I’ve been itching to write this blog post for ages and so my friends I am bringing you the best day trips from Seoul. If you’re tired of the urban jungle that is Korea’s capital city I know the best places to go and get away.
There are so many incredible places around the Land of the Morning Calm that will have your jaw dropping in awe.
Table of Contents
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1. Nami Island
Nami Island is a popular destination especially during autumn and spring. This tourist attraction was made famous because of the Korean Drama Winter Sonata. It is a half-moon shaped river island located in Gangwon Province, South Korea. It is located on the North Han River and also known as it’s own “small country” by locals.
The Island provides various cultural events, concerts, exhibitions, and more to give children dreams and hopes, couples’ love and memories, and artists a space for creativity. Although believe it or not, I see more ajhumma and ajhussi here. You can get here via driving or the Seoul Subway.
2. Garden of Morning Calm
Nature lovers are absolutely going to adore the Garden of the Morning Calm. The Garden is nestled against the backdrop of Chungnyeongsan Mountain, is a horticultural haven that blends the essence of Korean beauty with a diversity of themed gardens. It features more than 5,000 different plant species, including more than 300 varieties native to Baekdusan Mountain.
If you want to DIY your visit to the Garden, take Subway Line 1 (Dark Blue Line) to Gapyeong Station. It’s a long travel time if you do it that way, so I recommend taking the ITX Train from Yongsan Station in central Seoul if you’d like to get there faster. It’s one of the high-speed trains. Outside the station, you can catch the Gapyeong City Tour Bus.
While in Gapyeong, I definitely recommend going on the Gangchon Rail Park. There you can get on the famous Gangchon Rail Bike which is awesome during spring for the cherry blossoms. The first time I went, I didn’t know what to expect so it was super fun!
3. Petite France
If you’re an OG K-drama fan, this is the filming location of My Love From The Star. Legit, still one of my favorite Korean dramas of all time. Petite France is a French cultural village in the Korean countryside. Designed with the theme concept flowers, stars, and the Little Prince. It looks like something you would see in southern France.
4. Alpaca World
Have you ever wanted to participate in the unique experience of frolicking with alpacas? This is definitely worth the day trip from Seoul if you want to experience a fun animal adventure. Guests can feed cute alpacas surrounded by the pristine beauty of nature. Alpaca World has made many TV appearances featuring “the genius alpaca” and the first alpaca to be born in Korea.
If you want to DIY the trip and spend the day with alpacas, here’s how. Take the intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Hongcheon Bus Terminal The trip is about one hour and costs 7,400won.
5. Eunpyeong Hanok Village
The most popular attraction at the Eunpyeong Hanok Village is the (name of cafe). Hanok are Korean traditional houses. The best views of the village and mountains can be seen from here. During Autumn, this hanok village gets visited a lot. The easiest way to get here would be to go from Seoul Station and take Bus 701.
6. Bukhansan National Park
Did you know that Bukhansan National Park holds the Guiness Book of World Records title for the “most visited national park per unit area.” It’s one of the most popular hiking locations in Korea and most beloved of Seoul’s mountains. It’s one of the best Seoul day trips as it takes about 30 minutes to one hour to reach Bukhansan. The National Park is home to about 3,100 species of plants and animals and Buddhist temples.
The easiest way to get there is by going to Gireum Train Station 길음역 (line 4, exit 3). Take Bus 110B or 143 and get off at the last stop (about 13 minutes). Walk up the gentle slope until reaching the park entrance (10 minutes). Jeongneung Park Information Center is located next to the park entrance.
7. Namhansanseong Fortress
Namhansanseong is a super easy day trip from Seoul. At the top of your hike, you’ll get scenic views of Lotte World Tower. When I lived in Hanam City, it was easy for me to get to because there was a direct bus. I recommend renting a car in Seoul and doing a day trip to Namhansanseong.
I promise you won’t be disappointed with this charming and traditional Korean town. It’s really popular with South Koreans so you know its especially good since this is where the locals hang out.
8. Korean Folk Village
When I first came to Korea many, many moons ago I visited the Korean Folk Village. It’s a great place to see how people lived and worked during the Joseon Dynasty. It’s pretty much a living museum. You can see live performances (including a Korean wedding) and try the local cuisine.
Included in the tours below is a free shuttle bus that takes you to and from your hotel.
9. Gyeongju
Gyeongju was once the capital of the Silla Dynasty and home to many of Korea’s famous historical sites. I also have a completely done for you guide on the Perfect Autumn in Gyeongju Itinerary. I think the best time to visit Gyeongju is during fall and spring.
The easiest and most hassle free way to see Korea’s old capitol is to book a one day Gyeongju day trip from Seoul here. One of the best things to do is to a rent (traditional time era hanbok). This is one of my absolute favorite places in Korea because of its rich history.
10. Jeonju Hanok Village
Jeonju is particularly crowded during autumn in South Korea. This traditional Korean town features delicious bibimbap, yummy street food, and one of a kind chocopies. It’s kind of tricky to get down to Jeonju yourself so I recommend this one day Jeonju trip from Seoul here.
You can also rent hanbok for cheap and take loads of pictures with great souvenirs. If you’re a fan of Kpop, don’t forget to check out the Catholic cathedral where Big Bang’s Taeyang filmed Wedding Dress. For more information, check out my Jeonju in Autumn Itinerary.
This was one of the most fun day trips I ever experienced. If you want to get there via public transportation, I recommend you use the KTX Trains. The KTX Jeolla Line will take you to Jeonju.
- Jeonju Cherry Blossom & Spring Flowers Tour (Spring Only)
- Jeonju & Naejangsan Fall Foliage Tour (Autumn Only)
11. Jinhae
The best way to go to Jinhae is via a guided tour especially if you’re not very good at Korean or how to navigate public transport. I highly recommend visiting during the world famous Jinhae cherry blossoms. If you’d like to DIY your day tour, then check out everything you need to know about the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival here.
12. Gangneung
Gangneung is one of the most beautiful places on the Korean peninsula. The best time of year to visit Gangneung is during the summer. Many BTS fans visit for the BTS bus stop that was featured in their album cover.
13. Gwangmyeong Cave
Gwangmyeong is the best cave theme park in Korea. It is a space created by incorporating elements of culture and art into the mines that used to mine gold, silver, copper and other minerals. The Hwadam Botanic Garden is an ecological arboretum that is super popular in spring and autumn. These nature reserves have 4,300 kinds of native and imported plants from home and abroad. You can also head to the Korean Folk Village after.
14. Everland Amusement Park
This is the perfect place to go with friends, celebrate holidays like Halloween and Christmas, and go on a date. It has one of my favorite roller coasters, the T-Express which is an old style wooden coaster.
15. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this proud fortress is a testament to Korea’s military power back in the day. It’s one of the most popular day trips because of its proximity to Seoul. Around the temple, you can take a hot air balloon ride, do archery, and enjoy drinks at the various cafes surrounding it. There’s also a bunch of open fields were you can go and fly a kite. Fun fact, the fortress walls are about 6km long.
- Suwon Fall Foliage & Hanbok Rental Day Trip (Autumn Only)
- Starfield Library Suwon, Hwaseong Fortress, and Gwangmyeong Cave (Year Round)
16. Korean Demilitarized Zone & Joint Security Area (DMZ+JSA)
One of the best ways to get a feel for the South Korea we know today is to go on a DMZ Tour. Depending on if tensions are running high, you can stand in North Korea in the blue houses. The easiest way (and the only way) to visit is through the DMZ+JSA Tour here. It’s one of the major attractions since you can see how and why Korea is still divided and at war.
17. Seoraksan National Park
Mount Seorak has the best fall foliage and cherry blossoms in Korea. It truly is a beautiful park to hike. This is one of the most popular places to see it in Korea because it is truly that stunning. It’s super popular during peak foliage in Korea so you definitely don’t want to miss out!
- Seoraksan Fall Foliage Day Trip (Autumn Only)
- Seoraksan, Nami Island, and Alpaca World Cherry Blossom Tour (Spring Only)
18. Naejangsan National Park
If you’re not confident in your Korean skill levels, then you should definitely go on a tour. I’ve been to Naejangsan in Autumn before and it’s seriously as pretty as this photo. Located in Korea’s southern province Jeollabuk-do, this mountain literally becomes red in fall. There’s so many picturesque places.
19. Pocheon Art Valley
Pocheon Art Valley has gorgeous art, nature, and an astronomical observatory. It is also the filming location of Legend of the Blue Sea.
20. Incheon
Incheon is a great Seoul day trip. One of the most popular attractions is Incheon China Town where you can eat Korean and Chinese fusion food. My favorite part to visit is the Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village. Here all your favorite fairy tales and Disney movies come to life. You can take Line 1 (dark blue line) all the way to Incheon if you want to DIY the trip yourself.
The following tour itinerary includes slope slides, rail bikes roaming the seaside, seagull feeding, Wolmido Island, and a fairy tale village!
21. Elysian Ski Resort
If you’re visiting Korean during the winter months, Korea has some pretty awesome ski resorts. The closest one to Seoul is the Elysian Ski Resort. I’ve been many times during winer in Korea and I have a blast every time. The next time I go out, I’m definitely going to learn to snowboard.
- Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort Shuttle Bus (Winter Only)
- Elysian Ski Lift & Ski Clothing Rental (Winter Only)
- Elysian Ski/Snowboard Lesson (Winter Only)
- Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort & Strawberry Picking Tour (Winter Only)
I hope you enjoyed all the best day trips you can take from Seoul! Bookmark this post because I’ll be sure to add many different day trips around Korea.
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