit every year. Former US President Bill Clinton called it “the scariest place on Earth” during his visit in 1993. It’s heavily guarded, and military tensions are higher than anywhere else in the world. However, it is an important and worthwhile place to visit, especially considering the fact that our country is still at war.
To visit the DMZ, you must use an official tour company. Guided tours are available in Korean, English, and other languages for both local and foreign tourists. Although it may seem a bit intimidating, there are various programs such as bicycle tours, so the atmosphere is not as intimidating as you might think. Gyeonggi Tourism Organization offers a variety of events, including DMZ bike tours, DMZ youth expeditions, and peace walks. Here are the main places you’ll visit on a typical DMZ tour
When visiting the DMZ, it’s a good idea to dress as neatly and comfortably as possible, avoiding things like ripped jeans. Some places, such as Panmunjom, have their own dress code. If you have any concerns or questions, ask your guide before you leave.
How to get to the DMZ from Seoul
Take the official DMZ tour train from Seoul Station and get off at Dorasan Station (Gyeongui-line) (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes). After alighting at the station, transfer back to the tour bus for the ride to the DMZ (additional fees apply).
Alternatively, your tour guide can arrange for a bus or train to take you from the station to the DMZ. Check with your tour company for more information
5. Chuncheon, Gangwon-do | Beautiful Cheongpyeong Lake and Exhilarating Sports!
Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, is close to Seoul but surrounded by lush forests, making it feel like you’re traveling to a faraway place. There are many places to visit, from winter ski areas to the beautiful artificial lake Cheongpyeong, to natural recreational forests. To enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, visit Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort. There are courses for all levels of difficulty, and in the summer, it turns into a golf course.
Cheongpyeong Lake is an artificial lake formed by the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam and is a popular spot for water activities such as water skiing, banana boating, and jet skiing. There are also outdoor picnic areas for visitors. It’s only 50 kilometers from Seoul, so you can get there in an hour. If you want to see beautiful natural scenery, visit the Cheongpyeong Natural Recreation Forest Observatory. Not only will you get a great view, but you’ll also be able to breathe in the fresh air in a forest full of trees.
How to get to Chuncheon from Seoul
From Seoul Station, take the train to Hoegi Station (about 30 minutes), then transfer to the ITX Gyeongchun Line express train to Namchuncheon Station. The trip takes about 2 hours each way.
From Seoul Station, take the ITX express train to Cheongnyangni Station (about 20 minutes), then transfer to the Gyeongchun Line to Namchuncheon Station. The trip takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes each way.
6. Icheon, Gyeonggi-do | A city of ceramic art recognized around the world
If you’re looking for something different and unique near Seoul, Icheon, Gyeonggi-do, is famous for its pottery. It has been recognized around the world as a UNESCO Creative City (Crafts and Folk Art) by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Icheon is a unique city that has been known for its beautiful ceramics since the Bronze Age.
The Icheon Ceramics Festival is held every April and May. It is a festival where you can feel the essence of ceramic culture, from beautiful traditional ceramics to modern ceramics and cutting-edge ceramic industries, and admission is free. There are also various ceramic craft classes, so you can choose your favorite. In some cases, meals and hotel pick-up and drop-off services are also available, so you can kill two birds with one stone.
In addition to pottery, you can also enjoy outdoor sports such as skiing. Jisan Forest Resort Ski Resort has five lifts and eight courses. In summer, the resort is also used as a golf course. It hosts the Jisan Rock Festival, one of the largest music festivals in Korea. There are also art galleries and museums, a pottery village, and Seoribong Park, so there’s plenty to see and do no matter when you visit.
How to get to Icheon from Seoul
Take the Sindang Line subway at Gangnam Station in Seoul, then transfer at Pangyo Station and get off at Icheon Station (Gyeonggang Line). The trip takes about an hour each way.
From Seoul Express Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Icheon. The trip takes about 1 hour each way.
7. Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do | A city of tradition with 1,000 years of history
There are many beautiful cultural heritage sites such as Seokguram, Bulguksa Temple, and Yangdong Village. In particular, Seokguram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and designated as National Treasure No. 24. The indescribable sacredness of Seokguram can only be fully appreciated in person. Seokguram is also close to Bulguksa Temple, making it a great place to visit together. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this tranquil spot is a great place to focus on your inner self for a while.
Yangdong Village, designated as a national cultural property (Important Folk Material No. 189), is a historic village with over 500 years of tradition. More than 160 traditional houses from the Joseon Dynasty have been preserved, some of which are over 200 years old. There is so much to see in Gyeongju. It may seem impossible to visit Bulguksa Temple and Yangdong Village in one day.
How to get to Gyeongju from Seoul
Take the KTX bullet train from Seoul Station and get off at Neungju Station. The trip takes about 2 hours each way.
From Seoul Station, take the KTX Bullet Train to Dongdaegu Station and transfer to the Mugunghwa Train to Gyeongju Station. It takes about 3 hours one way (excluding waiting time for transfers).
8. Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do | Art and nature in one place! Pocheon Art Valley
Art Valley, where you can enjoy a picnic with snacks. The Pocheon Art Valley Monorail allows you to explore the entire area without much effort.
However, the wait time can be longer than the time it takes to explore on foot, so use your judgment. Of course, walking is also a great option. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a live performance in the open-air theater.
How to get to Pocheon Art Valley from Seoul
You can also take public transportation, which is cheaper but takes over an hour longer. Alternatively, you can travel from Dong Seoul Terminal to Pocheon Terminal and transfer to the 73. A taxi ride from Uijeongbu Station will take about 40 minutes.
It might make more sense to use a car sharing or rental service.
9. Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do | Enjoy the romance of the sea at Daecheon Beach
Daecheon Beach, which is synonymous with youth and romance, is a beautiful beach that attracts 10 million visitors every year.
You can freely immerse yourself in the mud and have fun. There are also various events such as mud massage experiences.
You can play with strangers and get to know them quickly, so it’s not awkward to go alone. If you don’t want to get mud on your clothes, you can also buy a mud pack and enjoy it in the comfort of your hotel room.
How to get to Daecheon Beach from Seoul
Take the train from Yongsan Station, get off at Daecheon Station, and transfer to a bus that will take you to Mud Square Station. The train ride takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes and the bus ride takes about 30 minutes each way.
10. Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do | Full of attractions for all ages!
Located northeast of Seoul on the Han River, Gapyeong was once the site of the Battle of Gapyeong. Especially recommended for outdoor enthusiasts is the Morning Glory Arboretum, which is home to over 5,000 species of plants. It consists of 26 themed gardens and covers an area of 30,000㎡ (about 9,000 pyeong).
In winter, the arboretum also hosts a colorful light festival. It’s only a 20-minute drive from Nami Island, so it’s easy to combine the two. From Gapyeong Station, Nami Island is about a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute drive.
You can also take the train from Seoul and transfer to the Gyeongchun Line, which takes about an hour. With such easy access, it’s easy to just pop in and out without a specific plan. With so much natural beauty and sights to see, there are plenty of nice, clean resorts and recreational forests.
How to get to Gapyeong from Seoul
Take the Gyeongchun Line subway from Hoegi Station and get off at Gapyeong Station. The trip takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes one way.
You can also take the ITX Youth Train from Cheongnyangni Station to Gapyeong Station. It takes about 40 minutes one way.
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