While Seoul can be a huge place for tourists to fully explore, it is also located not far from impressive nature sights and provinces. Take a chance for a change of view and opt for a day trip outside of the city and into other provinces! Here are some day trips you can take from Seoul for a bit more spice in your travels!
Gyeongju
Head away from the hustle and bustle of the city, to serene Gyeongju where ancient temples sit in the mountains, reminiscent of the old Silla kingdom. This is home to one of the most important cultural sites in Korea, Bulguksa Temple. Also on the UNESCO World Heritage list, check out Seokguram Grotto, which features a 3.5m high Buddha within a granite rotunda. For a quick ride to Gyeongju, take the high-speed KTX where history and culture await you!
Need a little help moving around to Gyeongju, we got you covered! Book a tour around this amazing area with attractions included!
Yongin
Located nearby Seoul, Yongin is primarily well-known for its amusement park, Everland Resort. The largest of its kind, Everland is a family-friendly theme park which includes roller coasters and many themed areas including Global Fair, Zootopia, European Adventure, and more. You can also find the Hoam Art Museum here which is home to some of the most treasured art in Korea. To complete your experience, head to the Korean Folk Village, the largest of its kind in Korea containing nearly 260 traditional houses built in the late Joseon era style!
Suwon
One of the most popular sights in Suwon is the magnificent Hwaseong Fortress, just 30km south of Seoul, perfect to fit in a day. Want to get your hand on some action? Try archery at Yeonmundae which is located in the city walls. For just S$2.30, you can see how well you shoot the target with 10 arrows! If you are looking for something more unique, you can also visit the Toilet Museum which looks into the fascinating history of toilets in Korea!
Make sure your trip to the fortress is well covered and planned with a tour and learn more about the history and culture of Korea!
Gapyeong
Just a 40 minutes ride outside of Seoul, Gapyeong is perfect for the travelers looking for the perfect Instagram photo. Nami Island, well known as the filming site for Winter Sonata, is located here. With the paths lined with trees and lush greenery, it's hard to not love the little island. Occupying a small square nearby is also Le Petite France, modeled after the famous tale of The Little Prince. Alternatively, for more nature sightseeing, hop on the Gapyeong Rail Bike which goes around the lovely province.
Enjoy the pristine beauty in Le Petite France in this tour which also brings you to the home of Korean drama, Namsan Hanok Village!
Yangpyeong
Yangpyeong is easily accessible via subway, making a day trip not only simple but a perfect fit for your itinerary. Escape to your own personal oasis at Dumulmeori, where two rivers meet and be enthralled at Semiwon, a botanical garden dedicated entirely to on lotus flowers.
Incheon
Incheon is usually known for the international airport but it is also an up-and-coming area of South Korea with many architectural advancements planned in the area. Home to one of the most popular Chinatown in South Korea, this area is where you can experience traditional Chinese culture as preserved by first generation immigrants. This is also where you can find the Jjajangmyun Museum, dedicated to the popular Korean-Chinese dish. For a European experience instead, walk into the Songwol-dong Fairy Village. The village has been revamped with paintings and decorations of classic fairy tales. Even the steps in the streets are colored in pastel, perfect for the gram!
Paju
A historical city with a rich culture, Paju is 90 minutes from Seoul and sits close to the DMZ. Indeed, this province feels like Italy with a Provence Village, filled with Italian-themed restaurants, shops, murals, gardens, and more. Each shop is also enticingly unique so it is worth spending some time browsing through them. For the artistic souls, no trip is complete without a visit to the delightful Hyeri Art Village, home to artists of all kinds, especially musicians and writers. Paju Book City can also be found here, with over 250 publishers and a cultural complex dedicated to Korean literature.
Gwangmyeong Cave
First opened to the public in 2011, Gwangmyeong Cave is formerly the largest metal mine in Seoul province. During the Korean War, the mine served as a shelter for residents. Today, the cave has been transformed into a theme park with elements of its industrial past. Since its opening, the cave has held many events from fashion shows to concerts! Distinctly, there is a 194m long Wine Cave holding 170 types of wine from around the country - if you love your wine, this is where you want to go!
Alpaca World
Alpaca World is the largest forested experience in South Korea with lush forests and mountain valleys. One of the must-try activities is to interact with the tamed alpacas where you can bring them for a walk or even feed them. There is also an Alpaca Safari Train that not only brings you to close proximity with the animals but boasts incredible scenery of the hillside, especially in the mornings.
Namhansanseong Fortress
Best known as Namhansanseong Fortress, this incredible fortress is a great historical monument. Pay homage by exploring the Sueojangdae, Sungryeoljeon Shrine, and Janggyeongsa Temple within it.
Seoraksan National Park
Home to one of the most beautiful mountains in Korea, Seoraksan National Park is mesmerizing regardless of the changing of seasons. A treat for the eyes, the park is open all year round. In the spring, wildflowers in bright colors dominate the area and in the fall, you can enjoy the vibrant foliage. There are also waterfalls and rock formations for you to marvel at.
Whenever you hear of South Korea, Seoul will always come to mind. But South Korea is more than just its capital city. Within a couple of hours’ drive from the city, you can reach many other provinces with attractions to behold. From nature parks to interesting cultural villages, you will not regret heading out of the city to explore the rest of South Korea!
