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If you have more than a few days to spend in South Korea’s bustling capital, you can’t pass up the opportunity to venture out of the city and see more of what Korea has to offer. Korea is so small and transportation is so good that there are many worthwhile day trips close to Seoul, most just 1-2 hours away. No matter your interests, there are day trips from Seoul for nature lovers, history buffs, culture enthusiasts, beach bums, and more. So hop on an infamous high-speed train or recline on a comfortable bus and get out there!
Wondering what else to do in Seoul, other than take an unforgettable day trip? Check out my local’s guide to the top things to do in Seoul.
Day trips from Seoul: 1-2 hours away
For history: DMZ
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a buffer zone between North and South Korea where no military activities are allowed. A day trip to the DMZ allows you to learn about the history and politics of the two Koreas while visiting the neutral zone between them. At the end of the tour, you’ll even get to look into a North Korean village through binoculars. If you want to take it a step further (literally), you can tour the Joint Security Area (JSA), where North and South Korean troops stand beside each other on the borderline.
Currently, tours of the JSA are not running for non-Korean nationals. You can check the status of JSA tours for foreigners here.
How to get there: Guided tours are required. I highly recommend this tour that I personally did that picks you up at Hongik University Station. It’s a 1-hour drive from there.
For history: Suwon
Just 20 miles south of Seoul is Suwon, a charming city that’s home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hwaseong Fortress is an incredible structure from the Joseon Dynasty when Suwon was a main regional government center. The fortress has 4 impressive gates, and you can stroll along it for a while and enjoy the views. After walking around, the walled-in city has some great cafe options. I recommend Heol Coffee Roasters (헤올커피로스터즈) for an amazing view. The fortress is especially beautiful at night when it’s lit up.
How to get there: You can reach Suwon on the Seoul Subway Line 1 in about an hour. You can also take the fast KTX train from Seoul Station, which is less budget-friendly but reaches Suwon in 30 minutes. If you prefer buses, you can take one from Sadang Station (7770 and 7001) and from Gangnam (3007 and 3000) for about 45 minutes.
For nature: Nami Island
This scenic island, made famous by the Korean drama “Winter Sonata,” is a great day trip from Seoul year round. Trees and flowers bloom all over the island in the spring and summer, and colorful leaves and blankets of snow cover the island in the fall and winter. You can even zip line onto the island if you’re feeling brave!
There are other notable spots near Nami Island, such as Garden of the Morning Calm, Alpaca World, and the Rail Bike. I highly recommend taking this guided tour with a customizable itinerary so you can build your own perfect day trip.
How to get there: The easiest way to get to Nami Island is on a guided tour that also takes you to other regional attractions, such as this customizable tour. To get there by public transportation, take the Gyeongchun Line to Gapyeong Station. From there, you can take a quick taxi or local bus to Nami Island. The whole journey takes about 2 hours.
For culture: Jeonju
Jeonju is known for its Hanok Village, an area of traditional houses, food stalls, and craft shops. With over 700 Hanok houses, it’s a great place to stroll around and learn about Korean history and culture. You can have tea in a traditional tea house and try Jeonju’s signature bibimbap. Make sure to also visit Gyeonggijeon Shrine and Omodae Viewpoint, which are within walking distance of the Hanok Village. For a coffee break, visit Jeonmang (전망), a cafe with sweeping views over the village.
How to get there: The fastest way to get to Jeonju is by taking the KTX from Seoul Station to Jeonju Station, which takes a little over 1.5 hours. If you’re on a budget, you can also take a bus from Seoul Central City to Jeonju Express Bus Terminal, but it takes 2.5 hours. For ease and convenience, you can also join this guided tour with a local guide.
Check out my Jeonju travel guide for help planning your day trip, including the top 11 things to do.
For culture: Eunpyeong
Although technically in Seoul, Eunpyeong is a hidden gem far away from downtown. Most tourists have no idea that it exists, but it’s more than worth the short bus trip. It’s best known for its hanok village and 1in1jan (1인1잔), a cafe with amazing views over the hanoks and Bukhansan in the background. While you’re there, be sure to stop at Jingwansa Temple, which is within walking distance.
How to get there: From Gupabal Station Exit 3, take Bus 7211 or 7723 for 40 minutes. From Seoul Station, take Bus 701.
Fun fact: 1in1jan made it onto my list of the top 22 cafes in Seoul, so I consider it the best of the best.
For fun: Everland
Everland, Korea’s largest theme park, is one of the best day trips from Seoul for thrill seekers and amusement park-goers. Each season offers different attractions, including the Tulip Festival in the spring, the Caribbean Bay Waterpark in the summer, spooky Halloween festivities, and the Winter Festival. If you love animals, you can visit Korea’s famous panda family, and if you love roller coasters, you can ride the thrilling T Express.
How to get there: The fastest and easiest way is to take the shuttle bus, which picks up from popular stations in Seoul and takes about 1 hour. You can also take a public bus from Gangnam Station (Bus 5002), Jamsil Station (5700), Sadang Station (1500-2), or Gangbyeon Station (5700), which take 1-1.5 hours. There is a way to get there on the subway, but I don’t recommend it as it requires at least 3 transfers.
For hiking: Bukhansan
Bukhansan National Park is in northern Seoul and extends into Gyeonggi-do. It’s one of Korea’s most popular hiking destinations for its spectacular view over Seoul. There are multiple hiking trails of varying levels, but the most popular trail is the one leading to Baegundae Peak, the park’s highest peak at 2750 feet. It’s a 4km/2.5 mile one-way trail that takes about 3 hours. The view at the top is incredible, but it’s not easy. The end requires going up a steep incline while holding onto ropes. There are easier trails if you’re interested in nature day trips from Seoul but aren’t up for the climb.
How to get there: To get to the trail to Baegundae Peak, you need to go to Bukhansanseong Park Information Center. From Gupabal Station Exit 1, take Bus 34, 704, or 8772 for 15 minutes and get off at Bukhansanseong (Fortress).
For relaxation: Paradise City Cimer, Incheon
If you’ve seen Netflix’s hit Korean dating show Single’s Inferno, then you’re familiar with this 5-star hotel that served as “paradise” in the first 2 seasons of the show. Luckily, you don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy its stunning Cimer spa. It’s a Korean-European fusion spa with over 20 unique facilities, including world-class pools, Korean-style saunas, spas, and more. It’s right next to Incheon International Airport, so you can watch planes landing from the rooftop pools.
How to get there: First, make your way to Incheon International Airport via the Airport Express train or an Airport Limousine bus. This takes about 1 hour from downtown Seoul. From Terminal 1, you can walk 30 minutes, take a short taxi, or take the Maglev Line to Paradise City Station.
Before your Korean spa day, are you prepared for Korean spa culture? Luckily, I have an entire guide dedicated to Paradise City Cimer, including what to expect and the best facilities to check out.
Day trips from Seoul: 2-3 hours away
For history & culture: Gyeongju
When someone asks me where my favorite place in Korea is after living here for 3 years, I don’t hesitate to say Gyeongju. It’s often referred to as a “museum without walls” and the entire city is UNESCO-designated because of its large number of historical sites and cultural art, including temples, tombs, and palaces. When you aren’t exploring its rich history and culture, you can eat, shop, and relax in traditional Korean Hanok buildings. I highly recommend spending 2 days here, but if you can only squeeze in a day trip, it’s still worth it.
How to get there: The fastest way to get to Gyeongju is the KTX from Seoul Station to Gyeongju Station, which takes 2.5 hours. For a day trip, I highly recommend this option to save time. There is also a bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal and it takes 3.5 hours.
For the top 9 things to do in Gyeongju and a full 1 to 2 day itinerary, check out my Gyeongju travel guide.
For history & culture: Andong
Andong is considered the “Capital of Korean Traditional Culture” because of its Hahoe Folk Village, which was founded in the 14th century during the Joseon Dynasty. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it’s considered one of the two most representative historic clan villages in Korea. Andong is also referred to as the “Capital of Korean Spiritual Culture” due to its long history of Confucianism. There are many Confucian academies, temples, and historic sites. Don’t forget to try jjimdak while you’re there, a popular braised chicken dish that originated in Andong.
How to get there: You can take a KTX (high-speed train) from Seoul Station to Dongdaegu Station, where you’ll transfer to a train to Andong Station. There is also a direct bus from Seoul Gyeongbu Bus Terminal to Andong Bus Terminal. Both the train and bus take 2-3 hours.
For the top things to do in Andong, check out my Andong travel guide, including the 5 sites you must see on your day trip.
For the beach: Gangneung
For some of the best beaches in Korea, Gangneung is a perfect Seoul getaway. It’s known for its sandy beaches, seafood, surfing, and more. While there are tons of beaches in Gangneung, Gyeongpo Beach, Jeongdonjin Beach, and Anmok Beach are the most famous. Anmok Beach has a beachfront cafe street where you can take a coffee and pastry break while taking in the ocean views. Other than enjoying the seaside, you can also visit the famous BTS bus stop, Haslla Art World, Ojukheon and Seongyojang cultural sites, Arte Museum Valley, Jeongdongjin Railbike, or Gyeongpo Lake.
How to get there: The fastest way to get to Gangneung is to take the 2-hour KTX from Seoul Station to Gangneung Station. You can also take the bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal, which takes 2.5 hours. The train and bus don’t take you to the beach, so you’ll have to catch a local bus or a taxi to finish the journey.
For hiking: Sokcho
Sokcho is located on Korea’s east coast, sandwiched by pretty beaches and towering mountains. It’s home to Seoraksan National Park, one of Korea’s finest destinations for hiking. The Ulsanbawi hike is one of the most stunning in the country, with sweeping views of surrounding mountains, forests, downtown Sokcho, and the beach. It’s 4 miles round-trip, but the ascent is grueling. It’s all uphill, and the last quarter of the hike is straight stairs to the top. If you enjoy hiking, the view will be more than worth the effort. If you finish early, you can swing by the beach for some fresh seafood and seaside views to end your day trip from Seoul.
How to get there: Take a bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Sokcho Express Bus Terminal. It takes 2-2.5 hours. There is no train option.
Day trips from Seoul: Seasonal
Spring: Jinhae
Jinhae is a small region in Southeast South Korea known for its annual Cherry Blossom Festival. It’s the most popular cherry blossom festival in Korea, making it one of the best spring day trips from Seoul. There are more than 360,000 cherry blossom trees planted all over the city! The two most famous cherry blossom viewing spots are Yeojwa Stream and Gyeonghwa Station.
How to get there: Because Jinhae is the farthest day trip on this list, I highly recommend booking a guided tour to save time. You can also take a 4.5 hour bus from Dongseoul Bus Terminal to Jinhae Bus Terminal, where you’ll need to take a taxi or local buses to get to the major spots.
For a full list of day trips from Seoul you should take in the spring plus other must-dos for your spring Korea trip, check out my list of the 31 unmissable things to do in Korea in spring.
Winter: Hwacheon
The Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival is a 3 week-long festival every January. It’s one of the biggest events in Korea in winter, with CNN recognizing it as one of the “7 Wonders of Winter”. It takes place on a stream covered by 16 inches of ice! You don’t have to be into fishing to enjoy the festival, as the festival also has ice sculpture viewing, ice and snow sledding, a winter village, and a bare-hand fishing competition that is hilarious and entertaining to watch.
How to get there: The most convenient option is to take a guided tour, like this one that I did. It includes all your transportation and admission to major activities. You can also take a 3-hour bus from Dongseoul Bus Terminal to Hwacheon Terminal, where the festival is within walking distance.
Winter: Pyeongchang
Is skiing or snowboarding your thing? Then you can hit the same slopes that Olympians competed on in the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics. Alpensia Ski Resort was the main venue, with 6 slopes: 1 beginner, 1 intermediate, and 4 advanced. If you prefer more variety, then Yongpyong Ski Resort is a great choice. It’s the biggest ski and snowboard resort in Korea with 28 slopes: 5 beginner, 5 intermediate, 4 advanced, 6 expert, and 1 extreme.
If you’re a snowboarder, you might prefer Phoenix Park Ski Resort, which hosted the Olympic snowboarding events. There are 21 slopes: 7 beginner, 4 intermediate, 4 advanced, and 2 expert.
How to get there: There are easy shuttle buses on trazy.com from major Seoul stations to the ski resorts. Depending on the resort, they take around 2-3 hours.
For a full list of day trips from Seoul you should take in the winter plus other must-dos for your winter Korea trip, check out my list of the 25 unmissable things to do in Korea in winter.
No matter your interests, there is a day trip from Seoul that will enhance your South Korea trip and introduce you to a new side of the country. Whether you’re on the hunt for Korean history and culture, stunning landscapes, or some relaxation, this guide to the best day trips from Seoul has helped you find the perfect addition to your itinerary.
Keep reading:
- 2 week South Korea itinerary & travel guide from a local
- 20 best things to do in Seoul, South Korea
- Seoul itinerary: Local’s guide to 1 week or less
- 15 unique things to do in Seoul: An unreplicable bucket list
- Where to stay in Seoul, South Korea: A local’s guide
- 16 best things to do in Busan, South Korea
- Busan itinerary: 2, 3, or 4 days in South Korea’s coastal gem
- 10 best day trips from Busan
- What to know before going to South Korea: 33 tips from a local
- Vegetarian in Korea: The ultimate survival guide
- South Korea packing list: A local’s guide to what to pack
- 22 best things to do in summer in Korea
- 31 unmissable things to do in spring in Korea
- 25 unmissable things to do in Korea in winter
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