Incredible Day Trips from Seoul That You Won’t Want to Miss

If you’re looking for a change of scenery, the South Korean Capital of Seoul is surrounded by incredible natural beauty, amusement parks and many other incredible tourist attractions. You can find everything from scenic National Parks to a boutique tourist Island and sandy beaches only a short drive or train ride away.

Seoul is a fantastic city – there’s no doubt about that.

However, sometimes, you must get out of the concrete jungle of the lively city and explore some of South Korea’s other hidden gems. Luckily, plenty of great options for the best day trips from Seoul are waiting for you to explore!

In this blog post, we’ll share several of our favourite day trips from Seoul that will help you escape the hustle and bustle of the city and witness a magnificent Country in a new light.

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Incredible Day Trips from Seoul That You Won’t Want to Miss

You’re in Seoul, South Korea, for an unforgettable holiday, you’ve seen the best of the city with Myeondong, Geongbokgung Palace and the Namsan Seoul Tower light show at night, and you love it. But there’s more to Korea than just its capital city– an incredible natural landscape is begging to be explored!

Just a short drive or train ride away from Seoul, you can find everything from towering mountains to pristine lakes and even a wonderful Island. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing day in nature or an adventurous hike, check out these activities, which will make fantastic day trips from Seoul.

 

Seoul day trips include a visit to Nami Island.

Nami Island is one of the most popular day trips from Seoul, for a good reason! This beautiful, half-moon-shaped island is located in Chuncheon and can be reached by a short ferry ride from Gapyeong Wharf.

One of the best things to do on Nami Island is to take a leisurely walk around and enjoy the stunning scenery. The island is covered in trees and plenty of photo-worthy spots, making it a great place to spend a few hours outdoors.

If you’re feeling active, several hiking trails wind through the woods and offer incredible views of the surroundings. Nami Island is a must-visit if you’re looking for a day trip from Seoul!

 

 

Gapyeong Rail Bike

Another popular day trip destination near Seoul is Gapyeong, which is home to the Gapyeong Rail Bike. This unique activity allows you to explore the picturesque countryside while pedalling a rail bike along an old railway track.

The rail bike ride takes you through Gapyeong’s most scenic spots, including forests, rivers and farmland. It’s great to see the Korean countryside and get some fresh air!

 

 

Yeongwol County

Yeongwol County is located about three hours outside Seoul, in the Gangwon-do province. The county is home to some of Korea’s most beautiful scenery, including waterfalls, mountains and forests. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some time in nature.

There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some of the county’s resident deer! Yeongwol is also a great place to try Korean food- check out the local restaurants for some delicious seafood dishes.

 

Gwanaksan Mountain

If you’re looking for a more adventurous day trip from Seoul, head to Gwanaksan Mountain! This popular hiking spot is located just outside the city and offers a variety of trails to suit all levels of hikers.

The trail to the summit of Gwanaksan Mountain is around six kilometres long and takes about four hours to complete. The hike is relatively challenging, but the views from the top are more than worth it. You’ll be able to see Seoul on a clear day!

So there you have three of the best day trips from Seoul that you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing nature walk or a challenging hike, there’s something for everyone. So get out there and explore the beautiful Korean countryside!

 

Naejangsan National Park

Naejangsan National Park is located about 2.5 hours outside the big city, in the Jeollabuk-do province and is the perfect weekend trip from Seoul.

The park is gorgeous in the fall when the leaves on the trees change colour. There are numerous hiking trails to explore, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some of the park’s resident deer!

Naejangsan is also a great place to try Korean food- check out the local restaurants for some delicious seafood dishes.

So if you’re looking for a day trip from Seoul full of natural beauty, add Naejangsan National Park to your list!

 

Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan National Park is another excellent option for nature lovers. This national park is located in Gangwon-do province and is home to Seorak Mountain, the third highest mountain in South Korea.

There are plenty of trails to hike and lakes and waterfalls to explore. And if you happen to be visiting in the springtime, you’ll be treated to a spectacular display of cherry blossoms which will make your Seoul day tour more enticing! 

 

 

The best of Suwon

Suwon is a city located just south of Seoul, and it’s easy to get to by public transportation.

Hwaseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just a short drive from Seoul. The fortress is beautiful, and the views from the top are incredible! Visitors can explore the well-preserved fortifications, walk along the hiking trails, and enjoy the spectacular views of the city. Hwaseong fortress is one of the most popular day trips from Seoul, and it is easy to see why!

Korea is a country with a rich history and unique culture, and there are many day trips from Seoul that allow visitors to experience traditional Korean life. One of the most popular day trips is the Korean Folk Village. Located just outside the city, the Folk Village is a living museum showcasing traditional architecture, food, and clothing.

Visitors can watch farmers work in the fields, see artisans practising their crafts, and learn about the daily life of Koreans in times past. The Folk Village is also a great place to try traditional Korean food. From hearty stews to roasted meats, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With its beautiful setting and wealth of cultural attractions, the Korean Folk Village is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about traditional Korean culture.

If you’re looking for a day trip from Seoul, look no further than Everland! This famous theme park is one of the best in Asia and offers something for everyone. From roller coasters to water rides, plenty of thrills can be had. And if you’re travelling with kids, they’ll love the zoo! With so much to see and do, Everland is the perfect place to spend a day.

By the look of fun nf adventure waiting to be had in Suwon, it looks like you’ll need to spend more than a day in this exciting Korean city; luckily, you can find a handful of accommodations in Suwon for crazy family fun.

 

 

 

Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival

Technically not a day trip from Seoul since it’s located in Changwon city– which is about 3 hours away by bus, but we had to include the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival on this list!

The festival takes place each year in early April and draws visitors from all over South Korea (and even some from overseas!) to see the stunning cherry blossoms. If you happen to be in Seoul during cherry blossom season, this is a day trip worth taking! 

 

The Breathtaking DMZ Tour!

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of South Korea, sign up for a DMZ tour. The DMZ is a strip of land that runs along the border between North and South Korea.

The tour will take you to some of the most famous historical sites, including the Joint Security Area, where you can stand in North Korea!

You can even peek through the large binoculars, look into the neighbouring country, and see a North Korean Village.

The DMZ tour is an incredible way to learn about the history of the Korean peninsula and see some of South Korea’s most beautiful scenery.

 

There are so many great places to see outside of Seoul; you could easily spend months exploring all South Korea has to offer! These are just a few of our favourite day trips from Seoul; hopefully, they’ve inspired you to get out there and start exploring!

Have you been to Seoul? What is your favourite day trip from Seoul?

When is the best time of the year to visit South Korea? Find out with this blog post!