7 Terrific Day Trips From Seoul, South Korea

Want to see more of the fabulous country that is South Korea, but don’t have enough time to venture far from Seoul?

Check out these 7 day trips, less than 3 hours from the capital!

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🎯 Would you like to go straight to my recommendations?

Last-minute trip or would you prefer to take a guided tour?
🎫 Day in Suwon
🌊 Incheon Day Tour from Seoul
👶 LEGOLAND

🛌 Budget-friendly accommodations:
Dongdaemun:
Mangrove Dongdaemun
Myeongdong:
Step Inn Myeongdong 1

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1. Suwon: history and beauty, just a stone’s throw from Seoul

Let’s start this list of day trips from Seoul with one of the places where you’ll actually want to spend more time and can’t wait to visit again: Suwon.

Best known for its stunning fortress that’s sure to take you back in time, the city has, in fact, much more to offer visitors who’d like to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. With its cozy cafés, charming vibe and peaceful parks, Suwon will continue to enchant you throughout your journey.

And best of all: it’s probably one of the easiest day trips from Seoul, as the city is only an hour away by subway, so you have no excuse to skip it, right?

Still, do yourself a favor and stay until the lights illuminate the beautiful city and its fortress for an even more magical experience and beautiful memories.

If you would like more information on the main sites to see on a day trip, feel free to check out my article on Suwon here!

2. Incheon: culture and nature within reach

Incheon, or the place you’ll mainly remember as your point of entry into Korea is, well, much more than just its airport.

It’s also a great place to explore during the last leg of your trip (just an hour from Seoul) in the country or if you simply wish to escape the busy capital.

Spend time relaxing in the beautiful and vast Songdo Central Park, where modernity and natural beauty coexist, and enjoy a moment of peace on the banks of its man-made lake, or drink your favorite beverage at one of its lovely cafés, or stroll along Wolmido Culture Street, with its lively atmosphere and beautiful sunset.

3. Gimpo: between history and modernity

An hour and 15 minutes away from the city center of Seoul is another airport, but also another city that is worth a visit: Gimpo.

While many people would say there’s not much to do or see in Gimpo, the trail leading to Munsusan mountain and Munsusansong Fortress, the Gimpo War Memorial Museum or a night stroll along the animated Laveniche March Avenue are all good reasons to visit if you’re looking for a breath of fresh air and want to escape the crowded streets of the capital.

4. Yangju: museums and peaceful beauty

Take the subway for a 45-minute ride to the little-known city of Yangju, where fun attractions, historic landmark and a wealth of knowledge await.

Plus, with its many entertaining attractions such as Gana Art Park and Songam Space Center, Yangju is the ideal place for kid-friendly activities if you’re traveling with children.

For a more original museum that will enlighten your mind, both literally and figuratively, be sure to check out Feelux Lighting Museum, where you can learn more about the history and culture of lighting and see unique, refined and sometimes quirky works of art, all for a truly singular experience.

5. Chuncheon: hiking and dakgalbi

Outdoor enthusiasts, this one’s for you! Tired of the constant hubbub of Seoul? Then head to the magnificent city of Chuncheon in Gangwon province.

In just 1 hour and 15 minutes by train (ITX), you’ll end up in a part of Korea that few people know about, probably due to lack of time.. But if you love breathtaking panoramas with temples nestled in the mountains, beautiful city and lake views, and aren’t afraid of rocky trail, the hike to Samaksan is defintely up your alley.

And for those who love to play with bricks, you can always visit LEGOLAND!

Oh, I almost forgot foodies: don’t forget that Chuncheon is, in fact, the birthplace of the delicious, finger-licking dakgalbi (or stir-fried spicy chicken).

6. Yangpyeong: recharge your batteries in nature

Another one-hour train ride from Seoul will take you to the healing city of Yangpyeong. Yangpyeong is actually the kind of city I knew nothing about before researching nature retreats that are easily accessible from the capital.

And what surprised me the most was the number of popular attractions the city has to offer. Whether you want to discover a temple from the Silla dynasty (Yongmunsa temple), find yourself in a peaceful and mesmerizing place where two rivers meet (Dumulmeori), or be surrounded by thousands of lotus flowers (Semiwon), there are countless unique activities in Yangpyeong, and the town will never cease to amaze you with its beauty and soothing properties.

Proof that you don’t have to go far to escape the hustle and bustle as well as stress that big cities can sometimes cause.

7. Sokcho: coastal beauty of the north

And to round off this list of terrific day trips from Seoul, let’s go a little further (about two hours and a half by bus) and alight in Sokcho.

Here, coastal trail, picturesque lake and a relaxed and friendly vibe welcome you!

If you’ve ever heard of Sokcho, it’s probably thanks to Seoraksan National Park and its impressive, superb hikes, but if you only have one day, I highly recommend skipping the national park and focusing on the city itself.

For more recommendations on things to see and do, here’s my article on Sokcho!

So, which of these day trips from Seoul appeals to you the most? Leave your choice in the comments!

Interested in the Busan version? Here are 7 day trips, but this time from South Korea’s second-largest city!